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Sweet & Clean Western Romance

The last thing he wants is to take the boss’s pampered daughter on a cattle drive. The last thing she wants is to fall in love with a cowboy. Oops!

Ida Turner was supposed to pass along her father’s directions to the trail boss. Instead, she packs her wagon with silk dresses and joins the cattle drive up the Chisholm Trail from Windward, Texas, to the railhead in Kansas. Contrary to what she thought would be a grand adventure, the trail is fraught with dangers, threatening her life.

Robert Conley only learned about the change of plans for the cattle drive two days before they were to leave. Now, half his crew is new, he’ll be on the trail for months instead of weeks, and the beautiful, infuriating woman who is an albatross around his neck doesn’t know she’s riding with an outlaw—and he has to keep it that way.

How can Ida overcome Robert’s secretiveness and earn his respect and trust? Will Robert risk opening his heart and his past to gain Ida’s love?

155 pages, ebook

First published July 27, 2020

409 people are currently reading
263 people want to read

About the author

Jo Noelle

47 books333 followers
This mother/daughter writing team writes “Sweet, Swoony Ever-Afters.”

Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart

Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author

Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.

They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.

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5 stars
307 (57%)
4 stars
138 (25%)
3 stars
66 (12%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney Lyman.
Author 24 books868 followers
March 18, 2022
This was a sweet western. My theology differs from the authors' in some places. The need for a chaperone seemed more important at the beginning than at the end which seemed a little strange. Seems like it would have created a scandal coming back to town after a 4 week long trail ride with no other women in the party. However the character arcs were good and the romance was sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
August 1, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

‘Cross Her Heart‘ starts the ‘Cowboys & Angels Beginnings‘ series with a charming romance with just a touch of an angel’s presence, a cowboy with a past haunting his future, and a slightly spoiled young woman maturing and coming into her own strengths on this unexpected cattle drive. If you loved the ‘Cowboys & Angels‘ multi-author series then you’ll feel right at home here since this series is a bit of a prequel in the sense that these events take place before there was a newborn town to establish, and at least in this first story we’ll run into a few (younger) faces that are quite familiar from the original series. I’m not certain how long this series will run (at this point) but I enjoyed seeing two familiar people on their way to Creede, Colorado – and I’m hoping to run into more over the length of this series.

Ida has lived the life of a pampered daughter of a cattle rancher most of her life. She doesn’t really remember the days when her father personally ran the cattle to market, or when her mother actually wore pants to ride her horse as she helped work the herd on their small ranch. So when her father suddenly becomes ill in Dallas, and her mother hands over the reins of the ranch to Ida while she goes to care for her husband Ida is left with a decision to make. Hand over complete control to the trail boss and stay safe at home, or load up her wagon and go with the cattle to ensure that they make it safely to market. The choice she will make will change her life in so many ways.

I liked Robert and Ida individually and together as a couple. Robert is holding on to an event in his past that he feels defines him… it doesn’t, really. But to his mind, the pretty daughter of his boss is far above him and the attraction he feels will go nowhere. That was before the cattle drive. Now he’s seeing Ida slowly mature a bit more each day, acknowledges her strengths and common sense as well. She’s become a definite asset on the trail and his feeling for her deepen. Somehow they have to get these cows to the railroad cattle cars and they’ll have to fight desperate men, weather, illness, and thieves before that happens. Yet every day the men respect Ida more, and every day Robert falls a bit more in love and begins to hope she returns the feelings.

I adored Gabe, our helpful angel. Gabe might have been in the background of this story, but when he was needed he stepped up and got the message or the help right where either was needed. I liked him and would have enjoyed more scenes with this cowpoke angel.

I enjoyed myself in this world once again, and I’ll definitely be following the ‘Cowboys & Angels Beginnings‘ series for as long as it goes.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,332 reviews17 followers
January 6, 2022
A nice and quite amusing romance, set in the Wild West. When her father gets ill, her mother gives Ida the task to look after the scheduled cattle drive before she heads out to join her ill husband. Ida was supposed to pass on directions to their trail boss, Robert Conley. Instead, and much to the latter's annoyance, she decides to join the trail on a wagon packed with essentials (silk dresses etc. ).
Both Ida and Robert learn a lot about themselves, and each other during that month-long trail.
I love the way the reader can see Ida growing up mentally, how her attitude changes, and how Robert learns to trust and let go. And I wouldn't mind to have a Gabe in my life to give advice and support me when life gets hard.
This is a very well written story, a Christian Romance where the author managed not to hit the reader over the head with religion, but subtly gets the message across. There is a lot of humour - as you would expect from a pampered young lady and a bunch of cowboys being thrown together on a difficult, dangerous and long trek. The characters were very likeable, and realistic.
What I was missing was some sort of information on whether Ida's parents were at any stage informed about their daughter being on the trail? The author did mention telegrams etc. earlier in the book. Also, I would have loved to have a chapter of them actually returning to the ranch and discussing what happened with Ida's parents. And wherever did Gabe go?
I just need to keep reading more books in this series, now, don't I? And that's what I will do. I loved this book, and want to read more!
154 reviews
October 16, 2021
You can't judge a book by its cover....

Ida is a young woman and only child of a wealthy rancher. She has always had beautiful silk dresses and all the accessories a young lady of her time would want. But is the shallow easy life all her heart desires?
Robert grew up in Florida, but had been the trail boss many times, always satisfying the ranchers with selling high and losing very few steers e route to rail heads.

The night before Robert was to head out with thousands Ida's family cattle, tragic developments needed the presence of both her parents. All they said for instructions was that they trusted her, and that Robert had already proved to be a competent Trail Boss. Frightfully naive about what her role should be, she has a covered wagon with trunks of fine dresses hitched and ready before early morning, when drivers came to gather the heard.
Much to the dismay of all the tough men, she refuses to stay home (besides being rancher in charge, this may be her only way to experience the world that lies off her ranch and outside the tiny town.
Facing disasters such as tornadoes, stampedes, outlaws and rustlers, can this tiny woman have any chance of completing the journey? Or will she cause death to the protective drovers, to unattended cows, and to herself?
Pair those issues with the dangers of a cattle drive, even if the Boss and drovers were well seasoned... The smallest added problem could bring their world crashing down; and cause her family to lose everything they worked so hard to build
190 reviews
April 15, 2022
I absolutely adore the entire book. I loved the story about Ida and Robert. Robert is a cowboy and as he was walking towards the store he wanted to have a family of his own. Then, he was captivated by a stubborn woman reaching a box of ribbons and caught her before stumbling more. Ida was a spoiled daughter of a cattle owner and she did not think of anything but ordering fancy dresses for the dance. Until he met the handsome cowboy that saved her from falling, she knew that cowboys tend to have dirt on their boots which she did not liked about. However, seems like fate has a way to change its course by meeting each other again as Ida's mother will attend her husband's ailing condition. Headed by a cattle trail boss and a stubborn woman they started to explore their feelings as they travel together to sell the cattle. Unexpected circumstances, a kiss, and realizations of things will soon ignite the emotions they feel towards each other. I love how it was such a heartwarming romance, a character development and reconciliation of the past with the help of an angel. Reading the story made me smile and the epilogue was lovely way for Ida and Robert's HEA ending.
1,280 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2020
Falling in love was never so easy!
When Robert dashes across the aisle to catch the beautiful young woman trying to retrieve a box of ribbon from a high shelf, he never imagines they would meet again.
When the spoiled daughter of a cattle baron is left to run the cattle ranch when her father is taken ill and his wife goes to Dallas to take care of him, Ida decides she will go on the cattle drive. However, after her mother leaves, the foreman arrives at the house to see what has happened and to see what plans have been made. He is quite taken aback when he realizes just who the beautiful young woman is. Ida finally makes Robert believe that she is going on the cattle drive to prove to her parents that she can do something other than shop and have tea.
With rivers to cross and cattle rustlers to thwart, Ida and Robert, Callum and Millie and their crew had out to take the cattle to Dallas to the rail station. Problems ahead!
Really good book by a really good author. Quick read that grabs you from the first page.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,355 reviews25 followers
July 25, 2020
This was a cute first book in a new series by Jo Noelle. I liked that this series is connected to another one of their series but that the book can stand alone. I really liked how Ida learned that she could do more than she thought she could. I loved seeing her character growth while she was on the cattle drive. I also liked how Robert learned to allow God to cleanse him of his past mistakes and that he needed to give his burdens to God. I loved the romance between Ida and Robert and I loved seeing how both of them grew in ways that surprised them. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Melody Tregear.
300 reviews
September 29, 2023
Sweet story

This was a sweet, clean story. Not much description of the trail though. Besides the dust and occasional storm. Most of the interaction is between the MC's. Unfortunately there is some rather skewed theology sprinkled throughout. 1. Angels can't read your mind. That's unbiblical. Only God knows our thoughts. 2. Robert doesn't actually repent but is cleansed because an angel pours water over him? 3. Later, when he does finally pray, he doesn't ask God to 'forgive his sins'. No. He asks that his 'faults be covered'. Faults are not necessarily sins. At the end of the drive we never hear about the angel again anyway. Ending is sweet. Overall it is ok. Not a long story but took me longer than usual to read.
1,382 reviews10 followers
July 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading the book!
It's a heartwarming, moving
& intriguing romance.
Robert & Ida, had a chance meeting
at the mercantile. Both fascinated
by each other.
Robert, is a cattle trail boss. He works
for Mr. Turner. His job is the get 2000
cattle to Kansas. As Robert get ready
for the month long trek, he has someone
new joining in place of Mr. Turner.
Ida, is a rancher's daughter, used to the finer things in life. It's a month long trip, with many unknown possibilities along the way, Robert doesn't feel she'll make.
But doesn't know the determined, Ida.
I loved everything about it.
A Must Read Story!!
865 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2020
I really love western stories and this one is fantastic! Robert and Ida meet when he breaks her fall in the mercantile. With her father’s illness, Ida is in charge of giving the instructions to the trail boss (Robert) for the cattle drive. Instead, she packs her trunks with her silk gowns and prepares her wagon for the trip. A long cattle drive through all kinds of weather, dealing with rustlers, sickness and the loss of crew. A sweet story with some humor and some tense moments. A wonderful, enjoyable read!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
2,383 reviews13 followers
August 1, 2020
Cross Her Heart

Great story. Really surprising are people that you perceive as different than what they really are. Robert Conley was hired to drive a herd of cattle to Dallas, but changed to Witcha Kansas. Mr. Turner, owner, fell sick and could no longer go on the drive. His daughter, Ida, was determined to take her father’s place. She felt responsible for the family and the ranch, making sure they would have the money to keep their ranch. With no experience, Robert tried to convince her not to go, but she did. It was a great adventure, you will enjoy the journey.
599 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2021
Terrific clean romance!

I have one question..where did Gabe go? I thought there would be a goodby as there was a hello. Other than that I loved the book. I like romances, I like westerns, & I like angels. This story has them all! I think one more "incident" would have been good, but I loved the 2 that are in it. I also would have liked it acknowledged that Robert wasn't being hunted as a criminal. Other than that i think the author's dynamic duo of mother & daughter did an excellent job of writing a western romance.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,019 reviews9 followers
July 6, 2023
Ida Turner is a cattlemans daughter and has never really had to take any responsibilities. When her father takes ill in another state her mother must leave Ida in charge of making sure the cattle get to Kansas. She met a man in town she never thought to see again until he shows up at her door. As it turns out Robert Conley was a long time trailboss for her father and was heading up the cattle run. Robert and Ida make a great pair they doubt each other but quickly learn that they didn't really know each other. This is such a sweet romance and great start to the Cowboys and Angels book series.
2,086 reviews19 followers
April 9, 2025
Amazing

What a tale. It's like you live the whole trip out with them. Man, did they have a rough job! I loved the changes in Ida and how she became a real gem to everyone. It was a real adventure. Not a nook you just sit down and read in one go. It takes time. I needed to take a break from it at times, then come back to it. As always, love the angel. A good ending. Like to follow Millie and Callum too from here. It's like you don't want to lose the connection you made with the characters. A good read.
1,277 reviews12 followers
July 26, 2020
Another great read from Jo Noelle! The beginning of the Cowboys and Angels series. The characters of Ida and Robert were sweet. Ida was a pampered girl who learned she could do hard things. Robert felt like he was on the run and would never have the chance to settle down and have a family. The long cattle drive.to Kansas was full of excitement, faith building experiences and sweet tender mercy’s. I highly recommend this Christian cowboy romance.
4,572 reviews31 followers
July 28, 2020
I really enjoyed meeting up with Callum and Millie again, a new angel, a determined young lady (Ida) and an honorable cowboy (Robert). As expected, Jo Noelle delivered an interesting story, characters with grit, humor, romance and a few twists. This made me want to find time to reread the Cowboys and Angels series. I would have liked to have been there when Ida and Robert returned to Windward.
994 reviews
August 2, 2020
An incredibly good prequel to the Cowboy and angels’ series featuring Callum and Millie, very young. This romance is about Robert and Ida venturing a cattle trail ride together, it being Ida's first trail ride and her being a pampered rich girl, Robert doesn't put much faith in her, but she surprises him.
I really enjoyed this story; the characters are well-developed, and the continuity is great throughout. I would highly recommend it.
2,543 reviews46 followers
March 20, 2021
I started reading this series out of order but it doesn't matter. They stand alone. I think the idea for the series is fun. I enjoy having an angel to push things along as needed. There are Christian themes which seems obvious since the story has an angel. There are some brief moments with preaching but it isn't preachy. Just part of the story. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some shootings
Profile Image for Tressia Avellar.
269 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2021
There also goes the heart.

I love the way this book portrayed the character of Ida in the beginning and showed how she grew into the strong woman she really was on the inside. It gives us all courage to step out and become who we are meant to be with Gods grace. I also loved how God spoke to Robert (without giving spoilers away) I have never seen this used in a book before! Very clever and "well done"!!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,700 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2021
Ida is a rich ranchers daughter who believes she is special. Too good for a cowboy. Robert is a cowboy. He has been hired to drive her father’s cattle to market. When her father has a heart attack and her mother goes to take care of him, Ida decides to go on the trip to make sure her father’s interests are looked after. The trail drive is no place for a fancy women. It’s a long trip and Ida learns a lot about herself in that time. It’s a wonderful book and a pleasure to read.
1,187 reviews
July 27, 2020
Spoiled much?

Every novel brings joy and each has a favorite character. Mine is Gabe! But Robert steals more than one heart. It's is a spoiled rich girl who soon learns many lessons. It's had been coddled and only her parents are to blame, but when tragedy strikes, it's her bravery that comes full circle.
749 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2020
A way to change

The cattle drive that changes everything and everyone. She wants to prove herself and sets out to do it. He doesn't see her as a help. Many challenges along the trail and her family's wealth at stake. This funny and wonderful story is a great beginning to this new series. Cant wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
July 30, 2020
Fantastic characters that I fell in love with immediately. This story was so wonderful, I loved the cattle drive. Ida and Robert’s fun and witty banter kept me laughing. The author did a fantastic job at showing the main characters maturing with the progression of the story. I hated that this story had to end, I could have gladly kept on reading! Excellent!
480 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2020
This is a cute story even if the author has an angel as a cattle drover. Trail Foreman Robert Conley had no idea the cattleman’s daughter would insist she accompany him on a dive to take her father’s cattle north to Kansas. No only did daughter(Ida) convince Robert she had what it took to make the drive, she also captured his heart.
Profile Image for Debra Lally.
73 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2022
A Good Story

This is the story of Ida and Robert. When Ida's father has a heart attack, Ida goes on the cattle drive to help get the cattle to market and get the best price for them. Since, Ida had never done as work of any type, the cattle drive becomes very interesting! I recommend this book.
340 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2023
the lady takes point

Wonderful story with passionate characters. A cattle drive to save the heroines family ranch. All the excitement along the trail keeps you turning page after page with of course a HEA. a well written story that makes you look ahead for this author’s next book. Very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,916 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2020
Loved It Great Series


I really enjoyed this first book in Cowboys and Angels Beginnings. It was great to meet a young Millie and Callum before Bachelor and I loved Ida and Robert's story. A captivating read that left me with a smile. 
28 reviews
July 28, 2020
This was such a cute and fun book. I loved how spunky Ida is and how she takes control of things. This is a wonderful book and this series keeps getting better and better.

Robert and Ida are such cute characters! Thank you for telling us their story.
66 reviews
July 29, 2020
Amazing read

I really loved this story. The characters were well developed and with the perfect blend of independence and fun! Enjoyed the insight into some favorite characters as well. This is a new favorite!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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