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Crossroads Creek Cowboys #1
The Heart of a Cowboy
A Christmas miracle in small-town Texas…
His luck had run out, laughter was a thing of the past, and love…well, that was out of the question.
Rusty’s career as a bronc rider was over. Figuring out the next step in life was more challenging than riding a bull for eight seconds, especially with an overprotective family holding him back. Surely there were better people more deserving of the new heart he received, people who had more to give back to society than a washed-up rodeo cowboy.
Still reeling from the loss of her husband, Courtney is at wit’s end when she’s let go from her job as an assistant chef, and the life-insurance company is still refusing to pay out on the policy. With no choice but to move back home to her mother’s, she and her son set out for Louisiana. Her troubles are compounded when her truck breaks down on a back country road. She’s out of hope and running on empty emotionally.
Luckily, there’s a cowboy in shining boots and a Stetson who stops to help. Rusty to the rescue.
Stuck in Crossroads Creek until her vehicle is fixed, Courtney and her son discover the joys of Christmas in small-town Texas. And as the winter winds whisper through the valley, a remarkable journey of hope, healing, and unexpected love begins for Courtney and Rusty. But neither is prepared for the startling truth that binds them—a truth that could shatter the fragile connection blossoming.
Will they rely on faith and trust their hearts for the answers, or will they run from the past and destroy any chance at a future of happiness together?
His luck had run out, laughter was a thing of the past, and love…well, that was out of the question.
Rusty’s career as a bronc rider was over. Figuring out the next step in life was more challenging than riding a bull for eight seconds, especially with an overprotective family holding him back. Surely there were better people more deserving of the new heart he received, people who had more to give back to society than a washed-up rodeo cowboy.
Still reeling from the loss of her husband, Courtney is at wit’s end when she’s let go from her job as an assistant chef, and the life-insurance company is still refusing to pay out on the policy. With no choice but to move back home to her mother’s, she and her son set out for Louisiana. Her troubles are compounded when her truck breaks down on a back country road. She’s out of hope and running on empty emotionally.
Luckily, there’s a cowboy in shining boots and a Stetson who stops to help. Rusty to the rescue.
Stuck in Crossroads Creek until her vehicle is fixed, Courtney and her son discover the joys of Christmas in small-town Texas. And as the winter winds whisper through the valley, a remarkable journey of hope, healing, and unexpected love begins for Courtney and Rusty. But neither is prepared for the startling truth that binds them—a truth that could shatter the fragile connection blossoming.
Will they rely on faith and trust their hearts for the answers, or will they run from the past and destroy any chance at a future of happiness together?
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
213 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Elsie Davis
42 books273 followersElsie Davis is a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of over 25 novels. She writes sweet, clean & wholesome contemporary romance and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writer's association. At the age of twelve, Elsie discovered the world of Happily-Ever-After romance when she began avidly reading Barbara Cartland, the Queen of Romance, and has been hooked ever since. After building her dream log home on top of a small mountain, she turned her attention to do what she loves most...writing.
Three daughters, five grandchildren, and her own hero husband, keep her extremely busy. When Elsie's not glued to the keyboard, she loves boating, birding, camping, fishing, wildlife, disc golf and nature walks. Basically, all things outdoors, EXCEPT cold weather. Her and her husband love Caribbean cruises, but Elsie’s favorite vacation was their cruise to Alaska. (In spite of the cold!)
Indoors, she enjoys a toasty fire, a glass of red wine, and of course, a great romance (Hallmark-Style) with a guaranteed Happily-Ever-After.
Three daughters, five grandchildren, and her own hero husband, keep her extremely busy. When Elsie's not glued to the keyboard, she loves boating, birding, camping, fishing, wildlife, disc golf and nature walks. Basically, all things outdoors, EXCEPT cold weather. Her and her husband love Caribbean cruises, but Elsie’s favorite vacation was their cruise to Alaska. (In spite of the cold!)
Indoors, she enjoys a toasty fire, a glass of red wine, and of course, a great romance (Hallmark-Style) with a guaranteed Happily-Ever-After.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 26, 2022
Wow. This story kind of picked me up and carried me away. Rusty and Courtney are both finding new ways to adapt to a “normal” they never anticipated and it’s leading them into conflict with almost everyone. Can they come to peace with the lives they now have by helping one another or will the secret that ties them together only break them? I feel like the heart of this story is pride. It shows in the things we do well that bring our family and communities together, and it trips us up when we use it as armor to protect ourselves. I really loved Rusty and Courtney, and Trevor was such a precocious imp. It hurt my heart when they went into lockdown protection mode, but it made me so happy when they were finally able to sort out their differences. I’m already falling in love with Crossroads Creek and the quirky residents of the small town. I can’t wait until we can come back and do this again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
February 5, 2023
Aptly named
Rusty is a broken rodeo cowboy following a heart attack that exposed a congenital heart defect. Courtney is a young widow and mother of Trevor, 8 year old son. When her vintage truck breaks down near where her husband had died in a car accident, Rusty tows them to town and arranges for her to stay with an older widow while her truck awaits special order parts. Rusty's mom gets wind of it and cranks up her matchmak8ng skills. Just one problem: Rusty received a heart transplant from a man who'd died in a car accident...Courtney's husband was the donor. Things have already heated up before either of them realize. Then things get tangled. Straightening it out entails pride swallowing on both sides. It's a sweet story and well written, ignoring the typos and wrong word choices. They do not detract from the story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern day cowboy romance.
Rusty is a broken rodeo cowboy following a heart attack that exposed a congenital heart defect. Courtney is a young widow and mother of Trevor, 8 year old son. When her vintage truck breaks down near where her husband had died in a car accident, Rusty tows them to town and arranges for her to stay with an older widow while her truck awaits special order parts. Rusty's mom gets wind of it and cranks up her matchmak8ng skills. Just one problem: Rusty received a heart transplant from a man who'd died in a car accident...Courtney's husband was the donor. Things have already heated up before either of them realize. Then things get tangled. Straightening it out entails pride swallowing on both sides. It's a sweet story and well written, ignoring the typos and wrong word choices. They do not detract from the story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern day cowboy romance.
April 27, 2022
This is a new author for me and I am interested in reading more from this new series. I did see some things coming, but I enjoyed the journey getting there. Faith is embedded in this story, not in your face, but gentle and honest in the different levels that characters have faith and practice it. The community draws you in and makes you want to be part of them to experience their love, support and caring ways. This story showed good relationships, good characters, grief, loss, anger, healing, health issues, money issues, worries, doubt, self reflection, acceptance, understanding, trust, honesty, connections, personal growth and lots of love.
I really liked Rusty, Courtney and Trevor, I would have loved to have had an extra chapter ot two about what happened next, I hope they feature in book two. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
I really liked Rusty, Courtney and Trevor, I would have loved to have had an extra chapter ot two about what happened next, I hope they feature in book two. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
August 4, 2024
I really liked the way this book started out. I didn't finish it, however. The mom tousled her 8 year old son's hair while she was driving. He should not have been in the front seat.
Rusty told her she would get $300 dollars for cooking one meal at the soup kitchen.
She was really strapped for cash, but she chose to eat breakfast out rather than eat with the widow, insisted on not only paying for her bill but also for the cowboy's, and casually giving her son money for the pit ball machine. That's not the way I acted when I was strapped for money.
I could tell where the story was going, so I stopped reading.
Rusty told her she would get $300 dollars for cooking one meal at the soup kitchen.
She was really strapped for cash, but she chose to eat breakfast out rather than eat with the widow, insisted on not only paying for her bill but also for the cowboy's, and casually giving her son money for the pit ball machine. That's not the way I acted when I was strapped for money.
I could tell where the story was going, so I stopped reading.
July 26, 2024
3.75 Stars
I rounded up to four stars. I really feel this book was closer to 3.75. There were moments where the dialogue seemed a little too formal or proper. And book seemed to last forever. The plot was good, and the hero and heroine likable. The faith element was…interesting… One minute, God is acknowledged and the next, someone says something about fate. It just gave me some mixed signals. There were a few oddly worded sentences, some with a word missing. So while I enjoyed the basic plot and the MCs, I couldn’t give it more stars.
I rounded up to four stars. I really feel this book was closer to 3.75. There were moments where the dialogue seemed a little too formal or proper. And book seemed to last forever. The plot was good, and the hero and heroine likable. The faith element was…interesting… One minute, God is acknowledged and the next, someone says something about fate. It just gave me some mixed signals. There were a few oddly worded sentences, some with a word missing. So while I enjoyed the basic plot and the MCs, I couldn’t give it more stars.
May 28, 2023
Elsie Davis knows how to draw you into her story. Everyone can empathize with grief and the end of a dream. She brings us grief, hope, love, the pain of finding new paths and an adorable young boy. Both Courtney and Rusty are having to adjust to a new reality. However, a Higher Power has a hand in bring them together. A broken-down prize truck, a new heart, a loving family and a caring town, how can that be beat. Looking forward to visiting Crossroad Creak again.
July 16, 2024
second chances for life and love
Wow! What a sad but happy story. Courtney and Trevor were full of grief. Losing her husband after a few short years of marriage and her son losing his father. Rusty losing a career that was his life. It’s hard when that happens and you feel completely lost. A great chance at a second life with the gift of a life saving organ. A great story of how the Lord worked in both of these situations.
Wow! What a sad but happy story. Courtney and Trevor were full of grief. Losing her husband after a few short years of marriage and her son losing his father. Rusty losing a career that was his life. It’s hard when that happens and you feel completely lost. A great chance at a second life with the gift of a life saving organ. A great story of how the Lord worked in both of these situations.
April 27, 2022
My first book by this author, but it won't be my last. A truly all-around feel-good book--clean, sweet, inspiring, with a satisfying HEA. Rusty and Courtney, Rusty and Trevor, and the secondary characters all bond in the most interesting of ways. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
January 7, 2023
The Heart of a Cowboy
I really enjoy payed this story. Along comes this Cowboy and he finds this lady and her son broke down on the road. He stops to assist her , to tow her to a garage p, that is not working on a Sunday. Just the beginning of a unusual story but with a happy ever after in store for your pleasure.
I really enjoy payed this story. Along comes this Cowboy and he finds this lady and her son broke down on the road. He stops to assist her , to tow her to a garage p, that is not working on a Sunday. Just the beginning of a unusual story but with a happy ever after in store for your pleasure.
February 7, 2023
Fantastically heartwarming story of courage in the handling of curveballs life throws at you. Struggles are lessened through self awareness, acceptance of life's new paths and conquered by love of God, family and that special someone placed in in your life when needed most. This story touches the soul. I highly recommend it.
April 2, 2024
The Heart of a Cowboy
What a heart warming story of hope, love, and family. Courtney took a short trip to get closure of her late husband's death at a place where he died of car accident. It was ironic that Rusty met her and her son Trevor needing help on the side of the road. With faith, hope and love, the story has a wonderful ending.
What a heart warming story of hope, love, and family. Courtney took a short trip to get closure of her late husband's death at a place where he died of car accident. It was ironic that Rusty met her and her son Trevor needing help on the side of the road. With faith, hope and love, the story has a wonderful ending.
April 23, 2025
what an amazing story , truly hit close to home for me ..
Family member endured a transplant that saved their lives due to another passing , IT truly touches the soul and makes one very thankful God interceded on their behalf...
Wonderful story , well told ..
Let's us humans Know GOD does Care and Love His Children
Family member endured a transplant that saved their lives due to another passing , IT truly touches the soul and makes one very thankful God interceded on their behalf...
Wonderful story , well told ..
Let's us humans Know GOD does Care and Love His Children
June 7, 2025
Sweet, Inspirational Romance
I loved this story of sadness in both main characters. Their overcoming with the ultimate reliance on God and His promises is well presented. The love between the two with a significant challenge was thoughtfully written and totally believable. I loved all the characters!
I loved this story of sadness in both main characters. Their overcoming with the ultimate reliance on God and His promises is well presented. The love between the two with a significant challenge was thoughtfully written and totally believable. I loved all the characters!
December 29, 2022
The Heart of a Cowboy
I am not good at this, but for the record, I loved this clean sweet book. I love how coincidence worked to form a story of love and forgiveness. And it all helped a boy with a broken heart. I recommend this book one to everyone, as I start book two.
I am not good at this, but for the record, I loved this clean sweet book. I love how coincidence worked to form a story of love and forgiveness. And it all helped a boy with a broken heart. I recommend this book one to everyone, as I start book two.
January 3, 2023
A really great book
I really enjoyed reading this true Christian romance. There was so many things they had to deal with and work through with God help. This couple had been met to be together.
I really enjoyed reading this true Christian romance. There was so many things they had to deal with and work through with God help. This couple had been met to be together.
January 21, 2023
Rusty and Courtney
Two people coming to a crossing in their life together. Her son Trevor lost after losing his father finding a whole new family and town. Loved the interaction of the characters and the town. Please enjoy
Two people coming to a crossing in their life together. Her son Trevor lost after losing his father finding a whole new family and town. Loved the interaction of the characters and the town. Please enjoy
January 28, 2023
An inspirational story of healing and forgiveness with the power of God showing we all deserve a second chance.
January 31, 2023
Elsie Davis books are the books you just can't put down. A wonderful author!!!
April 6, 2023
Good Christian read.
This book is an enjoyable read based on Christian principles. I would highly recommend reading it. A feel good story.
This book is an enjoyable read based on Christian principles. I would highly recommend reading it. A feel good story.
December 17, 2023
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this clean, wholesome Life changing story with truth to it. Loved the characters too. Makes my heart warm too.
I enjoyed reading this clean, wholesome Life changing story with truth to it. Loved the characters too. Makes my heart warm too.
April 1, 2024
good read
Fun, heartwarming story.
You ask for too many words.
Xxx xxx ccc vvvv bbbb nnnn mmmm aaaa sssss ddd fff ggg hhhh jjjj kkkk
Fun, heartwarming story.
You ask for too many words.
Xxx xxx ccc vvvv bbbb nnnn mmmm aaaa sssss ddd fff ggg hhhh jjjj kkkk
July 17, 2024
Loved the story and all the characters.
July 22, 2024
Second love
A very enjoyable, inspiring story with emotional tugs. You will be strengthened and encouraged to trust God's plan for your life.
A very enjoyable, inspiring story with emotional tugs. You will be strengthened and encouraged to trust God's plan for your life.
August 26, 2024
Five stars
What a fun and sweet read this is! I'm not sure I've read anything from Elsie Davis, but I'll sure be looking for more.
What a fun and sweet read this is! I'm not sure I've read anything from Elsie Davis, but I'll sure be looking for more.
September 9, 2024
Wonderful story
This story is great,terrific characters, wonderful story line,I had tears in eyes at the end. I hated to see it end!!!!!!!!!!!
This story is great,terrific characters, wonderful story line,I had tears in eyes at the end. I hated to see it end!!!!!!!!!!!
Read
July 19, 2024FREE today (July 17, 2024) on Amazon.
May 25, 2022
A wonderful tender tale ,on two lost and unhappy Souls,who happen to find each other,by the fate that links them to each other.
This gentle and inspiring love story,of Courtney a young widowed mother with a Son,and Rusty a Rodeo Rider with a heart problem.
Both grieving parts of their lost lives.
Rusty Wade and Courtney Winters, struggle to understand why fate has put them in this strenuous situation,
Wondering where it will take them.
They are both confused ,and lack direction.
On a sudden whim Courtney decides to stop over at a small town of Crossroads Creek,where her old Ford Truck breaks down after 10 hours of driving cross-country.
To her luck or as fate willed it,Rusty Wade finds her with her now Broken down Truck,on his way to make a delivery.
His Kindness to help her and tow her to a gas station.
Without making her feel uncomfortable.
Already warms her to him.
She is without much money,and is totally distraught.
However Rusty the shining Knight on horseback,rescues her again.
Finding a safe place to stay with a sweet friend.
Their story entwines,with twists and turns ,to bring them together.
With Rusty's Family hell bent on matchmaking them, against their wills.
But Fate has other plans for these two lost and confused souls.
But the Author Elise Davis,has interwoven a touching love story,with both Fate and Faith.
As Courtney believes that God has brought her to Crossroads Creek.
The only cliche in the name "Crossroads' as both the Hero and Heroine are at a crossroads in their lives.
There are too many happenstances,and coincidences in the story.
But the story is soft,gentle and warm as a fluffy blanket and carries the reader along.
To its sweet conspiring ending.
Where everything and everyone is where they need to be and where they belong.
Both families are delighted,the children,cats and all the good kind folk of Crossroads Creek.
I received this Free EBook from Ebook Discovery.
I m writing this review by my own free will,this is my honest opinion on this book.
This gentle and inspiring love story,of Courtney a young widowed mother with a Son,and Rusty a Rodeo Rider with a heart problem.
Both grieving parts of their lost lives.
Rusty Wade and Courtney Winters, struggle to understand why fate has put them in this strenuous situation,
Wondering where it will take them.
They are both confused ,and lack direction.
On a sudden whim Courtney decides to stop over at a small town of Crossroads Creek,where her old Ford Truck breaks down after 10 hours of driving cross-country.
To her luck or as fate willed it,Rusty Wade finds her with her now Broken down Truck,on his way to make a delivery.
His Kindness to help her and tow her to a gas station.
Without making her feel uncomfortable.
Already warms her to him.
She is without much money,and is totally distraught.
However Rusty the shining Knight on horseback,rescues her again.
Finding a safe place to stay with a sweet friend.
Their story entwines,with twists and turns ,to bring them together.
With Rusty's Family hell bent on matchmaking them, against their wills.
But Fate has other plans for these two lost and confused souls.
But the Author Elise Davis,has interwoven a touching love story,with both Fate and Faith.
As Courtney believes that God has brought her to Crossroads Creek.
The only cliche in the name "Crossroads' as both the Hero and Heroine are at a crossroads in their lives.
There are too many happenstances,and coincidences in the story.
But the story is soft,gentle and warm as a fluffy blanket and carries the reader along.
To its sweet conspiring ending.
Where everything and everyone is where they need to be and where they belong.
Both families are delighted,the children,cats and all the good kind folk of Crossroads Creek.
I received this Free EBook from Ebook Discovery.
I m writing this review by my own free will,this is my honest opinion on this book.
May 20, 2022
Rusty used to be a bull rider but thanks to some health issues he had retirement forced on him and his attitude shows this. He feels lost and feels out of place where he used to have purpose. His attitude changed a whole lot when Courtney came along.
Courtney lost her husband Greg in a car accident. Her and her son Trevor had to uproot their lives and move to where she might have better opportunities to support them. On the way to her Mother’s house she decides to stop in the town that her husband had the car accident and she happens to break down in the same town. Is it rotten luck or is it fate? Read the book to find out.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a sweet story. Usually books don’t make me cry but this one did at one time but it was worth it. The only thing is that I wish that it had been longer so I could see what happened in the future because I really liked the characters. There were really none that I did not like unless you counted Courtney’s in-laws who sounded controlling but we never met them we just heard about them. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
Courtney lost her husband Greg in a car accident. Her and her son Trevor had to uproot their lives and move to where she might have better opportunities to support them. On the way to her Mother’s house she decides to stop in the town that her husband had the car accident and she happens to break down in the same town. Is it rotten luck or is it fate? Read the book to find out.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a sweet story. Usually books don’t make me cry but this one did at one time but it was worth it. The only thing is that I wish that it had been longer so I could see what happened in the future because I really liked the characters. There were really none that I did not like unless you counted Courtney’s in-laws who sounded controlling but we never met them we just heard about them. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
July 10, 2022
Rusty is a former bronc rider whose career ended when he was found to have a heart problem. A year ago, he received a donor's heart and now just wants people to stop treating him like an invalid so he can get on with his life.
Courtney has been grieving her husband's death for a year. She is leaving her home behind and heading to Lafayette, Louisiana to stay with her mother until she and her son can get back on their feet again. On the way, she makes a stop in Crossroads Creek, Texas, where her husband was killed in a tragic auto accident. Before she can get into town, her truck breaks down and a handsome cowboy comes to her rescue. She learns that there are so many kind people in Crossroads Creek but she doesn't want to set down roots there because she has other plans. But, sometimes plans change and a better option presents itself.
This was a sweet, clean, cowboy romance with so much more. The interplay between Rusty, Courtney and Trevor, Courtney's son, is sweet and real. I enjoyed this story and can't wait for more in the series.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Courtney has been grieving her husband's death for a year. She is leaving her home behind and heading to Lafayette, Louisiana to stay with her mother until she and her son can get back on their feet again. On the way, she makes a stop in Crossroads Creek, Texas, where her husband was killed in a tragic auto accident. Before she can get into town, her truck breaks down and a handsome cowboy comes to her rescue. She learns that there are so many kind people in Crossroads Creek but she doesn't want to set down roots there because she has other plans. But, sometimes plans change and a better option presents itself.
This was a sweet, clean, cowboy romance with so much more. The interplay between Rusty, Courtney and Trevor, Courtney's son, is sweet and real. I enjoyed this story and can't wait for more in the series.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
April 28, 2022
A very positive and faith driven storyline with a strong message about God’s plan is not always visible or easily understood, but it’s there.
Courtney and Rusty have both experienced significant events in the last year, events that were life changing. Both are somewhat adrift and struggling in their new circumstances. Courtney’s pick-up strands her and her son Trevor on the side of the road leading into Crossroads Creek. Rusty assists Courtney by towing her truck into town and getting her settled in town.
The romance is slow paced, and is mor friends with the strong possibility for more. The heat level of this read is extremely low. The two lead characters don’t do much more than hold hands. The ending leaves the impression they will have a HEA.
This book pulls out the emotions with enough drama to keep the story interesting without a lot of angst. This was a very solid read.
This book was provided by the author and Hidden Gems with no expectations and that in no way influenced my review.
Courtney and Rusty have both experienced significant events in the last year, events that were life changing. Both are somewhat adrift and struggling in their new circumstances. Courtney’s pick-up strands her and her son Trevor on the side of the road leading into Crossroads Creek. Rusty assists Courtney by towing her truck into town and getting her settled in town.
The romance is slow paced, and is mor friends with the strong possibility for more. The heat level of this read is extremely low. The two lead characters don’t do much more than hold hands. The ending leaves the impression they will have a HEA.
This book pulls out the emotions with enough drama to keep the story interesting without a lot of angst. This was a very solid read.
This book was provided by the author and Hidden Gems with no expectations and that in no way influenced my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews