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Sundown Valley #3
The Cowboy's Journey Home
Finding his way back is just the beginning…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Linda Goodnight.
He’ll make up for the past…
But won’t saddle anyone with his future.
Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends—and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
K-9 Companions
Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 8: The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
He’ll make up for the past…
But won’t saddle anyone with his future.
Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends—and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
K-9 Companions
Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 8: The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
84 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Linda Goodnight
221 books521 followersNY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels of faith and family that point to hope through Christ. Her emotional stories have won the RITA , the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. Her two great passions are faith in Jesus and her large extended family. (And pie. she loves pie.)
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 27, 2022
***Now Available***
This is a Clean Second Chance Romance, and this is the 8th book in the K-9 Companions series. I really love the characters. Yates character had to overcome so much, and he needed to learn to open up to the people that are closest to him. I loved seeing his character overcoming so much throughout this book. Laurel is a sweet and strong woman, and she is everything Yates needs. The kids in this book were just so cute. I loved the characters in this book, and the storyline in this book was just so good. I did get a little sick of Yates not talking to anyone, and I really was just like just let it out by the end of the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Linda Goodnight) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
This is a Clean Second Chance Romance, and this is the 8th book in the K-9 Companions series. I really love the characters. Yates character had to overcome so much, and he needed to learn to open up to the people that are closest to him. I loved seeing his character overcoming so much throughout this book. Laurel is a sweet and strong woman, and she is everything Yates needs. The kids in this book were just so cute. I loved the characters in this book, and the storyline in this book was just so good. I did get a little sick of Yates not talking to anyone, and I really was just like just let it out by the end of the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Linda Goodnight) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 26, 2022
I have been waiting for this story the last two Goodnight books. Yates Trudeau, who we have seen on the periphery of the Trudeau property, just barely, and not even quite sure it even was him. But it was. Yates Trudeau has come home, injured and hopeless. Hopeless in his own mind, that is. Yates’s condition, both emotional and physical, broke my heart. He just got down deep in my heart. I loved his character. And the woman he basically abandoned when he ran off eight years ago to join the military has never stopped loving him. But now Yates wants to push her away. And wants to love her at the same time. There are other issues involved here, too, that cause trouble. And those Trudeau men, Wade and Bowie, my goodness, what great men they are. Full of Jesus and love for Yates. Powerful story here. Highly recommended. Linda Goodnight seriously knows how to tell a wonderful story.
My thanks to Live Inspired for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
My thanks to Live Inspired for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
February 4, 2023
Yates Trudeau is making his way back to his hometown after being discharged from the Army, running into his former flame brings back memories and hopes for a future, but will the secret he is keeping prevent them from giving love a second chance?
An engaging second chance romance. I liked how Laurel didn't give up on Yates, even though he'd hurt her in the past. There was great character interaction and growth, I especially admired Laurel's faith and her big heart for others. I loved seeing how Yates's family welcomed him back yet gave him space to make up his own mind.
Overall, an enjoyable read with wonderful characters and a compelling storyline. A great quick, heartwarming read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An engaging second chance romance. I liked how Laurel didn't give up on Yates, even though he'd hurt her in the past. There was great character interaction and growth, I especially admired Laurel's faith and her big heart for others. I loved seeing how Yates's family welcomed him back yet gave him space to make up his own mind.
Overall, an enjoyable read with wonderful characters and a compelling storyline. A great quick, heartwarming read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 22, 2023
This is another great read by, Linda Goodnight. Strong and likeable characters.
June 28, 2022
The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight is part of the K-9 Companion series. Although I have not read any of the previous books, this one stands alone.
Yates Trudeau is a military man who has come home after being badly injured. Both physically and emotionally. After leaving home so abruptly he dreads facing his family and his old girlfriend, Laurel. Laurel is a strong woman and gives Yates the support and forgiveness he so desperately needs. Yates and Laurel's families have been feuding for years, but this does not stop them from finding their way to healing.
Linda Goodnight is an author I go to time and again. She writes good clean contemporary romance with depth of heart. Good characters and story line.
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Yates Trudeau is a military man who has come home after being badly injured. Both physically and emotionally. After leaving home so abruptly he dreads facing his family and his old girlfriend, Laurel. Laurel is a strong woman and gives Yates the support and forgiveness he so desperately needs. Yates and Laurel's families have been feuding for years, but this does not stop them from finding their way to healing.
Linda Goodnight is an author I go to time and again. She writes good clean contemporary romance with depth of heart. Good characters and story line.
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 5, 2022
What a powerful redemption story! Not just for Yates, but the whole Trudeau family. If you have been following the Sundown Valley series this last (I think) book will make a real impact. But don't worry if you haven't met Wade and Bowie (brother and cousin) and the rest of the gang -- you can still read this book as a standalone and feel a tremendous emotional connection with these characters and their struggles. It'll be just extra special if you've been to Sundown Valley before. :-)
And right here I better explain that this book does double duty in two series which I think is kinda neat. It's the 8th book in the multi-authored K-9 Companions series and the 3rd book in the author's own Sundown Valley series, but, as I said, it can easily be read as a standalone so don't be shy of jumping right in.
Goodnight has really captured all the uncertainties and turmoil of a wounded soldier transitioning to civilian life while accommodating injury. In particular, Yate's inner thoughts, recriminations, his downright wariness, was gut wrenching. As was the prodigal son homecoming he gets from his family.
But his reunion with Laurel is all kinds of complicated and I had a love/hate relationship with the way the author kept me on tenterhooks waiting to find out their complete story. She doles out tidbits of information at key junctures which made this a land-slide read-in-one-sitting kind of book.
Love, laughter, grief and pain all wrapped up in the uncertainties...and hope...of a future. This lovely quote sums it up nicely:
"No one knows what the future may hold, but we know Who holds the future." (p 217)
And right here I better explain that this book does double duty in two series which I think is kinda neat. It's the 8th book in the multi-authored K-9 Companions series and the 3rd book in the author's own Sundown Valley series, but, as I said, it can easily be read as a standalone so don't be shy of jumping right in.
Goodnight has really captured all the uncertainties and turmoil of a wounded soldier transitioning to civilian life while accommodating injury. In particular, Yate's inner thoughts, recriminations, his downright wariness, was gut wrenching. As was the prodigal son homecoming he gets from his family.
But his reunion with Laurel is all kinds of complicated and I had a love/hate relationship with the way the author kept me on tenterhooks waiting to find out their complete story. She doles out tidbits of information at key junctures which made this a land-slide read-in-one-sitting kind of book.
Love, laughter, grief and pain all wrapped up in the uncertainties...and hope...of a future. This lovely quote sums it up nicely:
"No one knows what the future may hold, but we know Who holds the future." (p 217)
July 9, 2022
Home can draw a man, even when he is broken, has dark secrets and wants to remain hidden. Yates Trudeau is trying to hide with his retired military dog, Justice, on family land, his land, until the person he hoped not see is just ten feet away from him.
Laurel Maxwell is shocked to see the thin, raggedy looking shadow of the cowboy she once loved and was abandoned by. Her journalist thought pattern immediately is bent on trying to figure out his story. In the battle to save her family newspaper, she writes about Yates return home which stirs up more problems.
This is such a good story which involves scars from the past, mourning, hidden feelings, feuding families and self-recrimination. There are children with an ill parent who need Big Brothers, Big Sisters and a man who keeps way too much burden on his shoulders while he walks away from God. It all comes together for a story of healing, love, compassion and forgiveness. I enjoyed this very much. The family bonds are special. This is part of a series but also works well as a stand-alone. I receive an advanced reader's copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own personal opinion about the book. I give it a 4.5 rating.
Laurel Maxwell is shocked to see the thin, raggedy looking shadow of the cowboy she once loved and was abandoned by. Her journalist thought pattern immediately is bent on trying to figure out his story. In the battle to save her family newspaper, she writes about Yates return home which stirs up more problems.
This is such a good story which involves scars from the past, mourning, hidden feelings, feuding families and self-recrimination. There are children with an ill parent who need Big Brothers, Big Sisters and a man who keeps way too much burden on his shoulders while he walks away from God. It all comes together for a story of healing, love, compassion and forgiveness. I enjoyed this very much. The family bonds are special. This is part of a series but also works well as a stand-alone. I receive an advanced reader's copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own personal opinion about the book. I give it a 4.5 rating.
August 6, 2022
great story
It was great meeting The last brother and finding out is story. This was a great story with a great story line. Still had to have Kleenex handy.
It was great meeting The last brother and finding out is story. This was a great story with a great story line. Still had to have Kleenex handy.
May 27, 2022
"The Cowboy's Journey Home" is a romance. Yates left home to join the military because he felt guilty but didn't want anyone else to be burdened with the truth. He returned after being discharged due to a bad injury, but he didn't want to talk about that because he didn't want to worry anyone. Like they didn't worry anyway, which is why he finally answered their questions. Anyway, much of the story was about him not answering the questions of why he left so abruptly and how badly he was injured, but he was still able to rebuild his relationships to some degree. He spent time with his old girlfriend, Laurel, whose family was feuding with his for generations. They spent time together as they helped a single-parent family through the Big Brothers/Sisters program. Laurel and Yates supported each other, helping each other with some problems they faced. Yates finally confessed and found forgiveness and healing.
Laurel bravely stood against the feud and forgave Yates (as Christ would want) even though she was hurt and angry at how he ended things. The dog was ex-military, an explosives detection dog. He was an emotional support to Yates. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Laurel bravely stood against the feud and forgave Yates (as Christ would want) even though she was hurt and angry at how he ended things. The dog was ex-military, an explosives detection dog. He was an emotional support to Yates. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 17, 2022
This is a great story about how family love heals
June 15, 2022
fantastic book
July 12, 2022
Good characters that are easy to care about. That includes the children and dog, too. A sweet romance that once again proves that honesty and communication are good things. Too much about prayer and god, but I realize that this is inspirational fiction. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
June 2, 2022
really a fun quick read
October 17, 2022
The Cowboy’s Journey Home by Linda Goodnight is part of Love Inspired’s K-9 Companions sweet romance series.
In this story, the K9 Companion is a retired Military Working Dog. Paired with a medically discharged soldier, Yates, the two return to the cowboy’s home. But things aren’t the same and he isn’t sure he wants to be there, especially as injured as he is.
Laurel is a journalist attempting to save her family’s small town newspaper. She and Yates had a Romeo and Juliet type of secret romance before he left to join the military after tragedy struck. Now they have an opportunity to work together to help a family—and maybe overcome their past.
Yates is a wounded warrior and faces physical and emotional challenges. It made me hope for a happily ever after for him! I struggled to get a read on Laurel at first, but by the end, I loved her pluck, determination, and honesty. Things could have gone a totally different direction without her and I’m glad they didn’t!
If you enjoy sweet romance, with an adorable K9, give this book a read.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
In this story, the K9 Companion is a retired Military Working Dog. Paired with a medically discharged soldier, Yates, the two return to the cowboy’s home. But things aren’t the same and he isn’t sure he wants to be there, especially as injured as he is.
Laurel is a journalist attempting to save her family’s small town newspaper. She and Yates had a Romeo and Juliet type of secret romance before he left to join the military after tragedy struck. Now they have an opportunity to work together to help a family—and maybe overcome their past.
Yates is a wounded warrior and faces physical and emotional challenges. It made me hope for a happily ever after for him! I struggled to get a read on Laurel at first, but by the end, I loved her pluck, determination, and honesty. Things could have gone a totally different direction without her and I’m glad they didn’t!
If you enjoy sweet romance, with an adorable K9, give this book a read.
---
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
December 15, 2024
This book is also part of another series: Sundown Valley #3.
This is an excellent book with another highlighted service dog.
From the back cover: "He’ll make up for the past…But won’t saddle anyone with his future.
Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends—and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?
This is an excellent book with another highlighted service dog.
From the back cover: "He’ll make up for the past…But won’t saddle anyone with his future.
Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends—and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?
August 8, 2023
Love heals the second time around
Yate arrives home after a severe injury ended with a medical discharge from the services. His brother and cousin along with their families, welcome him home but cone to realize his injury is more serious than he lets on.
When he becomes a Big Brother and interacts with his former girlfriend, they realize the feelings are still there. But can they overcome the past to deal with future challenges, and build a life together? You'll want to read this book and find out.
Yate arrives home after a severe injury ended with a medical discharge from the services. His brother and cousin along with their families, welcome him home but cone to realize his injury is more serious than he lets on.
When he becomes a Big Brother and interacts with his former girlfriend, they realize the feelings are still there. But can they overcome the past to deal with future challenges, and build a life together? You'll want to read this book and find out.
August 1, 2022
Loved how the bully was dealt with. Always take away their power.
Was sad to think that a horse might have been handed over to a brute. That is never okay. The fact that Yates was considering it made me lose respect for him.
Too little of the story was about the K-9 and that was why I purchased the book. Very disappointing.
Was sad to think that a horse might have been handed over to a brute. That is never okay. The fact that Yates was considering it made me lose respect for him.
Too little of the story was about the K-9 and that was why I purchased the book. Very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
This was such a sweet read! I am a sucker for reunion romance stories, and this one had just the right amount of tension from the fallout of their prior relationship and curiosity over the reason they broke up. I loved how both Yates and Laurel had emotional wounds they had to deal with. And the kids and Yates’ dog, Justice, were icing on top of the cuteness cake called a good read!
February 12, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Yates story. He’s been talked about in the previous two books so I knew there would be a story about his coming home. This was a moving and emotional story… Watching Yates, adjust to civilian life after being in the military for so long. Watching him wrestle with ghost from his past and feeling unworthy of love.
August 17, 2022
Linda Goodnight is one of the best authors who writes for Love Inspired, and this is another great read from her. This is a romance book, but there is so much that went on with Yates, that even non romance lovers would enjoy this book.
August 23, 2023
Yates and Laurel went back a long ways, how would she ever handle him coming back home. Would her questions be answered or would they just ignore each other. Would Yates take Jesus into his heart and let his Savior help him through?
Read
July 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #8)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #8)
Read
July 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #8)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #8)
September 25, 2022
Enjoyed the children and the dog in the story. Loved the family. Great story of moving on and getting past your problems.
October 25, 2022
A sweet book. The pacing was perfect. I loved the family dynamics with their realistic ups and downs.
June 8, 2024
Extremely sappy in a good way. Prodigal son/cowboy/injured soldier main character with a family rivalry and forbidden love? Somehow all rolled into one story.
June 25, 2024
A story with lots of humanity and soul. It broke and touched me.
August 7, 2024
A good reminder of many things
March 1, 2025
I read another book in the Sundown Valley subseries previously. I liked the dog in this one, but the story overall felt like it was a slower read than some.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews