A Cowboy Of Convenience

Sheridan Sweethearts #2

by Stacy Henrie

Blurbs coming soon

Genres: Romance, Historical, Love Inspired, Marriage Of Convenience, Love Inspired Historical, Westerns, Christian Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2018

About the author

Stacy Henrie, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator. Her books include Hope at Dawn, a 2015 Romance Writers of America RITA finalist for excellence in romance.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading (and loving!) the first book in this series, The Rancher's Temporary Engagement, I was excited to read A Cowboy of Convenience. It did not disappoint.

I loved the setting and concept of the story. It was written very well and held my attention throughout. The main characters from book one made appearances in this novel, which I loved, and it was neat to see how things were going for them.

I really liked the romance in this book and I loved how West was so caring towards Hattie (the heroine's daughter). There were some true heartwarming moments that made me smile. :)

I've yet to dislike a Stacy Henrie novel and can say that she is one of my favorite historical writers. I definitely recommend this one.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henrie has found her niche writing Westerns and this sweet historical romance is fantastic! The characters are so likable, hardworking, and have hardships to overcome, making them realistic. Vienna wants to make a life on her own with her young daughter, Hattie, and they are definitely sweethearts. West wants to run his own ranch, so a mutual arrangement is most beneficial to all parties involved. The emotion that results from this agreement is unexpected to them, but predictable for the reader, but delivered in a way that really rooted this book into my heart

These are the types of characters who come full circle and steal your heart in the process. Life is hard in the west and West and Vienna prove they are more than capable of handling it. I loved the glimpses of previous characters (it can stand alone) and enjoyed watching the diligence pay off.

This book *almost* makes me long to live in this time and place, forging my own way in life and having the satisfaction of doing so. I'll take my modern luxuries, but I sure did enjoy my time spent in Wyoming.

Content: mild romance; mild religious elements.

*I received a complimentary copy. This had no influence on my opinions, which are all my own and were not compensated for in any way.*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a wonderful sense of anticipation throughout the book as we wait for West and Vienna to work up the courage to share their deepening feelings with each other. This is a lovely marriage of convenience story because they are already good friends with each other and have several years of built up trust behind them. They work together well as they build the neglected ranch into a dude ranch that wealthy easterners will pay good money to come visit and experience the western way of life. The conflict comes from their hesitation to risk their hearts to love again and the possibility of rejection if they share their feelings. As time goes by they have experiences, some frightening, that build a foundation of love that keeps growing stronger. I loved the setting and characters, especially cute Hattie and Vienna's friend Maggy from the previous book in the series.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story & such a sweet romance! I’m a sucker for marriage-of-convenience stories – and cowboy stories – so A Cowboy of Convenience was right up my alley!

We first meet West McCall and Vienna Howe in The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement, and their stories – especially Vienna’s captured my attention then even in the smaller secondary roles they played. So I was thrilled to find out that these two are the main characters in A Cowboy of Convenience – a couple of chronological years down the road from when the first story ended.

I love how Vienna has really come into her own and embraced her inner strength even more since we last saw her – and her adorable little daughter Hattie! Oh goodness, she’s a cutie, stealing nearly every scene she’s in. West is the perfect blend of hero and friend – watching out for Vienna and Hattie but also giving Vienna room to save the day on her own a couple of times. As their tender friendship slowly grows into something deeper, be prepared to hold your breath during several almost-kisses and meaningful gazes.

Bottom Line: If you love cowboys, marriages-of-convenience, friends-to-more and adorable little girls, then A Cowboy of Convenience should be a must-read for you! Henrie once again creates a story that is equal parts endearing and swoonworthy – with characters who quickly feel like friends. I’m sad to see this imprint closing, but i hope Henrie will bring us back to Sheridan at some point anyway – at least once more!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Stacy Henrie’s novel A Cowboy of Convenience, she has once again written in her niche, sweet western romance. Henrie’s story is filled with delightful and relatable characters, as she shows not only the struggles, but the life of hardworking people, and of course a sweet love story too that readers will find absolutely enjoyable. Love Inspired novels are known for having fabulous children in them, and this story is no exception. Children bring a lively and exciting twist to the story that wouldn’t be there without them. In addition to excellent characters, Henrie has a way of capturing the historic west and bringing it to life from the pages of her novels, taking readers on a captivating journey. A heartwarming, inspiring, and entertaining story, readers will absolutely not want to put this charming and enchanting story down.

Series: Sheridan Sweethearts
Genre: historical, romance, inspirational
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
Publication date: June 5, 2018
Number of pages: 288

Other books in the series:
1-The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement

A review copy of this book was provided by the author via Prism Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy marriage of convenience stories, like I definitely do, then A Cowboy of Convenience is a sweet tale that you will want to pick up for yourself! It is the second book in the series. I had not read book one in the series, but was able to jump into this novel with the background information that the author provided in chapter one.

A Cowboy of Convenience actually combines multiple things I love in its premise. Marriage of convenience stories are some of my favorites. However, another plot that I really like is the “friends fall in love” storyline. This book nicely combines both of these setups. Vienna and West were friends who decided to come together in an arrangement that would be mutually beneficial. The gentle way these two fell for each other was very sweet. I also loved the Wyoming setting! This was the first book that I have read by this author, but I look forward to reading more in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I read less and less inspirational romance these days, I chose to read Henrie’s A Cowboy Of Convenience because Harlequin is shutting down its Love Inspired Historical line and I was feeling nostalgic. Like Superromance, I’ve found some authors I’ve loved in it: Lacy Williams, Sherri Shackelford, Karen Kirst, and Alie Pleiter. I hope they’ve found writing pastures and are busy and happy sowing their talents.

Henrie’s Cowboy Of Convenience contains much of what we’ve come to expect of the subgenre and, most importantly, what I appreciate of it: a certain humility in its world-building and characterization. Nothing in Henrie’s romance rocked my romance-reading world, but I appreciated what it had to say nonetheless. Its story is typical: a cowboy, Westin McCall, who yearns to start his own dude ranch asks the ranch (where they both work) cook, widowed single-mother Vienna Howe, to pool their resources, marry as a “business arrangement” and start their own enterprise. Vienna, with her daughter Hattie, recently inherited her abusive, deceased husband’s near-by ranch, in Wyoming. Until West’s proposal, Vienna was uncertain as to what she would do with her windfall. The idea of creating a country home and business that her daughter could inherit was too good to pass up and Vienna agrees to marry, in name only, with West.

Henrie’s gentle romance is about gentle people. They are surrounded by the beauty of early 20th century Wyoming just as city folk are discovering the virtues of countryside vacations. It looks like Vienna, Hattie, and West are going to be able to make a go of it, though the business aspect of their venture is not the novel’s heart.

Henrie centres her novel on her characters’ growth, making it richer and more interesting. Though A Cowboy Of Convenience is light on external conflict, there’s enough going on inside Vienna and West to move the novel along and keep the reader engaged. I liked the themes that comprised both Vienna and West. Vienna is a woman who has lost her confidence after her abusive marriage to Chance Howe. A prison sentence, for him, kept her safe and free for the past three years and though she cannot mourn his passing, she feels sorry for his wasted life. In her life working for her friends and with West close by as a friend, Vienna has grown happy with her daughter and the loving people who surround her. Romantic love, marriage, however, are not for her. There is a hint that she felt things for West when they met years ago, but her lack of womanly confidence and West’s own withdrawal saw that affection smoulder, but never flame. West too has a lot of feelings for Vienna, but they are subsumed by guilt: that his withdrawal to give Vienna a chance to choose between him and Chance caused her to live in an abusive relationship for as long as she did. West is also troubled by memories of his estranged family.

One of Henrie’s strengths is in the gradual resolution to West and Vienna’s doubts. The faith aspect is present as an internal bolster to how they figure out how to overcome their hesitations, insecurities, and emotional inhibitions. I thought it was a thematically rich endeavour to show how West and Vienna must build a friendship through hard work and companionship to reach their HEA. As with all inspie romance, there is attraction, but it never strays below the protagonists’ chins. There is a modicum of touch, but it is proper and relegated to chaste kisses and arm-touching. There is no external conflict and the community, unlike others I’ve read in inspie romance, isn’t too given to gossip and judgy-judgy. On the other hand, West and Vienna took care of that by a marriage of convenience. I’ve read more fraught, engaging romances in Williams, Kirst, and Shackelford, but Henrie’s humble prose, gentle, but nuanced characterization, and tiny little raised fist for women taking control of their destinies, with a lovely beta-hero beside them has a lot to be said for a subgenre we sadly won’t see as much of.

With Miss Austen, we say that Stacy Henrie’s A Cowboy Of Convenience offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Stacy Henrie’s A Cowboy Of Convenience is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on June 5th and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2JgzIVJ

For sweet romance that entertains and inspires, Stacy Henrie is an excellent author, always consistent, and I’ve loved everyone of her books that I’ve read so far. The Sheridan Sweethearts series especially strikes a chord with me, and A Cowboy of Convenience has the perfect balance of rich characterization, historical detail, emotion, and inspiration. The story easily stands alone, but it was wonderful to see Edward and Maggie from the previous story, The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement.

Henrie’s stories often have an element of suspense, but I loved that A Cowboy of Convenience is purely relationship driven. Vienna and West are two lonely and insecure people, drawn together in a marriage of convenience for the purpose of achieving their goals. It was so refreshing to see, rather than constant arguments and miscommunication, a steadily growing friendship that blossoms into something more. I also loved the dude ranch setting and how Henrie draws from historical detail about three brothers who operated the first dude ranch in North Dakota.

The characters, even secondary ones, are richly drawn and feel real. West’s view of God’s love is flawed because of his relationship with his father, feeling that doing what is expected or desired brings love. Vienna, feeling weak and insecure from a past of spousal abuse, learned that not only did she have inner strength and abilities, but that they were magnified through God’s grace. Vienna’s daughter, Hattie, stole my heart and her relationship with “Daddy West” is so very touching!

One theme that West discovered, and that especially resonated with me, is the reminder that God’s love is always unconditional, never hinging on anything we could ever do to deserve it.

A Cowboy of Convenience is a thoroughly enjoyable read in every way and I look forward to much more from Stacy Henrie. There’s actually a secondary character from the dude ranch in North Dakota that I’d love to see developed.

Highly recommended. Within the Love Inspired category, 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

So maybe I need to retrain my thinking regarding Love Inspired books, as A Cowboy of Convenience is simply delightful and could easily go toe-to-toe with historical novels published by Bethany House, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, or Zondervan!

The novel opens with Vienna and her daughter living with their friends Edward and Maggy (of The Rancher's Temporary Engagement) and West working as Edward's ranch foreman. That all changes when Vienna gets word that her estranged husband has died, and she is now the owner of his ranch. Longtime friends Vienna and West decide to team up to turn her ranch into a dude ranch ... but they'll need to marry for propriety's sake.

Of course, there's never any doubt that Vienna and West's marriage of convenience will turn real, but in this case, the joy is in the journey. Henrie's writing alternates between Vienna's and West's perspectives, so it does get a little frustrating knowing that Vienna and West are thinking virtually the same thing about their relationship but refusing to talk about it. Frustrating, but understandable given their history. As Vienna and West spend time together, their relationship grows into a deep friendship and then to love. So basically, this is both a marriage of convenience AND friends to lovers novel ... what more could you ask for?

I loved the joy Vienna's daughter Hattie brought to the novel, and it warmed my heart every time she said "Daddy West." Such a cutie! And West's background and family brought a depth and unexpected twist to the novel that I really appreciated.

Though this is book two in Henrie's Sheridan Sweethearts series, it stands alone. That said, I would love to go back and read Edward and Maggy's story in The Rancher's Temporary Engagement. I also hope that Henrie also writes a book about West's friend Alec!

Disclosure of material connection: I received a free copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathryn Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I felt the emotions of the characters as I went through the story with them. There were many different parts to the characters' story that blended so well together. I happily woke up early in the morning just to read this book!

Vienna and West are the main characters. The story is told by switching to the two characters throughout. I enjoy hearing the personal perspective from both Vienna and West.

Vienna had a past marriage that ended, but she had been blessed with a precious daughter. Hattie brings love into the story that only a young child can bring. West shows the perspective of a man that has gone through a difficult choice. He shows tremendous growth. Really he and Vienna both demonstrate growth and learning that we all experience through life's ups and downs.

If you enjoy reading romance that is clean and sweet then A Cowboy of Convenience is the book for you! It is full of trials, sadness, joys, and love. It is another great Christian Love Inspired Historical read.

*I received this book from Stacy Henrie. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual: mild ( kisses )
Language: none
Violence: none

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be reading a lot of books with children in them lately, but man can those little ones add to a story!

Vienna Howe was introduced in Stacy Henrie’s The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement, and I really enjoyed getting to read her story. A woman who endured one horrific marriage to a man who hid his true self from her until after the vows were said, Vienna is determined not to live that life again. But she longs for a home for her and her daughter. West McCall has vowed to protect Vienna after he failed so miserably years ago.

Henry shares some history of the concept of a dude ranch in A Cowboy of Convenience, including those credited with starting the first one and some more history, but the meat of this story is in Vienna’s hidden strength and the push and pull between her and West. And of course, little Hattie who adds so much adorableness, you can’t help but grin when she steals a scene.

As West and Vienna wrestle with their individual need for home, family and belonging, they strike a deal that is mutually beneficial for both of them. But they soon discover they want more than what the initial bargain entails.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review and post coming to Brooke Blogs on June 8, 2018.

A Cowboy of Convenience by Stacy Henrie is an inspirational historical romance that had my heart pitter-pattering from the start. I was rooting for West and Vienna the whole time. I loved that this book had me smiling and tearing up. There were so many elements that made this a great story. Both Vienna and West had their own doubts and uncertainties to work through. They were trying to navigate a new future together while being unsure if they were up to the tasks at hand. In the midst of all that, love shone through.

If you like a sweet story with honorable characters, this is a perfect romance to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book in order to read it as part of a blog tour. My review contains my honest thoughts and was not influenced in any way.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vienna Howe has never really had a home of her own, especially after fleeing her abusive husband. She has achieved some sort of contentment working in the kitchen of a ranch where she lives with her little daughter Hattie, when news of her husband’s death upends her little world. She now has a decrepit ranch on her hands, and she cannot afford the repairs with the little money she had saved in hope of one day opening a café or a restaurant. West McCall has always wanted a dude ranch, and when he learns of Vienna’s predicament, he offers her a solution. They have been friends for a long time, so West proposes a marriage of convenience which would be beneficial to both of them: he makes his dream come true, and she finally can provide Hattie with a real home and a father figure because West is a good man.

A COWBOY OF CONVENIENCE is an extraordinary love story between two real lonely hearts, and Stacy Henrie’s profound insight into the human psyche lifts this marriage of convenience trope to new heights. West and Vienna are both remarkable characters: Vienna, who throughout her life has been made to feel weak, is an incredibly strong and caring woman who doesn’t quite see herself that way. Her Faith in God has helped her survive, she has remained serene and hopeful against all odds, yet for her, it’s matter-of-fact. West, on the other hand, has a peculiar relationship with God and with people, which stems from his upbringing but also from what he perceives as disasters that were of his own making. Vienna had, in the past, hoped that West would propose, which never happened, and it’s all tied to how he sees himself in relation to God and others. To others, West seems a man determined to succeed on his own, but he is supremely insecure, and this is what stops him from admitting his feelings for Vienna.

A COWBOY OF CONVENIENCE is a romance, and a very beautiful one, but it is the inspirational angle that made the strongest impression on me because West’s relationship with God is one I don’t believe I have ever read before, and what I thought would be his epiphany was not, but it was for me an unforgettable moment in the book and something that is as relevant today as it was in 1901, when the story takes place. West and Vienna have, in all truth, a cozy relationship apart from the fact that Vienna doesn’t know where she stands with West; he keeps giving mixed signals that even he cannot understand or accept. I find it remarkable that Ms. Henrie avoids every cliché known to this trope: no one is exasperatingly obstinate or annoying, there isn’t the usual push-and-pull; West’s struggle is real and only he can do something about it.

West, Vienna, and even Hattie are all wonderfully developed characters, and West’s relationship with Hattie will melt many hearts. And of course, Stacy Henrie made me cry. Again. A COWBOY OF CONVENIENCE is a magnificent love story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earlier this year I read Stacie Henry's The Rancher's Temporary Engagement, and the spunky Pinkerton detective with a difficult past meets English lordling turned Wyoming rancher romantic adventure. But on the road to that happily-ever-after, there was another character that stood out, unhappily married Vienna Howe. So I was glad to see that this follow up, with Vienna in the lead, made it under the wire before Harlequin ends the Historicals line of their Love Inspired imprint.

Several years have passed and Vienna is happily working as an assistant cook on the Kents' ranch, raising her two and a half year-old daughter, and enjoying the friendship of West McCall, the ranch's foreman. When news of her husband's death reaches her, Vienna is determined to leave the Kents' ranch and make a home for herself and her daughter. It's not too long before she agrees to a marriage in name only with West, and they begin to work together to start a dude ranch.

Vienna's past continues to haunt her, however, as she works to become even stronger and to resist falling back in love with West. For his part, West has been hiding some of his past and can't seem to find the right time to share it with Vienna. Needless to say, complications arise and the road to happily ever after is a bit bumpy. That, the adorableness of young Hattie, and the faith aspect, are what make this such a fun story.

If you enjoy a quick, fun read with cowboys and a storyline that combines a marriage of convenience with a second chance at love and a faith element, then this and the previous book will be right up your street.

This review refers to an e-galley read courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cowboy of Convenience by Stacy Henrie

My rating is 4.5 Stars


Weston, aka West, has his demons to fight, namely his inability to see God as a caring Father who loves him unconditionally. His experience with his own father, who cut him off from the family, not allowing any contact, has colored his view of God, which happens so often. Author Stacy Henrie sends him on a touching journey of learning the truth about who God is.

I loved the way that Vienna has grown from the last time we saw her in The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement. Even at the beginning of this story, she has gotten stronger and more confident. Despite this, she has still fears that she needs to overcome. West is so proud of the woman that Vienna has become and he desires to help her overcome her fears.

Vienna’s daughter, Hattie, is too cute for words. I love that she has a doll named Hattie and wants to name a horse by her own name as well. West’s love for Hattie, and her love for “Daddy West” is so very sweet!

A favorite scene in the book took place when Hattie was sick in bed. West gave puppet shows with socks on his hands to entertain her and made both Hattie and Vienna giggle.

Be sure to see my review of the first book of this series, The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

You can get a preview of A Cowboy of Convenience at AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Prism Book Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cowboy Of Convenience Is a story of trust, love, hardship, parenting and Faith. It is a book that flows gently but fiercely throughout. The two main characters are very comfortable with each other and that is how they were able to make a marriage of convenience. Why do that? Because - - - well that is a serious reason you have got to find out. This story is delightful, elaborate, fabulously faithful to each other and mostly GOD. It isn't flashy or flamboyant quite the opposite. I love this series and I pray I get the opportunity to get the next one in the series. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com - I look forward to seeing you there.

[Summer Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delightful, marriage of convenience, western romance. I really enjoyed it!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I sometimes just really want a not too heavy enjoyable story that still is clean uplifts and educates, and this book was perfect for me to read right now! I loved it!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cowboy Of Convenience by Stacy Henrie. Vienna Howe is working in the kitchen at a friends ranch with her young daughter. Her husband was in prison and recently died, leaving his ranch to Vienna. The place is run down. Vienna wants a home for her and her daughter. West McCall also works at the ranch and his dream is to run a Dude Ranch. West has always liked Vienna. West ask Vienna to marry him, in name only. That way she can have a home for her and her daughter and he can have a dude ranch. Her little girl calls him daddy. As they are fixing up the ranch they both have feeling for each other but keeps it to themselves. A very good romantic book.

[Lindsay Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!! Such a sweet story. I adored the characters and the setting this took place in. Mrs. Stacy Henrie’s writing was so descriptive. She wrote in a way that you could just picture everything, it was as if I had lived there all my life. Throughly enjoy this Live Inspired Historical book! This one definitely made it into my top 3!

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book interesting at times but it dragged at times as well. I enjoyed meeting Vienna and West McCall. The issues were real for that time period. But I found at times it hard to read. It was the way it was written in spots. But the story and the issues make it interesting. For it was a time of change in 1901. Making a business go had to be good and unique. J