As the summer weather sizzles, relax by the pool with stirring tales of handsome cowboys and the spirited ladies who wrangle them into romance. Six of Christian fiction's most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer.
In Mary Connealy's, "Dr. Tess and the Cowboy," sparks fly when Dr. Tessa Rhoades discovers dinosaur bones on Joe Holt's ranch and decides to excavate-even if that means kicking Joe off his own land.
In "Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St.John, injured rodeo champion Justin Cooper returns to the sleepy Oklahoma town he escaped for fame and fortune--and takes his biggest tumble yet--straight into the arms of Stevie Marshall, his first love who soon has him questioning his life choices.
In Tina Radcliffe's, "Lake Effect," cynical cowboy Tucker Jackson knows he's in trouble when he starts counting the days until the end of summer and praying 'summer girl' Jessica Richards will find a home for her heart in Paradise.
In "His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens, rancher Zeb West tries hard not to fall for Beecher Brown, the feisty but off-limits sister of his best friend. As she tries to prove she's capable of running her family's ranch--the one he's trying to buy--he might just find he's met his match...for life.
Will Lorna Seilstad's characters make "Great Strides" when Dana Etherton, the owner of a horse therapy ranch, must choose between the kids she serves and Adam Malone, the embezzler who's been assigned to do community service there?
When Paige Monroe agrees to draw the press away from a country star's wedding by pretending to be the look-alike bride, she wasn't counting on having very real feelings for her decoy fiancé, Sterling Tanner. Sherri Shackelford's, "The Decoy Bride," shows what happens when two people feigning love forget they're acting.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
I enjoyed these entertaining stories set in the Midwest on ranches and in small towns. They each had a creative plot and interesting characters that put up a fight at first, but just can't help falling in love. Some characters made the transition from antagonism to romance more quickly than others, but they were all fun to read. I especially enjoyed Tucker and Jessica in Lake Effect; they are both vulnerable and hesitant to risk a new relationship. Jessica is at a crossroads in her life and doesn't know what the future holds for her, and Tucker is guarding not only his heart but also his daughter's. It's a story that I would enjoy reading a longer version of, especially details of Jessica's inn and Tucker's ranch. Another story I found fascinating was Great Strides with Dana's career and passion for hippotherapy. I loved learning about how it works and the way that the horses helped strengthen the children. A wonderful collection for fans of sweet contemporary romance and cowboys ;)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Cowboys of Summer is a perfect set of stories to enjoy during the summer months. Each story is just long enough to whisk you away into romance, but short enough you can read it while sitting on your porch swing enjoying a cool summer breeze.
The stories are sure to hold your attention, as you laugh, cry and wonder why! There are impressive and exciting stories that include cowboys. Some you would never imagine, such as the story about a paleontologist, or the one about a couple pretending to be a famous couple, in order for the famous couple to have privacy. My favorite dealt with Hippotherapy (the use of horse riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment, especially as a means of improving coordination, balance, and strength, https://en.oxforddictionaries.com). I enjoy horses, and members of my family work with physically and mentally handicapped, and I have volunteered on occasion, making this a subject near and dear to my heart.
I was familiar with a few of the authors, but there were several whose stories I haven’t had the pleasure of reading before. (Some of the stories have a PG theme as they deal with characters having an alcoholic drink, and a slightly risqué daydream). Nonetheless, I enjoyed the stories.
So, grab your favorite cuppa, find your favorite chair then sit back and prepare to be entertained as you read Cowboys of Summer.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. However, I was under no obligation to post a review, nor was a positive review required.
Six fun authors, Mary Connealy, Lorna Seilstad, Cheryl St. John, Missy Tippens, Tina Radcliffe, and Sherri Shackelford, have come together to create a fun, enjoyable, and entertaining sweet contemporary western romance novella collection that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Each author has written a fun and sweet contemporary western romance with their individual taste, flare, and style that accents the other stories in this delightful cowboy collection. Although the romance tends to go a bit quickly in these short stories, it works due to the nature of the collection. Readers of contemporary western romance will not want to miss this charming and enchanting novella collection of Cowboys of Summer.
Genre: contemporary, western, sweet romance, novella, Christian Publisher: Self Publication date: May 1, 2018 Number of pages: 512
A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Six contemporary novellas for the cowboy lover in you! From Texas to Oklahoma on up to Nebraska, these tough cowboys are stymied by the women who upend their lives.
Prepare to laugh with Mary Connealy’s “Dr. Tess and the Cowboy” and Sherri Shackelford’s “The Decoy Bride.” Cheryl St. Joh, Tina Radcliffe, Lorna Seilstand, and Missy Tippens all tug on readers’ heartstrings with their additions to this fantastic collection. Friends to more, former first loves reunited, and first-time meetings are included. Basically, there’s something for every reader who loves a good cowboy hero.
Bite-sized novellas that you can read in one sitting during a busy day or evening and they introduce me to new-to-me authors. My only complaint? They all ended too soon! I wanted to hang out with the characters for longer.
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.
Ladies, have your fans out when you are reading these stories! My goodness, I didn’t think there could be so many swoon worthy heroes in one book. Each story is unique and yet they all go together like a puzzle. You can’t have one without the others! Each couple had their own obstacle to overcome – I mean we are talking romance and cowboys people, there has to be some drama otherwise we would just constantly be wiping the drool off our chins! Quite honestly each story touched my heart – I cannot choose a favorite. They are all quick reads – you could probably read two in a day. Or maybe all of them if you’re a speed reader like me! The bottom line is these stories will melt your heart, make you laugh, and make you turn your fan on high. Read it now before the hot weather sets in!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This collection is the perfect addition to your summer reading list! Personally, I loved seeing some of my favorite authors in a new genre and it's always fun to meet new author friends as well. The stories covered a wide range of modern-day cowboy/rancher heroes and what's not to love about that?! Individually, I'd give each story a four or five-star rating. I definitely recommend this collection to my fellow cowboy lovin' avid readers!
I had the pleasure of spotlighting one of these stories on Faithfully Bookish. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
A nice collection of novellas. Two favorites of mine, Mary Connealy and Tina Radcliffe, have contributions here. I enjoyed it a lot. However, this set is described as Christian, but the last novella had more than a few swear words, all of which were unnecessary and added nothing to the story.
I was honestly surprised that I didn't really care for this story. I love everything Mary writes.
The romance seemed fast, kind of superficial and a tad touchy. I didn't really see a foundation building throughout the story. They meet, instantly attracted, make out a few times then BAM engaged.
Again, I take novellas with a grain of salt timeline wise. I completely understand A LOT of stuff needs to take place in a short amount of time. I've just seen way to many done to near perfection that sometimes "quick romances" feel rushed.
I really enjoyed the main and side characters, they were well written. I can't deny Mary has a way with words, this just wasn't what I'm used to from her.
I rated it 3.5/5 stars.
"Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St. John
I'll always agree to read a story that includes anybody in the rodeo circuit! Hand me one with a former bull rider home because of an injury and his high school sweetheart, YES PLEASE! (Remember, I'm all for Hallmark/cheesey romances! I LIVE for it)
I loved the relationship between Stevie and Justin. There was definitely attraction, but there was also doubt and fear. They both had been hurt before, could they make it work this time around?
It was paced wonderfully, nothing felt rushed and the end had me swooning.
I rated this a 5/5 stars.
"Lake Effect" by Tina Radcliffe
I loved this story. Beginning of the story gave me "Beauty and the Beast" feels. And just like in that fairytale a bubbly ray of sunshine turned our beast to a prince.
Jessica was a real character. She had fears and doubts about the future, but she trusted everything would work out. Through it all she never lost her spirit or spunk. She was just what Tucker and Libby needed in their lives.
From "bear" to "beau". A cute small tourist town romance. I rated this a 4.5/5 stars
"His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens
Aaaa a favorite troupe. (One I don't talk about much since I haven't seen it a ton) Falling for a siblings' best friend. Oh the trouble this troupe can bring to a story...😏*insert evil laugh*
Zeb was super reluctant to love Beecher. 1) He was honoring a promise to his best friend and Beecher's older brother. 2) He did't know HOW to love Beecher. His past kept him from truly knowing what real love was and how to accept it. Even so Beecher kept a pushin' and chippin' away at the wall around his heart and in the end the cement crumbled.
I loved the tenacity and strength of Beecher's character. She knew what she wanted and didn't let a single thing stop her from getting it.
