Heart of a Cowboy

Texas Matchmakers #18

by Debra Clopton

If they can overcome their past these cowboys will make great husbands.

As a kid Kurt Holden and his brothers grew up in a bad home situation until they left to make it on their own in the rodeo. Now, Kurt’s bought a ranch and is determined to expand it so his brothers will have a legacy that has nothing to do with the legacy of their past. Finding a wife is not on his to-do list.

But he wasn’t counting on sassy Mandy Brown coming to town with her undeniable charm and determination to go for her rodeo dreams.

Now he’s got her on his mind and if the Mule Hollow matchmakers have their way he’ll soon have her on his heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published April 16, 2019

About the author

International Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.

A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction

1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF


SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US

Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY

WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW

2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)

What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!


Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of a Cowboy was a sweet, romantic story of two people who were determined not to fall in love and begin a relationship! I loved the immediate attraction that both Kurt and Mandy felt toward each other. Yet, even though they both found the other person captivating, they had their reasons for not wanting to commit to another person.

I really enjoyed this heartfelt story that dealt with how to forgive and move on when someone has truly hurt you. Mandy had some healing to do throughout the book and Kurt was a good example of how to let God help you to move forward in life.

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...

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Cowboy by Debra Clopton is book 1 of Texas Brides & Bachelors. It also continues the adventure of those Mule hollow Matchmakers who involve themselves when they see people they love needing a match. Kurt Holden is determined to build his ranch and rodeo livestock business and to stay single. Kurt wants a family legacy. Mandy Brown,who is staying with her cousin Lacey Brown is going thru live changes and restarting her barrel racing career. Both Kurt and Many have a family history of betrayal that affects them and to make it even harder they have a stubborn streak that is hard to move. The Matchmakers have to push some. Debra Clopton does not disappoint . She keeps the story moving and keeps you guessing on the ending. It was wonderful to get back to the Mule Hollow area and get a glimpse at some of the characters that you have met before if you have read the series and if not,it will make you want to read them. Plus there is an extra because Samantha,the donkey, makes an appearance ..
this is a must reat if you like small towns, cowboys, and a story that has family, values and hurt but explores going in the right direction. this story does well as a stand alone but reading the stories in the series will enhance your pleasure and understanding of a few things. A wonderful read!

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantastic story of Kurt and Mandy with histories of their own lives to sort out. Mandy has come to her cousins ranch to barrel race and sort out her problems. Kurt has lived in Mule Hollow for years and has to get past his family upbringing. Kurt see’s Mandy practicing in the arena when he comes to talk about suppling the animals for the upcoming rodeo. They meet and both have a hard time keeping their minds off each other. Of course the Mule Hollow matchmakers immediately set their eyes on the two. They each are able to see deep into each other’s problems and try to be there for each other. When Mandy wins the barrel racing competition and forgets everything and gives Kurt a kiss begins the end of her and his problems. They each fight it but Kurt is always there for Mandy and it means a lot to her. When her father calls her and hangs up she realizes that Kurt was right she needs to forgive and forget and was going to call Kurt but lo and behold there he was when she needed him the most. Fantastic great ending to a well written story as all Debra’s books are. I would recommend this book to anyone. I received a free copy of this fantastic story and am leaving this review of my own free will.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kurt and Mandy are both determined to remain single, in part due to their family life. Kurt came from a bad home life but thankfully had a friend growing up whose father demonstrated what a man should be and how he should treat his family. While he had a lot of bitterness towards his parents, there came a point where he made the choice not to let that define who he was.

Mandy had dreams of being a barrel racer but gave up her dream to become an accountant to please her father. Life was going along until his father betrayed her trust. So Mandy moves to Mule Hollow to live with her cousin Lacy and her family while she decides on her future path.

Everything seems to be going along ok until the matchmaking posse decides to set up Kurt and Mandy. And it seems that Stanley, App, and Sam are joining in on the matchmaking. Will Kurt and Mandy be able to escape the matchmakers? And will Kurt be able to help Mandy with her anger toward her Dad? Loved how this story unfolded, the humor, the sense of community, and strong family values.

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy Brown has come to Mule Hollow with hopes to return to competitive barrel racing after giving it up for several years. She also knows that she needs to move beyond the bitterness and anger at her father. Therefore, she has no time or desire for romance and being the next target of the Matchmaking Posse. However, when a handsome cowboy starts to break down her walls, she fights for her dreams of winning rodeos.

Kurt Holden has no plans for marriage. He understands dysfunctional families having grown up with an alcoholic father. Therefore, he's perfectly content with a date here and there without any expectations. What he doesn't plan on is a beautiful barrel racer. But will her pent up anger prevent even a single date?

I absolutely loved the gentle way these two worked out their issues. The theme of forgiveness and overcoming bitterness is expertly woven through the book.

Romance - PG / kissing
Language - clean
My rating - 5 stars

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

TEXAS BRIDES & BACHELORS 3 book BOXED SET
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean Christian western novel HEART OF A COWBOY: Holden Brothers: Mule Hollow Matchmakers, Texas book 1: Kurt and Mandy in the TEXAS BRIDES & BACHELORS 3 book BOXED SET by Debra Clopton and this review was given freely.
An interesting, light and flirty story of forgiveness and faith but at times lacks a separation between changes in characters and changes in time frame resulting in my pausing or re-reading to clarify. Pressured by her parents expectations to join the family accounting firm, Mandy Brown gives up barrel racing until her father's lying and her parent's divorce gives her the anger and courage to seek her dream barrel racing on her cousin Lacy's ranch in Mule Hollow, Texas. What she didn't expect to find was a town of determined manipulative matchmaker's, the persistent formerly confirmed bachelor and rodeo stock rancher Kurt Holden, and inner peace.

[Victoria - txreadingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Debra’s books 📚 and I just about own all of her books on my kindle . Each one of her books are special in their own way but I have to tell you , the love story of Kurt and Mandy really pulled at my heart strings . It was sweet , romantic , and the chemistry between Kurt and Mandy was electric . Debra discussed a sensitive topic that made me think of my own life and she did it with the most respect . I laughed , smiled , and got a little emotional. This book played out in my mind like a movie . This is definitely a book you can’t put down . A great love story , handsome cowboy , and so much more . Two stubborn hearts make a love connection. The matchmakers are up to their shenanigans again . 🙂 Absolutely love that she brought Samantha the donkey back .
Go get you a cup of coffee ☕️, tea 🍵, or a soft drink and go hang out in a small Texas town called Mule Hollow

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, clean, romance and the beginning of a new series that takes us back to Mule Hollow and the trio of matchmakers.
Kurt Holden and Mandy Brown are two individuals not looking for love . Mandy has left her life in the big city after what she considers a betrayal from her father. Kurt, the oldest of three brothers who had a tough childhood, is starting to build a ranch and his rodeo livestock business.
Both have had to overcome many obstacles. Mandy is still struggling with anger and unable to forgive and letting go.
But though neither is looking for love , will fate bring them together? Will Mandy be able to forgive and take control of her life?
Another entertaining story and one in which if you have read other stories in Mule Hollow, will give you a chance to visit with some of those characters.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local cowboy Kurt Holden knows that he is in the sights of the local matchmakers of Mule Hollow, but he has never been interested in committing to one woman and he has been open about his intentions. One day he notices newcomer Mandy Brown practicing her barrel racing and knows that he wants to get to know her better. At first, Mandy is a bit put off by his reputation with women and turned off by men in general. She gets to know Kurt better and realizes that he is indeed a good man and that she must let go of her anger and hurt in order to fully make a new life.

I received a copy of the in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Kurt is the kind of man every woman is looking for! I admired how he overcame his childhood to become the man others could depend on. My heart went out to Mandy as she worked so hard on barrel racing and finally realized she needed to forgive her father for the hurt he caused her. The Matchmakers of Mule Hollow always add humor to a story. I recommend Heart of a Cowboy to anyone who enjoys a modern cowboy story. I received a complimentary advance e-book of Heart of a Cowboy by Debra Clopton. This is my honest opinion.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgive to Live

The main characters in this book, Kurt and Mandy, have each experienced some rough times in life. Neither one is looking for the other or a relationship because of their past. Love has a way of sneaking up when you least expect it, no matter how much you want to deny it. But the bigger issue dealt with is forgiveness. It makes no difference what someone has done or not done, life is not lived when you refuse to forgive. The author deals well with the topic in this story. I received a free copy of this book and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.

[Colleen Sasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed.

This was a heartwarming Christian romance. Kurt has overcome a bad childhood and has become an honest man even though Mandy does not believe it. She has taken an instant dislike for him even though her cousin has told her he is a good guy. Eventually he wears her down and she begins to see him in another light and begins to talk for him. Mandy feels that if she falls for him she will have to give up her life's dream. They eventually they fall in love and she learns that she can have love and her dream. They can have their happy ending.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Mule Hollow years ago when I read most of the earlier stories. This one included. But, Debra has rewritten them and they are still great.
The Marriage "Posse" as the three older ladies are referred to, is a hoot.
They got together, in the beginning, to get single women to move to Mule Hollow so they could marry the cowboys there.
If you have not read any of these books you don't know what you are missing.
I recommend this book to all who like a happy ever after and lots of laughter.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Debra Clopton book. In “Heart of a Cowboy,” Kurt Holden and his brothers have sworn off marriage after enduring a bad home life. Mandy Brown has come to Mule Hollow, Texas to stay with her cousin, Lacy Brown Matlock. She is angry with her father and is determined ti become a barrel racer and joining the rodeo circuit. The Mule Hollow matchmakers have their work cut out for them with these two!
This story illustrates the importance of forgiveness.
This is the first in a series. I’m looking forward to Jess’s story!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite the usual from the author but still good

Actually 4.5 stars. I'm not sure what happened around the time this book was published but the formatting was not up to her usual standard. This made it a bit more difficult for me to read.
Aside from that, the story was good. It's not my favorite, but it was a fun, cozy story. If you enjoy clean, contemporary romance with an inspirational tone, give this one a try.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Cowboy is book one in the Texas Brides and Bachelors series. Kurt and Mandy seemed destined to be together. After all, the matchmakers couldn't possibly be wrong, could they? This was an enjoyable book to read, and I found myself turning pages longer than planned. I definitely enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy's Way

Mandy was heartbroken at her parent's divorce and her father's part in the cause. She had given up her dream of being a rodeo barrel racer to become an accountant in his firm, but now she left it all to go back to riding again. She had to learn how to forgive him and live her own life to really be a winner.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Cowboy

This was a great story. Mandy was staying with Lacey and Clint, helping to care for little Tate. Mandy was determined to reach her goal of barrel racing in the rodeo. Kurt was watching her race the barrels. With the three ladies of mule hollow match making, Mandy and Kurt we’re doomed to fall in love. You will enjoy this story.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Cowboy

Another great book by Debra Clapton on Texas Brides and bachelors. This book was about how the women of Mule Hollow go about setting up the bachelors and single women so that they can get them all married and happy. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[John Boyer]

Another great book for all from adolescence up to this senior.

Many thanks for a great book to read on a warming day in Texas summer. Only interruptions coming from our two puppies. Murphy a small Beagle/dachshund mix who is eight years old Kiki who is a one year old very playful Greyhound mix.

Looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Robin Margaret Boyer .

[Charlene Perroni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Story needs editing

I've read literally thousands of books. This story is good but it needs editing so badly, it's difficult to read. The paragraphs run together; the conversation between speakers is not defined so I found myself having to go back to figure out who was speaking. All in all, this author needs to find a new editor so her stories are easy to read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The matchmakers are at it again but will they succeed this time? Kurt and Mandy aren't looking for love. Their banter and resistance is so funny. They have both felt betrayal from their families. One has forgiven and is helping the other to forgive.

[Patti Burgener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book reView

What a great little love story. The characters were true to life. The fact is, it’s hard to forgive and trust again. With Gods help anything is possible. I love a happy ending.

[Kate Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love a cowboy

Especially one fighting love until he just can't escape it. Two people not ready or looking for love can't fight it when it gets them together. Great clean romance

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebook

She’s been really hurt and is changing her life, but is very angry. He’s been hurt, has moved on and dealt with the pain. They are drawn to each other but don’t want a relationship, but the match making trio has other plans.

[Paula Bilbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book & I read this book and just had to read the whole series of 3 books without reading anything else in between. I would recommend these books to any body who enjoys cowboy, family stories with HEA.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. Liked the characters. Had strong h/H who showed Christian values. I did think that Mandy’s forgiveness of her father happened quickly with no mention of God’s help. Did not affect overall enjoyment of the book.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast, fun and heartwarming story to read. I have read some of the other stories that take place in Mule Hollow but not in any order. It is fun to see the characters intertwined with each story. It was very interesting to see how Mandy comes to grips with her past just as Kurt had.

[Marilyn Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy was done. No man was going to push his way into her life .

Kurt told every woman he dated it was just a date there is no future for them. But that woman riding the horse sure caught his attention. Maybe they can be friends. Or not, he didn't need that.

[Gloria Nettles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story til the happy end

Interesting story to the happy end




The characters were interesting and caring. It was good to watch them solve their problems in a happy and positive way.