What do you think?
Rate this book
Wyoming Legacy #3
Return of the Cowboy Doctor
The doctor's daughter has a secret wish...
Cowboy Maxwell White has dreamed of being a doctor for years. But with two years to go on his medical degree and with no money to continue his education, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local doc. He's drawn to the doctor's beautiful, intelligent daughter, but she doesn't seem to want anything to do with him — and the shyness he's never quite overcome has him tongue-tied.
Hattie Powell can't help noticing her father's new assistant. He treats her like a real person and sees things she'd rather he didn’t — which is dangerous. She's so close to embarking on her dream of becoming a doctor. When Maxwell discovers her secret desire, will he help her or stand in her way?
Cowboy Maxwell White has dreamed of being a doctor for years. But with two years to go on his medical degree and with no money to continue his education, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local doc. He's drawn to the doctor's beautiful, intelligent daughter, but she doesn't seem to want anything to do with him — and the shyness he's never quite overcome has him tongue-tied.
Hattie Powell can't help noticing her father's new assistant. He treats her like a real person and sees things she'd rather he didn’t — which is dangerous. She's so close to embarking on her dream of becoming a doctor. When Maxwell discovers her secret desire, will he help her or stand in her way?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
678 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Lacy Williams
203 books1,310 followersLacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 68 reviews
January 12, 2014
I love this book. It's rare to find a man that is kind, sensitive, shy; but at the same time tough when he needs to be and will be there for you when you need him whether it hurts him and that is what you will find in Maxwell. He loves Hettie no matter what. This love does not change because she's sick he still loves her and is her champion in supporting her in her dream to go to medical school. That says a lot about a person. And it's the kind of person we would want in our mate.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
December 4, 2013
sweet western romance! apparently this is a series but isn't one that necessarily has to be read in order but always good to not spoil anything! Communication seems to be the biggest problem between Hattie and Maxwell (isn't that always the case?!) plus Hattie is very proud and stubborn and Maxwell has a problem talking to women, which is actually kind of sweet!
April 23, 2019
Sooooooo good!!
January 21, 2024
wow…
This one was a struggle to get through. I’m sorry but Hattie didn’t deserve Maxwell. At all. Or really to get her dream of being a doctor. She was selfish and never put Maxwell’s feelings before her own- not once. It really started to feel like the writer kinda hated Maxwell by sticking him with someone who only liked Maxwell because of how he treated her.
This character was rude from the first page- to someone she didn’t know. She acted entitled and unlikable. Meanwhile, Maxwell bent over backwards to make her like him. He gave so much, with Hattie giving nothing.
Another part that became tiresome was Hattie seemingly always being right or the best. Yes she had experience with her father, but it was ridiculous to think she always had the right answer. I was hoping Hattie would be the one to grovel to Maxwell, since she was the one in the wrong, but nope- he had to embarrass himself for her.
The only reason this story didn’t get a one star is because I really love the White family as a whole. And Maxwell was wonderful. Hattie just simply didn’t deserve happiness or Maxwell
This one was a struggle to get through. I’m sorry but Hattie didn’t deserve Maxwell. At all. Or really to get her dream of being a doctor. She was selfish and never put Maxwell’s feelings before her own- not once. It really started to feel like the writer kinda hated Maxwell by sticking him with someone who only liked Maxwell because of how he treated her.
This character was rude from the first page- to someone she didn’t know. She acted entitled and unlikable. Meanwhile, Maxwell bent over backwards to make her like him. He gave so much, with Hattie giving nothing.
Another part that became tiresome was Hattie seemingly always being right or the best. Yes she had experience with her father, but it was ridiculous to think she always had the right answer. I was hoping Hattie would be the one to grovel to Maxwell, since she was the one in the wrong, but nope- he had to embarrass himself for her.
The only reason this story didn’t get a one star is because I really love the White family as a whole. And Maxwell was wonderful. Hattie just simply didn’t deserve happiness or Maxwell
June 20, 2023
I have really enjoyed the other books I have read so far in this series. This one, not so much. I couldn’t stand Hattie. She just seemed like a spoiled brat. Only really caring about herself and becoming a doctor. Maxwell deserved someone so much better than her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
Really loved the storyline, but didn’t exactly love the writing style. Overall, a great story worth reading.
November 25, 2013
The Cowboy's Reluctant Sweetheart
Two years shy of his medical degree, cowboy Maxwell White is out of money. So, he's back in Bear Creek, wWyoming, working part-time for the local physician. Though he is immediately drawn to the doctor's lovely, whip-smart daughter, she seems to be irritated by Maxwell's very existence.
Hattie Powell can't quash her feelings for the town's new would-be doctor. But that's exactly why she must keep him at a distance. Hattie is closer than ever to fulfilling her lifelong wish of becoming a doctor. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the man of her dreams.
Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love
My Reviews: Return of the Cowboy Doctor
4 STARS
This is charming. This is first of the series that I have read but not the last. I love Maxwell character and his big family.
Maxwell has two years of medical study and he returned home to earn money for the rest of his schooling. He cares but does not have a lot of confidence with young ladies.
Hattie wants to be a doctor too. Hattie has been helping her father for years. She is bright, strong and has some personal trials.
Their is a lot of characters that I would like to more about.
The setting 1897 Wyoming small town
The plot was really interesting with all the medical issues. It is not boring it keeps you in the story.
This is a clean uplifting story, with plenty of drama, relationships, some hijinks and poetry.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review by Harlequin and Netgalley.
publication: December 3rd 2013 by Harlequin Love Inspired 288 pages
ISBN 9780373829941
April 24, 2024
I dnf this at about 20% because of the heroine.
I loved Maxwell from the bottom of my heart, but the FL Hatty is just insufferable! She is a bi**h to Max and doesn't deserve him at all. She is selfish and uncaring, going on and on about being a doctor and going out of her way to make Max look bad and embarrass him because she "is afraid he is going to steal her spot at her father's clinic"... Max is nothing if not nice to her but she is just so unlikable.
Didn't finish this book even though Max was my favorite brother and such a sweetheart thanks to this shrew. The author must really hate Max to pair him with her, such a shame.
Btw, the 2 stars are for Max and White's family alone.
I loved Maxwell from the bottom of my heart, but the FL Hatty is just insufferable! She is a bi**h to Max and doesn't deserve him at all. She is selfish and uncaring, going on and on about being a doctor and going out of her way to make Max look bad and embarrass him because she "is afraid he is going to steal her spot at her father's clinic"... Max is nothing if not nice to her but she is just so unlikable.
Didn't finish this book even though Max was my favorite brother and such a sweetheart thanks to this shrew. The author must really hate Max to pair him with her, such a shame.
Btw, the 2 stars are for Max and White's family alone.
Read
December 29, 2014"TOP PICK! Hattie's story accurately depicts the kind of prejudice a female doctor would have faced in 1897. It is easy to have sympathy with the hero's character, and the mention of his brothers will leave the reader eager to hear their stories in future books". (RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars)
Miniseries: Wyoming Legacy
Miniseries: Wyoming Legacy
September 11, 2016
I am reviewing the audio version.
This was an incredible book with an exceptional narration! I especially loved how her voice was able to sound both masculine or feminine depending on the character speaking!
I was once a very insecure person with little self worth and could totally relate to Maxwell! Such a touching story of putting yourself on the line for a chance at true love!!
This was an incredible book with an exceptional narration! I especially loved how her voice was able to sound both masculine or feminine depending on the character speaking!
I was once a very insecure person with little self worth and could totally relate to Maxwell! Such a touching story of putting yourself on the line for a chance at true love!!
February 11, 2016
Maxwell is a hero that sure wiggled his way into my heart, right from the start! I enjoyed watching his and Hattie's story play out, and am totally delighted in the ending. Such a sweet story that made me smile.
December 4, 2013
Welcome back to Bear Creek. I loved reading Maxwell's story. It was a fast read for me (only 2 hours), and I'm looking forward to the next brother's story.
October 19, 2014
Good story, reasonable conflict, nicely told. I liked it.
May 24, 2025
was disappointed!
I felt that he was not . Very good at being a doctor she had all the credit for doing stuff and he got nothing like he didn’t go to school for this stuff.
I felt that he was not . Very good at being a doctor she had all the credit for doing stuff and he got nothing like he didn’t go to school for this stuff.
December 12, 2023
Oh, sweetheart...
This book made me cry. I wasn't expecting it, but, in retrospect, I should have. Maxwell has always been quiet, deep and introspective. He is such a dear, sensitive soul that I was concerned I wouldn't like Hattie because of some of the other reviews. My concern never came to fruition because I understood her. She was fighting for the right to have a dream and to pursue it. She was fighting a chronic, debilitating disease. She was fighting against the expectations of her parents and society. She's concerned Maxwell will replace her in her father's practice. Eventually, when she realizes she'd fallen in love with the sweet, cowboy doctor, she becomes afraid of what a family will mean to her dream and fight or flight becomes flight.
Each of them have wonderful qualities. They are both loyal, morally strong, and filled with a deep desire to help others. Each of them are also riddled with anxiety and, on more than one occasion, their own worst enemy.
Several times, their HEA seems like it will never happen. Fortunately, the delightful gang of Bear Creek step in to "help" them along to their HEA.
I'd say more, but I think I will end with this: if you've been reading this series, you won't want to miss this one!
5 stars for character development, plot, pacing, and emotional trauma (mine!)
-ncv
This book made me cry. I wasn't expecting it, but, in retrospect, I should have. Maxwell has always been quiet, deep and introspective. He is such a dear, sensitive soul that I was concerned I wouldn't like Hattie because of some of the other reviews. My concern never came to fruition because I understood her. She was fighting for the right to have a dream and to pursue it. She was fighting a chronic, debilitating disease. She was fighting against the expectations of her parents and society. She's concerned Maxwell will replace her in her father's practice. Eventually, when she realizes she'd fallen in love with the sweet, cowboy doctor, she becomes afraid of what a family will mean to her dream and fight or flight becomes flight.
Each of them have wonderful qualities. They are both loyal, morally strong, and filled with a deep desire to help others. Each of them are also riddled with anxiety and, on more than one occasion, their own worst enemy.
Several times, their HEA seems like it will never happen. Fortunately, the delightful gang of Bear Creek step in to "help" them along to their HEA.
I'd say more, but I think I will end with this: if you've been reading this series, you won't want to miss this one!
5 stars for character development, plot, pacing, and emotional trauma (mine!)
-ncv
April 2, 2019
The Doctor
Maxwell was living his dream of becoming a doctor, but his desire for marriage seemed to be just out of reach. Was his birth ma right that no woman would have him? He was determined to prove her wrong when she told him he would never amount to anything. He would become a doctor. His adopted ma encouraged him to follow his dreams and told him he would find the right woman. He just had doubts.
Hattie's desire to be a doctor burned in her heart. In spite of her illness she worked hard in her father's Medical Practice learning everything she could from him. She read every medical text she got her hands on. She didn't see marriage and a family in her future because how could she run a home and practice medicine?
Love didn't care about what they thought or what their fears were. It only wanted what it wanted and that was Maxwell and Hattie. Through an emergency they had to perform because her pa was not there and an outbreak of Cholera that the two of them handled alone they discovered things they really liked about each other and a trust developed. They learned each other's strengths and weaknesses and found they had more in common than not.
Maxwell was living his dream of becoming a doctor, but his desire for marriage seemed to be just out of reach. Was his birth ma right that no woman would have him? He was determined to prove her wrong when she told him he would never amount to anything. He would become a doctor. His adopted ma encouraged him to follow his dreams and told him he would find the right woman. He just had doubts.
Hattie's desire to be a doctor burned in her heart. In spite of her illness she worked hard in her father's Medical Practice learning everything she could from him. She read every medical text she got her hands on. She didn't see marriage and a family in her future because how could she run a home and practice medicine?
Love didn't care about what they thought or what their fears were. It only wanted what it wanted and that was Maxwell and Hattie. Through an emergency they had to perform because her pa was not there and an outbreak of Cholera that the two of them handled alone they discovered things they really liked about each other and a trust developed. They learned each other's strengths and weaknesses and found they had more in common than not.
November 29, 2020
Are they each exactly what the other needs?
It's been a while since I've listened to a Lacy Williams audiobook and it's been a really long time since it was A Wyoming Legacy Novel that I listened to. I have no good answer as to why because I wondered that very thing myself as I listened to Return Of The Cowboy Doctor.
Return Of The Cowboy Doctor was a fun and easy historical romance listen/read. The characters were interesting and likable and you can't help but root for Hattie and Maxwell to find love and a way to attend medical school.
In today's year of Covid-19 it was a little eerie listening to an audiobook where the characters face an outbreak of cholera and have to set up quarantine and treatment areas.
As I mentioned, I did listen to the third book in the A Wyoming Legacy series as an audiobook. I thought the narrator was good and she did a nice job bringing Lacy Williams's story to life. No complaints about the sound or production quality. Just a good story and a good audiobook.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's been a while since I've listened to a Lacy Williams audiobook and it's been a really long time since it was A Wyoming Legacy Novel that I listened to. I have no good answer as to why because I wondered that very thing myself as I listened to Return Of The Cowboy Doctor.
Return Of The Cowboy Doctor was a fun and easy historical romance listen/read. The characters were interesting and likable and you can't help but root for Hattie and Maxwell to find love and a way to attend medical school.
In today's year of Covid-19 it was a little eerie listening to an audiobook where the characters face an outbreak of cholera and have to set up quarantine and treatment areas.
As I mentioned, I did listen to the third book in the A Wyoming Legacy series as an audiobook. I thought the narrator was good and she did a nice job bringing Lacy Williams's story to life. No complaints about the sound or production quality. Just a good story and a good audiobook.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 28, 2021
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical western romance Return of the Cowboy Doctor (Wild Wyoming Hearts Book 7){Wind River Hearts book 7}{ Wyoming Legacy} by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Coincidence or irony? This is the complicated instant attraction romance of the painfully shy, insecure,relationship challenged, poet Maxwell White who was forced to leave medical school two years early to raise money for tuition and then finds himself returning home just in time to assist the Doctor's daughter, neurologically challenged and medical school hopeful Hattie Powell,with a gunshot victim and a cholera outbreak. Interfering friends and family's good intentions result in one awkward encounter after another but ultimate ends happily.
I purchased a copy of the clean historical western romance Return of the Cowboy Doctor (Wild Wyoming Hearts Book 7){Wind River Hearts book 7}{ Wyoming Legacy} by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Coincidence or irony? This is the complicated instant attraction romance of the painfully shy, insecure,relationship challenged, poet Maxwell White who was forced to leave medical school two years early to raise money for tuition and then finds himself returning home just in time to assist the Doctor's daughter, neurologically challenged and medical school hopeful Hattie Powell,with a gunshot victim and a cholera outbreak. Interfering friends and family's good intentions result in one awkward encounter after another but ultimate ends happily.
April 6, 2023
Return of the Cowboy Doctor
Very well written, with such wonderful descriptions of scenery, and deep emotions shown of how each one's background and the hang ups each caused. Working through these difficulties, the author show's how these difficulties could be solved through time working together, family members and friends combining their efforts to cause this student cowboy doctor and ambitious young lady (anxious to get the opportunity of studying to be a doctor also). Read and enjoy these adventures.
Very well written, with such wonderful descriptions of scenery, and deep emotions shown of how each one's background and the hang ups each caused. Working through these difficulties, the author show's how these difficulties could be solved through time working together, family members and friends combining their efforts to cause this student cowboy doctor and ambitious young lady (anxious to get the opportunity of studying to be a doctor also). Read and enjoy these adventures.
April 22, 2019
Another White adopted son's story. Hattie and Maxwell's story. Medicine and helping the sick the common direction for both. Finance and parents approval were the hurdles. The little white dog seems to appear in the stories as a God send moments. Words said to us when young can have a powerful message that sway our direction. Needing to confront the lie. Shyness can be difficult to overcome. Next adopted White boy's story.
February 26, 2019
Loved this book
Another wonderful read by Lacy William's. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This book was such a beautiful story. A young man, Maxwell who was rescued from a life on the streets, adopted by a stranger, and later overcame severe obstacles to follow his dream to study medicine. I will say no more. Read it.
Another wonderful read by Lacy William's. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This book was such a beautiful story. A young man, Maxwell who was rescued from a life on the streets, adopted by a stranger, and later overcame severe obstacles to follow his dream to study medicine. I will say no more. Read it.
December 28, 2023
awwwwwwwww
This was soooo sweet. Having the guy wanting and believing the girl can do anything was such a wonderful thing to read! Yes they had their own things to work through but through the whole book he supported her and believed in her and showed it in many ways and it was just sooooo beautiful!!
This was soooo sweet. Having the guy wanting and believing the girl can do anything was such a wonderful thing to read! Yes they had their own things to work through but through the whole book he supported her and believed in her and showed it in many ways and it was just sooooo beautiful!!
October 22, 2024
Return of the Cowboy Doctor
Thi was n interesting story about Maxwell, one of the older boys. He was in medical,school to become. Doctors but didn’t have enough funds for the last two years. He started working for the doctor in his town. He met Hattie and she was jealous of his being in medical school because she too wanted to be in medical school. More to enjoy
Thi was n interesting story about Maxwell, one of the older boys. He was in medical,school to become. Doctors but didn’t have enough funds for the last two years. He started working for the doctor in his town. He met Hattie and she was jealous of his being in medical school because she too wanted to be in medical school. More to enjoy
May 6, 2019
A great romance
Another great book in the series Wyoming Legacy. Maxwell who we met in the first novel is now all grown up and working on becoming a doctor. He comes home to earn money for school and winds up falling in love with the town doctor 's feisty daughter
Another great book in the series Wyoming Legacy. Maxwell who we met in the first novel is now all grown up and working on becoming a doctor. He comes home to earn money for school and winds up falling in love with the town doctor 's feisty daughter
October 22, 2020
Return of the Cowboy Doctor
She wants to be a doctor, but will her parents let her? He is home from medical school working with the town doctor. Can love find a way? Good clean romance.
She wants to be a doctor, but will her parents let her? He is home from medical school working with the town doctor. Can love find a way? Good clean romance.
January 11, 2021
Loved this book. Sad how things we are told when we are young can haunt us for many years, but I
loved how Maxwell's adopted mother's helps him realize they were false. Loved how Maxwell's relationship with Hattie develops. How rare to find a man that has such unselfish concern for the happiness and fulfillment of a woman he cares about!
loved how Maxwell's adopted mother's helps him realize they were false. Loved how Maxwell's relationship with Hattie develops. How rare to find a man that has such unselfish concern for the happiness and fulfillment of a woman he cares about!
February 3, 2021
Return of the Cowboy Doctor: Wyoming Legacy (Wind..
I really loved this book in the series. I am a retired nurse which made me enjoy the story line even more. This is a clean read and I would recommend it to anyone.
I really loved this book in the series. I am a retired nurse which made me enjoy the story line even more. This is a clean read and I would recommend it to anyone.
February 17, 2021
Favorite of the series so far!
I definitely cried tears of joy at the end of this book. Loved the development of Hattie and Maxwell. Maybe this book is my favorite because I’m on the shy/introverted side like Maxwell.
I definitely cried tears of joy at the end of this book. Loved the development of Hattie and Maxwell. Maybe this book is my favorite because I’m on the shy/introverted side like Maxwell.
March 9, 2022
Return of the Cowboy Doctor
Lacy Williams is an excellent writer of historical romance. This book lives up to expectations with lovable characters and a great story. I was really rooting for Maxwell and was relieved when they were able to overcome the obstacles.
Lacy Williams is an excellent writer of historical romance. This book lives up to expectations with lovable characters and a great story. I was really rooting for Maxwell and was relieved when they were able to overcome the obstacles.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 68 reviews