I rated this a 4/5 stars.
"Great Strides" by Lorna Seilstad
An convicted criminal and a non-profit organization. What could go wrong?
I loved this redemption/second chance story. This story was a great reminder that God looks on the heart and everyone deserves a second chance!
Dana's attitude in the beginning, though understandable, got under my skin really fast. I'm so glad she had a chance of heart and recognized Adam for the man he was not his past decisions.
I loved the hippotherapy plot to this story. This branch of therapy has a place in my heart, and it does work.
I rated this a 4/5 stars.
"The Decoy Bride" by Sherri Shackelford
Oh my baby hippos...the attraction of this romance was the foundation for this romance. (see above for my disclaimer) I get timelines, I truly do! But these people "feel in love" in less than 24 hours. I guess a near death experience could do that to you? 🤷
How I WANTED to enjoy this story, the plot was FABULOUS! C'mon decoy brides?! (Another favorite troupe) It just really did not work for me. *There were some mentions of very sexual thoughts and cuss words.* I personally did not feel like it needed to be in the story, it didn't add to the plot in any way. As always this is my PERSONAL OPINION!
I did enjoy the writing voice, it was humorous and there was some great dialogue. I have enjoyed this authors' work for a different publisher and will stick to reading those.
I rated this 2/5 stars.
I rated the ENTIRE collection a 3.5/5 stars.
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*
A Paleontologist and a cowboy? She is on his family’s land and he doesn’t like it at all. She finds bones dating back to the Miocene Era and he thinks she is an escapee from the closest mental hospital. This is a funny combination and I loved this short story that was fun and amusing at times and very interesting as well.
Hometown Girl by Cheryl St John
He is a champion bull rider and has been his dream since he was a kid. She is a horticulturist and it was her dream since she was a child. Can two old friends, next door neighbors and serious teens in romance, rekindle what they had before? This is a really good story that has some twists and turns and I know you will enjoy.
Lake Effect: A Paradise Novel By Tina Radcliffe
This is a one with a bit of sass from our heroine and a growling bear of a man, a single father to boot in our hero. It has some fun and laughter, anxiousness and a lovely little miss who adores our heroine who now owns her grandmother’s bed and breakfast so there is a lot of things that could bring these two together or not.
His Lone Star Heart by Missy Tippens
Two very strong determined characters, one broken and one that knows what she wants and has a bit of sass too. Two ranching neighbors and the daughter of retiring parents wants to run her family ranch. The one rancher closest to her ranch is just out of reach as he has been broken from being thrown into foster homes, many of them and thinking something is wrong with him when he can’t commit to anyone. Can these two even begin speaking if he wants her ranch and can they even try a relationship?
Great Strides By Lorna Seilstad
This is a really quick read but a great story. It is about an Equine Assisted Therapy which is Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Therapists are put together in Hippo Therapy which is used for helping anyone that needs muscle help and with all kinds of medical problems. The addition to this story is that a man that has a mandatory 500 hours of community service for a stealing money ends up at the Ranch to do some of his community service. Can the owner and the man doing the hours of service get along let alone maybe have a romance?
The Decoy Bride By Sherri Shackelford
A couple that stands in to act as a decoy for a famous singer and her fiancé as they are off to get married without anyone knowing where they are. This is an enjoyable story that has fun, laughter, sarcasm and a lot of romance. It also has a disaster that could have killed the decoy couple but they walk away and even if the plan has changed they do something that really is there only option. I really enjoyed all six stories in the set and I hope you will get Cowboys of Summer and I am sure you too will love all these stories.
I really enjoyed this entire set of 6 stories by 6 different stories.
I did receive this set as an ARC and was under no pressure to do a review but I loved everyone of these stories and wanted to do a tidbit of a review on each of the stories. I think it helps when someone is looking a buying books to be able to read reviews.
I have found that some anthologies have one great author and a bunch of authors who do not write as well. Which means slogging through the okay stories or skipping after a chapter or two to get to the ones that are really worth reading. Cowboys of Summer is not that type of anthology. I enjoyed every one of the stories in this collection.
Dr. Tess and the Rancher by Mary Connealy
Nebraska
This story was completely different from the last book I read by Mary Conneally. It was humorous with some laugh-out-loud moments, and it was sweet. The details about the excavation that Tess was doing were quite interesting and I really appreciated the way the author managed to share just the right amount of information about paleontology in that region.
Hometown Girl by Cheryl St. John
Oklahoma
This was a heart-warming story of reconciliation and returning to the things that are truly important.
Lake Effect by Tina Radcliffe
Colorado
Reading Lake Effect left me with a smile on my face. This was a great summer read about a summer girl. Both Jessica and Tucker had been hurt in the past and need to find healing and learn to trust. This story had more of an inspirational bent than the others in this compilation.
His Lone Star Heart by Missy Tippens
Texas
Another big brother trying to protect his sister from his best friend. In this case, Nick might have a good reason to suspect Zeb of being a danger to his sister’s heart, because Zeb has a track record of not being able to commit to the women in his life. In this sweet romance, Zeb needs to learn to trust that God’s plans for Him are good and to get over his fears related to being passed from one foster care situation to the next.
Great Strides by Lorna Seilstad
Nebraska
“man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Sam 16:7 NKJV
Dana made a quick judgment when her friend approved having an ex-con do community service at the hippotherapy facility she founded, and determined that she would get rid of him as quickly as possible. Until she got to know him, see his kind heart, and was convicted about her snap judgement.
This was a very good story and was a great reminder that it is so important that we don’t hold a person’s past against them if they have repented and are walking with the Lord.
The Decoy Bride by Sherri Shackelford
Nebraska
Fun. Witty. Romantic. Sweet. The Decoy Bride was a pleasant quick read with an interesting plot and characters. My one complaint is that when Sterling was first introduced, his thoughts toward Paige made him seem like a playboy who slept around a lot. Later, that seemed contrary to his character. I think the author was trying to show that Paige brought out a different side of him, but it did not come across that way.
What perfect romantic cowboy stories to enjoy during the summer! I liked all these cute novellas by some favorite authors. Each one had great characters and fast pacing. I loved visiting the various communities with an emphasis on sweet summer romance...cowboy style.
Dr. Tess and the Cowboy by Mary Connealy A fun-to-read story featuring enthusiastic paleontologist Tessa Rhoades searching for dinosaur bones on hard-working Joe Holt’s Nebraska ranch. His peace and quiet are disturbed by her exciting discovery. There is great entertainment as the couple must dig into their hearts to reveal their true passions.
Hometown Girl by Cheryl St. John I always love a story with characters helping others, and Stevie Marshall is just such a woman as she helps teens through her garden market and 4-H activities. When her high school sweetheart, bull riding champion Justin Cooper, returns to town to help his father, summer fireworks flare. I enjoyed finding out if past regrets could be rectified to become something better for both of them.
Lake Effect by Tina Radcliffe This is a fun story of leaving the past behind and forging ahead toward bright new beginnings. I enjoyed Jessica Richards’ experiences as she prepared to open Paradise Lake Bed and Breakfast. Rancher Tucker Jackson, with his work ethic and family priorities, is a strong hero. This summer visit to Paradise, Colorado, is filled with the beauty of the season and with plenty of friendly townsfolk to warm your heart.
His Lone Star Heart by Missy Tippens Rancher Zeb West wants to buy his neighbor’s Double B Ranch, but the owner’s daughter, Beecher Brown, is hoping to keep her father’s ranch. To find true happiness, both face difficult struggles...Zeb to understand himself and Beecher to prove her abilities. I enjoyed the interesting conflict and the sweet romance.
Great Strides by Lorna Seilstad Lorna Seilstad is a new-to-me author. Since I’m a former special needs preschool teacher, Dana Etherton’s dream for her equine therapy ranch was of particular interest to me. I liked the second chance theme of hardworking Adam Malone’s situation. The pace of this story great, as is the perfect inclusion of small details...fragrance, color, and weather. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
The Decoy Bride by Sherri Shackelford The trials of pretending to be someone else is a fun premise in this story. As an office assistant to a publicist, Paige Monroe is given a chance to try out being famous. During this experience, she meets rancher Sterling Tanner. It’s a wild ride as the two get to know each other and overcome their fears. “It had taken a brush with the very thing she feared to finally free her.” A laugh-out-loud sweet romance!
A Decoy Bride by Sherri Shackleford is delightful! Paige and Sterling are fun together. There was love in the midst of tragedy, healing in the midst of laughter, and love in the midst of solitude. A sweet read.
I enjoyed each of the novellas in this box set full of cowboys and spunky women! I look forward to reading more from each author!
"Great Strides" by Lorna Seilstad literally brought tears to my eyes in some parts. The tenderness and love for the children really got to me. Adam, on probation, shows that God's ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. He looks at the heart, and we need to do the same. Dana learned this very thing. A sweet story, though a few grammatical/typographical errors.
"His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens is a story of hard work, renewed faith, finding love, and a redeemed heart. Zeb has been rejected far too many times in his life that he has a difficult time seeing real love when it's right in front of his face. He's afraid to love wholeheartedly and yet Beecher breaks down all those walls around his heart. Their banter is fun and their love is sweet. I highly recommend.
"Lake Effect: A Paradise Novella" by Tina Radcliffe was very good. The story flowed well. Tucker, I could so easily see him as the bear Jessica first met. The descriptions Ms. Radcliffe uses are clear and truly paint the picture of the story. Tucker and Jessica are sweet together, and little Libby is a doll. Does Mike have his own story? Definitely recommend this one!
"Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St. John truly had that hometown feel. A story of second chances, redemption, and sweet young love. Justin and Stevie are darling together. I wonder if Darby has her own story coming soon.
"Dr. Tess and the Cowboy" by Mary Connealy was a sweet read. I was confused a few times as Joe is the son, but a few places, the name Conrad was used. I laughed out loud, literally, several times. I have always enjoyed the humor in Ms. Connealy's books. A good read. Excited for the remaining novellas in the box set.
Who can resist this novella collection by these fantastic authors? Each novella reads like a longer length story, filled with expertly crafted plots and multi-dimensional characters. If you enjoy contemporary cowboy romance with threads of hope, redemption, and lessons on breaking the hold of fear, you will absolutely love these stories.
Mary Connealy tells the story of Dr. Tess the paleontologist and Joe whose ranch Tess tries to dig up for dinosaur bones. The story is infused with the author’s trademark humor and fun dialogue. Tess and Joe learn about what give and take means in life and in relationship.
Cheryl St. John gives injured rodeo star Justin and farmer Stevie a second chance at love. They were once high school sweethearts who ended their relationship due to discordant future desires. Justin and Stevie learn what it means to forgive and compromise.
Tina Radcliffe puts Jess, an aspiring B&B owner, and Tucker, an architect turned rancher/carpenter single dad, together to show them what friendship and true love is about. Tucker and Jess both need to let go of their past so that they can find freedom in their love for each other.
Missy Tippens spins a story of redemption in weaving Beecher and Zeb’s lives together as Zeb’s best friend’s little sister grows up. There is a dream realized, a dream given up for the sake of love, and a dream achieved together in this heartfelt story.
Lorna Seilstad brings Adam, a convicted embezzler, and Dana, a physical therapist, together to lay out a sweet story and lesson of the beauty in looking past the outward appearances to the soul inside.
Sherri Shackelford merges hilarious banter and outrageous events to have polar opposites Paige and Sterling see that courage to break through their fears is richly rewarded.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustReads Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
“Cowboys of Summer” is a collection of six novellas featuring cowboys. Perfect for reading on the beach or any vacation spot as well as on long summer evenings with a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea, this book should please the cowboy lovers among us. Featuring favorite authors such as Mary Connealy and Lorna Seilstad, this collection also introduced me to some unfamiliar authors also.
Different settings and time frames for each novella helped keep things interesting. It might even be a bit of a stretch to consider the heroes of a couple of the tales cowboys but that did not hinder my enjoyment of the stories at all. Some stories are laced with humor while others are a bit more serious yet the common thread among them is a strong dose of romance. Well worth the read if time is at a premium.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This book has 6 great authors, and will keep you reading and page turning right to the end of each of their novellas. These are really sweet stories, and once I began one I had to read to the end. We are in different states in the US and each one revolves around a ranch or farm, and either cattle or horses, and to begin with two people who rather rub each other the wrong way. We get to watch, or read, how these adversaries find each other, and enjoy their encounters. Something for everyone, even airplane crashes, rodeo’s, horse therapy, opening B&B’s, trying not to fall in love with your best friend’s sister, or maybe finding dinosaur bones. Like M&M’s you won’t be able to read just one, they will keep you reading and enjoying!
I received this book through Just Read Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
These were wonderful stories of sweet, clean romance. Some had a little bit of a faith element. There were some funny moments and some cute romantic ones. I liked how there were some careers you don't see that often in stories, such as a paleontologist or the owner of a horse therapy ranch. The stories were mostly light but did have some serious moments, such as Zeb thinking about growing up in foster homes or different characters having loved ones who'd died. I thought some were better written than others and had better flow and pacing but overall, this is a great deal to get six stories by well-known names for such a great price for kindle. I'd highly recommend it if you like romance.
I received a kindle copy of this book from JustRead. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Cowboys of Summer is a box set series consisting six fantastic authors; Mary Connealy, Cheryl St. John, Tina Radcliffe, Lorma Seilstad, Missy Tippens and Sherri Shackelford. Each tells a story about cowboys who fall in love and the woman they love. We find that love can come in when you least expect it, from someone who has secrets, the hurt and those who don’t think they are lovable but you can’t help falling in love yourself. These are sweet romance that will wish you were there. So come on in, curl up in your favorite chair, pull up that comfy blanket (a cup tea and chocolate helps) and enjoy the fun of falling in love.
This was a good collection of stories:-) The ranchers each face personal difficulties, but will they let the Lord help them when He sends love their direction? Find out by reading "Cowboys Of Summer" for yourself. I enjoyed reading these stories & picking up tidbits of information about ranchers in different states. As well as seeing how the issues that arose would be tackled. Most of the authors in the collection were new to me, so now I have new books to search for! Mary Conneally writes entertaining stories with wit and wisdom intermingled:-)
I was given a copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own:-)
I loved this collection. Each story is a perfect length to get yourself lost in and short enough where it moves along at a comfortable pace. I love all the authors that have contributed to this set. Six amazing authors, Mary Connealy, Lorna Seilstad, Cheryl St. John, Missy Tippens, Tina Radcliffe, and Sherri Shackelford have crafted unique and intriguing stories that have been woven together perfect into this heartwarming collection. I laughed, I teared up, my heart swelled, I went on a ride. This is a must read for lovers of heartwarming, cowboy stories.
I received a copy of this collection courtesty of Just Read Tours, all thoughts are my own.
Cowboys of Summer is a compilation of 6 different authors, all with country settings. The stories range from a palaeontologist, to a second change romance to a fun decoy bride! Of course, the main draw is Mary Connealy who is always brilliant, although I did notice similarities in Sherri Shackelford’s writing style as far as silent and verbal banter and just plain fun. Mary Connealy: Dr. Tess and the Cowboy Lorna Seilstad: Great Strides Cheryl St. John: Hometown Girl Tina Radcliffe: Lake Effect Missy Tippens: His Lone Star Heart Sherri Shackelford: The Decoy Bride
Great collection of authors! I really enjoyed each story, all so unique and very well written. This is a collection to add to your virtual bookshelf for sure.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books for review 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.
Faith shines through! I would give 4.5 stars but there is no such option :) Some are 5 stars other are 4 stars. You take the chance and decide. Great collection of short and enjoyable stories. They wouldn’t keep you on the edge, but each story is sweet and funny! I found it relaxing... The dialogues between the characters are entertaining. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book is a modern romance collection with cowboys as the heroes. I was introduced to a few new authors and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work. I would recommend this collection.
What fun to find so many of my friends' stories in one collection!
Mary Connealy leads off with a paleontologist discovering an ancient rhino on a cattleman's beloved ranch. Cheryl St. John's injured rodeo star is supposed to be recuperating at home, except he lifts his father's wheelchair and falls for the girl he left behind. Tina Radcliffe's heroine gets help restoring her grandmother's inn from an unlikely carpenter. Missy Tippens's heroine is a vet tech who wants to prove herself by taking over her father's ranch, if a neighboring rancher doesn't buy it first. Lorna Seilstad's story has an equine therapy center staffed with an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a speech therapist... and a volunteer with a shady past. Sherri Shackelford's hero and heroine are decoys for a country music star and her fiancé until they ground loop into an Irish festival.
Hitch up your horses and ride off into the sunset with six fun stories!