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Prairie Valley Sisters #1
Her Second Chance Cowboy
A politician's wife that wants to get away from it all, the cowboy that broke her heart years ago, and their second chance to find happiness.
Georgie is devastated when she catches her husband, the Governor, with another woman. So she escapes with her children to her small home town of Prairie Valley and takes a teaching job in hopes of restarting her life.
Sam inherited his family’s ranch years ago, but running the ranch cost him everything, including his high school sweetheart, Georgie. When she returns to town, heartbroken, he soon realizes he still has feelings for her. But, he figures he’s the last guy she would look at after he broke her heart back in high school.
When Sam’s nephew comes to stay with him it’s a blessing and a curse. Looking after a teenager wasn’t in his plans; however, when his nephew enrolls in Georgie’s night class, Sam and Georgie find their paths intertwined and old feelings begin to resurface; good and bad.
Georgie starts to fall for Sam, but she’s afraid of love, especially with someone who’s already hurt her in the past. To make matters worse, her children miss their father, the cheating Governor. This all leaves Sam with a lot of convincing to do if he wants that second chance.
Is Sam the answer to Georgie’s prayers and, if so, will she have to choose between her own happiness and that of her children? Or, will they find a way to all live happily-ever-after in Prairie Valley?
Start at the beginning of this sweet, small town, western romance and fall in love with Prairie Valley.
Georgie is devastated when she catches her husband, the Governor, with another woman. So she escapes with her children to her small home town of Prairie Valley and takes a teaching job in hopes of restarting her life.
Sam inherited his family’s ranch years ago, but running the ranch cost him everything, including his high school sweetheart, Georgie. When she returns to town, heartbroken, he soon realizes he still has feelings for her. But, he figures he’s the last guy she would look at after he broke her heart back in high school.
When Sam’s nephew comes to stay with him it’s a blessing and a curse. Looking after a teenager wasn’t in his plans; however, when his nephew enrolls in Georgie’s night class, Sam and Georgie find their paths intertwined and old feelings begin to resurface; good and bad.
Georgie starts to fall for Sam, but she’s afraid of love, especially with someone who’s already hurt her in the past. To make matters worse, her children miss their father, the cheating Governor. This all leaves Sam with a lot of convincing to do if he wants that second chance.
Is Sam the answer to Georgie’s prayers and, if so, will she have to choose between her own happiness and that of her children? Or, will they find a way to all live happily-ever-after in Prairie Valley?
Start at the beginning of this sweet, small town, western romance and fall in love with Prairie Valley.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2020
673 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Joy
38 books111 followersEllen lives in a small town in New England, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy princess.
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 21, 2023
Too many details are not given or glossed over for me to rate higher than a 3. We never learn why the H married the OW. How long they were married. If the soon to be ex-husband was still dating his mistress. What the H said to the h the night of her wedding. There are just too many important details left out.
2.5 Star's rounded up
2.5 Star's rounded up
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May 19, 2023Also entitled Coming home to the Valley!
She is married to the Governor a serial cheater.She and her two kids catch him kissing his assistant,finally the cherry on top she runs back home to the farm.He blames her for his indiscretion ,Stating the distance between them after the loss of their last child who died at birth as excuse and makes tepid attempts to reach out alternating with legal threats. When he realizes she is getting close to an old love,he freaks angry and jealous.
When wife is caught in photo with her old\ new love...the press skewers her. Realizing finally,all that he owes her and likely what the loss of her in his life means,he actually saves her via a self less act.He calls a press conference, praising her and admitting his betrayal. She stays at the farm with her kids and re unites w old love.(who she had long ago broke up with because he too cheated on her!😂)
Was an ok read.I speed read through much,so offer no rating.
She is married to the Governor a serial cheater.She and her two kids catch him kissing his assistant,finally the cherry on top she runs back home to the farm.He blames her for his indiscretion ,Stating the distance between them after the loss of their last child who died at birth as excuse and makes tepid attempts to reach out alternating with legal threats. When he realizes she is getting close to an old love,he freaks angry and jealous.
When wife is caught in photo with her old\ new love...the press skewers her. Realizing finally,all that he owes her and likely what the loss of her in his life means,he actually saves her via a self less act.He calls a press conference, praising her and admitting his betrayal. She stays at the farm with her kids and re unites w old love.(who she had long ago broke up with because he too cheated on her!😂)
Was an ok read.I speed read through much,so offer no rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
I have questions. Why did her fist love marry the girl he cheated with? Who was the woman her husband had the affair with? I want the dirty details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2021
I absolutely loved it! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really loved this series and hooked from the start to the end! It has lots of dramas in the storyline and it was sooooo good!
I definitely will read another series about Ryan and Rosie..
I really loved this series and hooked from the start to the end! It has lots of dramas in the storyline and it was sooooo good!
I definitely will read another series about Ryan and Rosie..
November 2, 2020
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Joy and I really enjoyed it. What a sweet and inspirational romance, and clean, too. I really appreciate an author that can do a good romance with all the angst and still keep it clean. Ms. Joy is definitely one of those authors. This is a second chance romance. Georgie and Sam were once in love back in high school, but they ended up going their separate ways and marrying other people. Georgie's been betrayed by her husband and decides to move back home to Prairie Valley and try to start her life over. Her and Sam reconnect, but Georgie is afraid of love. She is also in a bit of a dilemma because her kids want her to get back with their dad. This book had me glued and turning the pages anxious to see how things would turn out. Sam and Georgie were such an endearing couple, and I was rooting for them the whole time. I really enjoyed this book and would love to read the next one as well!
I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 5, 2020
I absolutely loved "Her Second Chance Cowboy" by Ellen Joy. This is the first book I've read by this author and I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I tend to be pretty picky about my books. I find myself annoyed at the recycled plot lines that are out there. That being said - I was blown away by this book. It had so many of the elements that I love in the books I'm reading. I love the small-town setting and I'm an even bigger sucker for the high school sweetheart second chance storylines. I thought the writing was fantastic and the dialogue and character development engaging. I just felt good after finishing the book - like I'd just finished a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. I cannot wait for the next book in the series - it will fill my soul during these long winter months. A great addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Happy Reading...enjoy!
October 31, 2020
Georgie and Sam had been high school sweethearts. They each went on to marry different people. Now they have a second chance at happiness.
Sweet, clean romance that keeps you turning the pages. There are high’s and low’s but you can’t help but root for Sam and Georgie. Loved all the minor characters too. Can’t wait to read the next book. I would recommend this book highly.
Sweet, clean romance that keeps you turning the pages. There are high’s and low’s but you can’t help but root for Sam and Georgie. Loved all the minor characters too. Can’t wait to read the next book. I would recommend this book highly.
October 31, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Ellen Joy and I really enjoyed it. I admired Georgie, who only wanted what was best for her family even when she was disillusioned about them.
It was nice to see she could always return home to Prairie Valley, her mom, and her past. It is funny because I did not like Georgie's husband in the beginning but he seemed to redeem himself in my eyes and I actually liked him by the end of the book. This was a really nice book full of family, secrets, surprises, and love. It also felt very realistic and my heart went out to Georgie and what she was going through with her family and Sam, her first love. I enjoyed her mom's fun words of wisdom too.
It was nice to see she could always return home to Prairie Valley, her mom, and her past. It is funny because I did not like Georgie's husband in the beginning but he seemed to redeem himself in my eyes and I actually liked him by the end of the book. This was a really nice book full of family, secrets, surprises, and love. It also felt very realistic and my heart went out to Georgie and what she was going through with her family and Sam, her first love. I enjoyed her mom's fun words of wisdom too.
November 1, 2020
A great inspirational love story where love conquers all. You'll connect with Sam and Georgie right away and root for them the entire book. This was my first cowboy themed romance and I can't wait for the rest of this series!
January 16, 2021
I like my romance novels a little more steamy and less hesitating but the writing is fine and the story is good. A nice short read
February 19, 2021
2.5 stars
Georgie came across as a needy, whiny coward. How she put up with her husband’s cheating is beyond me. Her whining and self pity went on for chapter after chapter.
Georgie came across as a needy, whiny coward. How she put up with her husband’s cheating is beyond me. Her whining and self pity went on for chapter after chapter.
March 21, 2025
This author has no idea what the job role of a Governor or First Lady is, especially one from Minnesota.
First, absolutely zero security detail is assigned to the governor or his immediate family, which would never happen. Second, the governor arrives at MSP airport (his family is waiting for him to deboard the plane with posters welcoming him home). He's not only holding hands with a woman (who is not his wife) and half his age, but he also decides that MSP is a great place to make out with her, and yet no person in MSP notices him or the first family. Upon seeing this, the first lady flees to her family's farm because that's what you do in Minnesota.
The gov decides to go to his wife's farm and drives himself without his security detail even though he's in the middle of a campaign season. He informs the wife that she needs to stay with him for the campaign, and then she can leave. If she chooses not to, he's taking her children away. (Let's face it, he does not want them, amiright?)
Queue her wifely duties to include a 60 Minutes interview, in which not only is the governor dressed in a suit to rival a GQ model, but they style the wife to resemble Serena Joy in The Handmaid's Tale. When you think of Minnesota and trying to appeal to the residents and voters, why would this author think of coiffed and business suits.
Book read: Audio (YouTube) / Paperback (Amazon)
First, absolutely zero security detail is assigned to the governor or his immediate family, which would never happen. Second, the governor arrives at MSP airport (his family is waiting for him to deboard the plane with posters welcoming him home). He's not only holding hands with a woman (who is not his wife) and half his age, but he also decides that MSP is a great place to make out with her, and yet no person in MSP notices him or the first family. Upon seeing this, the first lady flees to her family's farm because that's what you do in Minnesota.
The gov decides to go to his wife's farm and drives himself without his security detail even though he's in the middle of a campaign season. He informs the wife that she needs to stay with him for the campaign, and then she can leave. If she chooses not to, he's taking her children away. (Let's face it, he does not want them, amiright?)
Queue her wifely duties to include a 60 Minutes interview, in which not only is the governor dressed in a suit to rival a GQ model, but they style the wife to resemble Serena Joy in The Handmaid's Tale. When you think of Minnesota and trying to appeal to the residents and voters, why would this author think of coiffed and business suits.
Book read: Audio (YouTube) / Paperback (Amazon)
September 4, 2023
A good story about a woman who finds herself when she wasn't really even looking. Georgie is the wife of the governor who is running for a second term. Her life is not really her own as she has to attend functions and put on a face for the cameras. But she loves her husband and thinks her perfect little family is the best. True her daughter Olivia is becoming one of those teenagers who hates her mother and Gerogie misses the loving daughter she once knew. But still life is good until they go to meet her husband at the airport and find him kissing another woman. Apparently the affair has been going on for about a year. Heartbroken, Georgie takes her children and goes home to Prairie Valley to heal and figure out what do about everything. Of course, that means seeing her first love again.
January 9, 2021
What a surprise. The main and the secondary supporting were all well done. The soon to be ex-husband even became likable (not so much at first). The h was a very conflicted wife, mother, girlfriend, first lady who had lost herself to everyone else's needs and desires. Not until she realized who she was and her wants and needs was she able to put her family back together.
Her first love had never gotten over their love. Even though he pushed her away with the ultimate betrayal, his motives were to release her to realize her future. Their feelings for each other felt genuine and it was a release when 'the truth' was finally known.
Well written, great editing, highly recommended.
Her first love had never gotten over their love. Even though he pushed her away with the ultimate betrayal, his motives were to release her to realize her future. Their feelings for each other felt genuine and it was a release when 'the truth' was finally known.
Well written, great editing, highly recommended.
January 31, 2021
A political wife, her two children and their husband and father, the Governor of Minnesota, are in a tangle. They witness the governor kissing another woman at the airport, and leave for the wife's family farm. While there, the farm begins to heal the all, and the marriage falls further apart. Georgie's old boyfriend, who let her get away so she could follow her dreams, lives on the next ranch over and still loves her. His life becomes more complicated when a nephew he didn't know about appears at his door. This tangle does resolve itself, with some questions left unanswered.
June 18, 2021
Well Written with Interesting Characters
I enjoyed this story well enough. The author took the time to craft her story and characters. The plot was interesting and the characters were pretty relatable. For all the mention of church and prayer, this didn't read like an inspirational romance to me. It was, quite simply, a story of life and the ups and downs in love. If you're looking for a clean romance with relatable characters and an interesting plot, you might enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this story well enough. The author took the time to craft her story and characters. The plot was interesting and the characters were pretty relatable. For all the mention of church and prayer, this didn't read like an inspirational romance to me. It was, quite simply, a story of life and the ups and downs in love. If you're looking for a clean romance with relatable characters and an interesting plot, you might enjoy this book.
July 16, 2021
A great clean fun read.
Sam and Georgie had a past, but that was 20 years and a big heartache ago. But circumstances of Georgie's unfaithful husband brought her back home to recuperate and think. But the battle was only beginning. Her teenage daughter was rebelling , her six year son didn't understand, and Sam from the past was there trying to help her. Everything was crashing down as she battled emotions of a failed marriage all while sacrificing herself to not destroy her husband's political campaign and keep her children safe.
Sam and Georgie had a past, but that was 20 years and a big heartache ago. But circumstances of Georgie's unfaithful husband brought her back home to recuperate and think. But the battle was only beginning. Her teenage daughter was rebelling , her six year son didn't understand, and Sam from the past was there trying to help her. Everything was crashing down as she battled emotions of a failed marriage all while sacrificing herself to not destroy her husband's political campaign and keep her children safe.
November 3, 2020
Her Second Chance Cowboy is a story of returning to the past. Georgie is a strong, determined woman trying to make the best of her situation as she returns home and reunites with an old flame. The tension between her past and present make this story a little intense. There is wavering, family drama, political ramifications, and so much more within this cowboy story. The story is well-written and while the theme was not quite to my taste, Ellen Joy did a great job with this book.
January 11, 2021
Ah, true love
Sometimes life doesn't turn out like we expect it! This story deals with the very real challenges marriages and love face. The characters face teen pregnancy, teen love, infidelity, a still birth, children in a troubled marriage, and the breakdown of a marriage. In the midst of it all this turmoil is hope, love, family, and second chances.A
This story is well written, with a full cast of believable characters. An excellent HEA romance!
Sometimes life doesn't turn out like we expect it! This story deals with the very real challenges marriages and love face. The characters face teen pregnancy, teen love, infidelity, a still birth, children in a troubled marriage, and the breakdown of a marriage. In the midst of it all this turmoil is hope, love, family, and second chances.A
This story is well written, with a full cast of believable characters. An excellent HEA romance!
January 16, 2021
Her Second Chance Cowboy
They had been neighbors since childhood. Sweethearts until the unthinkable happens. Now after finding out that her husband kissing another woman she heads back to the one place she can call home. He is still next door. But she has children who are hurting by the betrayal of their father. Can their own past become the reality that they both lost out on years ago? Or will she go back to her cheating husband?
They had been neighbors since childhood. Sweethearts until the unthinkable happens. Now after finding out that her husband kissing another woman she heads back to the one place she can call home. He is still next door. But she has children who are hurting by the betrayal of their father. Can their own past become the reality that they both lost out on years ago? Or will she go back to her cheating husband?
January 16, 2021
Enjoyable
This is a new author to me. Georgie tried keeping up appearances until it was no longer possible. She returns home to Prairie Valley with her two children and finds peace and contentment, new friends, a second chance with her first love, healing and forgiveness. There were several errors that better proofreading should have caught but, overall I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the way the town came together for one of their own.
This is a new author to me. Georgie tried keeping up appearances until it was no longer possible. She returns home to Prairie Valley with her two children and finds peace and contentment, new friends, a second chance with her first love, healing and forgiveness. There were several errors that better proofreading should have caught but, overall I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the way the town came together for one of their own.
November 8, 2020
An amazing entertaining small town second chance romance. This engaging well written standalone was full of surprises, secrets, family, love and lots of wonderful wisdom from mom. A great clean romance with realistic, interesting, characters with good clean chemistry. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.
November 21, 2020
This is a great read! A fab sweet clean second chance romance that will have you curled up on the sofa hooked to its pages! It’s emotional, has some twists and turns and surprises, is about family and love and just gives you all the right feels. Loved the storyline, loved the characters and can’t wait to read more from this author!
January 16, 2021
I liked this story. I liked the town of Prairie Valley and the people there even more. The story was filled with Georgie's angst after finding her husband, the governor, cheating on her yet again. Her return home with her two children to stay with her family was filled with support from the family, community, and friends.
January 22, 2021
I loved this Second Chance book! This is my first book by Ellen Joy and it won't be my last! I love her writing style. She tells a wonderful clean story about Sam and Georgie's second chance at love. I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to reading “Her Next Door Cowboy: A Sweet Western Romance”, which is Ryan and Rosie’s story.
July 16, 2021
Loved it.
Sure did love this second chance for Sam and Georgie. While I REALLY disliked Nathan I did like how he came clean To protect his family. Do I think he should have been burned at the stake YES. LOL. Sam and Georgie should have always been together now they have to rebuild life because the love never left.
Sure did love this second chance for Sam and Georgie. While I REALLY disliked Nathan I did like how he came clean To protect his family. Do I think he should have been burned at the stake YES. LOL. Sam and Georgie should have always been together now they have to rebuild life because the love never left.
November 4, 2020
Her Second Chance Cowboy from Ellen Joy
Is a wonderful book to read. It is a well-written book with Christian principles. The story is well put together, it is a contemporary story with very recognizable problems. The book has fascinated me from start to finish.
Is a wonderful book to read. It is a well-written book with Christian principles. The story is well put together, it is a contemporary story with very recognizable problems. The book has fascinated me from start to finish.
January 10, 2021
My first book by Ellen Joy was a good experience. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, the descriptions provided by the author and the romance. I just bought the second book and am going to start reading it today.
January 21, 2021
Ok, I'm not from MN but I lived here as a toddler,in the cities, and about an hour from the cities as an adult. I loved how this book was portrayed. I really liked the characters and how they interacted. I think what's described in here must happen more often then not. What a pleasant read.
April 6, 2021
Enjoyed
Georgie and Sam’s story was good. My not giving 5 stars was a personal opinion. The majority of the book was very detailed and long. Then the ending seemed more rushed with fewer details. Yet I am glad to have read this book, your opinion maybe different than mine.
Georgie and Sam’s story was good. My not giving 5 stars was a personal opinion. The majority of the book was very detailed and long. Then the ending seemed more rushed with fewer details. Yet I am glad to have read this book, your opinion maybe different than mine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews