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From a fan favorite author with more than one million books sold: Four brothers find love in unexpected places in this western historical series.
Connie has always been the plain one. The responsible one. The dutiful one. She always stood in her beautiful cousin’s shadow, but now her cousin is dead. Connie is left to pick up the pieces and do right by her little niece, Megan, which means delivering the girl to her father. But nothing is as it seems. Jake denies being the father. Worse, the attraction Connie once felt for the enigmatic rancher still exists, though she has always been invisible to him.
Jake Hooper lost his mother, his father, and then his sweetheart, who left him without so much as a word of explanation. When Connie shows up with a child she claims is his, he knows it can’t be true.
Jake determines to take Connie and Megan to Fort Macleod. They aren’t his responsibility. And after all the loss he has suffered, he can’t bear to open his heart again.
But the more time they spend together, the more one charming little girl and her fiery aunt sneak into Jake’s heart. Will he be able to cut ties and leave them on their own? Or will his honor—and his heart—require a different answer?
Connie has always been the plain one. The responsible one. The dutiful one. She always stood in her beautiful cousin’s shadow, but now her cousin is dead. Connie is left to pick up the pieces and do right by her little niece, Megan, which means delivering the girl to her father. But nothing is as it seems. Jake denies being the father. Worse, the attraction Connie once felt for the enigmatic rancher still exists, though she has always been invisible to him.
Jake Hooper lost his mother, his father, and then his sweetheart, who left him without so much as a word of explanation. When Connie shows up with a child she claims is his, he knows it can’t be true.
Jake determines to take Connie and Megan to Fort Macleod. They aren’t his responsibility. And after all the loss he has suffered, he can’t bear to open his heart again.
But the more time they spend together, the more one charming little girl and her fiery aunt sneak into Jake’s heart. Will he be able to cut ties and leave them on their own? Or will his honor—and his heart—require a different answer?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
1636 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
209 books359 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
February 6, 2020
Connie and Jake were a sweet couple and their love story was touching. They deserved the happiness they finally got in the end. Lovely story
January 30, 2020
Great story and great lessons in the story!
The characters were all well done––even the baby and the dog!
The dialog seemed natural and the emotions true.
There are some heart-rending bits, but the the over all feeling of the story is loving and full of hope.
No spoilers. You'll want to read this one yourself.
The characters were all well done––even the baby and the dog!
The dialog seemed natural and the emotions true.
There are some heart-rending bits, but the the over all feeling of the story is loving and full of hope.
No spoilers. You'll want to read this one yourself.
June 28, 2020
Long Shot
One of the main characters in this book took a long shot in finding her cousins babies father. It didn’t work out as she planned but God had other plans for life. Big D
One of the main characters in this book took a long shot in finding her cousins babies father. It didn’t work out as she planned but God had other plans for life. Big D
September 8, 2020
Jake's Honor is the first book in Linda Ford's Romancing the West: Cowboys of Coulee Crossing series. In this book we are introduced to the Hooper Family consisting of four brothers and one half-sister residing in Willow Creek, Alberta. The Hoopers and Sewall's lived in Broadstone, Manitoba. After Mrs. Hooper dies, the families move to Willow Creek. In this book, Ms. Ford introduces us to her lead characters Connie Sewall and Jake Hooper. Connie is a confident, brave and smart young woman with a big and giving heart. However, she suffers from a lack of confidence due to her parents disappoint that she was a girl and not a boy; therefore, making her a nuisance. Learning this truth at a young age made Connie feel unloved. It is this emotional wound that becomes Connie's struggle. Jake Hooper is the second son in the Hooper family. He is tall, handsome, strong and is prone to bouts of reckless behavior. He grew up in a loving family. He courted, Connie's cousin, Celia Sewall, who left him for another hurting him and scarring his heart. His struggle is to overcome the pain and learn to trust. What happened to bring Connie and Jake together in Willow Creek? Will they be able to get over their emotional wounds to live a fulfilling life? Will Connie and Jake find a soulmate? To learn answers to these questions, you have to read this book.
Ms. Ford's characters, primary and secondary, are well-crafted. The primary characters, Connie and Jake have multi-layers. We see their vulnerabilities and watch them evolve into better and stronger individuals. Readers also witness how these characters turn to their faith to find answers, to fortify their strength, and to find focus. Ms. Ford's secondary characters play a critical role in helping Connie and Jake along their journey to self-discovery. I adored two characters--little Megan and the dog, Bowser. They added a cute factor to this character-driven plot.
I enjoyed Ms. Ford's talent with using literary devices such as dialog, point of view, and descriptive language to move her story along. The dialog is well-crafted and had a natural flow. Through Connie and Jake's internal dialog readers get a better understanding of their true personalities. Readers see how they evolve, heal their wounds, and find happiness. Using a dual point of views also accomplished this. Lastly, the descriptive language Ms. Ford used contributed to keeping readers attention. The descriptions of the natural beauty surrounding the ranch painted vivid scenes. The descriptions of Bowser's actions in protecting Connie and Megan from the antagonist, Russ Howard makes readers feel they were there as first-hand witnesses. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Howard uses words to create imagery as is seen in this comment Jake makes to Connie, "you are strong as steel, gentle as the dew." The comment alone capture's Connie's strength of character. I enjoyed this clean, sweet Christian romance with dynamic characters and I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
Ms. Ford's characters, primary and secondary, are well-crafted. The primary characters, Connie and Jake have multi-layers. We see their vulnerabilities and watch them evolve into better and stronger individuals. Readers also witness how these characters turn to their faith to find answers, to fortify their strength, and to find focus. Ms. Ford's secondary characters play a critical role in helping Connie and Jake along their journey to self-discovery. I adored two characters--little Megan and the dog, Bowser. They added a cute factor to this character-driven plot.
I enjoyed Ms. Ford's talent with using literary devices such as dialog, point of view, and descriptive language to move her story along. The dialog is well-crafted and had a natural flow. Through Connie and Jake's internal dialog readers get a better understanding of their true personalities. Readers see how they evolve, heal their wounds, and find happiness. Using a dual point of views also accomplished this. Lastly, the descriptive language Ms. Ford used contributed to keeping readers attention. The descriptions of the natural beauty surrounding the ranch painted vivid scenes. The descriptions of Bowser's actions in protecting Connie and Megan from the antagonist, Russ Howard makes readers feel they were there as first-hand witnesses. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Howard uses words to create imagery as is seen in this comment Jake makes to Connie, "you are strong as steel, gentle as the dew." The comment alone capture's Connie's strength of character. I enjoyed this clean, sweet Christian romance with dynamic characters and I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
March 23, 2020
Historical Romance - The story opens with a young woman, Connie, traveling to Coulee Crossing Rance, with a baby. The baby is the daughter of Connie's cousin Chloe, who has passed away, and Connie promised that she would take the baby to her father so he can care for the baby. Arriving at the ranch Connie introduces the baby to Jake, the father. Jake denies he is the baby's father and doesn't want anything to do with her. Connie, who wants the baby, makes plans to go to another place to raise the child, as Connie's family want nothing to do with the baby. Weather delays Connie's departure and while Jake ignores the child, his brothers and sister do not. The story continues with Jake emphatically denying that he is the baby's father but is growing to care for both Connie and the little girl. Connie has always cared for Jake but he had been in a relationship with her cousin and never paid any attention to Connie. As events keep Connie and the baby at the ranch, Jake finds himself falling for Connie and the baby. The story concludes with a mysterious stranger, an answer to who the baby's father may be and a happy ending.
April 20, 2020
Sometimes Love Takes Time, No Matter Who Pushes
Connie brought fulfilled her cousin’s last wish: She traveled across Canada to Jake’s family ranch to bring bring Jake his baby daughter. But Jake denied responsibility and instead fell for Connie. And his whole family was all for it. All but Connie! Yet, his four brothers and sister blamed Jake! What an old fashioned mess with constant shyness and miscommunications. This warm book combines exquisite scenery with excellent characterization, and a few nail-biting dramatic situations. I read it straight through, turning it page-after-page hoping to find the two main characters would finally truly understand each other. I’ll let you read the book to find out. A most enjoyable and highly recommended book!
Connie brought fulfilled her cousin’s last wish: She traveled across Canada to Jake’s family ranch to bring bring Jake his baby daughter. But Jake denied responsibility and instead fell for Connie. And his whole family was all for it. All but Connie! Yet, his four brothers and sister blamed Jake! What an old fashioned mess with constant shyness and miscommunications. This warm book combines exquisite scenery with excellent characterization, and a few nail-biting dramatic situations. I read it straight through, turning it page-after-page hoping to find the two main characters would finally truly understand each other. I’ll let you read the book to find out. A most enjoyable and highly recommended book!
November 14, 2020
Towards the end of the 19th century, Connie is on the way with the little daughter of her deceased cousin to bring her to her father, Jake - only Jake vehemently denies being the father. When the bridge back into town collapses, Connie has no choice but to stay with Jake and his 3 brothers and his sister until they can repair it. Jake doesn't want to care about the little girl, or about Connie, no way, this way lies a lot of hurt.
Predictable? Yes. But - written in such a captivating way, and with likeable and genuine characters, that I found it hard to put this book down until I read the last word. A charming, cute, and just brilliant Christian story about trusting in God and in oneself, and of course, in love.
I have to get the other books in this series.
Predictable? Yes. But - written in such a captivating way, and with likeable and genuine characters, that I found it hard to put this book down until I read the last word. A charming, cute, and just brilliant Christian story about trusting in God and in oneself, and of course, in love.
I have to get the other books in this series.
October 12, 2023
Before Connie’s cousin Celia dies she asks Connie to take care of her 1 year old daughter, Megan. Neither Connie’s nor Celia’s parents will allow Connie to stay with them if she keeps the baby. With birth certificate in hand, Connie leaves and tracks down the father listed on the birth certificate, Jake Hooper.
Connie has always felt second best to Celia. Will Jake finally see Connie for the wonderful woman she is? Will Connie’s dreams of Jake’s love ever come true?
I enjoyed the Hooper family (four brothers and an older half sister who keeps house for them), cute Megan, and humble Connie. It is hard for Connie to overcome her feelings of being unloved and “not as hood as”, but it is a good lesson for all of us to take to heart.
Connie has always felt second best to Celia. Will Jake finally see Connie for the wonderful woman she is? Will Connie’s dreams of Jake’s love ever come true?
I enjoyed the Hooper family (four brothers and an older half sister who keeps house for them), cute Megan, and humble Connie. It is hard for Connie to overcome her feelings of being unloved and “not as hood as”, but it is a good lesson for all of us to take to heart.
March 3, 2020
What do you do when a cousin of a woman you had seen over a year ago shows up at your front door with some news that you aren’t expecting.
Connie, Celia’s cousin, shows up at Jake’s home with a little girl named Megan. She tells Jake that Connie has recently died and she needed to bring him his daughter. He is totally surprised by the news. There is no way Megan is his – so he says. He plans on taking both Connie and Megan to Ft. MacLeod because they are NOT his responsibility. However, things are changing, and his heart is beginning to soften. Will he be able to cut ties with Connie and Megan or will he assume responsibility for all involved.
Another great book by Linda Ford. This is a great series.
Connie, Celia’s cousin, shows up at Jake’s home with a little girl named Megan. She tells Jake that Connie has recently died and she needed to bring him his daughter. He is totally surprised by the news. There is no way Megan is his – so he says. He plans on taking both Connie and Megan to Ft. MacLeod because they are NOT his responsibility. However, things are changing, and his heart is beginning to soften. Will he be able to cut ties with Connie and Megan or will he assume responsibility for all involved.
Another great book by Linda Ford. This is a great series.
February 5, 2020
A well-written western historical.
It is so entertaining to read a well-written western historical and this was one was a pleasure to read. Connie has taken on the responsibility of her cousin Megan and now she is going to Jake Hooper ranch. Connie believes that Jake is Megan’s father. Jake, of course, well have none of that is determined to take her to the fort. They grow closer together till Jake messes up. Loved all the characters in this western it is a clean faith-based gem that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
It is so entertaining to read a well-written western historical and this was one was a pleasure to read. Connie has taken on the responsibility of her cousin Megan and now she is going to Jake Hooper ranch. Connie believes that Jake is Megan’s father. Jake, of course, well have none of that is determined to take her to the fort. They grow closer together till Jake messes up. Loved all the characters in this western it is a clean faith-based gem that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 24, 2020
The Hooper Family Ranch
I really this book. It is a sweet western romance involving the Hooper Family and their houseguest and her infant baby who was the daughter of her deceased cousin. Connie had brought the baby to the home of the man who Celia identified as the father of the child. The man denied any possibility of the charges but his sister and brothers who live in the family home invited Connie and baby Megan to stay with them at the ranch.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Linda Ford.
I really this book. It is a sweet western romance involving the Hooper Family and their houseguest and her infant baby who was the daughter of her deceased cousin. Connie had brought the baby to the home of the man who Celia identified as the father of the child. The man denied any possibility of the charges but his sister and brothers who live in the family home invited Connie and baby Megan to stay with them at the ranch.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Linda Ford.
July 4, 2020
A Baby with His Name
Connie sets out with her niece to find the child's father. Celia, Connie's cousin has died and Jake's name is in the birth certificate. That is a great beginning for a book. The rest of the story is as good. I recommend this book of beautiful scenery, handsome brothers, a feisty sister, an adorable baby and a protective dog. There is adventure, suspense, family, and love (that lasts forever). I received a complimentary copy of this book and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
Connie sets out with her niece to find the child's father. Celia, Connie's cousin has died and Jake's name is in the birth certificate. That is a great beginning for a book. The rest of the story is as good. I recommend this book of beautiful scenery, handsome brothers, a feisty sister, an adorable baby and a protective dog. There is adventure, suspense, family, and love (that lasts forever). I received a complimentary copy of this book and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
June 22, 2021
Wonderful Christian Romance.
Connie,s best friend was her cousin Celia. Connie and Celia were nothing alike. Celia dated and flirted and no one noticed Connie. Celia made mistakes and had a baby out of wedlock, and then became ill and passed away. Connie Promised to raise the baby and her parents gave her an ultimatum, put the baby in an orphanage or leave. She left. The story is about her search for the babies father, but she finds much more. Great story with believable interesting Characters.
Connie,s best friend was her cousin Celia. Connie and Celia were nothing alike. Celia dated and flirted and no one noticed Connie. Celia made mistakes and had a baby out of wedlock, and then became ill and passed away. Connie Promised to raise the baby and her parents gave her an ultimatum, put the baby in an orphanage or leave. She left. The story is about her search for the babies father, but she finds much more. Great story with believable interesting Characters.
June 22, 2020
Good clean romance
This is a good story. An orphan child with only her mother's cousin wanting the baby. She calls her a nice but the relationship would be cousin. The father listed on the birth certificate is a Christian who says he knows he is not the father. What a mixed up mess taking another's child with no income or home to care for her. This novel offers characters you can't help it fall in love with as they sort through past guest and present obstacles.
This is a good story. An orphan child with only her mother's cousin wanting the baby. She calls her a nice but the relationship would be cousin. The father listed on the birth certificate is a Christian who says he knows he is not the father. What a mixed up mess taking another's child with no income or home to care for her. This novel offers characters you can't help it fall in love with as they sort through past guest and present obstacles.
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July 30, 2025It was ok
This is a very good author and I've really enjoyed several of her books. This one was not my favorite. The heroine got on my nerves a bit. She didn't stop to think if she was hurting him or about the baby's future. It was all about how she felt. Which made it hard to sympathize with her. And the baby wasn't her niece. A niece or nephew is your siblings child. A first cousin's child is your 1st cousin once removed. Ending was kinda sweet, if a bit rushed.
This is a very good author and I've really enjoyed several of her books. This one was not my favorite. The heroine got on my nerves a bit. She didn't stop to think if she was hurting him or about the baby's future. It was all about how she felt. Which made it hard to sympathize with her. And the baby wasn't her niece. A niece or nephew is your siblings child. A first cousin's child is your 1st cousin once removed. Ending was kinda sweet, if a bit rushed.
February 3, 2020
Jakes Honor
Really great story. Connie traveled a great distance with Maggie, her cousins daughter. She was determined to find Jake, who was Maggie’s father or so she thought. She stayed with Jake and his three brothers and their sister Audrey. Connie falls in love withJake but more complications before a happy ever after. You will enjoy this one.
Really great story. Connie traveled a great distance with Maggie, her cousins daughter. She was determined to find Jake, who was Maggie’s father or so she thought. She stayed with Jake and his three brothers and their sister Audrey. Connie falls in love withJake but more complications before a happy ever after. You will enjoy this one.
March 29, 2020
Fine reading
This was a so so book. The heroine Connie to me had self esteem problems and the hero Jake was
not a romantic figure at all. That surprising since her last books the hero wasn't like that. The part of the baby was nice,and the faith part was A+. So it was fine reading not her best but you may enjoyed it
This was a so so book. The heroine Connie to me had self esteem problems and the hero Jake was
not a romantic figure at all. That surprising since her last books the hero wasn't like that. The part of the baby was nice,and the faith part was A+. So it was fine reading not her best but you may enjoyed it
May 13, 2020
Not his
Even though the birth certificate says so, the baby isn't his. Why had Celia names Make the father was a puzzle to Make and to Connie, Celia's cousin who has charge of the child. Connie has always been in Celia's shadow, but now Connie has an opportunity to be her own person.
Even though the birth certificate says so, the baby isn't his. Why had Celia names Make the father was a puzzle to Make and to Connie, Celia's cousin who has charge of the child. Connie has always been in Celia's shadow, but now Connie has an opportunity to be her own person.
June 26, 2020
Sweet western romance.
Connie never felt wanted and though she loved her cousin Celia she always felt like her shadow. When Celia left Connie with her baby daughter and a promise to take baby Megan to her father, Connie set out to do just that. A sweet story of heartache and love.
Connie never felt wanted and though she loved her cousin Celia she always felt like her shadow. When Celia left Connie with her baby daughter and a promise to take baby Megan to her father, Connie set out to do just that. A sweet story of heartache and love.
July 19, 2020
Good story of love and acceptance
I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know all the different characters. It is a story of love, self acceptance and forgiveness. This story reminds us that God is always with us, even when we feel alone. I would recommend this book to everyone. I plan to read the rest of the stories in this set.
I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know all the different characters. It is a story of love, self acceptance and forgiveness. This story reminds us that God is always with us, even when we feel alone. I would recommend this book to everyone. I plan to read the rest of the stories in this set.
January 22, 2021
Happy reading
Wow! I cannot wait to read book #2! Linda Ford has captured my heart. This story is about a young lady finding herself. Oh my goodness, if you are a pleasure reader who loves the journey West time period stories you do not want to miss Jake's story. This was my first Linda Ford story but rest assured not my last.
Wow! I cannot wait to read book #2! Linda Ford has captured my heart. This story is about a young lady finding herself. Oh my goodness, if you are a pleasure reader who loves the journey West time period stories you do not want to miss Jake's story. This was my first Linda Ford story but rest assured not my last.
October 4, 2021
Enjoyable
I really like the style of this book. The character's are endearing and relatable. The situation believable. The interactions suitable. I especially like the Scripture aspects. I like how Connie deals with the town prejudice. The ending was good. Made me want to read more like this book.
I really like the style of this book. The character's are endearing and relatable. The situation believable. The interactions suitable. I especially like the Scripture aspects. I like how Connie deals with the town prejudice. The ending was good. Made me want to read more like this book.
March 15, 2023
What a wonderful book! I loved Connie, kind, selfless, strong, sweet…Megan was precious.
Jake was so moody and a little mean at first but as he fell in love with Connie , we saw his kind caring side.
I wasn’t sure about his feeling for Celia til then end but finally he redeemed himself.
Loved his declaration of love, swoon!
The whole family was great, can’t wait to read more.
Jake was so moody and a little mean at first but as he fell in love with Connie , we saw his kind caring side.
I wasn’t sure about his feeling for Celia til then end but finally he redeemed himself.
Loved his declaration of love, swoon!
The whole family was great, can’t wait to read more.
July 13, 2023
Jake's Honor
I truly loved this story about Jake and Connie. It is also a story of a young woman neglected and rejected by her own family. Connie eventually leans on God and finds her own inner strength and independence. Jake learns to trust God, trust love again. You will love the Hooper family.
I truly loved this story about Jake and Connie. It is also a story of a young woman neglected and rejected by her own family. Connie eventually leans on God and finds her own inner strength and independence. Jake learns to trust God, trust love again. You will love the Hooper family.
October 3, 2023
Couples Crossing Ranch
Amazing story line, that I could relate to. God is always there to listen and nudge at the right time, as the case with Jake and Connie.
I gave this rating because of all the feelings I felt while reading this story. Look forward to the rest of the series.
I would recommend this book my friends, Christian and non Christian.
Amazing story line, that I could relate to. God is always there to listen and nudge at the right time, as the case with Jake and Connie.
I gave this rating because of all the feelings I felt while reading this story. Look forward to the rest of the series.
I would recommend this book my friends, Christian and non Christian.
October 8, 2024
Twisted love story
One woman made poor mistakes and it cost her life. One woman loved deep, was faithful in love but broken from mistreatment. One man was just a user who destroyed lives. One man is deeply honorable and loving but has been broken. God works in their lives. Highly recommended for all readers.
One woman made poor mistakes and it cost her life. One woman loved deep, was faithful in love but broken from mistreatment. One man was just a user who destroyed lives. One man is deeply honorable and loving but has been broken. God works in their lives. Highly recommended for all readers.
February 4, 2020
This is a great example of letting God guide your life. Both Jake and Connie prayed for Gods guidance and he brought them together in perfect timing.
I was given and advanced reader copy for my unbiased opinion.
I was given and advanced reader copy for my unbiased opinion.
February 7, 2020
Jake's Honor Cowboys of Coulee Crossing (Financing the West Book 1)
A very good story about love and family and forgiveness of others and marriage and faith in God and trusting in his word
A very good story about love and family and forgiveness of others and marriage and faith in God and trusting in his word
April 6, 2020
Jake and Connie
A cute love story. Connie brings her niece to Jake thinking he is the father but it turns out he is not. She tries to leave to make a life for herself but natural disasters keep happening. -Babs Wenk
A cute love story. Connie brings her niece to Jake thinking he is the father but it turns out he is not. She tries to leave to make a life for herself but natural disasters keep happening. -Babs Wenk
June 29, 2020
Predictable story line
I think I've read this book a few other times, just different names and locations. Not much of a plot and with predictable preromance tension and inner turmoil. But a nice, clean, feel-good quick read.
I think I've read this book a few other times, just different names and locations. Not much of a plot and with predictable preromance tension and inner turmoil. But a nice, clean, feel-good quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews