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Romancing the West: Cowboys of Coulee Crossing #5
A Heart's Yearning: Hearts of Willow Creek
From a fan favorite author with more than one million books sold: Four women chase their dreams of love in this western historical series.
Jenny has a secret dream that she’s nurtured since childhood. It’s a simple dream. She longs to have a family of her own. But Jenny has always been told she’s far too pretty to make a good wife. Her beauty attracts the wrong kind of attention and after an evil man tries to force himself on her she flees west.
Orphaned. Unwanted. Finn has always wanted to belong, but after being taken in by a neighboring family, he learned that the only way to protect himself was to keep his mouth shut and work hard. He stays alone in the mountains with only his mule for company.
When Finn’s long-ago sweetheart dies and leaves her only son in Finn’s custody, he realizes his mountain life is no place for a child. He needs a wife. After an accident, he finds himself being forced to marry the beautiful Jenny. He’s been shackled to a family that didn’t want him once before. What if it happens all over again?
Jenny has a secret dream that she’s nurtured since childhood. It’s a simple dream. She longs to have a family of her own. But Jenny has always been told she’s far too pretty to make a good wife. Her beauty attracts the wrong kind of attention and after an evil man tries to force himself on her she flees west.
Orphaned. Unwanted. Finn has always wanted to belong, but after being taken in by a neighboring family, he learned that the only way to protect himself was to keep his mouth shut and work hard. He stays alone in the mountains with only his mule for company.
When Finn’s long-ago sweetheart dies and leaves her only son in Finn’s custody, he realizes his mountain life is no place for a child. He needs a wife. After an accident, he finds himself being forced to marry the beautiful Jenny. He’s been shackled to a family that didn’t want him once before. What if it happens all over again?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
635 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
212 books367 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 76 reviews
February 25, 2022
Nothing really wrong with the story; I just didn't connect with the style. I liked the characters, but I couldn't really feel their emotions the way I like to. It was also a little strange to have both leads dealing with the same issue (defining themselves the way others have defined them in the past) and continually being frustrated with each other for not being able to break through it when they kept falling back into their own wrong ideas. I get that we do this in real life, believe me, I do! But it just made it feel like no progress was being made for the longest time, and they kept giving the same arguments back to each other, so it was kind of repetitive. Also, the point where Jenny's friends go from distrustful of all men and unconventional in a lot of their views to insisting that they have to marry threw me for a loop. Standards of the times--I totally get that; I just didn't expect them all to jump on the bandwagon so hard and fast. (:
One funny thing I noticed--I think I just default to the American West unless it's spelled out that it's different, so when Jenny mentioned her brother going south--to Wyoming--I was totally confused. Until someone mentioned needing to wait for the Mountie to get back to perform a wedding, and then it clicked, "Ohhh, we're in the Canadian West!" XD I don't know why that doesn't automatically show up in my list of settings, but anyway...
Overall, the romance was generally sweet and the characters likeable, even if they were sometimes frustrating. Things didn't go quite the way I was expecting at several points--I think I might have liked it better if Eddie had shown up earlier, but it was still a nice story. There was a lot I didn't really understand about the side characters, but I assume those things will be explained in their own stories. ;) Oh, but Bill was hilarious--probably my favorite character in the whole book! XD
Content--; some noticing, touching, and kissing (not descriptive); mentions of deaths; mentions of a boy treated badly by his foster family; mentions of a woman being touched inappropriately (no details) by a man and accused of inviting men's attention by her beauty
One funny thing I noticed--I think I just default to the American West unless it's spelled out that it's different, so when Jenny mentioned her brother going south--to Wyoming--I was totally confused. Until someone mentioned needing to wait for the Mountie to get back to perform a wedding, and then it clicked, "Ohhh, we're in the Canadian West!" XD I don't know why that doesn't automatically show up in my list of settings, but anyway...
Overall, the romance was generally sweet and the characters likeable, even if they were sometimes frustrating. Things didn't go quite the way I was expecting at several points--I think I might have liked it better if Eddie had shown up earlier, but it was still a nice story. There was a lot I didn't really understand about the side characters, but I assume those things will be explained in their own stories. ;) Oh, but Bill was hilarious--probably my favorite character in the whole book! XD
Content--; some noticing, touching, and kissing (not descriptive); mentions of deaths; mentions of a boy treated badly by his foster family; mentions of a woman being touched inappropriately (no details) by a man and accused of inviting men's attention by her beauty
January 26, 2021
Simplistic writing (lots of repetition, no forward momentum) with the outline of the typical western marriage of convenience. Too religious for me as well. Finished it because there is a character they kept describing throughout the novel who only appears at the very end.
March 15, 2022
A good historical book. Two injured hearts who have been hurt by people who have made them feel that they are worthless. Can they find healing and happiness with one another and share their life with an orphan boy who needs them. I recommend this book.
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February 1, 2025Can a Woman be too Beautiful for love?
Jenny had been told she was too beautiful to be a good faithful woman, men would desire her for other reasons, none of them pure. She decided love and marriage was something she could with out.
Finn was an outcast, orphaned at a young age he was told to work hard and keep his opinions to himself. His heart wounded by the girl he loved he became a mountain man living in a isolated cabin with his mile Bill as his only company he only went to town for supplies a few times a year.
Now the woman who broke Finn's heart had written to ask an incredible thing of him, take her seven year old son and raise him as his own because she was dying and had no one else she trusted. Finn needed to stay in Willow Creek until the not arrived and he needed to find someone who could give the boy a good home.
When Jenny one quarter owner of the town's cafe offers Finn a job building a fence around her garden in trade for meals she has no idea that he is planing to leave the boy with her,after all he was an outcast and couldn't raise a boy in his mountain cabin.
When an accident causes Finn and Jenny to be stranded together overnight, people in the town insist they marry to save Jenny's reputation it seems to answer Finn's need for a family for the boy. Could a loveless marriage create the family an orphan boy needs?
Can a woman be too beautiful to be a faithful wife or a good for nothing outcast a husband and father? Will God create the family an orphan boy needs?
Jenny had been told she was too beautiful to be a good faithful woman, men would desire her for other reasons, none of them pure. She decided love and marriage was something she could with out.
Finn was an outcast, orphaned at a young age he was told to work hard and keep his opinions to himself. His heart wounded by the girl he loved he became a mountain man living in a isolated cabin with his mile Bill as his only company he only went to town for supplies a few times a year.
Now the woman who broke Finn's heart had written to ask an incredible thing of him, take her seven year old son and raise him as his own because she was dying and had no one else she trusted. Finn needed to stay in Willow Creek until the not arrived and he needed to find someone who could give the boy a good home.
When Jenny one quarter owner of the town's cafe offers Finn a job building a fence around her garden in trade for meals she has no idea that he is planing to leave the boy with her,after all he was an outcast and couldn't raise a boy in his mountain cabin.
When an accident causes Finn and Jenny to be stranded together overnight, people in the town insist they marry to save Jenny's reputation it seems to answer Finn's need for a family for the boy. Could a loveless marriage create the family an orphan boy needs?
Can a woman be too beautiful to be a faithful wife or a good for nothing outcast a husband and father? Will God create the family an orphan boy needs?
February 25, 2021
Finn and Jenny's story was a sweet romance. Each came from a life where they were told things about them that made them think they were meant for a life of solitude. Jenny gently teaches Finn he is more than his foster father taught him - to shut up and do the work. Finn let's Jenny know she is of more worth than just a pretty face to attract man. Their unplanned overnight stay together when Jenny falls and hits her head and Finn goes out to find her in the rain storm ended up being a blessing. Everyone said they should marry to protect Jenny's reputation. Eddie is coming - a seven year old boy Finn's girlfriend is leaving him with because she is dying - and together Finn and Jenny decide to get married and give Eddie a good life. Along the way, they of course fall in love with each other and the story ends with a happily ever after ending :)
August 8, 2020
Forgetting the Past
Finn and Jenny had both been hurt by actions and words from the past. They both ran from those hurts and closed their hearts to love and dreams of the future. When Finn receives a letter that changes his life forever and brings back memories he had buried, Jenny helps him realize his worth. An accidental opportunity means they will have a chance together to change the future. Values and morals of the late 1800's are so very different from modern times, and reputations were much more protected. This book brings back the Hooper characters from Coulee Crossing to help these two people know how much God loves them and has plans for their future.
Finn and Jenny had both been hurt by actions and words from the past. They both ran from those hurts and closed their hearts to love and dreams of the future. When Finn receives a letter that changes his life forever and brings back memories he had buried, Jenny helps him realize his worth. An accidental opportunity means they will have a chance together to change the future. Values and morals of the late 1800's are so very different from modern times, and reputations were much more protected. This book brings back the Hooper characters from Coulee Crossing to help these two people know how much God loves them and has plans for their future.
September 4, 2020
Little did Finn know that when he met Jenny, his whole life would change. Finn had been orphaned as a small child and had been fostered by a family who only wanted him for the work he could do. He had heard cruel things after his parents died and those things were instilled in him. How could he get past his past?
Jenny had been treated very badly by her former boyfriend and his father. She left her loving family and moved west and went into business with three other women. How could she move past her past of being talked about in ugly ways?
It’s a God thing! God makes a difference and can open a closed heart and mend the broken past.
Jenny had been treated very badly by her former boyfriend and his father. She left her loving family and moved west and went into business with three other women. How could she move past her past of being talked about in ugly ways?
It’s a God thing! God makes a difference and can open a closed heart and mend the broken past.
May 25, 2021
A heart warming Christian romance about two people who have been hurt very much, and have to learn to trust again - in Christ and in themselves.
One a man orphaned as a child, and growing up with a family who only taught him to work hard, the other, a beautiful woman who needs to prove that she is more than just her face. Oh and not to forget Bill the Mule.
A very well written story, heartwarming and with very lovable protagonists. It's the first in this series I have read, and as I found, can be quite nicely read as a standalone. I will definitely get the previous ones and anything coming after.
One a man orphaned as a child, and growing up with a family who only taught him to work hard, the other, a beautiful woman who needs to prove that she is more than just her face. Oh and not to forget Bill the Mule.
A very well written story, heartwarming and with very lovable protagonists. It's the first in this series I have read, and as I found, can be quite nicely read as a standalone. I will definitely get the previous ones and anything coming after.
February 6, 2021
A Lovely Story of Overcoming
I enjoy reading Linda Ford's historical romance novels. The way she weaves the faith element into the lives of the characters makes her stories more believable and her characters more relatable.
In this book, the characters had some serious hurts and abuses which colored their view of everything and everyone. I enjoyed reading of their growth and progress, as well as seeing how they chose to continue living with hope rather than drowning in despair.
If you enjoy inspirational, historical romance, you'll probably enjoy this story.
I enjoy reading Linda Ford's historical romance novels. The way she weaves the faith element into the lives of the characters makes her stories more believable and her characters more relatable.
In this book, the characters had some serious hurts and abuses which colored their view of everything and everyone. I enjoyed reading of their growth and progress, as well as seeing how they chose to continue living with hope rather than drowning in despair.
If you enjoy inspirational, historical romance, you'll probably enjoy this story.
April 15, 2021
Dreams Come True
Finn and Jenny are living their past which keep a them from a productive life. Through words from friends, God's Word, and themselves, they are able to look ahead and forget to dwell on their past. come along on this adventure and learn some ways to overcome and circumstances. Many times we fail to let go of hurts and words of other people and allow that to become a cancer, eating away at further happiness. This book was a good read. I received a complimentary copy and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
Finn and Jenny are living their past which keep a them from a productive life. Through words from friends, God's Word, and themselves, they are able to look ahead and forget to dwell on their past. come along on this adventure and learn some ways to overcome and circumstances. Many times we fail to let go of hurts and words of other people and allow that to become a cancer, eating away at further happiness. This book was a good read. I received a complimentary copy and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
June 29, 2021
Jenny and Finn 💞
Sweet story. I loved the way Jenny was with Finn. So patient and encouraging. Although, I don’t think I would have had her patience. He definitely was a broken man due to his adopted father’s treatment of him, but I don’t understand what took Finn so long to realize it was in the past. I do wish there would have been more romance other than the very end.
My favorite character was definitely Bill! He was awesome! My least favorite was definitely Delcie….and her story is next…..
It was nice to have some of the Hoopers in the story at a few intervals.
Sweet story. I loved the way Jenny was with Finn. So patient and encouraging. Although, I don’t think I would have had her patience. He definitely was a broken man due to his adopted father’s treatment of him, but I don’t understand what took Finn so long to realize it was in the past. I do wish there would have been more romance other than the very end.
My favorite character was definitely Bill! He was awesome! My least favorite was definitely Delcie….and her story is next…..
It was nice to have some of the Hoopers in the story at a few intervals.
February 5, 2021
Love is always everything
This was a very touching and sad beginning but with a little faith and hope it turned into a precious story about how we never have any idea of how much God does does for His children who have been hurt by the tongue of others can destroy happiness but here it was a dream full filled beyond belief so what might be seen as a problem blossoms into a great family.
This was a very touching and sad beginning but with a little faith and hope it turned into a precious story about how we never have any idea of how much God does does for His children who have been hurt by the tongue of others can destroy happiness but here it was a dream full filled beyond belief so what might be seen as a problem blossoms into a great family.
February 9, 2021
A Sweet Story
You can always count on Linda Ford to write a good story and this was no exception. Two people with troubled pasts meet and begin to form a bond. In addition to the two main characters I loved all the other
characters, the women who worked in the cafe,
the children, the blacksmith, and of course Bill, who had his own special way of expressing himself. This
is a story to be read and enjoyed.
You can always count on Linda Ford to write a good story and this was no exception. Two people with troubled pasts meet and begin to form a bond. In addition to the two main characters I loved all the other
characters, the women who worked in the cafe,
the children, the blacksmith, and of course Bill, who had his own special way of expressing himself. This
is a story to be read and enjoyed.
February 17, 2021
This is a western novel of Finn and Jenny in the 1800's. It captures the essences of human nature in the 1800's and is a reminder that many of the same social prejudices remain today---200 years later. It is not a complex story, but it is a picture of the struggles of the people who settled our west. It is also one of strength of character, survival, faith, and support of community. An easy read but one that I found relaxing and uplifting.
March 5, 2021
Believe God's word instead of man's
This was a very compelling book. I enjoyed reading it. I liked the lesson the author dealt with which is to forget the past and move forward into the future. Many of us have been wounded by words as children and believed the lies our parents or other adults told us. We must face those lies and replace them with the truth. We are valuable and worth more than gold in God's eye. You can become what God meant you to be.
This was a very compelling book. I enjoyed reading it. I liked the lesson the author dealt with which is to forget the past and move forward into the future. Many of us have been wounded by words as children and believed the lies our parents or other adults told us. We must face those lies and replace them with the truth. We are valuable and worth more than gold in God's eye. You can become what God meant you to be.
March 14, 2021
Overtly Christian story. There's quite a bit of praying and Bible quoting—just a bunch of Christians living life. :)
Each had closed their hearts because of past hurts. They each attempt to teach the other that their value isn't in their perceived shortcomings, but in who they are in Christ. While at the same time hanging on to their own hurts... OK, it finally sinks in.
There's more to the story.
Definitely worth the read.
Each had closed their hearts because of past hurts. They each attempt to teach the other that their value isn't in their perceived shortcomings, but in who they are in Christ. While at the same time hanging on to their own hurts... OK, it finally sinks in.
There's more to the story.
Definitely worth the read.
October 13, 2021
Jenny longs for a family and a home of her on. Finn is a loner who lives in the mountains but has stayed in town waiting for a small boy who will be needing a home. Raised as an orphan himself, Finn knows he must take the boy to raise but needs a wife to help him. When Finn goes out to find what happened to Jenny, they are told they need to immediately marry as Jenny’s reputation is at risk. This makes for a sweet story as the couple want to do the right think for their sakes as well as the welfare of the soon to be orphan boy. It has a feel good ending and is well worth reading.
March 13, 2022
Better than a 3, but not really a 4, so 3.5.
Sweet story about two adults who have been hurt by cruel words and treatment who find themselves thrown together.
Finn was orphaned and abused by the family who took him in. Jenny was raised by good parents but abused by a suitor and his father.
They meet when Jenny and three friends, all with reasons to move west and relocate, open a restaurant in a small town. Bill, Finn’s mule, is a fun character in the story.
Sweet story about two adults who have been hurt by cruel words and treatment who find themselves thrown together.
Finn was orphaned and abused by the family who took him in. Jenny was raised by good parents but abused by a suitor and his father.
They meet when Jenny and three friends, all with reasons to move west and relocate, open a restaurant in a small town. Bill, Finn’s mule, is a fun character in the story.
February 3, 2021
Healing of hearts.
I loved the way the author showed how two people can come together with issues and find true healing. Also knowing God's word is helpful in all situations.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a positive ending. Not always the way we see it happening. But the way God see it happening.
I loved the way the author showed how two people can come together with issues and find true healing. Also knowing God's word is helpful in all situations.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a positive ending. Not always the way we see it happening. But the way God see it happening.
February 5, 2021
Life Lessons Are Like Lessons
Linda Ford has captured the essence of this story through the characters she created. Human nature hasn't changed over the years; people are people - good, bad or indifferent. Judgment laid on another has lasting effects as seen through Willow Creek's residents. Looking forward to reading more of Linda's books!
Linda Ford has captured the essence of this story through the characters she created. Human nature hasn't changed over the years; people are people - good, bad or indifferent. Judgment laid on another has lasting effects as seen through Willow Creek's residents. Looking forward to reading more of Linda's books!
February 12, 2021
Settling the wild west
A charming story of life in the western reaches of civilization. The narrative grabs your attention at The beginning and holds it until the end. It is filled with entrepreneurship, bravery, romance, travel, and soul-searching as the principals come to terms with past wrongs and hurts.
A charming story of life in the western reaches of civilization. The narrative grabs your attention at The beginning and holds it until the end. It is filled with entrepreneurship, bravery, romance, travel, and soul-searching as the principals come to terms with past wrongs and hurts.
February 17, 2021
Good Western Romance book
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked that it had a happy ending and that there wasn't a lot of bible passages, since not everyone is Catholic, but who still liked to read wholesome romance books. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads romance books like these.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked that it had a happy ending and that there wasn't a lot of bible passages, since not everyone is Catholic, but who still liked to read wholesome romance books. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads romance books like these.
March 26, 2021
Great clean Christian romance
Other than never reading about Finn's future plans regarding his career, I loved the story. I know orphans had a horrible time & were treated worse than slaves, butI was still astonished & saddened by Finn's story. I love the happy ending! You will love this one too!
Other than never reading about Finn's future plans regarding his career, I loved the story. I know orphans had a horrible time & were treated worse than slaves, butI was still astonished & saddened by Finn's story. I love the happy ending! You will love this one too!
November 6, 2024
Words can break hearts
Unkind words spoken can be as harmful as hitting someone. Bullies don't realize their actions and words are harmful to others who trust. The actions and words spoken to a young child, who is dealing with uncertainty isn't fair. Or a young person trying to find out about life.
Unkind words spoken can be as harmful as hitting someone. Bullies don't realize their actions and words are harmful to others who trust. The actions and words spoken to a young child, who is dealing with uncertainty isn't fair. Or a young person trying to find out about life.
February 2, 2021
I f you're looking for an interesting Christian romance, this is for you!
I wasn't sure this book would be anything special, but it was. It had a different plot and was relaxing to read.
I wasn't sure this book would be anything special, but it was. It had a different plot and was relaxing to read.
February 4, 2021
Touching
Interesting. A good look at people and how past experiences shape them. An unusual twist in the story. Clean and God honoring story. I realiked the fact that the characters had depthslly .
Interesting. A good look at people and how past experiences shape them. An unusual twist in the story. Clean and God honoring story. I realiked the fact that the characters had depthslly .
February 6, 2021
Learning about Love
Jenny learned that she was more than a pretty face. But the part that stole my heart was Finn. Having spent most of his life as not worthy of love, Jenny gradually showed he was loved. Highly recommend reading this heart felt story.
Jenny learned that she was more than a pretty face. But the part that stole my heart was Finn. Having spent most of his life as not worthy of love, Jenny gradually showed he was loved. Highly recommend reading this heart felt story.
February 9, 2021
Heartwarming story
Finn and Jenny both have things in their past that haunts them and makes them shy away from others. Can circumstances and God bring them together for a better future
Finn and Jenny both have things in their past that haunts them and makes them shy away from others. Can circumstances and God bring them together for a better future
February 10, 2021
This was a great story, very hard to put down.
This was a very good story, very well written. I was so glad how it turned out for everyone. This author is very good at what she does.
This was a very good story, very well written. I was so glad how it turned out for everyone. This author is very good at what she does.
February 18, 2021
Christian historical novel
I loved this book, the characters and the history. The book throughout honored God and no sexual content. I recommend the author and the book. Thank you so much for this clean and God honored book
I loved this book, the characters and the history. The book throughout honored God and no sexual content. I recommend the author and the book. Thank you so much for this clean and God honored book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews