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Heartland Cowboy Christmas #1
Heartland Joy
Shawn Barclay didn’t plan to stay in Iowa long. He’d only left his family and the close-knit community of Mistletoe, Arkansas as a favor to his parents. They’d asked him to help the daughter of a friend who was in an accident.
After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.
Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.
Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.
What if the locals are right? What if she is bad luck? She’s not willing to risk Shawn’s life and prove them right.
Then Shawn makes a very public surprise announcement. Will it solve Bridget’s problems, or break both their hearts?
After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.
Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.
Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.
What if the locals are right? What if she is bad luck? She’s not willing to risk Shawn’s life and prove them right.
Then Shawn makes a very public surprise announcement. Will it solve Bridget’s problems, or break both their hearts?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
832 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
July 16, 2022
Such a joy indeed! Miss Gussman writes another heartfelt clean romance. I do not usually like Christian romance, but I am making exception for Miss Gussman.
Sean is such a sweetheart. His heart is so big that he is pulsing with kindness. In the world where everything is never granted, this is a reminder that there is goodness out there. And that makes our heart warm with hope.
4 stars
Sean is such a sweetheart. His heart is so big that he is pulsing with kindness. In the world where everything is never granted, this is a reminder that there is goodness out there. And that makes our heart warm with hope.
4 stars
September 13, 2021
Bridget was known as the Bad Luck Widow. She had lost two husbands, her brother and her father to farm accidents on the family farm. She was cursed, or so the townspeople said. All she wanted to do was to be left alone to raise her three daughters but she really needed help but no one really wanted to help her afraid that they might get caught up in the curse.
Shawn was doing a favor for his father. He left Arkansas, heading to Iowa to help out a the daughter of his father's friend. When he arrived, he discovered the bad luck widow and the heard all about the curse she brought down on all the men in her life. He was determined to make her see that she wasn't cursed. He never intended to stay in Iowa but maybe there was something worth staying for.
This was a very sweet, clean story of a good, honest, God-fearing man who wanted to help. He wanted the love of a good woman and a family. Could he find that in Iowa with a marriage of convenience?
I have read many of this author's books and have enjoyed each and everyone one them. They tell of a loving God without being preachy. The characters are real dealing with real life problems and searching for real life solutions.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Shawn was doing a favor for his father. He left Arkansas, heading to Iowa to help out a the daughter of his father's friend. When he arrived, he discovered the bad luck widow and the heard all about the curse she brought down on all the men in her life. He was determined to make her see that she wasn't cursed. He never intended to stay in Iowa but maybe there was something worth staying for.
This was a very sweet, clean story of a good, honest, God-fearing man who wanted to help. He wanted the love of a good woman and a family. Could he find that in Iowa with a marriage of convenience?
I have read many of this author's books and have enjoyed each and everyone one them. They tell of a loving God without being preachy. The characters are real dealing with real life problems and searching for real life solutions.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
November 21, 2021
Every time I pick up a Jessie Gussman book I know that I will not be disappointed. And this one doesn't disappoint. It is an Heartwarming, Inspirational and awesome read. It has a great storyline with an interesting cast of characters.
The one thing that will make a Jessie Gussman book better is to have Jay Dyess narrate it. And he does an awesome job narrating this book. I listened to it on audible. They make a great pair, who with her great writing and him with his storytelling it makes you feel like you are right there with the characters, feeling what they are feeling.
Bridget is a single mom with three girls. She also has a farm that she is trying to take care of. However, everyone in town warns people away from Bridget and her farm because they think it is cursed. It seems that all the males on the farm have died during some kind of accident on the farm.
Check out the story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did. If you enjoy listening to audio books you may want to get this one in audio and listen to Jay Dyess bring the words to life.
The one thing that will make a Jessie Gussman book better is to have Jay Dyess narrate it. And he does an awesome job narrating this book. I listened to it on audible. They make a great pair, who with her great writing and him with his storytelling it makes you feel like you are right there with the characters, feeling what they are feeling.
Bridget is a single mom with three girls. She also has a farm that she is trying to take care of. However, everyone in town warns people away from Bridget and her farm because they think it is cursed. It seems that all the males on the farm have died during some kind of accident on the farm.
Check out the story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did. If you enjoy listening to audio books you may want to get this one in audio and listen to Jay Dyess bring the words to life.
December 24, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Perfect for when you are baking Christmas cookies or anytime. I love listening to Jay Dress. He brings the characters and story to life. Jessie's story is wonderful. Shawn doesn't plan on staying in Iowa for too long. He is there as a favor for his Father. His friend needs help on his farm. Of course, when he gets there, things aren't actually what he was expecting. He meets the daughter, Bridget, by accident in the parking lot of the grocery store and I mean accident. When he explains why he is there she explains the curse of the farm and discouraged him from staying. He doesn't believe a word of it from her or the town people. Until!
I was given a copy of this book by the narrator for an honest review. I loved it!
I was given a copy of this book by the narrator for an honest review. I loved it!
September 2, 2022
Jessie Gussman always comes up with a surprise and this is no exception, although Shawn's decision is a surprise to himself as well as Bridget. I love the start of the book. Who doesn't like eating watermelon with the juice dripping down one's chin and over one's hands? As always in her books, there is always a Biblical standard which the characters maintain, which I always enjoy.
December 28, 2024
Great Read
I couldn't stop reading this book in this series once I started it! Would definitely recommend this series to any one! Thanks!
I couldn't stop reading this book in this series once I started it! Would definitely recommend this series to any one! Thanks!
November 3, 2023
In the shadow of a curse…
When Shawn Barclay arrived in Prairie Rose, Iowa to help on a farm he found out his father had omitted a few not-so-small details from the story. His father’s friend was actually deceased. It was his widowed daughter who needed help and she had three children and lived under the shadow of a curse that kept the townspeople at arm’s length.
Bridget Rallings could certainly use the handsome stranger's help but not at the expense of his life. Any man who stayed on her farm wound up dead and she could not put the son of her father’s friend in danger.
This story really shows the power of words. The townspeople constantly referring to the curse put a shadow of unhealthy gloom over Bridget and her daughters that was slowly but surely destroying their life. Shawn was not the type of person to let rumor and superstition poison his opinion of people. A really good, clean story!
When Shawn Barclay arrived in Prairie Rose, Iowa to help on a farm he found out his father had omitted a few not-so-small details from the story. His father’s friend was actually deceased. It was his widowed daughter who needed help and she had three children and lived under the shadow of a curse that kept the townspeople at arm’s length.
Bridget Rallings could certainly use the handsome stranger's help but not at the expense of his life. Any man who stayed on her farm wound up dead and she could not put the son of her father’s friend in danger.
This story really shows the power of words. The townspeople constantly referring to the curse put a shadow of unhealthy gloom over Bridget and her daughters that was slowly but surely destroying their life. Shawn was not the type of person to let rumor and superstition poison his opinion of people. A really good, clean story!
August 4, 2021
Jessie Gussman is very creative when it comes to her characters meeting for the first time. I won't say any more about that, except that you've never read a meeting like this one before.
This is a story about a young man who is heading out to help on a farm in another state. He finds out that the woman who he's planning to help has a curse on her, according to the entire town. Her father has just died, her brother died, and so did both of her husbands. So do her kids.
This is a sweet, clean love story. There is a fair amount of discussion about God's plans for people and for this couple. in particular. It's a fun read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This is my honest review.
This is a story about a young man who is heading out to help on a farm in another state. He finds out that the woman who he's planning to help has a curse on her, according to the entire town. Her father has just died, her brother died, and so did both of her husbands. So do her kids.
This is a sweet, clean love story. There is a fair amount of discussion about God's plans for people and for this couple. in particular. It's a fun read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This is my honest review.
July 24, 2021
Great start to a new series!
Do you believe in curses? The townsfolk believe Bridget and her farm are cursed and warn everyone against setting foot on her property or being close to her. Shawn was sent by his dad to help her on his farm and takes an immediate dislike for the meanness that the townsfolk feel free to heap on her and her daughters. Without thinking, he blurts out something that will change all their lives dramatically. Thoughtful presentation of how God tells us to act especially when we want to do something else entirely. Recommend!
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2024
This is a book only Jesse can write. She can come up with the most interesting plot lines and this definitely was one.
May 23, 2022
A Blessing to Read!
Jessie Gussman writes a winner in her Heartland Cowboy Christmas sweet romance series. Heartland Joy, the first installment, answers the question in the back of my mind (and those who've been following the Barclay siblings' stories): What happened with Shane, the youngest brother? The "Dreaming of His... Kiss" titles covered Ruby ("Cowboy''s"), Denver ("Convenient"), West ("Snowed-in"), Journee ("Pen Pal's"), and Blakely ("Best Friend's"), but Shane was missing in action. Now the full story can be told!
Shawn (I questioned the name change, but it's consistent throughout the book) has been sent to a small town in Iowa to help his dad's friend work his farm after a car crash. He arrives to find that the farmer has died of his injuries, leaving a daughter and three granddaughters. Interestingly, Bridget (the daughter) is unmarried, having been widowed twice. Her brother also died on the farm, leaving Bridget and her farm with a reputation of being cursed and the men with a hesitation to go near her. Shawn, angered by the town's lack of consideration for a woman who has endured so much loss, announces in public that Bridget is his fiancee... and then rushes back to the farm to let her know that she's been asked and said "yes"!
Two days and a series of awkward moments later, Bridget tells her preteen girls that she and " Mr. Shawn" are being married the next day. After they return home from the ceremony, they realize that they never settled where in the house he was going to sleep! More awkward moments later, she accepts his offer to sleep on the floor of her bedroom, on the understanding that he can move into the bed when she's ready. It's strictly a marriage of convenience, a way to show the townsfolk that the curse isn't real. That's what they tell themselves, anyhow...
A year after the wedding, Shawn is repairing a tractor when it falls on him. The girls, noticing that he's not in the egg sorting shed, prompt Bridget to look for him. When she sees only his legs sticking out from under the fallen tractor, she fears that the curse has struck again. By that point, however, their business relationship has evolved into friendship and each of them wants more from the other but is too shy to say something. The trip to the E.R. solves that problem, and a stitch-removing session ends up with emotional guards being removed as well. Looks like it's going to be a merry Christmas for the new Barclay family!
This story is the most explicitly Christian I've read. Shawn might be a quirky goofball, but he's also passionate about teaching the girls how--and why--to turn the other cheek when faced with the cruelty of children telling them that their parents were convinced that Shawn would fall victim to the curse and were betting on how long he would survive after moving to the farm. He quotes multiple Bible verses about praying for those who hurt and persecute you, then kneels next to the coffee table he's turned into an altar and does it. It's confirmation to Bridget that her tragedies were not a curse, but merely God's preparation of her heart and circumstances to accept such a strange offer from such a strange, wonderful man.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about forgiveness; trusting God; farming (especially egg gathering and sorting); dealing with mistaken people who don't want to change their minds; and learning how to love your spouse, no matter how long you've been together. This book has something for everyone, and it's a blessing to read! I love it!
Jessie Gussman writes a winner in her Heartland Cowboy Christmas sweet romance series. Heartland Joy, the first installment, answers the question in the back of my mind (and those who've been following the Barclay siblings' stories): What happened with Shane, the youngest brother? The "Dreaming of His... Kiss" titles covered Ruby ("Cowboy''s"), Denver ("Convenient"), West ("Snowed-in"), Journee ("Pen Pal's"), and Blakely ("Best Friend's"), but Shane was missing in action. Now the full story can be told!
Shawn (I questioned the name change, but it's consistent throughout the book) has been sent to a small town in Iowa to help his dad's friend work his farm after a car crash. He arrives to find that the farmer has died of his injuries, leaving a daughter and three granddaughters. Interestingly, Bridget (the daughter) is unmarried, having been widowed twice. Her brother also died on the farm, leaving Bridget and her farm with a reputation of being cursed and the men with a hesitation to go near her. Shawn, angered by the town's lack of consideration for a woman who has endured so much loss, announces in public that Bridget is his fiancee... and then rushes back to the farm to let her know that she's been asked and said "yes"!
Two days and a series of awkward moments later, Bridget tells her preteen girls that she and " Mr. Shawn" are being married the next day. After they return home from the ceremony, they realize that they never settled where in the house he was going to sleep! More awkward moments later, she accepts his offer to sleep on the floor of her bedroom, on the understanding that he can move into the bed when she's ready. It's strictly a marriage of convenience, a way to show the townsfolk that the curse isn't real. That's what they tell themselves, anyhow...
A year after the wedding, Shawn is repairing a tractor when it falls on him. The girls, noticing that he's not in the egg sorting shed, prompt Bridget to look for him. When she sees only his legs sticking out from under the fallen tractor, she fears that the curse has struck again. By that point, however, their business relationship has evolved into friendship and each of them wants more from the other but is too shy to say something. The trip to the E.R. solves that problem, and a stitch-removing session ends up with emotional guards being removed as well. Looks like it's going to be a merry Christmas for the new Barclay family!
This story is the most explicitly Christian I've read. Shawn might be a quirky goofball, but he's also passionate about teaching the girls how--and why--to turn the other cheek when faced with the cruelty of children telling them that their parents were convinced that Shawn would fall victim to the curse and were betting on how long he would survive after moving to the farm. He quotes multiple Bible verses about praying for those who hurt and persecute you, then kneels next to the coffee table he's turned into an altar and does it. It's confirmation to Bridget that her tragedies were not a curse, but merely God's preparation of her heart and circumstances to accept such a strange offer from such a strange, wonderful man.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about forgiveness; trusting God; farming (especially egg gathering and sorting); dealing with mistaken people who don't want to change their minds; and learning how to love your spouse, no matter how long you've been together. This book has something for everyone, and it's a blessing to read! I love it!
August 5, 2024
Bridget was believed to be cursed. She had lost two husbands, her brother and her father to tragic farm accidents on her families farm. The towns people gossiped. Bridget believed the words of the towns people, she believed she was cursed but she was struggling to manage the family farm and raise her three daughters. She could not and would not admit that she needed help, because she believed that another man would die on the farm. Even her daughters believed the curse.
Shawn had owned a farm but he had sod up and so he was now doing his father a favor by going to help someone else on their farm. He left his family and his home Arkansas to head out to this farm to Iowa thinking he was helping his father's friend. He also thought he might be there for a few months maybe a year but he would be heading home again.
When he arrived, he met Bridget in the supermarket carpark, when she was nearly caught up in an accident with a trolley. Shawn heard all about the curse she brought down on all the men in her life, not knowing initially that it was her farm he was being sent to help at. When he realised he was going to be working for Bridget, Shawn was determined to make her see that she wasn't cursed. But then he heard the talk of the towns people himself and he said something that he probably should have regretted but he wanted everyone to see that Bridget was not cursed.
Shawn's little white lie leads to a marrige of convenience, but who is falling first and can Shawn avoid the curse??
This was a very sweet, story which touches on religious beliefs. I adored Shawn and his determination to make Bridget see that she was not cursed.
Shawn had owned a farm but he had sod up and so he was now doing his father a favor by going to help someone else on their farm. He left his family and his home Arkansas to head out to this farm to Iowa thinking he was helping his father's friend. He also thought he might be there for a few months maybe a year but he would be heading home again.
When he arrived, he met Bridget in the supermarket carpark, when she was nearly caught up in an accident with a trolley. Shawn heard all about the curse she brought down on all the men in her life, not knowing initially that it was her farm he was being sent to help at. When he realised he was going to be working for Bridget, Shawn was determined to make her see that she wasn't cursed. But then he heard the talk of the towns people himself and he said something that he probably should have regretted but he wanted everyone to see that Bridget was not cursed.
Shawn's little white lie leads to a marrige of convenience, but who is falling first and can Shawn avoid the curse??
This was a very sweet, story which touches on religious beliefs. I adored Shawn and his determination to make Bridget see that she was not cursed.
May 29, 2022
Is she cursed or is she ain’t?
Bridget and Shawn started out with a marriage of convenience that turned into love. It includes some Christian values and lessons which adds to the story and explains some of the reasoning behind the characters motives. Shawn seemed to me to be a very kind and loving person. He wanted to help Bridget and her family to become successful at their farm. Once he met her children he wanted to be a good example to them and be involved in their lives. Bridget was very concerned about the reputation she and the farm had for being “cursed” due to several deaths on the farm. Shawn put no credence to this curse and was determined to live so he could prove there was no basis to this curse. It didn’t take long for Shawn and Bridget to fall in love. Bridget was very grateful for Shawn and his willingness to debunk the curse and live. He also was a great example of living Christian values and helped teach Bridget’s children by example. There was a harrowing accident which caused great angst for Bridget but they both pulled through finally debunking the curse reputation. I loved the way Jessie Gussman authored this subject of marriage of convenience turned to love as well as showing how faith can overcome fear. I also must give Jay Dyess a shout out for his talents in performing his numerous voices in the YouTube version. His talents always amaze me. I feel very confident in highly recommending this audio book.
Bridget and Shawn started out with a marriage of convenience that turned into love. It includes some Christian values and lessons which adds to the story and explains some of the reasoning behind the characters motives. Shawn seemed to me to be a very kind and loving person. He wanted to help Bridget and her family to become successful at their farm. Once he met her children he wanted to be a good example to them and be involved in their lives. Bridget was very concerned about the reputation she and the farm had for being “cursed” due to several deaths on the farm. Shawn put no credence to this curse and was determined to live so he could prove there was no basis to this curse. It didn’t take long for Shawn and Bridget to fall in love. Bridget was very grateful for Shawn and his willingness to debunk the curse and live. He also was a great example of living Christian values and helped teach Bridget’s children by example. There was a harrowing accident which caused great angst for Bridget but they both pulled through finally debunking the curse reputation. I loved the way Jessie Gussman authored this subject of marriage of convenience turned to love as well as showing how faith can overcome fear. I also must give Jay Dyess a shout out for his talents in performing his numerous voices in the YouTube version. His talents always amaze me. I feel very confident in highly recommending this audio book.
October 19, 2021
Accidents on the Farm!
Shawn, from Arkansas, left his home at the request of his parents to assist Bridget, from Iowa, with repairs at her egg-laying and farming operation. Her husband had died and she was unable to keep everything in good repair. Shawn had been maintaining equipment for some time on his family's farm. He arrived in Iowa and met Bridget and her three daughters. He had made a stop at the local grocery store and met a young woman in the parking lot. When she learned that he was going to help Bridget, she told him that Bridget was considered to be bad luck because more than one of her husbands had died on her farm. He continued on to the farm, met Bridget, and began helping her.
Will Shawn stay on the farm or will he let rumors run him off? Read this book and find out. I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you enjoy it also.
Shawn, from Arkansas, left his home at the request of his parents to assist Bridget, from Iowa, with repairs at her egg-laying and farming operation. Her husband had died and she was unable to keep everything in good repair. Shawn had been maintaining equipment for some time on his family's farm. He arrived in Iowa and met Bridget and her three daughters. He had made a stop at the local grocery store and met a young woman in the parking lot. When she learned that he was going to help Bridget, she told him that Bridget was considered to be bad luck because more than one of her husbands had died on her farm. He continued on to the farm, met Bridget, and began helping her.
Will Shawn stay on the farm or will he let rumors run him off? Read this book and find out. I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you enjoy it also.
November 23, 2021
Here’s a contemporary romance that offers both humor and depth. If you look beyond the surface story, you’ll see how gravely people can be affected by the words and opinions of others. It takes a strong faith to stand up to false assumptions and challenge them on a personal level.
Widow Bridget Rallings meets Shawn Barclay in her small town’s grocery store parking lot where he comes face-to-face with the unfair prejudice against Bridget. Then they discover Shawn is the person who has promised to work on her farm. Bridget shoulders the responsibility of the farm, three daughters, and the speculation that the farm is cursed because several men have died there. Shawn is determined to persuade everyone there is no curse, even to the point of marrying Bridget. Will he survive and convince the town or is he doomed?
January 23, 2022
To be straight up honest, this book was something every married person should read. It was so raw and honest about God being in control, giving us the tools for a successful marriage even when life has serious hardships. Shawn had no intention of even staying in Iowa. He was only there for a favor. He goes to help out Bridget on her farm. She has true grit. She is a salt of the earth, hardworking, perservering farmer through and through. Shawn sees that and hates all the rumors around town that she is cursed, so he sets out to put an end to the unfair gossip. Through it all, there are many different pages where amazing points about God and successful marriages are made. This book would be worth a second read just to remember those points better! Well done, Jessie Gussman, well done! I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 16, 2022
When Shawn showed up to help and ended up asking her to marry him within a few hours of meeting, Bridget could only begin to realize how her life was changing…
I loved the lessons I read in this story. With such a background, Bridget could easily have given up, become bitter. But she learned to persevere and, later on, was rewarded with becoming Shawn’s wife. The way Shawn explained their daughters how God wants us to show kindness to people who hurt us was touching. It was relatable and told in a loving way. Shawn’s character was tender but strong, a great example for the children who had already suffered so much loss as well as were continuously confronted at school with the cruelty of the curse.
Enjoy reading how Bridget and Shawn took a leap of faith and got married without knowing each other.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the lessons I read in this story. With such a background, Bridget could easily have given up, become bitter. But she learned to persevere and, later on, was rewarded with becoming Shawn’s wife. The way Shawn explained their daughters how God wants us to show kindness to people who hurt us was touching. It was relatable and told in a loving way. Shawn’s character was tender but strong, a great example for the children who had already suffered so much loss as well as were continuously confronted at school with the cruelty of the curse.
Enjoy reading how Bridget and Shawn took a leap of faith and got married without knowing each other.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
Shawn Barclay is an amazing character. He leaves his close knit family in Mistletoe Arkansas to go to Iowa to help his father's friend's daughter, Bridget Rawlings. As soon as he hits town, Bridget tells him of the "curse" associated with her and the farm. She lost her brother 8 years ago. She lost her first husband to a fireworks accident and more recently, her second husband and her father in a car accident. He still agrees to help her but when he goes to town to get a haircut, three people at the barber shop strongly caution him about staying. He gets so angry at the town people that he tells them he and Bridget are engaged to be married. Shawn is not a liar so he wonders what has gotten into him. The delightful characters in this book and the way Jessie Gussman teaches a sermon in each of her wonderful books make the reading pure pleasure!
August 16, 2022
Pleasantly Surprised
This is my first Jessie Gussman book, so I didn't really know what to expect. However, I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised and not the least bit disappointed by this lovely and sweet story. The characters and their interactions were engaging and entertaining. I especially loved Shawn. He was kind, sweet, and with a huge heart and was a perfect match for Bridget, aka The Bad Luck Widow. Theirs is a wonderful story that combines romance, humor, faith and hope and is a definite must read.
Book Quote:
But sometimes, a person couldn't see the end from the beginning; sometimes, they couldn't even really see where the next step was. Sometimes, you just had to walk in the dark, having faith that things would work out and not demanding to know every step to get there before you agreed to put one foot in front of the other.
This is my first Jessie Gussman book, so I didn't really know what to expect. However, I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised and not the least bit disappointed by this lovely and sweet story. The characters and their interactions were engaging and entertaining. I especially loved Shawn. He was kind, sweet, and with a huge heart and was a perfect match for Bridget, aka The Bad Luck Widow. Theirs is a wonderful story that combines romance, humor, faith and hope and is a definite must read.
Book Quote:
But sometimes, a person couldn't see the end from the beginning; sometimes, they couldn't even really see where the next step was. Sometimes, you just had to walk in the dark, having faith that things would work out and not demanding to know every step to get there before you agreed to put one foot in front of the other.
January 26, 2022
There is so much heart and humor to this well written story; I just did not want to stop reading for anything. I thought it was neat that this was set in Iowa and the way the story starts caught my interest within the first paragraph. This is an interesting marriage of convenience story and the "the curse" really made it interesting. The girls were cute and definitely sisters; especially over the little things siblings will fight over with each other. The audio was really fun to listen to and really brought the story to life as well. I listened to the audio book and read the story which was fun since I could have the ability to keep going when I had other things to do until I could get back to reading on my kindle.
August 13, 2022
free ebook
he was sent by his adopted dad to go to a small farm town to help a widow with 3 daughters out on her farm. he meets her by accident in the market parking lot where he stopped to get a watermelon for his lunch. she tells him her farm is cursed and kills the men who live there, 2 of her husbands and dad died on the farm.
he has faith in God and does not believe in the curse and is mad at the town who believes it. he told the barber they were engaged so he went to the farm a hour after he met her and they decided to get married the next day
her girls liked him and she fell in love with him too after the tractor fell on him. he still doesnt believe in the curse but the town does
they became a real family. bible verses and God in it, really good book!
he was sent by his adopted dad to go to a small farm town to help a widow with 3 daughters out on her farm. he meets her by accident in the market parking lot where he stopped to get a watermelon for his lunch. she tells him her farm is cursed and kills the men who live there, 2 of her husbands and dad died on the farm.
he has faith in God and does not believe in the curse and is mad at the town who believes it. he told the barber they were engaged so he went to the farm a hour after he met her and they decided to get married the next day
her girls liked him and she fell in love with him too after the tractor fell on him. he still doesnt believe in the curse but the town does
they became a real family. bible verses and God in it, really good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
'Made for each other'
I have put this series on my next 'to read' list. No matter the time of year, I can read anything to do with Christmas, even listening to Christmas music on 'TuneIn' year around.
Quote from the book:
"We believe in God, and His providence, His will, His protection. The Bible says safety if of the Lord, and we claim to believe the Bible, right?"
"We'll just keep standing on the rock. We'll keep our girls beside us. And we'll live until God calls us home."
The next book in this series: Second Chance with the Heartland Cowboy (A Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance Book 2. Braxton and Krista got married in secret then her prison sentence came between them. Can they recapture what they once had? Enjoy and happy reading!
I have put this series on my next 'to read' list. No matter the time of year, I can read anything to do with Christmas, even listening to Christmas music on 'TuneIn' year around.
Quote from the book:
"We believe in God, and His providence, His will, His protection. The Bible says safety if of the Lord, and we claim to believe the Bible, right?"
"We'll just keep standing on the rock. We'll keep our girls beside us. And we'll live until God calls us home."
The next book in this series: Second Chance with the Heartland Cowboy (A Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance Book 2. Braxton and Krista got married in secret then her prison sentence came between them. Can they recapture what they once had? Enjoy and happy reading!
August 3, 2021
Sweet story
Bridget has been trying to run her farm by herself since the death of her second husband. She’s resigned to living alone with her three daughters, but life isn’t easy on the farm. When her father’s friend sends his son Shawn to help her out she’s not sure what to think.
When townspeople try to discourage Shawn away from the farm with talk of a curse he’s not buying it. He doesn’t believe there’s a curse, even if all the men in Bridget’s life were lost in connection to the farm. As a matter of fact he’s got a solution. The question is, will she agree?
This is a great story about family, faith, and love.
Bridget has been trying to run her farm by herself since the death of her second husband. She’s resigned to living alone with her three daughters, but life isn’t easy on the farm. When her father’s friend sends his son Shawn to help her out she’s not sure what to think.
When townspeople try to discourage Shawn away from the farm with talk of a curse he’s not buying it. He doesn’t believe there’s a curse, even if all the men in Bridget’s life were lost in connection to the farm. As a matter of fact he’s got a solution. The question is, will she agree?
This is a great story about family, faith, and love.
November 10, 2021
Curses
Shawn has been sent to help a friend of his father's. He wasn't, however, prepared to learn that it's really the friend's daughter. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Bridget has been labeled as cursed by her community. After several deaths, even she is inclined to believe it.
After seeing how she and her daughters are treated, he quickly asks her to marry him. He is determined to prove them wrong. That is, until the tractor he is repairing falls on him. Can he prove to Bridget and the girls that even accidents and death are orchestrated by God. We just have to believe He knows exactly what we need and when ~
Shawn has been sent to help a friend of his father's. He wasn't, however, prepared to learn that it's really the friend's daughter. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Bridget has been labeled as cursed by her community. After several deaths, even she is inclined to believe it.
After seeing how she and her daughters are treated, he quickly asks her to marry him. He is determined to prove them wrong. That is, until the tractor he is repairing falls on him. Can he prove to Bridget and the girls that even accidents and death are orchestrated by God. We just have to believe He knows exactly what we need and when ~
November 20, 2021
Bad Luck Widow....
NOT,
Poor Bridget and the town talk, Good thing Shawn is there is prove that old wives tale incorrect. I listened to the amazing voice of Jay D and his narrations of amazing voices, the talent he puts in to this story, full of faith, lessons learned, along with struggles and so much more.
Not sure if I heard the daughters names correctly, but I loved how Robin still makes homemade bread that Bridget's friend Matilda taught her. I also love how Porsha and Alise loved their mom and watched out for her in their own way, without holding back.
A brother's love is the best way to describe Braxton and how he protects her.
NOT,
Poor Bridget and the town talk, Good thing Shawn is there is prove that old wives tale incorrect. I listened to the amazing voice of Jay D and his narrations of amazing voices, the talent he puts in to this story, full of faith, lessons learned, along with struggles and so much more.
Not sure if I heard the daughters names correctly, but I loved how Robin still makes homemade bread that Bridget's friend Matilda taught her. I also love how Porsha and Alise loved their mom and watched out for her in their own way, without holding back.
A brother's love is the best way to describe Braxton and how he protects her.
September 1, 2023
Shawn (Shane) and Bridget
Jessie Gussman is a divinely touched writer of clean, Christ following books. I have LOVED everything I've ever read by her. This book, formerly Heartland Joy, is one of my favorites! If you followed the Barclays, this first book of the newly titled A Heartland Cowboy Christmas series, FINALLY 😂 brings Shane (named Shawn) his happiness at the hands of Race and Penny's matchmaking! It was a beautiful and poignant story that really epitomizes the most important requirement of marriage. I LOVED it.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest!
Jessie Gussman is a divinely touched writer of clean, Christ following books. I have LOVED everything I've ever read by her. This book, formerly Heartland Joy, is one of my favorites! If you followed the Barclays, this first book of the newly titled A Heartland Cowboy Christmas series, FINALLY 😂 brings Shane (named Shawn) his happiness at the hands of Race and Penny's matchmaking! It was a beautiful and poignant story that really epitomizes the most important requirement of marriage. I LOVED it.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest!
January 27, 2024
Interesting Concept
Shawn is new in town, fulfilling his father’s request to help out the daughter of a good friend. He runs into a strange blast of gossip at the barber shop but plows ahead anyway. Almost everyone in town believes Bridget is cursed just because a brother, two husbands, and a father have died working on her farm. Bridget tries to warn Shawn away, but she really needs his help to keep the farm going. She and her three daughters try their best, but there’s too much to be done, so she agrees to Shawn’s strange offer.
Enjoy the ride as you find out whether this whole thing works out.
Shawn is new in town, fulfilling his father’s request to help out the daughter of a good friend. He runs into a strange blast of gossip at the barber shop but plows ahead anyway. Almost everyone in town believes Bridget is cursed just because a brother, two husbands, and a father have died working on her farm. Bridget tries to warn Shawn away, but she really needs his help to keep the farm going. She and her three daughters try their best, but there’s too much to be done, so she agrees to Shawn’s strange offer.
Enjoy the ride as you find out whether this whole thing works out.
August 5, 2021
Heartland Joy
Such a good book. Shawn is moving from Arkansas because his dad’s friend needs help on the farm. When Shawn arrives in town he discovers his dad’s friend has passed away and he will be working with the friends daughter who has the reputation in town of being cursed. All the men in her family have died. She and her daughters have suffered great loss and the townspeople are making it more difficult with their talk. Can Shawn and Bridget prove their faith is greater than any curse the town might believe?
Such a good book. Shawn is moving from Arkansas because his dad’s friend needs help on the farm. When Shawn arrives in town he discovers his dad’s friend has passed away and he will be working with the friends daughter who has the reputation in town of being cursed. All the men in her family have died. She and her daughters have suffered great loss and the townspeople are making it more difficult with their talk. Can Shawn and Bridget prove their faith is greater than any curse the town might believe?
August 17, 2021
This book just pulled me in from the beginning, having read so much about Sean in an earlier series. Although we knew he was getting his own story, I would never have envisioned this sweet romance. The obstacles placed in front of this mother of 3 is staggering, but she comes through with a beautiful touch of God's loving Grace. A great beginning to a new series. As with all of this author's work, I would highly recommend any of her books.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 29, 2021
Jessie Gussman is a master storyteller and the first book in this series is excellent. Shawn and Bridget's story is so very different than any other sweet romance I've read. Prairie Rose is an interesting small farming community in Iowa where everyone knows everyone's business. Bridget has certainly had a lot of hardship in her short life and is resigned to her fate of living under the "curse". However, Shawn doesn't believe it and is willing to make a bold change in his life to help her. You'll thoroughly enjoy finding out how they come upon their HEA.
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