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Wishing Well Springs #2

How to Marry a Cowboy

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Coming home means…Confronting her former crushTrick rider Kenna Hewitt can’t avoid the company of Channing Pearce—not when the handsome cowboy needs Kenna’s help saving his family’s rodeo arena. Working together, and being in a wedding together, soon has old feelings resurfacing. But as a gal who does stunts for a living, trusting in a possible future with the cowboy of her dreams is still the most dangerous task she’s ever faced…New York Times Bestselling AuthorFrom Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.Wishing Well Springs

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Cathy McDavid

173 books491 followers
New York Times bestselling author Cathy McDavid has written over 55 titles, many for Harlequin. She spends her days penning stories about handsome cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give them a run for their money.

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5 stars
12 (35%)
4 stars
15 (44%)
3 stars
3 (8%)
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2 (5%)
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2 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,490 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2021
This is a Cowboy Clean Romance. The two main characters is Kenna and Channing, but I did not even know they where the main characters for the first few chapters. There was way to much going on that takes away from the two main characters and their romance. I really hate that this book was more about Kenna's Mother wedding. I also do not think any of the characters where fully developed because there was a to much going on as a side story in this book that took away from everything. The storyline was not focus. I did like the last 25% of the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Heartwarming) or author (Cathy McDavid) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
Profile Image for Becky Burciaga.
1,532 reviews18 followers
February 16, 2021
Cathy McDavid’s How to Marry a Cowboy is an emotional roller coaster ride rife with the mine fields of family dynamics and second chance love...along the way to a HEA the characters find truths that clear up the past and open up the future. All in all an enjoyable and entertaining story.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
April 1, 2021
Kenna Hewitt is a well-known trick-rider. She and her partner and friend Melissa own the trick-riding entertainment group Hoof Fest. Kenna is back in Payson, Arizona for a few weeks to help with the wedding prep for her mother's marriage to a much, much younger man. She has her doubts about this marriage as it is her mother's fourth. The nineteen year age difference is a major concern also. Aside from that Kenna is happy to spend time with her high school sweetheart Channing Pierce. The more time Kenna spends with Channing the more she realizes she never stopped caring for him. But she travels most of the year with Hoof Fest and Channing is tied to Payson due to his family business. Long distance relationships are difficult. Could she and Channing have a good chance to make their relationship work?

Channing Pierce is managing the family rodeo arena with his father until his father's retirement in a few months. He is in the process of taking on full responsibility as his dad prepares to retire. His dad's past heart attack has prompted the retirement but Channing's dad is having trouble letting things go to Channing. Channing eventually decides to make some executive decisions and books womens' bull riding and a country concert even though his father is not pleased with these decisions. He has also allowed his high school sweetheart Kenna Hewitt to board her horses at the rodeo arena while she is in town. That works out just fine since he gets to spend lots of time with her. He realizes he never got over his feelings for Kenna after she left Payson and now wants to be more than friends with her. But Kenna has a history of running away from problems and is a commitment-phobe. Channing hopes to assure her that they can make a relationship, even a long distance one, work.

How To Marry a Cowboy by Cathy McDavid is the second book in her Wishing Well Springs series. Ms. McDavid addresses two themes in this story. The first is a loving relationship between an older woman and a younger man. She makes this relationship work well even spelling out common doubts in such situations. Second is the issue of Kenna's feelings of insecurity and abandonment. Her father died when Kenna was a teenager and with each new marriage for her mother she feels left out there too. I enjoyed seeing Kenna and her mother work out these issues. Even though this is the second book in the series it is a complete standalone. The main characters from the first book, which I loved, really don't appear in this story. Channing and his dad are introduced in that book. Readers should seriously consider reading the first book, The Cowboy's Holiday Bride, though. It was great getting to see Kenna and Channing settle their issues and agree to be together.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for HiDee Ekstrom.
128 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2021
Fighting her personal biases, trick rider Kenna Hewitt returns home to prepare for her mom’s upcoming wedding to a much younger man. In exchange for boarding her horses at the local arena owned by her former crush, Channing Pearce and his family, Kenna agrees to give trick-riding lessons, which will in turn help the struggling arena financially. Unresolved feelings and family dynamics challenge Kenna and Channing as they prepare for the wedding and work together to save the failing arena, but along the way they come to terms with their pasts – and their futures.

I was drawn into this book from page one, and didn’t want to put it down. I missed the first book in the series, but I plan to pick it up while I’m waiting on book 3!

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Alison.
83 reviews
July 21, 2023
What a drag! I was thoroughly annoyed with the main character for this whole book, and the romance was dull and uninspired, making me question why they were even attracted to one another. The ending was basically the leading lady changing the entire course of her life on a whim, and I was really bothered by the third act breakup because it was unwarranted and unnecessary. Would not recommend.
Profile Image for Marie.
578 reviews23 followers
March 25, 2021
Thank you in advance to the author, Cathy McDavid, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

While this was the third book I read by the author – the first being Her Cowboy Sweetheart (The Sweetheart Ranch #4); this is the second Wishing Well Springs book I read, the first being The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride (TCHB).

A word of note here: since this does follow TCHB, there are a few issues I want to address in this book.

The main issue is the continuity.

There is a typo that mentions Laurel is Channing’s sister, where she is really Cash’s. It is corrected a bit, but the bigger issue is a story line from the first book.

TCHB centered on Cash Montgomery and Phoebe Kellerman. If you haven’t read the end of that book – slight spoiler – the ending of that book doesn’t coincide with events in this book. If you have read that book, then don’t be surprised at what happens in the first 50+ pages of this book.

At the end of TCHB, Cash and Phoebe were 24 hours from their wedding. In this book, they’re only “dating”. Phoebe doesn’t even “appear” in this book whereas Cash does.

Another plot issue from TCHB, and a spoiler from this book, involved Cash talking to Channing about building an office in the Western town for his architectural firm. On pages 376/377 of TCHB, Cash already had built it.

Continuity issues like these are a rarity among books in a series, and that was a major sticking point with me. I was wondering when it was going to get corrected. It didn’t. So, I am looking forward to book #3 to see where the author takes this series and that relationship, along with clarifying some of the issues pointed out.

With that said …

While the cover and title seem to indicate this is more about romancing the cowboy, it should’ve been How to Marry a Stubborn Cowgirl. It looks like Channing (obviously the cover model) seemed to be contemplating something.

Speaking of characters, while this was seemingly billed more for Channing and Kenna; Kenna’s mother, Gracie, seemed to be far more prominent in this. Gracie, 20 years older than fiancé Beau, is tying the knot for the umpteenth time. This causes a lot of problems between Gracie and her daughter Kenna.

Right off I liked Channing and found him to be the strongest character of the book. I admired how Gracie jumped right in to care for Beau’s baby, the sweet little Skye. Although seeing Kenna’s initial interactions with Skye, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Kenna at all.

I felt truly sorry for Gracie, who seemed like she’d had a bad time finding love after losing Kenna’s father.

There might be people take will take issue with the older woman/younger man relationship. McDavid definitely went out of the box on this and she wrote it in a way that definitely seemed sympathetic to both Gracie and Beau. Though to be honest, I couldn’t marry a younger man at all.

The readers get a 2-for-1 romance: Kenna/Channing and Gracie/Beau.

Another issue I had – and, this is NOT McDavid’s fault at all – a lot of writers treat 40+ women like they’re OLD, ready for grandkids, and ready for retirement. I’m in the 40+ range and definitely don’t identify with some of those characters or stereotypes.

Despite the issues, this book was one that once I got into it; I didn’t want to stop reading. I had to see where this was going, and was more invested in Gracie and Beau as opposed to Kenna and Channing. Though, it was interesting to see where they were going. Though, I do admit that when they were on the same side, Channing and Kenna were a pretty great couple.

Her problem, due to losing her father, was that Kenna relied far too much on guarantees which seemed in direct conflict of her profession. It was a bit painful to see how put-out Kenna seemed at having to help take care of Skye.

Because of her mother’s multiple marriages, I did sympathize with Kenna, but felt she needed to let some stuff go. Her past seemed to jade her when it came to dealing with Channing as well as Beau’s baby.

There were times I began to love the sweet moments between much older and soon-to-be baby sister.

There is a heart-breaking moment involving Beau, Kenna, and Skye which definitely highlighted the dynamics of all those involved in an OLDER woman and YOUNGER man romance.

The author, as well as a character points out the history that makes it far more acceptable for older men and younger women to be together as opposed to the other way around.

Another side story involved Channing who was helping with his family’s arena after his father had a health issue. It was interesting to see Channing step up and have good ideas.

McDavid touches on this issue with a lot of introspective dialogue. It is harder for people like Channing’s father to change as they see good ideas as reflecting poorly on them. Letting Channing takeover would be admitting that you messed up and the kid had to take care of it. Also, retirement is a huge adjustment. (Know this personally because of my mom).

As Kenna begins to invest in her mom’s wedding, she begins to analyze her life. Right now, she knows the realities centering around her and Channing. Though Kenna does wonder if she’s really been happy the past 10 years, or was it an illusion?

Kenna does realize she is afraid of commitment – given her mother’s history, it is understandable.

But, as her mother offers – “we’re all products of our experiences”. Sometimes, even in a romance novel, there are pearls of wisdom.

This is one of the clean reads of Harlequin’s line so there is no foul language or intimate scenes beyond kissing.

There are a lot of riding and equestrian terms used in this book. Potential readers unfamiliar with them might want to look up trick riders for reference.

Fans of the author, heartwarming line, and those who read the first book in this series are sure to enjoy this read.
Profile Image for Holly Doyal.
1,102 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2021
This was my first Cathy McDavid book, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed this story about Kenna & Channing and also the story of Kenna's mom (Gracie) and Beau. This book packed a lot of social issues into one story also - fear of abandonment; fear of commitment; raising your boyfriend's baby by another woman; a woman marrying someone 20 years her junior just for a start. But these issues were handled well and they really added to the story.

Kenna & Chandler had one date 14 years ago when they were both just teenagers. That night her father died unexpectedly and Kenna's world forever changed. Her mother (Gracie) withdrew making Kenna feel like she not only lost her dad, but her mom as well. Chandler was such an immature male teen that he didn't know what to do so he did nothing. Which meant their relationship fell apart. Fast forward 14 years later when Kenna returns home to be the maid of honor at her mother's 4th wedding (3rd since her dad died) to one of Chandler's best friends, Beau (who asked out Kenna before he ever asked out Gracie). Strange days indeed. But this time around, Kenna & Chandler can't ignore that their chemistry never waned so they struggle with "do they or don't they" pursue a relationship. Add in a little bit of drama (not too much) and the story gets real interesting.

This is a quick and easy read that I found very enjoyable. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
Profile Image for Julie Eichelberger-Ford.
876 reviews12 followers
March 24, 2021
How To Marry a Cowboy is a story of overcoming the fear of commitment and abandonment to find the love that has always been waiting right in front of you. Kenna's dad died when she was a teen and since then she has watched her mom enter one failed marriage after another looking for the love she had with Kenna's father. Kenna is partner and the main attraction in a trick riding show which keeps her on the road constantly. She is back home temporarily to attend her Mom's wedding to a much younger man which Kenna has reservations about lasting. Channing is working to take over and save the family rodeo business since his father's health issues. Long hours and butting heads with his father to make changes is a constant cause of frustration but is muted when Kenna returns for her Mom's wedding. Channing has adored Kenna since their date in high school which was cut short by the passing of her father. Every time she is home, he hopes this time she will take a chance on him but doesn't want to push and risk losing their friendship. Now that they are in the same wedding, he is hoping the time is right. As the two spend time together, their feelings grow but old insecurities threaten to destroy the love. The story that follows is filled with a range of emotions, revelations and resolutions that will entertain and delight until the last page.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Profile Image for Katt Hansen.
3,856 reviews110 followers
August 13, 2021
Kenna is a trick rider who has come home for only one thing: to see her mother get married. Again. Of course if you can combine business with pleasure (no matter how dubious) it's a good thing. Enter the hero, Channing, who is the man in charge (kinda) of the local arena. Sparks flare as they remember their original interest in each other, but with Kenna on the road and Channing married to his work, can they possibly find romance?

This is a fun read, with a somewhat unique storyline. The idea of Kenna's mother marrying someone so much younger than her threw me a little at first, but I like how they seem to be good for each other. Kenna and Channing are adorable together, even if a bit frustrating. But what I loved most was seeing behind the scenes at the rodeo, and learning a little about trick riding, reforming broncs, and just seeing another side at life you don't ordinarily see.

Overall, this was a fun story, which I'm glad I read. Perfect for a quick summer read!
Profile Image for Karen Hackett.
1,057 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2021
HOW TO MARRY A COWBOY by Cathy McDavid, book 2 of Wishing Well Springs series is about trick rider Kenna Hewitt who cannot avoid the company of Channing Pearce—not when the handsome cowboy needs Kenna’s help saving his family’s rodeo arena. Working together, and being in a wedding together, their old feelings they once felt for each other resurface. Kenna, who does stunts for a living, finds trusting in a possible future with the cowboy of her dreams the most difficult stunt she has ever faced. How To Marry A Cowboy is all about family and dealing issues both Kenna and Channing must resolve if they want a future together. Cathy McDavid writes the emotional upheavals in her characters, family drama, and love. I received this advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alexis The Nerdy Bruja.
756 reviews98 followers
April 18, 2021
3/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I had a good time with this book. It was quick and easy to read. I will say that I seemed to have a difficult time connecting with the characters, which is why I didn't love it. This of course. was more of a personal issue. This was also a clean romance so there was no smut. This doesn't really bother me all that much however I just didn't feel any passion between the two love interests. Yes, it was cute but it was just missing a little more passion for it to seem more believable romance. Overall a good, cute and easy read.
Profile Image for Jorja Nye.
14 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2025
Very good cowboy wholesome romance book. Quick read, interesting with multiple themes!! Loved it and loved Channing! 😏
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 24 books83 followers
April 1, 2021
Another in the Wishing Well Springs series, in which trick rider Kenna Hewitt has to attend her mother's fourth wedding, this time to a guy 19 years her junior! Ye gods and little fishes! While there, she agrees to help long-time friend Channing Pearce at his rodeo arena. He even convinces her to help him rehab some old bucking broncs too old to earn their hay that way anymore. And, he offers to board her horses during the interim as payment for how she's helping him out.

What has them both bothered, however, is that pesky feeling of wanting to be more than friends. Just because they shared a first kiss 14 years earlier doesn't mean it will work out, so thinks Kenna, who's not at all sure she wants to get serious with any man, even the guy who's been a friend since they were in high school.

Channing knows what he wants, but having to take over the rodeo arena now that his father has had a heart attack and can't do the work anymore, keeps him tied to home when he'd like to see Kenna when she's on the road doing her trick riding at various rodeo venues around the country. Neither really wants a long-distance relationship and then there's that fourth wedding. Is it going to last any longer than the ones that preceded it? Kenna doesn't think so, and when her mother has a hissy fit and threatens to not go through with it, what's she going to do this time? Especially when Channing accuses her of undermining what her mother was intent on doing again. How to manage all this? It's almost too much to have to deal with.
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