What do you think?
Rate this book
Coming Home to North Dakota #5
Cowboy Dreaming Alone
A good deed. A tragic accident. Two people who come together to help each other. Could this be the end of their dreaming alone?
When she develops pneumonia, Shasta Bington can’t believe how the town of Sweet Water comes together to take care of her. Especially Nolt Powers, who not only pays her rent, but sits up with her through the worst of her sickness so she’s not alone.
Although she loves the town of Sweet Water, Shasta has to leave, since her job as a painter can’t support her in such a small town.
Then an unthinkable accident happens and Nolt needs help.
Shasta owes him, and stays to care for him, knowing she has a job waiting for her in New York.
When it’s time to leave, can she say good-bye to the man she’s come to love?
Books in the Coming Home to North Dakota Series:
Cowboy Walking Away
Cowboy Coming Home
Cowboy Stealing My Heart
Cowboy Finding Love
Cowboy Dreaming Alone
Cowboy Rescuing Me
Cowboy Dancing All Night
Cowboy Falling Hard
Cowboy Looking at Me
Cowboy Wanting Everything
Cowboy Whispering My Name
Cowboy Marrying the Lady
When she develops pneumonia, Shasta Bington can’t believe how the town of Sweet Water comes together to take care of her. Especially Nolt Powers, who not only pays her rent, but sits up with her through the worst of her sickness so she’s not alone.
Although she loves the town of Sweet Water, Shasta has to leave, since her job as a painter can’t support her in such a small town.
Then an unthinkable accident happens and Nolt needs help.
Shasta owes him, and stays to care for him, knowing she has a job waiting for her in New York.
When it’s time to leave, can she say good-bye to the man she’s come to love?
Books in the Coming Home to North Dakota Series:
Cowboy Walking Away
Cowboy Coming Home
Cowboy Stealing My Heart
Cowboy Finding Love
Cowboy Dreaming Alone
Cowboy Rescuing Me
Cowboy Dancing All Night
Cowboy Falling Hard
Cowboy Looking at Me
Cowboy Wanting Everything
Cowboy Whispering My Name
Cowboy Marrying the Lady
Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2022
629 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
September 18, 2023
Shasta spemt a good part of her life in multiple foster homes, twice landing with families that might have adopted her or at least let her stay until she aged out, but something happened to the caregivers in both homes that landed her and the others in a different foster home. She did have college paid for, and majored in art, but the term "starving artist" definitely applied; she had only the payment for her mailbox artwork that she had just finished for her friend Sadie, as the man for whom she had done a mural hadn't paid, wasn't responding to calls or emails, so she was seeing nothing for her work. She had a nasty cough and her only furniture was a chair left behind by the previous renter. She slept on the floor with a towel for a pillow. When the Piece Makers ask Nolt, the oldest of the Powers clan, to deliver a quilt to Shasta, he knows they're trying to match him up with her, but he was rejected by his high school girlfriend and is determined she is his only love and nothing will change that. But when he makes the delivery, he is horrified at what he sees, esp. Shasta coughing hard and too weak to tolerate it. She hadn't felt well enough to get groceries with the cash Nolt had given her to pay for Sadie's mailbox so she wouldn't have to wait until Monday to cash Sadie's check. A quick inspection shows bare cupboards and a bare fridge, and then Shasta loses consciousness. Nolt calls 911 but they're 20 min out so he has his truck brought to him so she will get to the ER faster. When she wakens in the hospital she is dismayed. No health insurance, no money, huge debts, no jobs pending, nor anything available in town; she has asked. She is discharged home earlier than the doctor wants, with the promise from Nolt that she will be watched carefully and a warning to Shasta to follow orders as had Nolt not come upon her, she'd have died before the next morning.
But she is dismayed when she enters her apartment- it's now comfortably furnished, and how will she pay for that on top of a hospital bill? There is food in her cupboards and fridge, things like broth that she needs initially as her best chance to heal, and how will she pay for all that? Nolt tells her all the furniture is used, has been in storage for a long time, and the townspeople donated it with no expectation of payment for anything from the beds to the pillows and linens to the table and chairs and living room furniture. Likewise, they had given groceries and made food the doctor said she needed because they wanted to, amd all they ask is that she pay it forward.
Nolt stays with her as she gradually regains her strength. He and his family have an auction to raise money to pay her hospital bills. Still not at full strength, she attends it. One of the nice foster parents had taught her flower arranging, honed her art skills, even started teaching her about horses before illness intervened. Sadie gathered cheap vases and wildflowers alongside the road and in pastures for Shastato arrange, and had Shasta do artwork on the signs and other items that sold quickly. There were even horses brought for sale. Shasta got an offer of a large sum for doing murals on barns that would have meant her moving to upstate New York for a long period, but she doesn't want to leave her new home.
Shasta has had a huge crush on Nolt for a long time, but Nolt is still stuck on Alana, the girl who rejected him. Shasta and Sadie are also the same age, and Nolt believes the 12 year difference is too much, but Shasta has had to grow up fast, just as Sadie had to once their mother left them all. She was never the party girl tupe and worked her entire time in school to meet her needs outside of her scholarship. Maturity isn't the issue.
And then, Shasta takes a chance and kisses Nolt. He kisses back then regrets it, then regrets how he acted afterwards. His dad steps in with a few life lessons, but will all his dad's work make Nolt see sense? And even if it does, will Shasta forgive or trust Nolt again after his rejection?
While rescuing a child who was where she shouldn't have been, Nolt ends up badly injured. Shasta becomes his caregiver as he recuperates, but will it simply be a repayment for Nolt's care of Shasta when she was so ill? Or is there an even remote chance he will get over Alana and see that he and Shasta have a forever love?
But she is dismayed when she enters her apartment- it's now comfortably furnished, and how will she pay for that on top of a hospital bill? There is food in her cupboards and fridge, things like broth that she needs initially as her best chance to heal, and how will she pay for all that? Nolt tells her all the furniture is used, has been in storage for a long time, and the townspeople donated it with no expectation of payment for anything from the beds to the pillows and linens to the table and chairs and living room furniture. Likewise, they had given groceries and made food the doctor said she needed because they wanted to, amd all they ask is that she pay it forward.
Nolt stays with her as she gradually regains her strength. He and his family have an auction to raise money to pay her hospital bills. Still not at full strength, she attends it. One of the nice foster parents had taught her flower arranging, honed her art skills, even started teaching her about horses before illness intervened. Sadie gathered cheap vases and wildflowers alongside the road and in pastures for Shastato arrange, and had Shasta do artwork on the signs and other items that sold quickly. There were even horses brought for sale. Shasta got an offer of a large sum for doing murals on barns that would have meant her moving to upstate New York for a long period, but she doesn't want to leave her new home.
Shasta has had a huge crush on Nolt for a long time, but Nolt is still stuck on Alana, the girl who rejected him. Shasta and Sadie are also the same age, and Nolt believes the 12 year difference is too much, but Shasta has had to grow up fast, just as Sadie had to once their mother left them all. She was never the party girl tupe and worked her entire time in school to meet her needs outside of her scholarship. Maturity isn't the issue.
And then, Shasta takes a chance and kisses Nolt. He kisses back then regrets it, then regrets how he acted afterwards. His dad steps in with a few life lessons, but will all his dad's work make Nolt see sense? And even if it does, will Shasta forgive or trust Nolt again after his rejection?
While rescuing a child who was where she shouldn't have been, Nolt ends up badly injured. Shasta becomes his caregiver as he recuperates, but will it simply be a repayment for Nolt's care of Shasta when she was so ill? Or is there an even remote chance he will get over Alana and see that he and Shasta have a forever love?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2023
Older Man, Younger Woman…What’s the Problem?
In Cowboy Dreaming Alone, book 5 in her Coming Home to North Dakota series, Jessie Gussman again uses her substantial writing skills to make a match between a cowboy who’s been faithful to the girl who broke his heart in high school (“dreaming alone”) and a former foster child and current artist who’s moved to Sweet Water in the hope of finding more work while reuniting with her college roommate, Sadie Powers. Sadie spent many hours talking about her single father and six older brothers, and Shasta became fixated on oldest brother Nolt. Now, at age 22, Shasta adds “meet up with Nolt” to her list of reasons to move to North Dakota.
An unpaid project combined with moving expenses has rendered Shasta unable to afford food or furniture, so she slowly starves in an empty apartment, sleeping on the floor with a towel as a pillow. When Nolt arrives with a quilt the Piece Makers, aka quilt makers, aka matchmakers, told him to deliver, he finds her collapsed on the floor coughing. He remains with her during her hospital stay for pneumonia and dehydration—the doctor said she wouldn’t have survived another day without medical help—and grows to consider her a friend, albeit a young one the same age as his baby sister Sadie. At 34, he’s definitely too old for her.
The town, hearing of her dire straits, furnishes her apartment and throws an auction to raise funds to pay her medical bills. Shasta recognizes the love of the town for anyone in need and decides to stay as long as she can. The only problem: Nolt, her dream guy, is still hung up on his lost love from 15 years ago—nearly half a lifetime—and won’t allow himself to think of a “kid” like Shasta even if he could let a new woman into his heart.
Nolt’s wise father, having lived through the pain of his wife leaving him with seven children and two businesses and then a happy second marriage to a much younger woman ending in her death, takes him to a run-down house to look at a furnace and lets him see his high school love, who lives there, as a sloppy woman who has moved from man to man and flirts with him, implying she’d be willing to “upgrade” again. Too late for Nolt; he rejected Shasta’s kiss the night before so he could stay true to what he now knows is an illusion of a past love with nothing real behind it.
Shasta was blown away by the kiss and hurt deeply by the rejection, but when Sadie asks her to go with her to the hospital she agrees readily, assuming Sadie is the patient. She’s not; Nolt fell from a loft in the family’s garage and broke his leg on the concrete floor. In his dazed state, he kept asking for…Shasta!
At the hospital, Nolt’s father tells the nurse to let her into his room, and he confesses his dream, its death, his reservations about their age difference, and his discounting of it. After his discharge, he asks why she told others about being in foster care but didn’t tell him. She explains that she didn’t think he was “safe”—that he would care about her story—because he had rejected her earlier. He reiterates his change of heart, and she describes her two favorite foster homes, one of which gave her a love of art and the other a love of horses. The confidences develop into kisses, and as soon as his cast comes off, Nolt proposes on one knee.
Jessie’s stories never disappoint, and this is no exception! I loved her depiction of a man learning that his life has been built on a mistaken memory and a woman learning that “safe” people can come in grouchy packages. I’m eager to see what she has in store for her next couples!
In Cowboy Dreaming Alone, book 5 in her Coming Home to North Dakota series, Jessie Gussman again uses her substantial writing skills to make a match between a cowboy who’s been faithful to the girl who broke his heart in high school (“dreaming alone”) and a former foster child and current artist who’s moved to Sweet Water in the hope of finding more work while reuniting with her college roommate, Sadie Powers. Sadie spent many hours talking about her single father and six older brothers, and Shasta became fixated on oldest brother Nolt. Now, at age 22, Shasta adds “meet up with Nolt” to her list of reasons to move to North Dakota.
An unpaid project combined with moving expenses has rendered Shasta unable to afford food or furniture, so she slowly starves in an empty apartment, sleeping on the floor with a towel as a pillow. When Nolt arrives with a quilt the Piece Makers, aka quilt makers, aka matchmakers, told him to deliver, he finds her collapsed on the floor coughing. He remains with her during her hospital stay for pneumonia and dehydration—the doctor said she wouldn’t have survived another day without medical help—and grows to consider her a friend, albeit a young one the same age as his baby sister Sadie. At 34, he’s definitely too old for her.
The town, hearing of her dire straits, furnishes her apartment and throws an auction to raise funds to pay her medical bills. Shasta recognizes the love of the town for anyone in need and decides to stay as long as she can. The only problem: Nolt, her dream guy, is still hung up on his lost love from 15 years ago—nearly half a lifetime—and won’t allow himself to think of a “kid” like Shasta even if he could let a new woman into his heart.
Nolt’s wise father, having lived through the pain of his wife leaving him with seven children and two businesses and then a happy second marriage to a much younger woman ending in her death, takes him to a run-down house to look at a furnace and lets him see his high school love, who lives there, as a sloppy woman who has moved from man to man and flirts with him, implying she’d be willing to “upgrade” again. Too late for Nolt; he rejected Shasta’s kiss the night before so he could stay true to what he now knows is an illusion of a past love with nothing real behind it.
Shasta was blown away by the kiss and hurt deeply by the rejection, but when Sadie asks her to go with her to the hospital she agrees readily, assuming Sadie is the patient. She’s not; Nolt fell from a loft in the family’s garage and broke his leg on the concrete floor. In his dazed state, he kept asking for…Shasta!
At the hospital, Nolt’s father tells the nurse to let her into his room, and he confesses his dream, its death, his reservations about their age difference, and his discounting of it. After his discharge, he asks why she told others about being in foster care but didn’t tell him. She explains that she didn’t think he was “safe”—that he would care about her story—because he had rejected her earlier. He reiterates his change of heart, and she describes her two favorite foster homes, one of which gave her a love of art and the other a love of horses. The confidences develop into kisses, and as soon as his cast comes off, Nolt proposes on one knee.
Jessie’s stories never disappoint, and this is no exception! I loved her depiction of a man learning that his life has been built on a mistaken memory and a woman learning that “safe” people can come in grouchy packages. I’m eager to see what she has in store for her next couples!
September 3, 2022
I love this series and this small town that goes out of it's way to care for each other. Add in a bunch of seniors who meet together to make quilts to give away but also spend a lot of their town planning perfect matches between the single people in Sweet Water. Their record is almost perfect but they may have chosen a hard one for their next match.
The matchmakers are at it again and this time they know that the man they have chosen to match may fight them all the way to his happiness. Nolt Powers is the oldest of the Powers siblings and he is serious and responsible but when the Piece Makers pick a woman that is twelve years younger than him he wants nothing to do with it. Nolt has always been a one woman man and the woman he loved years ago chose someone else. He doesn't plan to find someone new to love but he will run an errand to drop off the quilt they made for Shasta Bingley, his sister's college friend who is new to the town.
Shasta Bingley has recently moved to Sweet Water from Nebraska. She's had a hard life being in and out of many foster homes. Supporting herself by painting beautiful art objects isn't always easy. So when she first moves to Sweet Water she has little money and actually no furniture in her new apartment. Getting sick wasn't part of her plans either but she didn't have the money for a doctor. So when the Piece Makers send Nolt over with the quilt- he finds her barely breathing laying on a towel on the floor. He steps in to take care of her after she comes home from the hospital with pneumonia. Even though Nolt is so much older than her, she has always had a crush on her friend's older brother. Nolt has helped her in so many ways and he refuses to let her pay him back. She promises to pay it forward and when Nolt has an unfortunate accident- it's her turn to take care of him.
Will Nolt discover it's time for him to make his perfect match before Shasta decides to take on a new job in New York?
I received a copy of book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
The matchmakers are at it again and this time they know that the man they have chosen to match may fight them all the way to his happiness. Nolt Powers is the oldest of the Powers siblings and he is serious and responsible but when the Piece Makers pick a woman that is twelve years younger than him he wants nothing to do with it. Nolt has always been a one woman man and the woman he loved years ago chose someone else. He doesn't plan to find someone new to love but he will run an errand to drop off the quilt they made for Shasta Bingley, his sister's college friend who is new to the town.
Shasta Bingley has recently moved to Sweet Water from Nebraska. She's had a hard life being in and out of many foster homes. Supporting herself by painting beautiful art objects isn't always easy. So when she first moves to Sweet Water she has little money and actually no furniture in her new apartment. Getting sick wasn't part of her plans either but she didn't have the money for a doctor. So when the Piece Makers send Nolt over with the quilt- he finds her barely breathing laying on a towel on the floor. He steps in to take care of her after she comes home from the hospital with pneumonia. Even though Nolt is so much older than her, she has always had a crush on her friend's older brother. Nolt has helped her in so many ways and he refuses to let her pay him back. She promises to pay it forward and when Nolt has an unfortunate accident- it's her turn to take care of him.
Will Nolt discover it's time for him to make his perfect match before Shasta decides to take on a new job in New York?
I received a copy of book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
September 2, 2022
Nolt and Shasta’s story is another wonderful and sweet romance set in the town of Sweet Water. The Piece Makers, a group of older woman who not only make quilts, but also practice matchmaking have decided that Nolt and Shasta would be a good match. Nolt knows exactly what they have in mind when the manoeuvre him into delivering a quilt to Shasta, the much younger artist friend of his sister. Even after being rejected by the woman he loved over a decade ago, Nolt has held on to that love and refused to move forward. He has told himself that no other woman will touch his heart. Yet, that is exactly what happens with Shasta. Discovering her very ill and in dire straits when he delivers the quilt, Nolt rushes Shasta to hospital. He finds himself unable to leave her and wanting to ease her living situation. He believes he is just being neighbourly and doing what any good Christian would do. He doesn’t know that Shasta has crushed on him for a long time, that love has long been missing from her life, and that she has come to Sweet Water to be near her his sister Sadie and him. Their story proceeds with a few hiccups and missteps while both ask God for guidance in their relationship. Both learn that love can bring pain with it, and that it takes nurturing and work to help love thrive. Age differences are not a barrier when it comes to love.
As always, this author’s words have left me with a smile on my face, points to ponder and feeling inspired. I would happily recommend this book and any other written by Jessie Gussman. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As always, this author’s words have left me with a smile on my face, points to ponder and feeling inspired. I would happily recommend this book and any other written by Jessie Gussman. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 17, 2022
This is a clean, sweet romance with humor.
I love the town of Sweetwater and how the citizens all go out of their way to help when someone is in need. Plus a group of seniors who quilt while matchmaking, and they decide Nolt and Shasta would be good together. Their record is nearly spotless. Shasta is Sadie's college friend and has had a crush on Nolt for years, although he is oblivious. He had fallen for a woman years ago and for some reason felt he had to be true to her despite the fact that she left him. It doesn't help that he feels that you only fall in love once, plus he is 12 years older than Shasta. Nolt is Sadie's oldest brother. When Shasta becomes ill while Sadie is out of town, Nolt takes care of her until she recovers. They get along well as they get to know each other, but he basically tells her he doesn't have feelings for her.
Then Nolt is injured in an accident and Shasta cares for him during his recovery. Shortly before that, he had seen the woman who hurt him and found that she is not who he thought she was-kudos to his dad for taking Nolt to look at something to buy so Nolt's eyes can be opened.He finally comes to his senses while Shasta is repaying him for helping her by returning the favor, but will it be too late?
The end of the book is funny as Sadie has had a crush on Nolt's best friend for years, yet the matchmakers want to set him up with a single mother who has moved there. Sadie challenges them, saying she will work on setting Sadie up with Coleman while they try to get him with the other woman and see who comes out ahead. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens.
I love the town of Sweetwater and how the citizens all go out of their way to help when someone is in need. Plus a group of seniors who quilt while matchmaking, and they decide Nolt and Shasta would be good together. Their record is nearly spotless. Shasta is Sadie's college friend and has had a crush on Nolt for years, although he is oblivious. He had fallen for a woman years ago and for some reason felt he had to be true to her despite the fact that she left him. It doesn't help that he feels that you only fall in love once, plus he is 12 years older than Shasta. Nolt is Sadie's oldest brother. When Shasta becomes ill while Sadie is out of town, Nolt takes care of her until she recovers. They get along well as they get to know each other, but he basically tells her he doesn't have feelings for her.
Then Nolt is injured in an accident and Shasta cares for him during his recovery. Shortly before that, he had seen the woman who hurt him and found that she is not who he thought she was-kudos to his dad for taking Nolt to look at something to buy so Nolt's eyes can be opened.He finally comes to his senses while Shasta is repaying him for helping her by returning the favor, but will it be too late?
The end of the book is funny as Sadie has had a crush on Nolt's best friend for years, yet the matchmakers want to set him up with a single mother who has moved there. Sadie challenges them, saying she will work on setting Sadie up with Coleman while they try to get him with the other woman and see who comes out ahead. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens.
August 25, 2022
The Piece Makers are at it again!
Shasta Bingley has an amazing artistic talent, but in the small town of Sweet Water there isn’t much work and the cost of moving there has definitely made her a “starving artist”. Her friend Sadie lives there and she heard stories about her family for years when they were college roommates. They are the family she always dreamed of having when she was growing up in the foster child system. Shasta also managed to fall in love with Nolt, Sadie’s older brother, even though she only saw him once.
Nolt knows exactly what the Piece Makers are up to when they ask him to deliver a quilt to Shasta. He has watched them play matchmaker for years with the residents of Sweet Water and except for once, they have always been successful but it won’t work with him. Shasta is his baby sister’s friend and is twelve years younger than he is. Young girls' ways and attitudes don’t interest him. Besides, he is a one-woman man, and the one woman he wants left him for someone else years ago.
A big thumbs up to Jessie Gussman for delivering another beautiful, clean cowboy romance! The Piece Makers are always up to something and they are hard to resist even when Nolt knows what they are planning. I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
Shasta Bingley has an amazing artistic talent, but in the small town of Sweet Water there isn’t much work and the cost of moving there has definitely made her a “starving artist”. Her friend Sadie lives there and she heard stories about her family for years when they were college roommates. They are the family she always dreamed of having when she was growing up in the foster child system. Shasta also managed to fall in love with Nolt, Sadie’s older brother, even though she only saw him once.
Nolt knows exactly what the Piece Makers are up to when they ask him to deliver a quilt to Shasta. He has watched them play matchmaker for years with the residents of Sweet Water and except for once, they have always been successful but it won’t work with him. Shasta is his baby sister’s friend and is twelve years younger than he is. Young girls' ways and attitudes don’t interest him. Besides, he is a one-woman man, and the one woman he wants left him for someone else years ago.
A big thumbs up to Jessie Gussman for delivering another beautiful, clean cowboy romance! The Piece Makers are always up to something and they are hard to resist even when Nolt knows what they are planning. I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
August 31, 2022
Cowboy Dreaming Alone is another match made by the Piece Makers. Nolt and Shasta are thrown together when the ladies ask Nolt to take a quilt to Shasta. He told them he knew what they were trying to do and it would not work. He was 34 and had been in love with his high school sweetheart that cheated on him and then choose another over Nolt. He has kept her in his head all these years just like she looked in high school and refused to move on. When he takes Shasta, the best friend of his little sister, the quilt that the Piece Makers made for her he finds Shasta passed out in an apartment that only had a chair in it. He picks her up and takes her to the hospital. He stays with her and when she is released he takes her to her apartment and stays there with her. The fine people of Sweet Water had donated the things to fix her apartment up for her. Nolt continued to stay with her and nurse her back to health.
Nolt set up an auction for her to pay off her hospital bill. The night of the auction she kissed him and he felt a different feeling he had never felt with his high school girlfriend. He pushed Shasta away and told her there was no chance for them. And with a stunt by his Daddy showing him who he had been holding in his mind all these years wasn't who he thought she was he sees that he is starting to fall for Shasta. But will Shasta take him back after him pushing her away the night of the auction?
I received an advanced copy to read and give my honest review. Put this book in your to be read pile! It is so good!
Nolt set up an auction for her to pay off her hospital bill. The night of the auction she kissed him and he felt a different feeling he had never felt with his high school girlfriend. He pushed Shasta away and told her there was no chance for them. And with a stunt by his Daddy showing him who he had been holding in his mind all these years wasn't who he thought she was he sees that he is starting to fall for Shasta. But will Shasta take him back after him pushing her away the night of the auction?
I received an advanced copy to read and give my honest review. Put this book in your to be read pile! It is so good!
October 2, 2022
This is another wonderful additional to a terrific series. I love Jessie's writing and this book did not disappoint. Shasta and Nolt fall prey to the matchmaking grannies in the town of Sweet Water. When Shasta gets pneumonia and almost dies from it, Nolt comes to her rescue, and so does the town of Sweet Water. So, when Nolt is hurt in a tragic accident, of course Shasta owes him so she steps in to take care of him when in his hour of need. The part standing in their way is that Nolt is 12 years older than Shasta and feels like an old man next to her. To Shasta, age is just a number and she has been crushing on Nolt since her college days when Bolt's sister, Sadie, was her roommate. Now, there is a dream job waiting for Shasta in New York. Will she leave and end what could be something great or will she stay in Sweet Water and make it her forever home?
I have been a fan is Jessie Gussman's writing from the first book I read of hers several years ago. She brings life to her characters and weaves a beautiful story of love and swoon-worthy romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
I have been a fan is Jessie Gussman's writing from the first book I read of hers several years ago. She brings life to her characters and weaves a beautiful story of love and swoon-worthy romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
August 12, 2022
Once again, Jessie has nailed another story of two people finding their way to each other. A new arrival to town, Shasta has only an apartment empty of food and furniture, and money owed to her for her past work. Oh, and a gripping case of pneumonia. Nolt, the brother of her best friend from college days, is persuaded to care for her when no one else is free to do so. Too bad she has had a crush on him for years while he remained loyal to the memory of a high school sweetheart who had chosen another. As the story progresses, the eyes of both are gradually opened to what is right in front of them. Nolt rapidly comes to value the sweetness and maturity that Shasta displays, and finds himself in a “look in the mirror” moment to realize he has been wrong for a long time. As the two begin their dance of attraction, the kindness of the community shines clearly and bolsters them in drawing them together. The themes of wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness make me want to go live in Sweet Water myself. This story is heartwarming and leaves a smile on my face.
Read
December 24, 2023free ebook
i like this series, the women in town make quilts and have someone take them to someone they are trying to fix up
the cowyboy takes one to his sisters best friend. he finds her on the floor really sick. he takes her to the hospital , she has pneumonia. his sister is out of town so he takes care of her. he gets the town to donate things for her and money from a auction for her hospital bills.
she let him know she is interested in him, but he tells her he is not interested in her. he loved a woman who left him for someone else and thinks she is the only woman for him
his dad took him to where she lives now, with her 3rd boyfriend since she left him
he understands now she was not the one for him, she would have left him for someone else
he fell while trying to save a small child from falling and broke his leg. in the hospital his family left his sisters frient there to be with him
she took care of him when he got out of the hospital and they shared things about each other
after his leg healed he asked her to marry him and she said yes
i like this series, the women in town make quilts and have someone take them to someone they are trying to fix up
the cowyboy takes one to his sisters best friend. he finds her on the floor really sick. he takes her to the hospital , she has pneumonia. his sister is out of town so he takes care of her. he gets the town to donate things for her and money from a auction for her hospital bills.
she let him know she is interested in him, but he tells her he is not interested in her. he loved a woman who left him for someone else and thinks she is the only woman for him
his dad took him to where she lives now, with her 3rd boyfriend since she left him
he understands now she was not the one for him, she would have left him for someone else
he fell while trying to save a small child from falling and broke his leg. in the hospital his family left his sisters frient there to be with him
she took care of him when he got out of the hospital and they shared things about each other
after his leg healed he asked her to marry him and she said yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2022
Shasta has had a crush on Nolt, her roommate from college's older brother, for what seems like for ever. She's a starving artist in a new town. It's a good thing that the matchmakers, the piece makers, send Nolt over to her apartment to take her a new quilt, or she would have been dead. Nolt is with her throughout her recovery, and organizes an auction to pay her hospital bills. Her crush has gone up a notch. It's amazing what happens when he's in an accident and she takes care of him while he recuperates. I truly enjoy Jessie's writing style and the amount of humility and character each of her characters have. These young people with seemingly nothing in common have faith, a sense of humor, amazing self fortitude, and genuine gratitude and graciousness and caring ingrained in each of them - even in less than favorable growing up circumstances. Shasta and Nolt are no different. Such a great book - I read it cover to cover in one sitting.
August 10, 2022
Nolte Powers is a 34 year old man who had his heart broken by Alana when she ran off with another man just after high school. Being a loyal, devoted Christian, Nolte has always felt like she was THE ONE and has never looked at anther women in that way. As the oldest of 7 children whose mother ran away with another man when they were all young, he wanted a life time commitment and when that didn't work out, he is determined to stay single forever. When his youngest sister Sadie's best friend Shasta moves to town, he looks at her a little sister, 12 years his junior. The Piece Maker's quilting group makes a quilt for Shasta and asks Nolte to deliver it. He is instantly on to their ploy to play matchmaker and refuses to go along but ends up delivering the quilt anyway and find Shasta passed out on the floor of her barren apartment very close to death. I love the characters in Sweet Water North Dakota and this is another delightful story.
August 11, 2022
Nolt is 34 years old and the oldest of the Powers siblings. His sister, Sadie's best friend, Shasta has just moved to Sweet Water. She has had a crush on Nolt since she met him when she and Sadie were college roommates.
Shasta grew up in a foster home so Sadie is the only family that she has. She loves the town of Sweet Water and how they welcome her. She is hoping that she'll be able to make enough money to stay.
Nolt gave his heart to his high school sweetheart. She left him for someone else and he doesn't think he'll ever love again.
The Piece Makers ask him to deliver a quilt to Shasta as a welcome gift. He knows what they are up to, but does it anyway. When he gets to her apartment, she is passed out on the floor. He gets her to the hospital. From there, he takes care of her until she recovers.
Such a sweet book. Shasta loves Nolt, but he thinks the twelve year difference is too much.
Shasta grew up in a foster home so Sadie is the only family that she has. She loves the town of Sweet Water and how they welcome her. She is hoping that she'll be able to make enough money to stay.
Nolt gave his heart to his high school sweetheart. She left him for someone else and he doesn't think he'll ever love again.
The Piece Makers ask him to deliver a quilt to Shasta as a welcome gift. He knows what they are up to, but does it anyway. When he gets to her apartment, she is passed out on the floor. He gets her to the hospital. From there, he takes care of her until she recovers.
Such a sweet book. Shasta loves Nolt, but he thinks the twelve year difference is too much.
September 4, 2022
I can't get enough of Jessie Gussman's books. I love them all. This book is how Shasta and Nolt fell in love. The "Piece Makers" who are the matchmakers of Sweet Water are successful again. They asked Nolt to deliver a quilt they made to Shasta, a starving artist who is a newcomer to town. He finds her passed out on the floor in her apartment. He takes her to the hospital and when he finds out she nearly died with pneumonia, he stays with her to take care of her after she is released since she is alone. They become friends and after the town holds an auction to help Shasta financially and furnished her apartment, Shasta wanted to stay in Sweet Water. She was offered a huge job to move to New York but turned it down when Nolt fell and broke his leg and needed a caregiver. The characters are great and there are several funny moments. I'm highly recommend this book as a clean Christian romance. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 12, 2022
Jessie does it again with another great story. Shasta moves to Sweetwater where her college roommate Sadie lives. She has the talent and drive to begin her career as an artist but unfortunately not a lot of clientele. Consequently, she ends up lying on her empty apartment floor with pneumonia. Meanwhile, the Piece Maker matchmakers are busy trying to match Shasta with Nolt, the oldest brother of Sadie. Nolt finds Shasta deathly ill and rescues her. Shasta has had a crush on Nolt since her college days. He brushes her off due to his clinging to the memory of an old flame. As they continue to get to know one another , Nolt has to come to a decision helped along by his dad. I love this story and can’t wait for the next one.
August 14, 2022
The “Piece Makers” are at it again. Besides making quilts, they are the town matchmakers. They have decided to match life-long resident Nolt with newcomer Shasta. Shasta decided to move to Sweet Water, North Dakota because Nolt’s sister was Shasta’s college roommate and best friend. Since he is 12 years older than Shasta and fancies himself still in love with his high school girlfriend, he rejects Shasta as a potential girlfriend. What will it take to realize that Shasta is the one meant for him?
I am looking forward to the next book in the series: Cowboy Rescuing Me.
This book is faith-filled, with good biblical principles, and the characters are well-written.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series: Cowboy Rescuing Me.
This book is faith-filled, with good biblical principles, and the characters are well-written.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 2, 2022
Shasta has always admired her best friend's brother, Nolt. Considering the large age difference, though, he has never even spared her a second glance until he happens to find her collapsed on the floor of her apartment, ill with advanced pneumonia. He promises to take care of her and gets the whole town to support her with furnishing her apartment and paying her hospital bills. Then Nolt requires assistance and Shasta repays the dedication he maintained while she was sick. Will Nolt see past their age difference to view her as an eligible woman or will he stick to his insistance that they aren't compatible?
I recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary inspirational romance stories. I received an ARC of this story from the author, but that in no way influenced my review.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary inspirational romance stories. I received an ARC of this story from the author, but that in no way influenced my review.
November 23, 2022
A good deed. A tragic accident. Two people who come together to help each other. Could this be the end of their dreaming alone?
When she develops pneumonia, Shasta Bington can’t believe how the town of Sweet Water comes together to take care of her. Especially Nolt Powers, who not only pays her rent, but sits up with her through the worst of her sickness so she’s not alone.
Although she loves the town of Sweet Water, Shasta has to leave, since her job as a painter can’t support her in such a small town.
Then an unthinkable accident happens and Nolt needs help.
Shasta owes him, and stays to care for him, knowing she has a job waiting for her in New York.
When it’s time to leave, can she say good-bye to the man she’s come to love?
When she develops pneumonia, Shasta Bington can’t believe how the town of Sweet Water comes together to take care of her. Especially Nolt Powers, who not only pays her rent, but sits up with her through the worst of her sickness so she’s not alone.
Although she loves the town of Sweet Water, Shasta has to leave, since her job as a painter can’t support her in such a small town.
Then an unthinkable accident happens and Nolt needs help.
Shasta owes him, and stays to care for him, knowing she has a job waiting for her in New York.
When it’s time to leave, can she say good-bye to the man she’s come to love?
August 19, 2022
Loved Nolt and Shasta's story. Shasta has had a crush on her best friend's brother forever. Matchmaking time for the quilting circle. Nolt knew their tactics and called them on it. It still didn't get him out of his duty to deliver their quilt to the newest resident of Sweet Water. When he finds her unconscious with pneumonia, Nolt becomes her care giver because of a promise to his sister. I read this book in two sittings. Loved how Nolt took care of Shasta when getting over her sickness. If you like clean inspiring stories with heart, you will enjoy 'Cowboy Dreaming Alone'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 20, 2022
The Piece Makers strike again!
Wonderful clean book and fun characters.
Shasta now lives in Sweet Water and is struggling to make ends meet with her paintings. Her best friend’s oldest brother is twelve years older, but Shasta had a crush on him since college.
Nolt decided a long time ago he’d never get married after the girl who took his heart picked someone else. He has a huge heart and feels the need to help others. When he finds Shasta unconscious, he promises to take care of her until she’s better.
Will the Piece Makers matchmaking work again?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Wonderful clean book and fun characters.
Shasta now lives in Sweet Water and is struggling to make ends meet with her paintings. Her best friend’s oldest brother is twelve years older, but Shasta had a crush on him since college.
Nolt decided a long time ago he’d never get married after the girl who took his heart picked someone else. He has a huge heart and feels the need to help others. When he finds Shasta unconscious, he promises to take care of her until she’s better.
Will the Piece Makers matchmaking work again?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
August 23, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. When Shasta Bington collapsed with pneumonia, she is found and taken to the hospital by Nolt Powers who then stays with her while she recuperates. She likes Sweet Water Falls and would like to stay but her painting doesn’t pay enough to cover her bills. Nolt is 12 years older than Shasta which he sees as a problem, plus he thinks he still loves the girl he liked in high school. Later Nolt falls and breaks his leg and she takes care of him. The plot includes family relationships and being left behind. A touching story and a must read.
September 11, 2022
A terrific book that I enjoyed from first to last page. Especially enjoyed the interaction and
robinboyer8@gmail.com.
This author always gives me a story that captures me from the first word to the last. At almost
eighty years of age I have written many unpublished stories and have learn much from the wonderful authors I have followed. Always thought I would write books for a living but a career as a RN/Midwife /Home Health RN seems to consume my time . Now in retirement arthritis slow my body down , esp my fingers, so writing is a challenge and dropping most things I hold in my right hand daily challenge.
robinboyer8@gmail.com.
This author always gives me a story that captures me from the first word to the last. At almost
eighty years of age I have written many unpublished stories and have learn much from the wonderful authors I have followed. Always thought I would write books for a living but a career as a RN/Midwife /Home Health RN seems to consume my time . Now in retirement arthritis slow my body down , esp my fingers, so writing is a challenge and dropping most things I hold in my right hand daily challenge.
December 20, 2023
Don't be so stuck looking back that you can't see what's in front of you
Nolt like myself was so stuck looking back at the girl he loved that he couldn't see what was right in front of his face. Fortunately we both came to our senses and realized what we have is way better than what we had. Shasta was truly loving, kind, and loyal, sticking with the man she wanted. At first Nolt didn't realize just how special she was until his father showed him what a looser his first girl was and still is, jumping to the next best thing. Never take for granted those that truly love you and give of themselves to make your life better.
Nolt like myself was so stuck looking back at the girl he loved that he couldn't see what was right in front of his face. Fortunately we both came to our senses and realized what we have is way better than what we had. Shasta was truly loving, kind, and loyal, sticking with the man she wanted. At first Nolt didn't realize just how special she was until his father showed him what a looser his first girl was and still is, jumping to the next best thing. Never take for granted those that truly love you and give of themselves to make your life better.
December 26, 2023
Sometimes life changes -
I am a big fan of Jessie Gussman and this series has some very heartwarming books in the collection.
This story is kind of an age-gap - Nolt being worried about Shasta being much younger than him. But she has had a crush on Nolt sense high school.
"Human touch is very calming."
Shasta was feeling like she owed Nolt for taking care of her while she was sick and now, he has a broken leg from falling from the loft. Though, his family is playing matchmaker, Nolt needs someone a little younger and more exciting to stop him from being like an old man.
Check out 'Coming Home to North Dakota' (12 book series) Kindle Edition. Enjoy and happy reading!
I am a big fan of Jessie Gussman and this series has some very heartwarming books in the collection.
This story is kind of an age-gap - Nolt being worried about Shasta being much younger than him. But she has had a crush on Nolt sense high school.
"Human touch is very calming."
Shasta was feeling like she owed Nolt for taking care of her while she was sick and now, he has a broken leg from falling from the loft. Though, his family is playing matchmaker, Nolt needs someone a little younger and more exciting to stop him from being like an old man.
Check out 'Coming Home to North Dakota' (12 book series) Kindle Edition. Enjoy and happy reading!
December 27, 2024
love the Piece Makers and their semi-clandestine matchmaking schemes. Those ladies are a hoot! In Cowboy Dreaming Alone, Shasta is a struggling artist with few people in her corner. She’s broke, alone, and sick as can be. With a nudge from the matchmakers, Nolt finds Shasta in a bad way and nurses her back to health. Their slowly unfolding love story was in equal measure frustrating and sweet. It was an unconventional courtship that Nolt refused to acknowledge but effective just the same. The cast of characters was engaging and provided extra entertainment value though Shasta and Nolt were plenty enough on their on. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
December 24, 2025
Jessie's books are edifying. I would say they are also light reads, but she does tackle difficult topics. Bad things happen to the characters or because of their choices, but there is redemption, grace, and forgiveness. She weaves in truths about how we should leave as Christians, which serve as reminders as I listen along.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
August 30, 2022
The Piece Makers Save the Day!
The Piece Makers Quilting Club is working hard to make another match, and their timing is impeccable! Although Nolt and Shasta may seem an unlikely couple at first glance, they both respond to help in each other’s time of need, breaking down the barriers of age and misconceptions, and revealing their godly character. Another charming visit to the heartwarming, caring, quirky town of Sweet Water, North Dakota!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this voluntary review are my own.
The Piece Makers Quilting Club is working hard to make another match, and their timing is impeccable! Although Nolt and Shasta may seem an unlikely couple at first glance, they both respond to help in each other’s time of need, breaking down the barriers of age and misconceptions, and revealing their godly character. Another charming visit to the heartwarming, caring, quirky town of Sweet Water, North Dakota!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this voluntary review are my own.
September 1, 2022
This is one of my faves of Jessie’s books and I’ve read almost all of them. Nolt only sees Shasta as his baby sister’s best friend. For goodness sakes she’s 12 years younger than him and his heart is forever taken by his first love, Alanna, sure she’ll eventually return. Shasta a talented artist, a product of the foster care system, wishes for a family and town like Sadie has. Enter the Piecemakers with their matchmaking ways, but Nolt is on to them and tells them this time will be an epic fail. HA!
Clean and wholesome. I received this as an ARC.
Clean and wholesome. I received this as an ARC.
September 2, 2022
Shasta and Nolt.
A truly lovely story about two lost souls that fate will bring together it is so well written the book held my heart the whole time. Shasta a true artist is facing one of life’s biggest heartbreak the possibility that what she loves the most will need to take a back seat. Nolt is a man who is locked into the past. I loved the Piece Makers. This was pure pleasure to read written from the heart of a brilliant author this faith based tale is one I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A truly lovely story about two lost souls that fate will bring together it is so well written the book held my heart the whole time. Shasta a true artist is facing one of life’s biggest heartbreak the possibility that what she loves the most will need to take a back seat. Nolt is a man who is locked into the past. I loved the Piece Makers. This was pure pleasure to read written from the heart of a brilliant author this faith based tale is one I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 16, 2022
Nolt couldn’t get over his past love and refused to move on. Shasta has had a crush on Nolt since college but he didn’t even know she was alive. The piece makers talk him into delivering a quilt to Shasta but he is onto them. He does deliver the quilt to her and finds her barely breathing on the floor. He ends up taking care of her and then feelings start to arise. Jessie never disappoints with her stories and this series is becoming one of my all time favorites. All of the characters are so lovable you can’t help but fall in love with each one of them. Great job by Jessie Gussman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews