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Welcome to Promise, a small town in the heart of Texas where the neighbors are friendly and you might just find love. Lonesome Cowboy Nell Bishop, widowed mother of two children, is turning Twin Canyons into a dude ranch. One of her first guests is Travis Grant: a celebrity of sorts, a wannabe cowboy and an Easterner known for his books about the West. Her kids adore him--and she has to admit she's drawn to him, too. But it's too soon to be thinking of love and marriage again. Isn't it? Texas Two-Step When Amy Thornton shows up in town pregnant and alone, she's looking for some guidance and compassion, so she turns to Reverend Wade McMillan. He might be a minister, but he's also a man. An unmarried and very attractive one. But is it as a man that he responds to Amy? Or as a man of God? Maybe it's both. Amy needs the town's help to get back on her feet. What she wants is the love of a man named Wade...

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

252 people are currently reading
1749 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Macomber

894 books20.6k followers
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

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5 stars
1,315 (41%)
4 stars
1,016 (32%)
3 stars
671 (21%)
2 stars
129 (4%)
1 star
24 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
370 reviews
March 13, 2019
A cute little book where the ‘main’ couple meet and fall in love over the course of a week and then live happily ever after, until book two where a new couple fall in love over the course of two weeks and live happily ever after. At first I thought this series might be a little too romantic and sappy for me, but apparently I’m a romantic and sappy kind of girl because I wasn’t even finished with “Lonesome Cowboy” before I went and picked up Volume Two. I love the town, I love the characters, and I love that it is a series because now that I’ve been drawn into this world I need to know what is going on. Do Grady and Caroline ever get married? Does Cal ever fall in love? Does Richard ever get shot in the head? And what the heck is up with Bitter End? I need to know! So, congratulations Debbie Macomber. I’m officially hooked.
Author 3 books25 followers
May 23, 2012
As usual, Debbie Macomber puts out yet another great story...or should I say two. I'd originally run across another from the, Heart of Texas, series, not realizing it was only one of six. After reading, Caroline's Child, I was hooked. Knew I had to get the others.

Both Lonesome Cowboy, and Texas Two-Step were great. I finished both in only a matter of a couple of days. I love the way the cast of characters are woven throughout each book. It really builds you up to move right into the next characters stories, as they discover one another. I can't wait to get started on, Dr. Texas, and see how love plays out for, Cal.
Profile Image for Paula-O.
558 reviews
April 4, 2016
Debbie Macomber writes series "Heart of Texas"
I have started with the first book having two stories Lonesome Cowboy and Texas Two-Step in it. I loved meeting so many of the folks living in Promise Texas and how it began after moving out of a place called "Bitter End" which is a ghost town now.
The Weston family lost their parents and one of the boys stole monies left by them for the family and left town -not to be heard of again for 6 years. Grady and Savannah are devastated and left to pick up the pieces.
Laredo Smith comes along and is offered a job by Savannah who works with "Old Roses", some she got from the cemetery in Bitter End.
I liked reading these stories so much that I have ordered several from library to finish the series.
You will fall in love with this part of Texas and these characters that have so much to forgive, to love others in the community and there is growth it seems everyday.
Profile Image for Debbie.
997 reviews
May 12, 2015
Heart of Texas series has three novels, with a total of six separate stories. The setting of contemporary Texas is a fun spin for those of us who live in the Midwest. The plot is straightforward, with many unlikely couples getting married. Lots of dialogue and great characters. Perfect for summer time reading.
Profile Image for Donna K.
88 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Another Debbie Macomber that was excellent!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Katie Johnson.
10 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2010
I really enjoyed Lonesome Cowboy, but the brother character, Richard, was so low-down nasty that it was hard to read at times. He seriously has no redeeming qualities, and I don't like to see that in a character.

This book is well written. I'm definitely going to read more of Debbie Maccomber's work.

The first book (they are both set into 1 volume) ends a bit abruptly, but the storyline is picked up in the next book, Texas Two-Step, which then focuses on two new characters. I enjoyed the second book more than the first-I liked the characters better and the lousy brother, Richard, was a bit more toned down in this book. I'd still like to see him fall in a deep hole that he can never climb out of.

Strong language in this book. Debbie Macomber is a good writer, enjoyed her style and characters very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stacey.
233 reviews
March 2, 2010
My goodness this was a super quick read. This is two books in one and I read it in 2, maybe 3 days. Lovely romance stories; although I wouldn't call it romance so much as personal relationships. Quoting someone else on goodreads, the stories are set in the town of Promise, Texas and each story in the series revolves around the relationship of one couple, all of which have a happy endings after going through some type of difficulty. Other characters from Promise are introduced so that when you read their story later you feel more involved in their story. Will read remaining volumes as time permits. I must say though, its one of those books that you think... have I read this before? That being said I'm a huge Macomber fan. I've nearly read them all, so maybe I have already read these. :)
582 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2014
I have read numerous books by Ms. Macomber, stand alones and series, and have been thoroughly delighted with every aspect of them. However, this book seems to be dry and repetitive, and entertains a very unsavory character.
Matter of fact, I could not quite finish the first story in this volume, and I doubt that I will read the second one either. Definitely NOT typical of Ms. Macomber!!!
Aug, 13, 2014. I finally got through the second novel in this book, Texas Two-Step, although it took awhile. Can't really give it a better rating than I did the first story. Really don't understand why this series is so popular!
Profile Image for Mareli.
1,034 reviews32 followers
January 10, 2017
the first two stories of this series are the imprinting for the whole series. There is this little Texas town called Promise where there is a lot of single men and women (or so it seems ;) ).

There is a very interesting background story on a abandoned town, founded previously by a lot of ancestors of Promise inhabitants but it has a strange feeling and nobody wants to visit it.
Profile Image for Glenda L.
544 reviews30 followers
June 25, 2010
This is where it all started ... Promise, Texas. Debbie Macomber is always a breath of fresh air. Her books are all about love, family and friends ... with a few surprises thrown in.
Profile Image for Anne.
536 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2018
It's pretty decent for a romance novella, but not one of her best
Profile Image for Kym.
572 reviews11 followers
September 24, 2020
Setting: Promise, Texas Contemporary to 2007
Genre: sweet romance

#1. Lonesome Cowboy
Savannah Weston is a 31 year old part owner in the family ranch. Due to their younger brother’s perfidy, there are money problems that keep her older brother Grady working long days. She has a degree in education and has suggested that she get her certification so she can get a job to bring in money. Grady says no, she needs to stay home to cook, clean, and do the books. She decided to make herself a side gig by collecting and growing heirloom rose and sell the plants online. She is successful, though this gets only passing mention. One day, returning from a ghost town (ooooh, spooky!) where she went to collect an antique rose bush, she sees a broken down truck then a man carrying a saddle. He says his name is Laredo Smith and he is a wrangler. She hires him but Grady says no, we don’t need help, so she puts him to work in her commercial rose gardens.
There is a side plot involving the youngest Weston’s return home. You know, the one whose perfidy caused the hardship his siblings have suffered for seven years. Which also, apparently contributed to Savannah’s spinsterhood. Grady says “get off my ranch”, or words to that effect, but Savannah begs “but he’s our brother!” and keeps begging on his behalf over and over. Attraction/love grows between the MCs, but Laredo feels that he has nothing to offer. He has no way to support her with his future plans.
I hated this. I don’t read many novels in the “sweet” sub genre, so I don’t know. Are the heroine’s generally obedient dishrags? Are male supporting characters usually overbearing d*cks? Oh, don’t get me wrong! It is well written as far as grammar goes, and the basic plot is alright. I just found the characters terribly flat. And the only emotions the story evoked in me were anger at Grady’s misogyny and disgust at what a weakling Savannah is.

#2 Texas Two-Step
Didn’t listen. I just couldn’t. If I ever get around to it I will edit this review.

Narration by Natalie Ross is laconic and a little weak, though she does differentiate well between genders.
Profile Image for Corinna | Corinnas World of Books.
2,602 reviews67 followers
December 9, 2021
German REVIEW

MEINE MEINUNG :
 
Schon das Cover hat mich direkt eingeladen in die Geschichte einzutauchen. Es geht um die Geschwister Savannah und Grady. Beide könnten auf den ersten Blick nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Beiden haben eine Menge durchgemacht. Wird das Schicksal beiden einen neuen Weg zeigen?
 
Savannah ist eine besondere Protagonistin und man spürt, dass sie sehr emotional ist. Sie hat mir auf Anhieb als Figur gefallen.
 
Grady (Savannahs Bruder) ist eher ein Mensch, der sich mehr zurückzieht und nicht jeden Menschen an sich heranlässt. Man spürt, dass sehr immer noch an der Vergangenheit zu knabbern hat, die er und seine Schwester erlebt haben.
 
Der Schreibstil ist in der dritten Person und aus mehreren Perspektiven erzählt. Der Leser kann so Savannah, Laredo und Grady erzählt. Die Kulisse der Ranch hat mir sehr gut gefallen und man erlebt so einiges.
 
Die Geschichte hat mich schnell in die Handlung der beiden gezogen und man spürt gewisse Funken. Savannah unterstützt ihren Bruder bei der Arbeit auf der Ranch, auch wenn ihre wahre Leidenschaft den alten Rosenstöcken gilt.
Die Begegnung mit Laredo hat einen besonderen Punkt im Buch erwischt und man spürt, dass da einiges auf beide zukommen wird. Kann sie Laredo wirklich vertrauen und auf eine gemeinsame Zukunft hoffen
 
Das Cover sieht echt großartig aus und hat direkt meine Neugier geweckt.
 
Fazit
 
Heart of Texas ist ein fesselnder Auftakt, der neugierig auf mehr macht. Ich freue mich auf den 2 Band.
 
Profile Image for Lynne Spreen.
Author 23 books225 followers
September 23, 2021
This book is made up of two lengthy novellas, both set in the same town and involving the same people. In the first, Savannah and her brother Grady are finally emerging from a financial crisis after their creepy brother Richard absconded with the inheritance. As a result of the financial trauma, Grady is exhausted and demoralized as he works the ranch, and in no mood to accommodate the drifter who steals Savannah's heart.

In the second novella, Ellie and Glen have been dear friends for years when a spontaneous kiss boosts their relationship to a new level. However, like most of the men in this book (except the oily Richard), Glen couldn't yell for help if his clothes caught fire, so this story is a back-and-forth between him and Ellie while Richard, ever the villain, plays them for fools, along with everyone in town.

While I enjoy Macomber novels, these two were frustrating enough that I passed on the next book in the series. I can't take another 300 pages of manufactured drama because the characters can't open their mouths and say what needs to be said. And Richard is a mustache-twisting cartoon villain. The townspeople look like simpletons as they allow him to rip them off. I would have liked to see him get his due, but can't wait another whole book to find out.
Profile Image for Crystal.
265 reviews68 followers
March 23, 2018
5 stars. I love Promise , Texas! Macomber brings the town and its characters alive in this two in one volume Heart of Texas vol. 1. the main characters, Savannah Westin and her older brother Grady run the Yellow Rose ranch. Having been ripped off by their younger broher, Richard after their parents untimely fatal car accident.
Savannah cultivates old roses and has a plentiful garden of them. her brother and his foreman run the ranch. Savannah has all but given up on love and children. but when laredo Smith enters Promise with a broken down truck, she finds her heart opening up to the stirring of her heart Grady, overprotective of his younger sister and her innocence sets out to find out the truth about this so called Laredo smith. Will his quest push too far and break his sister's heart?
In Texas Two Step, book two of the series, Ellie Frazier has buried her father and wished her mother well in her new ventures. Now, owner and operator of the feed store, she feels she must pick up the pieces of her life on her own. but, two men feel the need to rescue her. As they vie for her affections, will either win? and what will it cost her?
Profile Image for Beth Besso.
226 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2022
Texas Skies includes two stories:
Lonesome Cowboy and Texas Two-Step.
Let's talk about Lonesome Cowboy, the first of the Heart of Texas series. I wasn't very impressed with the story, I thought it was typical. I also found the characters to be annoying. Only after Savanah gave herself a makeover did I like her character better.
Now, the same characters are in Texas Two-Step, it just focuses on a different couple. This story I liked better than the first. It was predictable but it was sweet, had some humor in it, and the characters seemed to be developed stronger than in the first story. They were all more likeable.
One thing I liked about both stories is that even though the stories are mainly focused on two characters falling in love, there are still glimpses of some of the other characters lives, giving you a hint of future stories.
Profile Image for Sheri Mahalick.
33 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2021
I love me some Debbie Macomber, and set my alarm for the newest Christmas offering every year. But this is not my favorite.
The beginning is good but as the story wears on the heroine begins to annoy me in an extreme way. She’s trusting to the point of stupidity. Why does a woman have to be driven by her emotions in order to be considered feminine? I got about 2/3 of the way through the story and didn’t know if I could continue. Gullible, easily manipulated, not willing to listen to reason because you have a “gut feeling”…those are things that irritate me in real life, so I’m sure it influenced my feelings about the story.
Profile Image for Erika.
710 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2019
This book has two stories. The first story, Lonesome Cowboy, was a fun, light read that followed a usual plot line for Debbie Macomber. The second story, Texas TwoStep, was frustrating with lots of arguments and assumptions and misunderstandings. By the sixth misunderstanding and storming off, I was ready for the story to end. The ending was as expected but the fighting was frustrating for me. Not my favourite. I won’t be continuing the series.
Profile Image for Teri.
317 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2024
I enjoyed this series. Kept my attention. Had plot twists. Not too fast. Not too slow. Sleepy Texan accents made it fun and realistic. Enjoyed the story line - although it did take me a bit longer to get involved with it, compared to the author's Christmas stories (I'm a fan of those). It does have some relationship topics (describing kissing and getting 'hot', so perhaps better for ages 18+; but nothing "dirty", author kept it decent. Otherwise I wouldn't listen to it.)
21 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2021
Easy read

I always enjoy all the books by Debbie Macomber. They are great books for a nice afternoon or evenIng curled up with a good book. I love following all of her characters and how they work out any problems with one another. Looking forward to another
book about this little town of Promise.
Profile Image for Tammy.
130 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
I very much enjoyed the first two books, Lonesome Cowboy and Texas Two-Step. I enjoyed the story lines and the characters were well established, I am invested.
The third and fourth books of this series are on their way.
I can’t wait to continue reading about these characters and how their stories unfold.
248 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
I enjoy Debbie Macomber's books, especially when I need a good story that always has a happy ending. Her stories are always entertaining and an easy read. These two are no exception. There are enough twists to them that I'm curious how she will maneuver the characters to solve the problems.. These two stories involve problems in communication which create a great portion of the plot.
1,031 reviews6 followers
March 26, 2019
3.5 stars
Two stories in one volume. The stories focus on different people in the same town. There is also some backstory that seems to have come from a previous novel, though I do not know which one.
Easy reading, the typical Macomber formula, but enjoyable for a mental Twinkie.
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,138 reviews55 followers
July 12, 2019
I liked the second of the novels in this volume better than the first because it was more fun to read. I thought the first novel was a bit slow and not as logical as the second. I still enjoyed both.
Profile Image for Sandy.
372 reviews6 followers
May 4, 2021
Listened to the unabridged audio book. I liked this book better than some of Macomber's others. It had interesting descriptions and characters and wasn't quite as predictable as some of Macomber's books (such as The Matchmakers).
Profile Image for Cathy.
217 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2021
This is a two-novel volume; I read most of the first novel in a single sitting in one evening. The plots are a bit formulaic, but the stories move along at a snappy pace and the characters are engaging and likeable. If you don't think you like romances, give these a try.
16 reviews
October 10, 2021
another wonderful story, from Debbie McComber

I loved the two books together. Know you will too if you are a fan of her writing. I live in Texas part of the year so see random ranches like described in the book too. I think those women are very special to live on a ranch too.
3 reviews
March 18, 2022
Feels like I am reading a hallmark show. I got very attached to the characters right away. The story line was enjoyable. I do not like how repetitive the second story was when it came to details from the first story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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