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Heartland Cowboy Christmas #4
Snowed In with the Heartland Cowboy
After her husband walks out, leaving her with three small children, Shelby isn't interested in romance. She just wants her roof to not leak and the furnace to work.
Keene Emmerson is ready to settle down, but he's not expecting to find love in a single wide trailer amidst the chaos of kids and construction and a pair of September sky blue eyes.
When Keene volunteers to take some Christmas gifts out to Shelby's place and help put an addition on her trailer, he doesn't expect to start falling for the down-on-her-luck single mother. He's only thinking he'll spread a little Christmas cheer and do a good deed or two.
But when a snowstorm collapses Shelby's roof and forces them together for the holidays, he realizes he's falling for the woman who swore never to marry again.
Can he convince her that a good man is worth risking her heart for?
Keene Emmerson is ready to settle down, but he's not expecting to find love in a single wide trailer amidst the chaos of kids and construction and a pair of September sky blue eyes.
When Keene volunteers to take some Christmas gifts out to Shelby's place and help put an addition on her trailer, he doesn't expect to start falling for the down-on-her-luck single mother. He's only thinking he'll spread a little Christmas cheer and do a good deed or two.
But when a snowstorm collapses Shelby's roof and forces them together for the holidays, he realizes he's falling for the woman who swore never to marry again.
Can he convince her that a good man is worth risking her heart for?
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
294 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 14, 2022
I loved Shelby and quite frankly want to be her friend! This was a great story.
June 3, 2022
Faith, Family, and Fun!
Heartland Gold is the fourth book in the Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance series, and it was a pleasure to read! Jessie Gussman plays up the faith aspects of her writing and explores what makes a woman attractive to a man who loves God.
Shelby Yingling, a divorced mother of three children under six years old, needs more room for her mother in her trailer. Keene Emerson, the youngest brother of four, volunteers to build an addition for a new bedroom so that Shelby can stop sleeping on the sofa while her mother sleeps in her room and the kids take up the other bedrooms. When they meet for the first time since high school, Shelby is acutely aware of how far she's fallen since those days, and she's ashamed of her need for a volunteer from the church to help her out. Keene, who barely remembers the band geek and academic ace from high school, finds himself lost in her sky blue eyes with the defeated expression. She's been working two jobs no one else would want in an effort to pay off her ex-husband's gambling debts, and while cleaning the restroom of a country club (job number one) she runs into Keene, who's having a had reaction to some food he ate there while on a disastrous blind date. Shelby concludes, wrongly, that his date is a better match for him than she is. Meanwhile, Keene sees Shelby as infinitely preferable to the spoiled princess he was with until she ditched him during his unpleasant restroom stay...
With a snowstorm predicted, Keene checks in on Shelby and her kids repeatedly. Together, Keene and Shelby visit Miss Ginny, an older lady from the church who talks with Shelby about faith while Keene makes sure her snow shovels and snowblower are ready for action. Shelby thinks she needs to pay off her ex-husband's debts before God will send her another man--one she can respect. Her mother disagree s, saying that Shelby should adjust her attitude and not expect God to reward her efforts but trust His love.
When the snow starts accumulating rapidly, the convenience store (job number two) sends Shelby home early, just in time for her to witness the roof of her trailer cave in. First, she panics. Then she recalls Miss Ginny's advice to consider that anything that happens to her could be the best thing to ever happen to her. She's filled with a sense of peace, and when Keene stops by to check on her, he's flabbergasted by her ability to joke about the situation while perched on her roof with a snow shovel! The question remains, though: with the trailer rendered uninhabitable, where can Shelby, her three little ones, and her mother stay?
Keene suggests that they all move to his farmhouse because he's got plenty of room. Shelby's mother objects; they won't be sinning, but a single man and a single mother living in the same house could be a stumbling block for others watching them, and they need to avoid even the appearance of evil. So Keene floats an unusual solution to that problem: he will marry Shelby within a day or two, and they will all be able to stay there together. It's an awkward solution, and Shelby's mother is the only person not embarrassed by the prospect!
Keene's brother Preston takes Shelby's mother and children to an ice cream parlor to give Keene and Shelby some uninterrupted time to discuss his unexpected marriage proposal. It becomes clear that his faith is much more mature than hers is, but she's willing to learn and improve as time goes on. Bottom line: they're perfect for each other, and they will make a great couple.
The themes of Heartland Gold--what makes a mature faith, what draws a man and a woman together, and what makes a Godly family--ring true, not only in farming country Iowa, but in every location and situation where God's way and the world's way clash. Keene emphasizes the importance of following God, whereas Shelby gets stuck on God's way being uncomfortable and demanding more of her than she's able to give. Keene states that the world has replaced God with government programs... a sensitive subject Gussman has not covered before. Gussman also makes a glancing reference to a married woman's temptation to violate her marriage vows; she resists but admits to herself that dwelling on those thoughts is still adultery. Heavy stuff! Still, Jessie Gussman tells a fun-filled tale about a woman unwilling to need help, the man who helps her anyway, and three adorable moppets who will steal your heart. Recommended.
Heartland Gold is the fourth book in the Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance series, and it was a pleasure to read! Jessie Gussman plays up the faith aspects of her writing and explores what makes a woman attractive to a man who loves God.
Shelby Yingling, a divorced mother of three children under six years old, needs more room for her mother in her trailer. Keene Emerson, the youngest brother of four, volunteers to build an addition for a new bedroom so that Shelby can stop sleeping on the sofa while her mother sleeps in her room and the kids take up the other bedrooms. When they meet for the first time since high school, Shelby is acutely aware of how far she's fallen since those days, and she's ashamed of her need for a volunteer from the church to help her out. Keene, who barely remembers the band geek and academic ace from high school, finds himself lost in her sky blue eyes with the defeated expression. She's been working two jobs no one else would want in an effort to pay off her ex-husband's gambling debts, and while cleaning the restroom of a country club (job number one) she runs into Keene, who's having a had reaction to some food he ate there while on a disastrous blind date. Shelby concludes, wrongly, that his date is a better match for him than she is. Meanwhile, Keene sees Shelby as infinitely preferable to the spoiled princess he was with until she ditched him during his unpleasant restroom stay...
With a snowstorm predicted, Keene checks in on Shelby and her kids repeatedly. Together, Keene and Shelby visit Miss Ginny, an older lady from the church who talks with Shelby about faith while Keene makes sure her snow shovels and snowblower are ready for action. Shelby thinks she needs to pay off her ex-husband's debts before God will send her another man--one she can respect. Her mother disagree s, saying that Shelby should adjust her attitude and not expect God to reward her efforts but trust His love.
When the snow starts accumulating rapidly, the convenience store (job number two) sends Shelby home early, just in time for her to witness the roof of her trailer cave in. First, she panics. Then she recalls Miss Ginny's advice to consider that anything that happens to her could be the best thing to ever happen to her. She's filled with a sense of peace, and when Keene stops by to check on her, he's flabbergasted by her ability to joke about the situation while perched on her roof with a snow shovel! The question remains, though: with the trailer rendered uninhabitable, where can Shelby, her three little ones, and her mother stay?
Keene suggests that they all move to his farmhouse because he's got plenty of room. Shelby's mother objects; they won't be sinning, but a single man and a single mother living in the same house could be a stumbling block for others watching them, and they need to avoid even the appearance of evil. So Keene floats an unusual solution to that problem: he will marry Shelby within a day or two, and they will all be able to stay there together. It's an awkward solution, and Shelby's mother is the only person not embarrassed by the prospect!
Keene's brother Preston takes Shelby's mother and children to an ice cream parlor to give Keene and Shelby some uninterrupted time to discuss his unexpected marriage proposal. It becomes clear that his faith is much more mature than hers is, but she's willing to learn and improve as time goes on. Bottom line: they're perfect for each other, and they will make a great couple.
The themes of Heartland Gold--what makes a mature faith, what draws a man and a woman together, and what makes a Godly family--ring true, not only in farming country Iowa, but in every location and situation where God's way and the world's way clash. Keene emphasizes the importance of following God, whereas Shelby gets stuck on God's way being uncomfortable and demanding more of her than she's able to give. Keene states that the world has replaced God with government programs... a sensitive subject Gussman has not covered before. Gussman also makes a glancing reference to a married woman's temptation to violate her marriage vows; she resists but admits to herself that dwelling on those thoughts is still adultery. Heavy stuff! Still, Jessie Gussman tells a fun-filled tale about a woman unwilling to need help, the man who helps her anyway, and three adorable moppets who will steal your heart. Recommended.
