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Sweet Water Ranch #7
The Cowboy's Secret Romance
*Previously titled Cowboys Don't Have a Secret Romance*
Called The Preacher, Clay Stryker has lived a life as straight as a North Dakota highway.
Everyone thinks the pen and notebook he carries around is to jot down poetry or possibly notes on Scripture. They don't know he has a secret...romance.
Reina Hall has never forgotten the night she was rescued from a child trafficking ring. She definitely hasn't forgotten the man who wouldn't back down, refused to look the other way and risked his life to save hers.
He made a promise to her. And she's riding west to make sure he keeps it.
Books in the Sweet Water Ranch series:
1. The Cowboy's Best Friend
2. The Cowboy's Secret Baby
3. The Cowboy's Beauty
4. The Cowboy's Best Friend's Sister
5. The Cowboy's Convenient Marriage
6. The Cowboy's Fairy Tale
7. The Cowboy's Secret Romance
8. The Cowboy's Bargain Bride
9. The Cowboy's Enemy
10. The Cowboy's Mistletoe Christmas
11. The Cowboy's Marriage Mistake
Called The Preacher, Clay Stryker has lived a life as straight as a North Dakota highway.
Everyone thinks the pen and notebook he carries around is to jot down poetry or possibly notes on Scripture. They don't know he has a secret...romance.
Reina Hall has never forgotten the night she was rescued from a child trafficking ring. She definitely hasn't forgotten the man who wouldn't back down, refused to look the other way and risked his life to save hers.
He made a promise to her. And she's riding west to make sure he keeps it.
Books in the Sweet Water Ranch series:
1. The Cowboy's Best Friend
2. The Cowboy's Secret Baby
3. The Cowboy's Beauty
4. The Cowboy's Best Friend's Sister
5. The Cowboy's Convenient Marriage
6. The Cowboy's Fairy Tale
7. The Cowboy's Secret Romance
8. The Cowboy's Bargain Bride
9. The Cowboy's Enemy
10. The Cowboy's Mistletoe Christmas
11. The Cowboy's Marriage Mistake
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
1377 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 31, 2019
-‘God’s hand was a ribbon that tied their story together.’-
Oh. My. Goodness. Every new book Mrs. Gussman writes becomes my favourite. Every one seems better than the last. This one, ‘Preacher’s’ story, is my absolute favourite of hers. I was so looking forward to reading Clay’s story and it was definitely worth the wait. We get to find out about his daughter, her mother, the mysterious lady he wrote to in the last book... and wow, what a story it is! It was fantastic.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but is better when read in chronological order with the series. Now I can’t wait to read Boone’s story! The author sets us up for the next book perfectly - not quite a cliffhanger but definitely intriguing!
-“God knew. He used that promise to pull me up. I don’t think I’d have finished high school and I definitely wouldn’t have gone to college if I didn’t have that promise ringing in my ear and the thought that I was going to find you someday and make the Mary Poppins farm boy eat his words.”-
I absolutely, enthusiastically, recommend this book and all the books in the series.
Oh. My. Goodness. Every new book Mrs. Gussman writes becomes my favourite. Every one seems better than the last. This one, ‘Preacher’s’ story, is my absolute favourite of hers. I was so looking forward to reading Clay’s story and it was definitely worth the wait. We get to find out about his daughter, her mother, the mysterious lady he wrote to in the last book... and wow, what a story it is! It was fantastic.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but is better when read in chronological order with the series. Now I can’t wait to read Boone’s story! The author sets us up for the next book perfectly - not quite a cliffhanger but definitely intriguing!
-“God knew. He used that promise to pull me up. I don’t think I’d have finished high school and I definitely wouldn’t have gone to college if I didn’t have that promise ringing in my ear and the thought that I was going to find you someday and make the Mary Poppins farm boy eat his words.”-
I absolutely, enthusiastically, recommend this book and all the books in the series.
April 21, 2023
Jessie’s Most Faith-Filled Work
The Sweet Water Ranch series continues with a gem not even set in North Dakota! Clay Stryker, the “Preacher” in The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale, is running his harvest crew in the wheat fields of Nebraska when a girl from his past walks in and shoots a rattlesnake by his feet.
Not a formula for romance, even a “secret romance”, but in Jessie Gussman’s gifted hands the honorable cowboy and the damaged girl he rescued from her pimp at a rest stop years earlier find their way toward each other—and Reina finds her way to God, though it’s really the other way around.
Reina was fourteen and pregnant, being led from truck to truck by her drug-dealing trafficker, when 18-year-old Clay saw a child in danger and rescued her. As she poured out her hopelessness, he promised her that if she gave up her baby for adoption, finished high school, and graduated college, he’d marry her. She did all he asked, then tracked down the “Mary Poppins farm boy” to prove he was a promise breaker. Instead she found a single father whose life backs up his “peaches and roses and little blessings from God” outlook, as Reina had mocked it. How does he live with such peace and integrity? And how can such a man be unmarried with a young daughter?
Clay hires Reina to supervise Gina’s schoolwork, cook for the crew, and run errands as needed. The first duty succeeds fully—Gina loves Miss Reina—and she never runs errands, but she is hopeless in the kitchen! The crew members struggle to identify dinner, much less eat it. Gina and kind neighbor Mrs. Smithson try to help her, but Reina can’t make anything edible. The only man who takes seconds is Abner, a former Amishman with a mysterious past and an iron stomach. Clay’s two brothers won’t even try it, and Clay has to force himself to set an example for his men. One night, frustrated with other things, Clay harshly criticizes the food, then apologizes to Reina. She’s never had a man apologize to her before. Her curiosity grows.
Meanwhile, Clay has been writing letters to his pastor’s daughter Angela, a beautiful blonde who seems perfect and yet is being kept from him by her parents. One Sunday, the pastor tells Clay that he may speak with Angela for 30 minutes every evening that week—to convince her to hear the suit of a young man coming to visit the next weekend—but must keep it secret. Clay stifles his laughter and agrees to the ridiculous arrangement.
The Smithsons host a cookout, and the whole crew attends together. Clay sees a pool volleyball game and Gina gesturing frantically at the water. Diving in fully clothed, he saves Reina from drowning, then offers to teach her when she admits she can’t swim but didn’t want to show fear. The next day, after church, she goes into the graveyard and asks Clay about death and eternity. She’s scared, and Clay sends the pastor to talk with her about heaven, hell, and Jesus’s payment on the cross. Reina, who always felt unwanted, desperately tries to believe she’s loved deeply by God and His Son. This is the most forthright statement of faith in any of the nearly 20 Gussman books I’ve read!
Clay promised Mr. Davis that he’d visit Angela for 30 minutes every night, and he feels held by that promise. But Angela is strangely aggressive and much less attractive than when he wasn’t allowed to see her, and he finds himself thinking of Reina while he’s with Angela. Odd.
By now, Reina has learned to float in the river and can take Gina to the Smithsons’ pool without worry. Mrs. Smithson tells her she thinks Gina looks more like Reina than like Clay. Also odd.
When Reina thinks back on their swim lesson, she remembers Clay saying he’d never kissed a woman—and realizes Clay couldn’t have fathered Gina without kissing her mother. The “Preacher” is a liar! She’ll prove it!
When Clay returns from his nightly visit fighting off Angela’s advances, Reina jumps on him and kisses him ferociously. Clay kisses her back in self-defense, then discovers a passion he didn’t know he had. It’s “a hen of a first kiss” for him, but Reina is inexplicably bereft. Her “revenge” backfired.
The post-Angela kiss is repeated the next night, this time with Clay taking the lead. He’s battling lust but flying high and falling fast; she’s running scared and Gina’s puzzled by the weird behavior of Daddy and Miss Reina. The crew can’t figure anything out either—except Abner, who reveals that Clay has been stepping out with Angela, then making out with Reina, every night. Nobody knows how the ex-Amish Man of Mystery obtained his knowledge, but it sets the stage for a confrontation, an admission by Angela of her true motives, the revelation of Gina’s parentage, and finally a wedding during which Clay’s brother Boone sees an ad for an auction of Sweet Water Ranch—and its female owner! It’s a safe bet that the next Sweet Water book will be about Boone and his auction-bought bride.
As always, Jessie Gussman delivers relatable characters and spiritual truths, and I love her work!
The Sweet Water Ranch series continues with a gem not even set in North Dakota! Clay Stryker, the “Preacher” in The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale, is running his harvest crew in the wheat fields of Nebraska when a girl from his past walks in and shoots a rattlesnake by his feet.
Not a formula for romance, even a “secret romance”, but in Jessie Gussman’s gifted hands the honorable cowboy and the damaged girl he rescued from her pimp at a rest stop years earlier find their way toward each other—and Reina finds her way to God, though it’s really the other way around.
Reina was fourteen and pregnant, being led from truck to truck by her drug-dealing trafficker, when 18-year-old Clay saw a child in danger and rescued her. As she poured out her hopelessness, he promised her that if she gave up her baby for adoption, finished high school, and graduated college, he’d marry her. She did all he asked, then tracked down the “Mary Poppins farm boy” to prove he was a promise breaker. Instead she found a single father whose life backs up his “peaches and roses and little blessings from God” outlook, as Reina had mocked it. How does he live with such peace and integrity? And how can such a man be unmarried with a young daughter?
Clay hires Reina to supervise Gina’s schoolwork, cook for the crew, and run errands as needed. The first duty succeeds fully—Gina loves Miss Reina—and she never runs errands, but she is hopeless in the kitchen! The crew members struggle to identify dinner, much less eat it. Gina and kind neighbor Mrs. Smithson try to help her, but Reina can’t make anything edible. The only man who takes seconds is Abner, a former Amishman with a mysterious past and an iron stomach. Clay’s two brothers won’t even try it, and Clay has to force himself to set an example for his men. One night, frustrated with other things, Clay harshly criticizes the food, then apologizes to Reina. She’s never had a man apologize to her before. Her curiosity grows.
Meanwhile, Clay has been writing letters to his pastor’s daughter Angela, a beautiful blonde who seems perfect and yet is being kept from him by her parents. One Sunday, the pastor tells Clay that he may speak with Angela for 30 minutes every evening that week—to convince her to hear the suit of a young man coming to visit the next weekend—but must keep it secret. Clay stifles his laughter and agrees to the ridiculous arrangement.
The Smithsons host a cookout, and the whole crew attends together. Clay sees a pool volleyball game and Gina gesturing frantically at the water. Diving in fully clothed, he saves Reina from drowning, then offers to teach her when she admits she can’t swim but didn’t want to show fear. The next day, after church, she goes into the graveyard and asks Clay about death and eternity. She’s scared, and Clay sends the pastor to talk with her about heaven, hell, and Jesus’s payment on the cross. Reina, who always felt unwanted, desperately tries to believe she’s loved deeply by God and His Son. This is the most forthright statement of faith in any of the nearly 20 Gussman books I’ve read!
Clay promised Mr. Davis that he’d visit Angela for 30 minutes every night, and he feels held by that promise. But Angela is strangely aggressive and much less attractive than when he wasn’t allowed to see her, and he finds himself thinking of Reina while he’s with Angela. Odd.
By now, Reina has learned to float in the river and can take Gina to the Smithsons’ pool without worry. Mrs. Smithson tells her she thinks Gina looks more like Reina than like Clay. Also odd.
When Reina thinks back on their swim lesson, she remembers Clay saying he’d never kissed a woman—and realizes Clay couldn’t have fathered Gina without kissing her mother. The “Preacher” is a liar! She’ll prove it!
When Clay returns from his nightly visit fighting off Angela’s advances, Reina jumps on him and kisses him ferociously. Clay kisses her back in self-defense, then discovers a passion he didn’t know he had. It’s “a hen of a first kiss” for him, but Reina is inexplicably bereft. Her “revenge” backfired.
The post-Angela kiss is repeated the next night, this time with Clay taking the lead. He’s battling lust but flying high and falling fast; she’s running scared and Gina’s puzzled by the weird behavior of Daddy and Miss Reina. The crew can’t figure anything out either—except Abner, who reveals that Clay has been stepping out with Angela, then making out with Reina, every night. Nobody knows how the ex-Amish Man of Mystery obtained his knowledge, but it sets the stage for a confrontation, an admission by Angela of her true motives, the revelation of Gina’s parentage, and finally a wedding during which Clay’s brother Boone sees an ad for an auction of Sweet Water Ranch—and its female owner! It’s a safe bet that the next Sweet Water book will be about Boone and his auction-bought bride.
As always, Jessie Gussman delivers relatable characters and spiritual truths, and I love her work!
August 15, 2022
I maybe have said this before, but this is another favorite of mine from this series!! Wow!! Jessie truly knows how to write these stories, and this one was so beautiful!! Ha, OK, I'll try to lay off the exclamation points, but, yeah. I seriously loved this one.
To be honest, by the end of the last one, while I was looking forward to Clay/"Preacher's" story, I kinda thought it was going to be with Angela, but I've never been more glad to be wrong. :) Since I read the blurb for this one I knew Reina was going to play a big part in this one, and that her past was heartbreaking, but Jessie's take on it was never crass and rather thoughtful. I loved that Clay had been her hero, yet she was coming to prove to herself she had built it all up in her head. And I loved that while he's got the nickname "Preacher" and everyone looks up to him, he's shown as just as human as anyone else. Truly, the conversation about "deserving" another person and one's worth was simply beautiful and pretty much my favorite part of the whole book. Oh, and the romance? It was definitely swoony and sizzling sweet (those kisses were 👌).
Jay brought every one of the characters to life in the best way possible. Seriously, his skills for nailing every single emotion in this book were off the charts (slight trembling, controlled anger, longing, etc), and I especially loved his voices for the MCs as well as Gina. 😊 Oh, and the accents from some of the people in Clay's crew were really, really good. 🙌
A great addition to the Sweet Water Ranch series, perfect for lovers of Jessie Gussman, Jay Dyess as a narrator, and/or Sweet Contemporary Romance with darker get tastefully done themes. I can't wait to read the next one. ~ 5 stars!
To be honest, by the end of the last one, while I was looking forward to Clay/"Preacher's" story, I kinda thought it was going to be with Angela, but I've never been more glad to be wrong. :) Since I read the blurb for this one I knew Reina was going to play a big part in this one, and that her past was heartbreaking, but Jessie's take on it was never crass and rather thoughtful. I loved that Clay had been her hero, yet she was coming to prove to herself she had built it all up in her head. And I loved that while he's got the nickname "Preacher" and everyone looks up to him, he's shown as just as human as anyone else. Truly, the conversation about "deserving" another person and one's worth was simply beautiful and pretty much my favorite part of the whole book. Oh, and the romance? It was definitely swoony and sizzling sweet (those kisses were 👌).
Jay brought every one of the characters to life in the best way possible. Seriously, his skills for nailing every single emotion in this book were off the charts (slight trembling, controlled anger, longing, etc), and I especially loved his voices for the MCs as well as Gina. 😊 Oh, and the accents from some of the people in Clay's crew were really, really good. 🙌
A great addition to the Sweet Water Ranch series, perfect for lovers of Jessie Gussman, Jay Dyess as a narrator, and/or Sweet Contemporary Romance with darker get tastefully done themes. I can't wait to read the next one. ~ 5 stars!
February 29, 2020
Reina and Clay with Gina
Clay saved Reina nine years ago when she was 14 and she has never forgotten what he did for her nor what he told her that night. So here she is! Thankfully she shows up just in time. He has never seen a rattlesnake before and thankfully she was able to shoot it taking off it's head before it strikes! It takes Clay a moment before he realizes who she is, when he asks how she found him. He has his daughter in the truck as he was just getting into the combine to see if the wheat was ready for harvest. He's in Nebraska at the moment with his crew that consists of two of his brother's Boone and Mav and also Abner a one time amish man from Oklahoma. He hires her on the spot to be the cook and to help with his daughter and to run errands. Then she finds out she maybe to late for two reasons, one he has a daughter and then he has his eyes set on the preacher's daughter Angela. Will things work out for Reina? Who is Gee Gee's mother? Will he and Angela get together? Oh so many things happen that you will not want to put this book down till the last word. Jessie Gussman has done an excellent job!
Clay saved Reina nine years ago when she was 14 and she has never forgotten what he did for her nor what he told her that night. So here she is! Thankfully she shows up just in time. He has never seen a rattlesnake before and thankfully she was able to shoot it taking off it's head before it strikes! It takes Clay a moment before he realizes who she is, when he asks how she found him. He has his daughter in the truck as he was just getting into the combine to see if the wheat was ready for harvest. He's in Nebraska at the moment with his crew that consists of two of his brother's Boone and Mav and also Abner a one time amish man from Oklahoma. He hires her on the spot to be the cook and to help with his daughter and to run errands. Then she finds out she maybe to late for two reasons, one he has a daughter and then he has his eyes set on the preacher's daughter Angela. Will things work out for Reina? Who is Gee Gee's mother? Will he and Angela get together? Oh so many things happen that you will not want to put this book down till the last word. Jessie Gussman has done an excellent job!
June 16, 2023
The Cowboy's Secret Romance
I loved this heartwarming romance between Clay and Reina. Clay is in charge of the harvesting crew, and he hires Reina as the cook for the crew and a sitter for his 8-year old daughter, Gina, who he adopted when the mother gave her up at birth. Clay had rescued Reina from a trucker who was drugging and trafficking her to other truckers eight years earlier. After the rescue, Clay found a good foster home for her and told her after she had her baby to go back to school and get a degree at a four-year college. Reina didn't know who adopted her baby because it was a closed adoption and she didn't look at the baby when it was born. Only Clay knows that Reina and Gina are mother and daughter and planned on telling them after he hired Reina to see how they got along. The characters are loveable and there are a lot of things that make you laugh especially when it comes to cooking. I highly recommend this book as a clean romance and a feel good story. You will have to read the book to find out if Reina, Clay, and Gina become a family. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I loved this heartwarming romance between Clay and Reina. Clay is in charge of the harvesting crew, and he hires Reina as the cook for the crew and a sitter for his 8-year old daughter, Gina, who he adopted when the mother gave her up at birth. Clay had rescued Reina from a trucker who was drugging and trafficking her to other truckers eight years earlier. After the rescue, Clay found a good foster home for her and told her after she had her baby to go back to school and get a degree at a four-year college. Reina didn't know who adopted her baby because it was a closed adoption and she didn't look at the baby when it was born. Only Clay knows that Reina and Gina are mother and daughter and planned on telling them after he hired Reina to see how they got along. The characters are loveable and there are a lot of things that make you laugh especially when it comes to cooking. I highly recommend this book as a clean romance and a feel good story. You will have to read the book to find out if Reina, Clay, and Gina become a family. This is my voluntary and honest review.
May 10, 2020
First let me start by saying that I listened to the audiobook of this story. This is the second book in the series that I have heard. While the book is independent of the others, the main male character and a part of this story is presented/set up in book 6 (but it is not necessary to read book 6 to fully get this book and I actually enjoyed this story more than book 6 - Cowboy's Fairy Tale). I really enjoyed this story. It was a unique story line. The main character is nicknamed Preacher and there is some reference to faith/belief in God and a couple of Bible verses quoted or mentioned but it is not preachy or trying to get you to change your personal beliefs in my opinion. The storyline was unique and refreshing. The narrator was fantastic. The narrator gives the main character a smooth but also rough cowboy voice simultaneously which had me drawn in immediately. KUDOS. I look forward to listening to/reading additional books of the series. I received a copy of this audiobook from the author at my own request and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2023
The preachers secrets revealed
Clay has been called preacher since he was in school because of the rules that he lives by. He is loved by all and has a way of putting people at ease and helping with their problems. There has been lots of speculation about his daughter Gina and who her mother could be. When Reina, someone from his past shows up it causes him to reevaluate his feelings for the woman he has been waiting to court.
I love all the characters, the team of men who work for him traveling to do field work on large farms and living in tight quarters in campers. It really gets good when he hires Reina to be cook and she doesn't even know how to boil water. His daughter Gina is a happy outgoing child who is loved and cared for by all the men who work for Clay. There are lots of family moments with the men two of them clay's brothers.
Some serious situations were explored. I appreciate the way they were handled. And loved the ending.
Clay has been called preacher since he was in school because of the rules that he lives by. He is loved by all and has a way of putting people at ease and helping with their problems. There has been lots of speculation about his daughter Gina and who her mother could be. When Reina, someone from his past shows up it causes him to reevaluate his feelings for the woman he has been waiting to court.
I love all the characters, the team of men who work for him traveling to do field work on large farms and living in tight quarters in campers. It really gets good when he hires Reina to be cook and she doesn't even know how to boil water. His daughter Gina is a happy outgoing child who is loved and cared for by all the men who work for Clay. There are lots of family moments with the men two of them clay's brothers.
Some serious situations were explored. I appreciate the way they were handled. And loved the ending.
December 22, 2021
After reading the previous book in this series by Jessie Gussman, I couldn't wait to read Clay's story. Nicknamed Preacher for his strong moral compass, he still has a young daughter that he hasn't explained to anyone. Though Clay was upright and honest about everything else, I find it strange that he never explained where Gina came from, not even to his family who could have been a great support system for him. I also can't imagine any man being content to write to someone for 5 years and still not be able to be alone with her. I would think that any man of God would consider that God closing that particular door. I definitely relate more to Reina than to Clay even if I didn't suffer the things she did. I am flawed. I make mistakes and bad choices sometimes. I'm not the best housekeeper and cook. But I do love deeply! Now I simply have to get on to the next book!
May 25, 2022
An incredible story!
This is my third time listening on Audible to this story. I still had to manage tears during certain parts of the story. I had to listen to it three times because I couldn’t get my thoughts organized enough to even bring myself to write them. I was so touched by this story. It was heart wrenching and also heartwarming. It takes a very talented author to bring out these feelings in me. The characters in this book are so very well written that I felt a kinship with them. I thought Gina was so cute I could totally see her in mind’s eye. Her father, Clay, was so honorable I could see him in one of my acquaintances at church. Reina also reminded me of a girl I once knew years ago who was struggling with her faith. Clay’s brothers brought out the comedic relief that made me chuckle more than once. And it these words were written by the talented Ms Jessie Gussman and spoken by the wonderful performances of Jay Dyess. It made me glad that I bought the Audible and the ebook formats. And I can easily say that I highly recommend reading/listening to these books.
This is my third time listening on Audible to this story. I still had to manage tears during certain parts of the story. I had to listen to it three times because I couldn’t get my thoughts organized enough to even bring myself to write them. I was so touched by this story. It was heart wrenching and also heartwarming. It takes a very talented author to bring out these feelings in me. The characters in this book are so very well written that I felt a kinship with them. I thought Gina was so cute I could totally see her in mind’s eye. Her father, Clay, was so honorable I could see him in one of my acquaintances at church. Reina also reminded me of a girl I once knew years ago who was struggling with her faith. Clay’s brothers brought out the comedic relief that made me chuckle more than once. And it these words were written by the talented Ms Jessie Gussman and spoken by the wonderful performances of Jay Dyess. It made me glad that I bought the Audible and the ebook formats. And I can easily say that I highly recommend reading/listening to these books.
April 30, 2023
Called Preacher, Clay Stryker has lived a life as straight as a North Dakota highway.
Everyone thinks the pen and notebook he carries around is to jot down poetry or possibly notes on Scripture. They don't know he has a secret...romance.
Reina Hall has never forgotten the night she was rescued from a child trafficking ring. She definitely hasn't forgotten the man who wouldn't back down, refused to look the other way and risked his life to save hers.
He made a promise to her. And she's riding west to make sure he keeps it.
The Cowboy's Secret Romance (Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance - Book 7) is a full-length complete Christian sweet romance audiobook written by USA Today best-selling author Jessie Gussman, narrated by Jay Dyess.
Everyone thinks the pen and notebook he carries around is to jot down poetry or possibly notes on Scripture. They don't know he has a secret...romance.
Reina Hall has never forgotten the night she was rescued from a child trafficking ring. She definitely hasn't forgotten the man who wouldn't back down, refused to look the other way and risked his life to save hers.
He made a promise to her. And she's riding west to make sure he keeps it.
The Cowboy's Secret Romance (Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance - Book 7) is a full-length complete Christian sweet romance audiobook written by USA Today best-selling author Jessie Gussman, narrated by Jay Dyess.
December 23, 2025
Jessie's books are edifying. I would say they are also light reads, but she does tackle difficult topics. Bad things happen to the characters or because of their choices, but there is redemption, grace, and forgiveness. She weaves in truths about how we should leave as Christians, which serve as reminders as I listen along.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
March 12, 2020
The Cowboy's Secret Romance is a very lively, well written cowboy romance. It was a little unusual but that made it all the more intriguing. This was a secret that had been carried for eight or nine years and it felt like it was finally time that Clay had to come clean about it. The only problem was that when humans are involved, anything and everything can and usually will go into a tail spin. The best part of this story is that Clay was obedient to God. And he felt like things that happened were in God's time frame, not Clay's. And it did give Clay a happy ending.
Read
July 30, 2020This is another book in the Sweetwater Ranch Series and I enjoyed this one as much as the others. Clay (they call him Preacher) has been romancing what he thought was the love of his life but her parents were making it hard for him to see her. All of a sudden things change.
This is one of those books that would be really easy to leave spoilers while writing the review. I will leave it at this. Between Jessie Gussman's outstanding writing and Jay Dyess awesome narrating this is a great book that you won't want to miss.
This is one of those books that would be really easy to leave spoilers while writing the review. I will leave it at this. Between Jessie Gussman's outstanding writing and Jay Dyess awesome narrating this is a great book that you won't want to miss.
January 12, 2023
Lies of Money
Until one has experienced being used because somebody thought you had money, it's a hard pill to swallow. Angela had some nerve turning the tables but I was happy to see Clay figured something was up, though not realizing he had accidentally sent the letter from the lawyer. When someone makes mistakes seriously in their lives its hard to believe anybody will want or accept you due to your past. Excellent Book to make yourself look at who you are and what you really want out of life.
Until one has experienced being used because somebody thought you had money, it's a hard pill to swallow. Angela had some nerve turning the tables but I was happy to see Clay figured something was up, though not realizing he had accidentally sent the letter from the lawyer. When someone makes mistakes seriously in their lives its hard to believe anybody will want or accept you due to your past. Excellent Book to make yourself look at who you are and what you really want out of life.
October 9, 2025
Clay and Reina's story has a "be careful what you wish for" storyline, alongside a "better than you could ask or imagine" storyline. Clay has been pining for Angela for 6 years, but when he finally receives her father's blessing to actually talk to her, it isn't the fairytale he'd imagined. Reina is a city girl who comes to prove to herself that Clay is a jerk and a liar - like everyone else - but finds that he is much better than she thought anyone could be. Enjoy their journey to each other.
April 25, 2020
Clay is man of his word. He rescued Reina, a fourteen year old girl nine years ago from human trafficking and he promised to marry her if she finished high school and got a college degree. Reina is going to prove that he is not the man everybody seems to think he is, that he doesn't always keep his word. But God has other plans for them and will help realise they are meant for each other. Mr. Dyess IS THE BEST . great audiobook.
October 12, 2021
This is the first book in this series that brought a tear (or 10) to my eyes. It was so precious and pure. I especially liked how close Clay was to God and how he lived his life as much by example as by words. Very sweet.
Next book is The Cowboy’s Bargain Bride, book 8. I believe (based on the end of this book) that the characters who will fall in love are Boone and Roxie from Sweet Water Ranch (she’s a character from book 6)
Next book is The Cowboy’s Bargain Bride, book 8. I believe (based on the end of this book) that the characters who will fall in love are Boone and Roxie from Sweet Water Ranch (she’s a character from book 6)
February 19, 2022
I really love the characters in this book. Clay, aka "Preacher", is a hard working, honest Christian. He tries to do his best to be his best all the time. Reina has had a terrible past and over 8 years ago, Clay saved her from drug traffickers and a prostitution ring. Clay has fancied himself in love with Angela for several years but her preacher father and her mother don't think Clay is good enough for their only daughter. I love this story!
September 10, 2023
Okay this is one billion that got away, but the story reunites a Christian businessman who rescued a drug addict, adopted her daughter (no she didn't know), and challenged her to finish high school and college; and he promised to marry her. Nine years later Clay has been writing to Angela for 7 years but figures out he doesn't love her, Reina shows up to be his camp cook (doesn't cook) and the finally get together and raise her little girl together. God definitely worked this together for good.
March 31, 2020
Wondrous story - not to be missed
Each book in this series seems better than the last, but I suspect it’s the one currently teaching all about love, trust and forgiveness with a little spice and humor thrown in for good measure.
Am so glad that the series is on Kindle Unlimited! Talented writer that satisfies heart, mind and spirit.
Each book in this series seems better than the last, but I suspect it’s the one currently teaching all about love, trust and forgiveness with a little spice and humor thrown in for good measure.
Am so glad that the series is on Kindle Unlimited! Talented writer that satisfies heart, mind and spirit.
May 19, 2020
This review is for a free audible copy that I received from the author. This is a good, interesting story of Clay & Reina. It takes Clay a while to figure out he really loves her. He is keeping a secret about his daughter from here also. A very well written story showing Clay's commitment to Reina. This is my voluntary review.
September 3, 2021
Growing pains and understanding
Clay helps save Renia from a horrible situation. Forward 9 year when she come to find him and ends up work with his crew.
The Lords time table is not always our but works in wonder to help these two and others find self love along with reconciliation from their past.
A sweet , clean uplifting read.
Clay helps save Renia from a horrible situation. Forward 9 year when she come to find him and ends up work with his crew.
The Lords time table is not always our but works in wonder to help these two and others find self love along with reconciliation from their past.
A sweet , clean uplifting read.
January 17, 2022
An Angel sent from God to bring faith and strength to those who need it!
I loved this book. The series is a definite page turner. Thank goodness the weather is bad because I can read a book a day! Love the inhabitants of Sweet Water and their wonderful ways to help one another out in all kinds of ways. On to the next book.Enjoy!
I loved this book. The series is a definite page turner. Thank goodness the weather is bad because I can read a book a day! Love the inhabitants of Sweet Water and their wonderful ways to help one another out in all kinds of ways. On to the next book.Enjoy!
June 29, 2022
I loved everything about this book. Clay always keeps his promises to everyone no matter if they hurt him or not. This book was heartbreaking, happy, secretive, and exciting. I don’t know how Jessie Gussman brings out so many different emotions but she does. I did not want to put this book down. Absolutely amazing story and I can’t wait to read the next one. Great Job Jessie
March 21, 2023
-Clean romance
-Christian characters
-Single Dad, adopted baby
-Can be read as a stand alone
Content warning:
-female main character rescued from sex trafficking at 14 years old, put baby up for adoption.
He saved her life then told her if nobody is willing to marry her he will. Now she's completed college and is back to hold him to his promise. But it's clear he forgot.
-Christian characters
-Single Dad, adopted baby
-Can be read as a stand alone
Content warning:
-female main character rescued from sex trafficking at 14 years old, put baby up for adoption.
He saved her life then told her if nobody is willing to marry her he will. Now she's completed college and is back to hold him to his promise. But it's clear he forgot.
May 8, 2023
Heartfelt story
This is about redemption through salvation and a man named Preacher who through a heroic act was used by God to save a teenage girl from a life of slavery. Said girl finds him after many years and we experience a sprinkle of humor as Rena takes on the role of cook, even though she cannot cook, for Preachers harvesting crew. A great read.
May 2023
Fody
This is about redemption through salvation and a man named Preacher who through a heroic act was used by God to save a teenage girl from a life of slavery. Said girl finds him after many years and we experience a sprinkle of humor as Rena takes on the role of cook, even though she cannot cook, for Preachers harvesting crew. A great read.
May 2023
Fody
May 13, 2020
This one's a little different.
This one deals with some heavier issues than the first books did. Much heavier. And yet, the author still managed to make the characters lovable and witty.
This one deals with some heavier issues than the first books did. Much heavier. And yet, the author still managed to make the characters lovable and witty.
July 31, 2020
The "Preacher's" love
Great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's hard to find a book that successfully combines both the elements of a good romance novel and those of a cowboy western but this one did. I recommend it highly. You'll definately enjoy it.
Great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's hard to find a book that successfully combines both the elements of a good romance novel and those of a cowboy western but this one did. I recommend it highly. You'll definately enjoy it.
August 11, 2020
What a story
So much twist loved it goes to show looks arent everything, God looks beyond and finds love with everyone! Totally enjoyed it so happy with the love and support they have.
So much twist loved it goes to show looks arent everything, God looks beyond and finds love with everyone! Totally enjoyed it so happy with the love and support they have.
September 27, 2020
Interesting story
I enjoyed the story, it was different and not exactly what you would expect. I did like it very much and was happy when it all came together for a happy ending. I would recommend reading.
I enjoyed the story, it was different and not exactly what you would expect. I did like it very much and was happy when it all came together for a happy ending. I would recommend reading.
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