October 24, 2021
Heartland Gold is a story of letting God's will push you in the right direction. A story of a knight in farmers clothing that had been asked to put an extra room onto a trailer for a family in need. It was Shelby, a girl that he had went to school with. She had married and had three very young children when her husband left her to pay his gambling debts. Cindy, Shelby's mother had moved in to help her but with her sickness sometimes she was the one needing help. Shelby worked two jobs to support her family and tried to make as much time for them as she could. When Keene woke her up to get the idea of where the room was to be built that is when he seen how tired she looked. They talked over the room and Keene told her that he would get as much built as he could before the storm came in. He also told her it looked like she had leaks in the roof so he would repair them while he worked on the roof for the room.
Keene had a date that night with the mayor's daughter. It was a favor for one of the little ladies at church. She acted so snobby and even when Keene got sick and started to the restroom she wanted to go with him but instead of the front restrooms she started dragging him through the restaurant to the back where it shows the men's restroom is closed. He seen Shelby come out from working in there and he told her it was an emergency. She let him go inside but stood just outside as he looked like he might pass out. His date came out and called a friend to come get her. When Keene came out and seen Shelby he couldn't believe she stood out there waiting for him when his date just left him sick in the restroom. That showed him that Shelby was a good person.
Keene was asked to eat with them while working on the room. He accepted and took the opportunity to joke with the kids. He had the two little girls giggling while the little boy spoke gibberish. After a short time working on her home the storm hit. Her roof caved in on one end. Shelby put a tarp to cover that end of the inside of the trailer in hopes they could continue to live there. When Keene seen it he told her that her family would have to come live out at the farm house where he was living alone as his brother was staying in town to help Gram recover from surgery. Cindy tells Keene that if they stayed there with him at the farmhouse it would look wrong. He states he will go to town at night after he has completed his work to stay at Gram's. He also gave Shelby the option that she could marry him and then he could stay at the farm with them and she could quit one of her jobs so she could be with her children more as he was ready to settle down and have a family. But was his question taken seriously by Shelby?
Keene had a date that night with the mayor's daughter. It was a favor for one of the little ladies at church. She acted so snobby and even when Keene got sick and started to the restroom she wanted to go with him but instead of the front restrooms she started dragging him through the restaurant to the back where it shows the men's restroom is closed. He seen Shelby come out from working in there and he told her it was an emergency. She let him go inside but stood just outside as he looked like he might pass out. His date came out and called a friend to come get her. When Keene came out and seen Shelby he couldn't believe she stood out there waiting for him when his date just left him sick in the restroom. That showed him that Shelby was a good person.
Keene was asked to eat with them while working on the room. He accepted and took the opportunity to joke with the kids. He had the two little girls giggling while the little boy spoke gibberish. After a short time working on her home the storm hit. Her roof caved in on one end. Shelby put a tarp to cover that end of the inside of the trailer in hopes they could continue to live there. When Keene seen it he told her that her family would have to come live out at the farm house where he was living alone as his brother was staying in town to help Gram recover from surgery. Cindy tells Keene that if they stayed there with him at the farmhouse it would look wrong. He states he will go to town at night after he has completed his work to stay at Gram's. He also gave Shelby the option that she could marry him and then he could stay at the farm with them and she could quit one of her jobs so she could be with her children more as he was ready to settle down and have a family. But was his question taken seriously by Shelby?
October 26, 2021
I love this series and all of the down to earth wisdom spread throughout the story. I loved the interaction between Keene and Shelby. He had known her back in school when everything about her life was going great. Now Shelby is working two jobs to support her three young children and hanging on by a thread.
When the church sends Keene to add an addition to their worn trailer home- she has to swallow her pride to accept the help. Shelby felt like a failure with the decisions she had made in her life - a degree in Art History
that didn't lead to any type of job, a husband who had left her with a ton of his gambling debts to pay off.
Keene Emmerson is the youngest of the brothers and helps out at the family farm. When he agrees to help the church build an addition unto a trailer home using his construction skills, he never expected to feel so much for the woman with the beautiful blue eyes and her sweet children. Wanting to help lift the many burdens she carries and to just be a protector to her and the children seems to be more and more important to him.
I love all of the small tidbits of wisdom sprinkled throughout this story. Shelby had to learn that God has a purpose in every situation that comes her way. Keene also knew when he needed to seek the counsel of his brother before making a life changing decision. The core of this book is the importance of family which is so needed in today's confused society.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
When the church sends Keene to add an addition to their worn trailer home- she has to swallow her pride to accept the help. Shelby felt like a failure with the decisions she had made in her life - a degree in Art History
that didn't lead to any type of job, a husband who had left her with a ton of his gambling debts to pay off.
Keene Emmerson is the youngest of the brothers and helps out at the family farm. When he agrees to help the church build an addition unto a trailer home using his construction skills, he never expected to feel so much for the woman with the beautiful blue eyes and her sweet children. Wanting to help lift the many burdens she carries and to just be a protector to her and the children seems to be more and more important to him.
I love all of the small tidbits of wisdom sprinkled throughout this story. Shelby had to learn that God has a purpose in every situation that comes her way. Keene also knew when he needed to seek the counsel of his brother before making a life changing decision. The core of this book is the importance of family which is so needed in today's confused society.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
October 27, 2021
Shelby and Keene’s story is beautifully written and inspiration. Life has not been easy for Shelby and her children. She blames herself for making poor choices that have now left her divorced and trying to raise her three children while also working two jobs. The trailer her family lives in is in desperate need of repairs and a little more room since Shelby’s mother is also living with her and her children. When Keene arrives at her door with donated materials to add a room on to her trailer, he finds a very tired but grateful Shelby. As he works on the additional room, he gets to know Shelby and her young children. He is impressed by her strength will, her determination to do the best for her family and her grace. Shelby is impressed by his construction skills, his willingness to help and his easy rapport with her her children. There is attraction between them, but neither acknowledge it or reveal to the other, especially when she has seen him out with another woman on at least two occasions. God is gently nudging them together, guiding them on a new path forward together, and even uses a weather related mishap to speed things along. They both need to have faith in His guidance and his plan for them. For Shelby that will mean letting go of past hurts, her insecurities and her pride. Keene had not seen a woman with children of her own in his future, but now he can see his future as being part of this family. Will Shelby let Keene in or keep him at a distance?
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 9, 2021
Heartland Gold by Jessie Gussman (5 stars)
Keene knew of Shelby in High School and she knew of him, but they didn’t share any interests and didn’t hang out in the same friend-groups. After graduation, they went their separate ways.
Years later, Keene is still single and Shelby is a single mom working two jobs and supporting herself, her three children and her sick mom while trying to pay off the debts of her ex-husband.
Shelby and family live in a falling-apart trailer home and Keene is sent by the church to build an addition on so that there are enough rooms for everyone.
Thus begins a love story of contrasts and of unselfish devotion to family.
This was a lovely story and the main characters are people you would want in your life. Keene is a hard-working man who doesn’t get rattled easily and Shelby is fiercely independent and has a difficult time accepting help.
Both come to realize that as little as their interest seem to align, their deeper values are a perfect match.
The two characters have an interesting discussion about how we as a society have replaced God with government and have quit replying upon God and instead are relying on our government. You might agree, you might not, but it certainly gets you thinking!
Another romantic and clean romance from Jessie Gussman and a worthy addition to the series.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
Keene knew of Shelby in High School and she knew of him, but they didn’t share any interests and didn’t hang out in the same friend-groups. After graduation, they went their separate ways.
Years later, Keene is still single and Shelby is a single mom working two jobs and supporting herself, her three children and her sick mom while trying to pay off the debts of her ex-husband.
Shelby and family live in a falling-apart trailer home and Keene is sent by the church to build an addition on so that there are enough rooms for everyone.
Thus begins a love story of contrasts and of unselfish devotion to family.
This was a lovely story and the main characters are people you would want in your life. Keene is a hard-working man who doesn’t get rattled easily and Shelby is fiercely independent and has a difficult time accepting help.
Both come to realize that as little as their interest seem to align, their deeper values are a perfect match.
The two characters have an interesting discussion about how we as a society have replaced God with government and have quit replying upon God and instead are relying on our government. You might agree, you might not, but it certainly gets you thinking!
Another romantic and clean romance from Jessie Gussman and a worthy addition to the series.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
October 24, 2021
Shelby never expected to end up almost broke, living in a falling-apart trailer with three kids and her mum, and needing to accept help from the church she doesn't have time to attend. But when she meets Keene, come to do the work, somehow she begins to realise that it can be okay to need help. And when he proposes a most unorthodox solution to her problems, she begins to wonder if just maybe she should accept - and perhaps it'll be all she never knew she wanted...
I didn't end up in as awkward a position as Shelby, thankfully, but the utter uselessness of some degrees is something I can attest to! That being said, I really appreciated the way that she did the best she could to look after her kids - and the way that she interacts with Keene, of course! Some of the dialogue between Shelby and Keene I actually found quite thought-provoking, though of course some is just good fun. All in all, another good read in the series, which can be read on its own no problem - though reading the epilogue has made me most impatient for the next book!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I didn't end up in as awkward a position as Shelby, thankfully, but the utter uselessness of some degrees is something I can attest to! That being said, I really appreciated the way that she did the best she could to look after her kids - and the way that she interacts with Keene, of course! Some of the dialogue between Shelby and Keene I actually found quite thought-provoking, though of course some is just good fun. All in all, another good read in the series, which can be read on its own no problem - though reading the epilogue has made me most impatient for the next book!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
October 20, 2021
No room for romance …
All Shelby wants is to be a good mother to her three small children and she doesn’t need a man in her life to do that. She has made so many bad decisions that she doesn’t trust her judgement anymore, in fact, experience has shown her that no man is better than her track record for choosing bad ones. As much as she loves God it is hard for her to believe that she can be granted grace when she has made so many mistakes.
Keene just wants to help when he volunteers to put an addition on Shelby’s trailer but it’s hard not to want to do more for the mother and her children when they are so obviously in need. He recognizes Shelby from high school but this is not the life he thought she would be living.
This lovely, clean romance delivers a beautiful message of God’s love and grace in an obvious, but non-obtrusive, way. Shelby and Keene were perfect for each other! I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
All Shelby wants is to be a good mother to her three small children and she doesn’t need a man in her life to do that. She has made so many bad decisions that she doesn’t trust her judgement anymore, in fact, experience has shown her that no man is better than her track record for choosing bad ones. As much as she loves God it is hard for her to believe that she can be granted grace when she has made so many mistakes.
Keene just wants to help when he volunteers to put an addition on Shelby’s trailer but it’s hard not to want to do more for the mother and her children when they are so obviously in need. He recognizes Shelby from high school but this is not the life he thought she would be living.
This lovely, clean romance delivers a beautiful message of God’s love and grace in an obvious, but non-obtrusive, way. Shelby and Keene were perfect for each other! I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
October 27, 2021
Keene was ready for a wife and a family but, while waiting for God to bring him the “right woman,” he is busy running the family farm and using his time and talents in helping out others in his community. He never expected that he would meet the woman he was hoping for while bringing some Christmas gifts to her kids from the church and volunteering his time to add a needed room onto her doublewide trailer. Shelby never expected to be in her situation—divorced, poor, overworked and perpetually exhausted. She had made some bad choices and now she was trying to live with the consequences as well as she could. I loved these two characters and the improbable way that they got together. I also loved the words of wisdom shared as they handled hard circumstances with grace and a measure of peace. This was an inspiring Christian romance with lots to think about and I highly recommend it I received a free copy from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
December 27, 2021
I read this book in October, but can't find my review, so here goes. As always, A touching story set in Iowa that will pull at your heartstrings as this couple reacquaints themselves from high school when he comes to help her with a task that the church is funding to help her. There are moments that make you want to cry, others that make you smile and yet others that make you laugh at the absurdity of it all. But through it all what shined through and touched my soul was the innate goodness in the two main characters and the goodwill of a large part of the community. An extremely impressive story that just seems to fit seamlessly into this special and sacred time of year. I would not hesitate to recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of Christian based romance that is subtle, yet uplifting.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
October 21, 2021
Sweet, clean romance about a mother of three who lives in a broken down mobile home with her mother while working 2 jobs. Her ex-husband ran up gambling debt that she's trying to pay off. She regrets some big mistakes that she's made in her life.
A man has come to help expand her mobile home, as a volunteer from the church. He is attracted to her and wants to help. When the mobile home has a calamity, their relationship is able to move forward more rapidly.
This is a Christian romance so the reader should be prepared for discussions about God vs. government, not something you'd typically find in a romance.
Still, the man is very nearly perfect and he's an ideal potential love interest.
I was provided with an advance reader copy of this book by the author. This is my honest review.
A man has come to help expand her mobile home, as a volunteer from the church. He is attracted to her and wants to help. When the mobile home has a calamity, their relationship is able to move forward more rapidly.
This is a Christian romance so the reader should be prepared for discussions about God vs. government, not something you'd typically find in a romance.
Still, the man is very nearly perfect and he's an ideal potential love interest.
I was provided with an advance reader copy of this book by the author. This is my honest review.
January 30, 2023
After her husband walks out, leaving her with three small children, Shelby isn't interested in romance. She just wants her roof to not leak and the furnace to work.
Keene Emmerson is ready to settle down, but he's not expecting to find love in a single wide trailer amidst the chaos of kids and construction and a pair of September sky blue eyes.
When Keene volunteers to take some Christmas gifts out to Shelby's place and help put an addition on her trailer, he doesn't expect to start falling for the down-on-her-luck single mother. He's only thinking he'll spread a little Christmas cheer and do a good deed or two.
But when a snowstorm collapses Shelby's roof and forces them together for the holidays, he realizes he's falling for the woman who swore never to marry again.
Can he convince her that a good man is worth risking her heart for?
Keene Emmerson is ready to settle down, but he's not expecting to find love in a single wide trailer amidst the chaos of kids and construction and a pair of September sky blue eyes.
When Keene volunteers to take some Christmas gifts out to Shelby's place and help put an addition on her trailer, he doesn't expect to start falling for the down-on-her-luck single mother. He's only thinking he'll spread a little Christmas cheer and do a good deed or two.
But when a snowstorm collapses Shelby's roof and forces them together for the holidays, he realizes he's falling for the woman who swore never to marry again.
Can he convince her that a good man is worth risking her heart for?
October 27, 2021
A gem of a book.
As a single mother of three Shelby's life is no way easy it is bad enough that your husband walks off leaving you but now the place she and the children are live is falling apart. Good hearted Keene volunteers to help Shelby what neither knows is that they were made for each other. A beautiful love story about a very lovely man and a very wounded lady the characters were so splendid and whole story will bring warmth to your heart. Jessie Gussman's stories deal with real life problems in a real way and they have that beautiful touch of being faith-based showing the real reason things turn out better than they started. This is an excellent book in a brilliant series. I highly recommend it.
As a single mother of three Shelby's life is no way easy it is bad enough that your husband walks off leaving you but now the place she and the children are live is falling apart. Good hearted Keene volunteers to help Shelby what neither knows is that they were made for each other. A beautiful love story about a very lovely man and a very wounded lady the characters were so splendid and whole story will bring warmth to your heart. Jessie Gussman's stories deal with real life problems in a real way and they have that beautiful touch of being faith-based showing the real reason things turn out better than they started. This is an excellent book in a brilliant series. I highly recommend it.
October 31, 2021
This is another excellent book in the Heartland Cowboy Christmas series. Keene is such a wonderful man and has all the qualities Shelby would look for in a husband. Due to her past, she knows that not all men are capable of loving their wives and children and willing to put them first. Although Shelby doesn't feel worthy of happiness and is doomed with the results of her bad decisions, Keene appears in her life and sees her worth. He is a one woman man and Shelby is his kind of woman - kind, caring and unselfish. With Keene's faith and the wisdom of others around her, Shelby sees that God is working in her life, giving her hope for the future. You'll enjoy getting to know a few more characters from Prairie Rose, Iowa.
November 1, 2021
The many lessons being taught in this book was a book all by themselves. Keene was a man of God who dropped into Shelby's life just when God planned for them to meet. Life had turned her way of thinking sideways until he stepped in with the gentle reminders of what God expects from each of us...and how to let go of the past to embrace what the future held. Ms. Cindi was not shy about voicing her opinions, even though I didn't necessarily agree with some of her reasoning. People are going to talk regardless of what steps are made to do the right thing. As long as God knows, that's all that matters to me. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free review copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review of it.
I received a free review copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review of it.
February 16, 2022
Keene volunteered to help build an addition for Shelby’s trailer. He knew her from high school and never expected to like her, her children and mother. However, Shelby felt that, due to her lack of good decisions throughout her adult life, she is not worth being loved by someone as great as Keene…
Once more, a story I really enjoyed, with characters that are relatable. I’m not sure there are a lot of men who would be as fast learners Keene was concerning romancing Shelby, even able to understand what she meant when she talked about needing love gestures. Still, if you are looking for a book to read while cuddling under a blanket, you will definitely have a good time with this one ☺.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once more, a story I really enjoyed, with characters that are relatable. I’m not sure there are a lot of men who would be as fast learners Keene was concerning romancing Shelby, even able to understand what she meant when she talked about needing love gestures. Still, if you are looking for a book to read while cuddling under a blanket, you will definitely have a good time with this one ☺.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2021
As usual, I love the way Jessie Gussman develops her characters in Heartland Gold. They are real with qualities we all strive for while fighting the insecurities that hold each of us back. She also reminds each of us that our intent and faith are the most important. Shelby is so caught up in punishing herself for bad choices that she can’t see the Lord is trying to bless her. Keene is just awesome! Can I have one like him in real life? My only complaint is that the book ended too soon. I tried to turn to the next page when I realized I had already read the last page. Maybe tie up loose ends with family first?
October 20, 2021
Loved this story. Enjoyed how Jessie wove into it the day to day of Christian life, the importance of living out what the Bible teaches and not reacting as the world expects. Some intense topics are raised during their discussions, yet it’s a fun read. Refreshing to read how the character of the person influenced their decision to marry the most and not an emotional response.
A stand-alone story but part of a series - can be read without the rest of the series however better reading it as a series. True to Jessie Gussman style it is a clean wholesome book - anyone in the family can read it.
* I received an ARC copy for an honest and voluntary review.
A stand-alone story but part of a series - can be read without the rest of the series however better reading it as a series. True to Jessie Gussman style it is a clean wholesome book - anyone in the family can read it.
* I received an ARC copy for an honest and voluntary review.
October 26, 2021
This story was sweet, had wonderful characters, a lot of great wisdom and I liked how everyday things were compared to fatih. I really liked Keene and how kind and caring he was. He also kind of stumbled in the romance department, especially with Shelby but feelings, faith, and beliefs on a marriage and a partner were so strong and real.I admired Shelby, working three jobs to take care of her children and her mom while paying off the debt her ex husband had accrued through gambling. She had such a great attitude that few might have in her position. What a wonderful addition to this series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
December 30, 2021
Jessie Gussman has written a romance that was both inspiring and moving. I enjoyed the story very much. Keene Emmerson has volunteered to help put an addition on Shelby's trailer and to drop off some Christmas presents for her three children. When a snowstorm caused more damage to the trailer, Keene and Shelby are forced to spend time together. The author has written an awesome story with incredible characters that decide to have faith guide their actions. I recommend this book without equivocation. Jay Dyess' narration was stupendous, and his performance added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
February 1, 2022
Keene is enlisted by his church to help build an addition on Shelby's trailer house. She is working 2 jobs to keep the gambling debt her ex-husband racked up under control, leaving her three kids with her mom when she is at work. I enjoyed the spiritual insight among the pages of this book, like the earlier books in this series! It is refreshing to read books with a definite Christian theme! I did feel that some of the scenerios towards the end of this book were not as believeable as I had noped, which is the reason for 4 stars intead of 5. All in all, a good, clean read with a happy ever after! I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 2, 2022
This is such a sweet read about a woman whose husband leaves her and they're three small children. Because he wasn't much of a husband anyways and left her with a bunch of gambling debt that he racked up... she decided that she'd never marry again.
A man she knew in high school was just trying to do a good deed and help build an extra room onto the trailer that she and her children shared with her mother. As he spends time around her and her children, feelings developed on his part... can he get her to open her heart again and give him a chance?
I love the audio on this, a great job again by Jay Dyess.
A man she knew in high school was just trying to do a good deed and help build an extra room onto the trailer that she and her children shared with her mother. As he spends time around her and her children, feelings developed on his part... can he get her to open her heart again and give him a chance?
I love the audio on this, a great job again by Jay Dyess.
March 3, 2022
This was a sweet story about a single man, Keene, and Shelby, a single mom with three little ones. She needs a break and Keene helps provide that relief for her. He volunteers to build an additional bedroom on her trailer house that houses her three children, herself and her mom. He becomes a constant in her life that she desperately wants but doesn't feel worthy of.
This is a sweet, clean, romantic story about genuine love without grand gestures and romantic interludes, just a constant reminder that you are special and desired. It was beautiful and a nice reminder of the things that matter the most.
I received an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This is a sweet, clean, romantic story about genuine love without grand gestures and romantic interludes, just a constant reminder that you are special and desired. It was beautiful and a nice reminder of the things that matter the most.
I received an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
October 16, 2021
Once again, great characters and story.
The main couple had gone to school together and were attracted to each other, but never acted on it and didn't think now would be a good time to act. A collapsed roof sets other things in motion.
The main characters have some serious discussions touching on their faith, so this is overtly Christian, but not preachy.
I believe that these brothers think "romantic" equals "flowery" when they say they aren't romantic. They are so very romantic in their honest, upright actions that flowery speech pales in comparison.
The main couple had gone to school together and were attracted to each other, but never acted on it and didn't think now would be a good time to act. A collapsed roof sets other things in motion.
The main characters have some serious discussions touching on their faith, so this is overtly Christian, but not preachy.
I believe that these brothers think "romantic" equals "flowery" when they say they aren't romantic. They are so very romantic in their honest, upright actions that flowery speech pales in comparison.
October 23, 2021
Loved Shelby and Keene's story. Shelby was a hardworking single Mom taking care of her 3 children and her Mother after her ex-husband left her with a boatload of gambling debts. Keene was looking for a lifelong commitment, but the women he was dating wasn't ever interested in what he wanted. I laughed so loud during one of Keenes setup date, by a little women from his church. My husband wanted to know 'What's so funny?' If you like clean, fun stories with heart, I highly recommend 'Heartland Gold'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
October 24, 2021
I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Jessie Gussman is a talented storyteller and this is another great story by her. Shelby is a divorced mother of 3 trying to pay off the debt her ex-husband left on her credit cards from his gambling. Keene volunteers to put an extra room on her trailer with the supplies donated by his church. He finds much to admire about Shelby. The plot centers on a storm which causes problems, and people’s sense of worth in God.
October 26, 2021
Heartland Gold is a sweet, Christian, romance about a young mother working two jobs and struggling to make ends meet and a cowboy who volunteered to add a room to her trailer and deliver some Christmas gifts. Shelby and Keene are both interesting characters struggling to follow God's word and be good Christians. I really cared about these two, Shelby's Mom and her kids. This well written book kept me busy turning pages too late at night so I could see how these two finally reached an HEA. It is a great addition to the series.
October 27, 2021
Heartland Gold
Keene and Shelby are such a funny pair. Though Shelby is facing what seems like an insurmountable number of hardships she continues to plod along and tries to find the humor in them. Keene has been asked by the church to deliver Christmas gifts for her children and to add a room on to her trailer so she will have another bedroom available. She works two jobs trying to keep them fed, clothed and pay the bills her ex husband ran up. She and Keene develop a friendship. What happens when the trailer roof collapses during a bad snowstorm?
Keene and Shelby are such a funny pair. Though Shelby is facing what seems like an insurmountable number of hardships she continues to plod along and tries to find the humor in them. Keene has been asked by the church to deliver Christmas gifts for her children and to add a room on to her trailer so she will have another bedroom available. She works two jobs trying to keep them fed, clothed and pay the bills her ex husband ran up. She and Keene develop a friendship. What happens when the trailer roof collapses during a bad snowstorm?
January 7, 2022
Awesome read
This is Keene's book. He is asked to help Shelby by building an addition on her trailer. She is a single mom with three kids and a mom suffering from fibromyalgia. He starts falling for her as he helps her. Then her roof collapses and he offers for her to stay at the farm. Her mom points out that they aren't married and he offers to marry her. She's still paying off her ex's gambling debts and doesn't think she's good enough for him. Will she see God's blessings or keep letting her past influence her future.
This is Keene's book. He is asked to help Shelby by building an addition on her trailer. She is a single mom with three kids and a mom suffering from fibromyalgia. He starts falling for her as he helps her. Then her roof collapses and he offers for her to stay at the farm. Her mom points out that they aren't married and he offers to marry her. She's still paying off her ex's gambling debts and doesn't think she's good enough for him. Will she see God's blessings or keep letting her past influence her future.
October 5, 2022
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Jay Dyess is a fantastic narrator and he never disappoints me. He always brings the story to life. Shelby is at a lost. She is trying to raise her three children and make ends meet, after her husband walks out, leaving her in a financial mess. Keene never expected to find anything like love in a trailer, when he arrives to do some work for the church for Shelby and her family. It might come as a surprise to both of them, but they put their trust in God to make it work.
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