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Coming Home to North Dakota #8
Cowboy Falling Hard
Famous pro-baseball player, Dwight Eckenrode, never thought he’d need the services of a group of small-town matchmakers.
But nothing he does seems to catch the eye of Orchid Baldwin, and he’s just desperate enough to go along with his best friend’s suggestion – hire the Piece Makers.
Except the Piece Makers don’t want him.
So now what?
Orchid Baldwin has heard the rumors – the big shot ball player has a thing for her. But she’s not interested in a man who can’t stop talking about himself.
Not until she realizes that everything he’s saying is an effort to let her know that he’s hoping to be good enough for her, since he’d never been accepted anywhere just for himself – it was always his accomplishments that people admired.
Can Orchid see past the bluster to the man of character who wants to make a life with her?
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
But nothing he does seems to catch the eye of Orchid Baldwin, and he’s just desperate enough to go along with his best friend’s suggestion – hire the Piece Makers.
Except the Piece Makers don’t want him.
So now what?
Orchid Baldwin has heard the rumors – the big shot ball player has a thing for her. But she’s not interested in a man who can’t stop talking about himself.
Not until she realizes that everything he’s saying is an effort to let her know that he’s hoping to be good enough for her, since he’d never been accepted anywhere just for himself – it was always his accomplishments that people admired.
Can Orchid see past the bluster to the man of character who wants to make a life with her?
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
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2022
635 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 8, 2022
This book offers a sweet, clean and inspiring romance. It also offers lessons on marriage and other relationships. Dwight is a professional baseball player who has found the woman he believes is his future. For the past eighteen months he has shown up in Sweet Water whenever he could to watch her from afar, talking himself up and occasionally asking for a date. Unfortunately, the woman he fancies, Orchid, has refused all of his attempts to ask her on a date. Now he has even asked the Piece Makers, the town’s matchmakers for help.
Orchid is a no-nonsense, hardworking woman with a big heart and fierce loyalty to family, friends and her community. She finds Dwight to be likeable, but rather full of himself. All her conversations with him involve him highlighting his baseball career, his travels and his accomplishments. He doesn’t seem to be interested in her life or her interests at all. She guesses that he is trying to show her that he is worthy of her, but when she finally agrees to a date, it shows her clearly that they are not suited to each other. He never considered asking where she would like to go, monopolized the conversation again and couldn’t see that she was uncomfortable with his choice of a location for their date.
Dwight is not one to give up. He is earnest, sincere and clearly values Orchid’s qualities and character. He wants to learn how to be the man that she would want to have in her life, by her side. It is Charlene, a Piece Maker who has had her own epiphany with God, who guides him onto another course that will lead to the successful courtship of Orchid. Both Dwight and Orchid learn that marriage cannot work if both partners are not thinking in terms of what the other wants or needs, how to serve each other and how to keep God and his teachings centremost.
This author has once again given her readers a story with thoughts to ponder and lessons to take to heart. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Orchid is a no-nonsense, hardworking woman with a big heart and fierce loyalty to family, friends and her community. She finds Dwight to be likeable, but rather full of himself. All her conversations with him involve him highlighting his baseball career, his travels and his accomplishments. He doesn’t seem to be interested in her life or her interests at all. She guesses that he is trying to show her that he is worthy of her, but when she finally agrees to a date, it shows her clearly that they are not suited to each other. He never considered asking where she would like to go, monopolized the conversation again and couldn’t see that she was uncomfortable with his choice of a location for their date.
Dwight is not one to give up. He is earnest, sincere and clearly values Orchid’s qualities and character. He wants to learn how to be the man that she would want to have in her life, by her side. It is Charlene, a Piece Maker who has had her own epiphany with God, who guides him onto another course that will lead to the successful courtship of Orchid. Both Dwight and Orchid learn that marriage cannot work if both partners are not thinking in terms of what the other wants or needs, how to serve each other and how to keep God and his teachings centremost.
This author has once again given her readers a story with thoughts to ponder and lessons to take to heart. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 26, 2023
Character and Chemistry
Cowboy Falling Hard, book 8 in Jessie Gussman's Coming Home to North Dakota series, takes a detour to Houston for Dwight Eckenrode, pro baseball player and Bryce Shaker's only visitor (book 7)--he's loyal. Dwight travels to Sweet Water, North Dakota, to see his old teammate and to ask out Orchid Baldwin, youngest of the botanically named sisters, despite having been turned down six times before. He's persistent. And when Orchid finally consents to go on a date, he treats her like the other women he's dated: he takes her to a loud bar with line dancing, tells her about his baseball exploits, and promises her he'll rescue her from her boring "cowpoke town" and take her to an exciting big city like Houston, where she can watch him dominate the diamond. He's an expert at treating women well...he thinks. But when he runs into chief Piece Maker and matchmaker Charlene, he learns he's doing everything wrong! Orchid hates loud bars, line dancing, arrogant braggarts, and insults to her beloved hometown based on what Bryce, who never leaves his house, has told him! Instead, he needs to become her friend, spend time doing things she likes, pay attention to her preferences, and above all, listen without formulating his next statement while she's talking! Easier said than done by a man who never knew his father and lost his mother as a child, and seeks attention by excelling in baseball and using his good looks to gain popularity. It's not as fulfilling as it was, though, and he wants to settle down... in Sweet Water if possible. Following Charlene's advice about Orchid seems like a good first step.
The next day, Dwight shows up at the Baldwins' auction barn with a pressure washer, a hose, and an explanation that Orchid's older brother Coleman, the auction barn's manager, has hired him as a part-time hand. Orchid wonders why a well-paid pro athlete would take a part-time manual labor position and concludes that he volunteered so that he could spend time with her. She's proved right when Dwight hooks up the hose too loosely and gets bitten by a pig. Only one thing goes right that day, and it's huge--Dwight works with 10-year-old Powell, whom Orchid is watching while her mother, Daphne, cares for her own sick mother out of town. Powell loves Dwight, and being great with kids is another trait in his favor. His stock with Orchid is rising...
The Piece Makers didn't want to help when Bryce approached them on Dwight's behalf; he was an out-of-towner and he had a girl in mind, ruining both their goal of keeping folks from leaving Sweet Water and their autonomy in choosing a match. They admit, though, that his desire to retire to Sweet Water and his apparent improvement in putting Orchid before himself set a decent precedent. Time for a happy ending? Not when devastating news hits...
As a child, Orchid ran around with her twin sister Lavender, Daphne, and a girl named Katie. On the day of the Apple Festival, Dwight arrives at the barn office with a load of apples to find Orchid near tears. Sadie, Coleman's wife (book 2) and auction barn bookkeeper, has told her that she saw Katie's husband kissing another woman, and Orchid is heartbroken for Katie and dreading telling her. Ultimately she decides not to go alone, so she, Lavender, Daphne, and Sadie stage an intervention. Katie is shocked, but when his secretary says he's on a family vacation and he tells Lavender that he's on a business trip alone, she can't deny his lies. She decides to pray before proceeding further.
Between the auction barn ruckus and Katie's husband, Dwight and Orchid have deep conversations about considering others and doing the right thing even when nobody's watching. It shows Orchid that Dwight is more than a pretty face and a lot of baseball stories; he's a man who knows he's not perfect but is trying to get better with God's help. That's the best character trait of all, and it causes Orchid to tell him that she compared him to Katie's husband and found him superior in character. Their undeniable chemistry doesn't hurt, either! He confesses his love for her, and they seal their happy ending with a kiss. NOW it's time to celebrate!
Once again, Jessie develops characters who "develop character", even when they're messing up like Dwight did on that first date! His conversations with Orchid about character and doing right without looking for praise give me hope for their success as a married couple. They're lovely together, and I hope to see them in cameo roles in future books! Very highly recommended.
Cowboy Falling Hard, book 8 in Jessie Gussman's Coming Home to North Dakota series, takes a detour to Houston for Dwight Eckenrode, pro baseball player and Bryce Shaker's only visitor (book 7)--he's loyal. Dwight travels to Sweet Water, North Dakota, to see his old teammate and to ask out Orchid Baldwin, youngest of the botanically named sisters, despite having been turned down six times before. He's persistent. And when Orchid finally consents to go on a date, he treats her like the other women he's dated: he takes her to a loud bar with line dancing, tells her about his baseball exploits, and promises her he'll rescue her from her boring "cowpoke town" and take her to an exciting big city like Houston, where she can watch him dominate the diamond. He's an expert at treating women well...he thinks. But when he runs into chief Piece Maker and matchmaker Charlene, he learns he's doing everything wrong! Orchid hates loud bars, line dancing, arrogant braggarts, and insults to her beloved hometown based on what Bryce, who never leaves his house, has told him! Instead, he needs to become her friend, spend time doing things she likes, pay attention to her preferences, and above all, listen without formulating his next statement while she's talking! Easier said than done by a man who never knew his father and lost his mother as a child, and seeks attention by excelling in baseball and using his good looks to gain popularity. It's not as fulfilling as it was, though, and he wants to settle down... in Sweet Water if possible. Following Charlene's advice about Orchid seems like a good first step.
The next day, Dwight shows up at the Baldwins' auction barn with a pressure washer, a hose, and an explanation that Orchid's older brother Coleman, the auction barn's manager, has hired him as a part-time hand. Orchid wonders why a well-paid pro athlete would take a part-time manual labor position and concludes that he volunteered so that he could spend time with her. She's proved right when Dwight hooks up the hose too loosely and gets bitten by a pig. Only one thing goes right that day, and it's huge--Dwight works with 10-year-old Powell, whom Orchid is watching while her mother, Daphne, cares for her own sick mother out of town. Powell loves Dwight, and being great with kids is another trait in his favor. His stock with Orchid is rising...
The Piece Makers didn't want to help when Bryce approached them on Dwight's behalf; he was an out-of-towner and he had a girl in mind, ruining both their goal of keeping folks from leaving Sweet Water and their autonomy in choosing a match. They admit, though, that his desire to retire to Sweet Water and his apparent improvement in putting Orchid before himself set a decent precedent. Time for a happy ending? Not when devastating news hits...
As a child, Orchid ran around with her twin sister Lavender, Daphne, and a girl named Katie. On the day of the Apple Festival, Dwight arrives at the barn office with a load of apples to find Orchid near tears. Sadie, Coleman's wife (book 2) and auction barn bookkeeper, has told her that she saw Katie's husband kissing another woman, and Orchid is heartbroken for Katie and dreading telling her. Ultimately she decides not to go alone, so she, Lavender, Daphne, and Sadie stage an intervention. Katie is shocked, but when his secretary says he's on a family vacation and he tells Lavender that he's on a business trip alone, she can't deny his lies. She decides to pray before proceeding further.
Between the auction barn ruckus and Katie's husband, Dwight and Orchid have deep conversations about considering others and doing the right thing even when nobody's watching. It shows Orchid that Dwight is more than a pretty face and a lot of baseball stories; he's a man who knows he's not perfect but is trying to get better with God's help. That's the best character trait of all, and it causes Orchid to tell him that she compared him to Katie's husband and found him superior in character. Their undeniable chemistry doesn't hurt, either! He confesses his love for her, and they seal their happy ending with a kiss. NOW it's time to celebrate!
Once again, Jessie develops characters who "develop character", even when they're messing up like Dwight did on that first date! His conversations with Orchid about character and doing right without looking for praise give me hope for their success as a married couple. They're lovely together, and I hope to see them in cameo roles in future books! Very highly recommended.
September 19, 2023
Orchid sees a braggart, a big shot pro baseball player with an ego, shallow, possibly a player in more ways than one...except he is persistent, always respecting her no, never giving up, but not in a creepy, stalker-ish way.
Dwight sees a woman who serves others with a smile, who is kind and gentle with animals, kids, the elderly, everyone. So much to admire, and admire her he does.
But Dwight doesn't know what to do, and his friend Bryce suggests he ask the Piece Makers quilting group/matchmakers for help. Meanwhile, Orchid's friends advise her to give him a chance and say yes to a date. The quilting ladies won't help him; their aim is to keep people in Sweet Water and there is a better than even chance Dwight will take her away. The ladies' prime goal is to keep young couples and their kids in the community so it can grow.
And so, with some trepidation, Orchid accepts a date with him, and Dwight takes her to the type of place that the world believes is a good time - a karaoke bar with dancing, where he tries unsuccessfully to impress her by joining a karaoke contest and bragging about his career and his knowledge of baseball and all the places to which he has traveled, where he can take her someday. When he drops her off, she thanks him for the date but says they have nothing in common and there won't be another. He is dejected. He parks his truck on main street and gets out and sits on a banch, where, to his surprise, he is greeted by Miss Charlene, and they go inside the darkened church to talk out of the wind. She apologizes to him, saying it is really wrong of her to insist they stay in Sweet Water when it is up to God where they live, not her. She discovers his broken family background, where his mom remarried when he was a teen, his stepfather wanted nothing to do with anyone not his flesh and blood and had 2 kids with Dwight's mom, on whom his stepfather and his mom doted. Excelling at baseball then going pro and bragging about it was a futile attempt to get some sort of positive notice from either parent. She tells him how that sounds to others. She gives him guidance on how to get positive attention from anyone but esp. Orchid. And he is naturally good with kids, which is in his favor. Cultivate a friendship with her first is Miss Charlene's late-night advice and he takes it to heart.
But is it too late? And when confirmation comes through that Orchid's best friend Katie's husband has indeed been cheating on her, will that make her more leery of a worldly man like Dwight? When they see an old married couple treating each other badly, esp. the wife's irritation, will it be a challenge they can overcome, or yet more evidence that marriage is too much of a risk? Can Dwight settle in N. Dakota after traveling so extensively and be content? If not, can Orchid find it in her to move where Dwight works? Or are they just so different that rhe relationship can't work?
Dwight sees a woman who serves others with a smile, who is kind and gentle with animals, kids, the elderly, everyone. So much to admire, and admire her he does.
But Dwight doesn't know what to do, and his friend Bryce suggests he ask the Piece Makers quilting group/matchmakers for help. Meanwhile, Orchid's friends advise her to give him a chance and say yes to a date. The quilting ladies won't help him; their aim is to keep people in Sweet Water and there is a better than even chance Dwight will take her away. The ladies' prime goal is to keep young couples and their kids in the community so it can grow.
And so, with some trepidation, Orchid accepts a date with him, and Dwight takes her to the type of place that the world believes is a good time - a karaoke bar with dancing, where he tries unsuccessfully to impress her by joining a karaoke contest and bragging about his career and his knowledge of baseball and all the places to which he has traveled, where he can take her someday. When he drops her off, she thanks him for the date but says they have nothing in common and there won't be another. He is dejected. He parks his truck on main street and gets out and sits on a banch, where, to his surprise, he is greeted by Miss Charlene, and they go inside the darkened church to talk out of the wind. She apologizes to him, saying it is really wrong of her to insist they stay in Sweet Water when it is up to God where they live, not her. She discovers his broken family background, where his mom remarried when he was a teen, his stepfather wanted nothing to do with anyone not his flesh and blood and had 2 kids with Dwight's mom, on whom his stepfather and his mom doted. Excelling at baseball then going pro and bragging about it was a futile attempt to get some sort of positive notice from either parent. She tells him how that sounds to others. She gives him guidance on how to get positive attention from anyone but esp. Orchid. And he is naturally good with kids, which is in his favor. Cultivate a friendship with her first is Miss Charlene's late-night advice and he takes it to heart.
But is it too late? And when confirmation comes through that Orchid's best friend Katie's husband has indeed been cheating on her, will that make her more leery of a worldly man like Dwight? When they see an old married couple treating each other badly, esp. the wife's irritation, will it be a challenge they can overcome, or yet more evidence that marriage is too much of a risk? Can Dwight settle in N. Dakota after traveling so extensively and be content? If not, can Orchid find it in her to move where Dwight works? Or are they just so different that rhe relationship can't work?
September 29, 2022
This book is part of a series, direct sequel of Cowboy rescuing me.
The main character is not a cowboy but a professional baseball player. His retired best friend lives in a small town, North Dakota, and it’s a rural area with lots of cowboys though.
Dwight wants to go out with Orchid (she works with animals on an auction barn) but she’s been rejecting him for months. He finally gets to take her out on a date but he’s so obsessed with baseball and tries too hard to make a good impression on her that she doesn’t want to see him again. Following advice from Miss Charlene, a lady who loves matchmaking, he changes his ways and tries to be friends with Orchids.
I highlighted a lot of quotes in this book : I loved the jokes, I smiled a lot ! Some parts were so funny ! For example, at some point, Dwight is beaten by a sow. And, the following day, as they meet for breakfast, Orchid offers him to cook the bacon to take a revenge because the slices could be from one of the sow’s relative.
I loved how Dwight changed his views of life and we understand why he was so self-centered at the beginning. They both leave their comfort zone to become friends.
Nevertheless, I would have loved a longer book, to see their relashionship develop more. And some of the dialogs were a bit long, they talk a lot about God, marriage and serious things just a few days after they became friends as if it were natural to do so. Dwight changes from a show-off into the perfect fiancé in one night. It was a bit fast for my liking, I love long stories with twists. But it’s personal.
I also don’t share the views of the main characters on divorce but, again, it’s very personal.
I was given an early copy of this book, for which I thank the author, and this is my honest review.
The main character is not a cowboy but a professional baseball player. His retired best friend lives in a small town, North Dakota, and it’s a rural area with lots of cowboys though.
Dwight wants to go out with Orchid (she works with animals on an auction barn) but she’s been rejecting him for months. He finally gets to take her out on a date but he’s so obsessed with baseball and tries too hard to make a good impression on her that she doesn’t want to see him again. Following advice from Miss Charlene, a lady who loves matchmaking, he changes his ways and tries to be friends with Orchids.
I highlighted a lot of quotes in this book : I loved the jokes, I smiled a lot ! Some parts were so funny ! For example, at some point, Dwight is beaten by a sow. And, the following day, as they meet for breakfast, Orchid offers him to cook the bacon to take a revenge because the slices could be from one of the sow’s relative.
I loved how Dwight changed his views of life and we understand why he was so self-centered at the beginning. They both leave their comfort zone to become friends.
Nevertheless, I would have loved a longer book, to see their relashionship develop more. And some of the dialogs were a bit long, they talk a lot about God, marriage and serious things just a few days after they became friends as if it were natural to do so. Dwight changes from a show-off into the perfect fiancé in one night. It was a bit fast for my liking, I love long stories with twists. But it’s personal.
I also don’t share the views of the main characters on divorce but, again, it’s very personal.
I was given an early copy of this book, for which I thank the author, and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2022
I just loved this story and this whole series. This is a great small hometown story that takes place in North Dakota. Each book could be read as a stand alone story.
Many of the people that live there are being matched up by the Piece Makers. They are a group of Senior ladies who like to quilt and have successfully matched quite a few of the single people in their town. But now famous pro-baseball player, Dwight Eckenrode, wants their help in making a match with Orchid Baldwin. He's been trying to get her attention for quite a few months but she doesn't seem interested in him. The Piece Makers don't want to help him because they believe that he will take Orchid away from the town.
So when Orchid agrees to go on a date with him, he plans to make it very special. He thought it was a wonderful date but to his surprise, she didn't want to see him again. Not understanding what he did wrong- one of the Piece Makers gives him some advice on how to approach Orchid. Dwight is not to proud to take her advice and begins to make the changes she suggested.
Orchid Baldwin knows that Dwight is interested in her but she has a hard time being around someone who only talks about himself. After their date, she knew she had to tell him that it wouldn't work out between them even though there was something about him that drew her. When he begins to change the way he acts around her- she begins to see that she misunderstood his actions. When he shares with her his past- she understands that he believed he had to make people accept him.
Dwight and Orchid may just be a perfect match with a little helpful encouragement from the Piece Makers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Many of the people that live there are being matched up by the Piece Makers. They are a group of Senior ladies who like to quilt and have successfully matched quite a few of the single people in their town. But now famous pro-baseball player, Dwight Eckenrode, wants their help in making a match with Orchid Baldwin. He's been trying to get her attention for quite a few months but she doesn't seem interested in him. The Piece Makers don't want to help him because they believe that he will take Orchid away from the town.
So when Orchid agrees to go on a date with him, he plans to make it very special. He thought it was a wonderful date but to his surprise, she didn't want to see him again. Not understanding what he did wrong- one of the Piece Makers gives him some advice on how to approach Orchid. Dwight is not to proud to take her advice and begins to make the changes she suggested.
Orchid Baldwin knows that Dwight is interested in her but she has a hard time being around someone who only talks about himself. After their date, she knew she had to tell him that it wouldn't work out between them even though there was something about him that drew her. When he begins to change the way he acts around her- she begins to see that she misunderstood his actions. When he shares with her his past- she understands that he believed he had to make people accept him.
Dwight and Orchid may just be a perfect match with a little helpful encouragement from the Piece Makers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
October 7, 2022
As a famous baseballer, Dwight is used to the idea that he can get the attention of any girl he wants. The only problem is that the one girl he does want isn't interested. Orchid might be interested in Dwight if he'd stop boasting all the time, though she'd never admit it. When Dwight humbles himself to go to the Piece Makers, Charlene gives him some helpful tips that make him change his approach - but will it be enough to finally get - and keep - Orchid's attention, or has he already missed the boat?
I think that as far as the Piece Makers' role in the match is concerned, this is my favourite book so far. While their scheming and antics in many of the other books have been amusing in various ways, I think part of me objected to such meddling. This is completely above-board and also very low-key. I also really appreciated Charlene's willingness to accept when she's been wrong and to apologise - a great reminder. Of course, watching Dwight learn to think of others rather than trying to prove himself worthy was amazing too, and I was glad to see them end up happily together. All in all, a great story, with some lovely inspirational and thought-provoking messages. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I think that as far as the Piece Makers' role in the match is concerned, this is my favourite book so far. While their scheming and antics in many of the other books have been amusing in various ways, I think part of me objected to such meddling. This is completely above-board and also very low-key. I also really appreciated Charlene's willingness to accept when she's been wrong and to apologise - a great reminder. Of course, watching Dwight learn to think of others rather than trying to prove himself worthy was amazing too, and I was glad to see them end up happily together. All in all, a great story, with some lovely inspirational and thought-provoking messages. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
October 18, 2022
Dwight is a pro baseball player who is used to women chasing him. Orchid is a ranch girl who is not impressed by the prideful braggart. Dwight is only trying to impress her in the only way he knows how. Charlene, one of the Piece Makers and town matchmakers, decides to take Dwight in hand and teach him to love Orchid as Jesus would. Will Orchid ever come to the conclusion that Dwight is not the braggart of first impressions and decide he is worthy of more than friendship?
This book contains very good spiritual content. There are two predominate Christian themes. Suffering is an opportunity to grow and to show God’s peace and joy though trials and for others to want to have what the Christian has. Another theme is showing God’s love through helping others.
There are way too many great quotes to put them all in a review. My favorite quote is: “The thing is, God’s way seems backwards, but when you try it, it works.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book contains very good spiritual content. There are two predominate Christian themes. Suffering is an opportunity to grow and to show God’s peace and joy though trials and for others to want to have what the Christian has. Another theme is showing God’s love through helping others.
There are way too many great quotes to put them all in a review. My favorite quote is: “The thing is, God’s way seems backwards, but when you try it, it works.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 14, 2022
Jessie just keeps on giving us these 5 star books! I loved this latest one about a pro-baseball player and a sweet country girl, who he falls head over heels in love over. But, he has a problem…he feels like he needs to sell himself to her to help her see what a bargain she’d be getting if she’d take him as her husband and she is totally turned off by him for being so totally narcissistic! Lol They finally, with a little help from the piece-makers, understand how to communicate with each other and they both fall hard for each other, just by being who they are, working together side by side. This book made me laugh out loud, and cry a little, too. My husband would walk in and ask what I was grinning about, and I’d say “I’m reading one of Jessie’s books”, and he’d nod his head and grin, and say “Oh, okay” lol. Y’all really need to get this one! I mean this guy is retiring from pro-baseball for the love of his life!!! ♥️🤗🥰. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
November 9, 2022
Jessie just keeps on giving us these 5 star books! I loved this latest one about a pro-baseball player and a sweet country girl, who he falls head over heels in love over. But, he has a problem…he feels like he needs to sell himself to her to help her see what a bargain she’d be getting if she’d take him as her husband and she is totally turned off by him for being so totally narcissistic! Lol They finally, with a little help from the “piece-makers”, understand how to communicate with each other and they both fall hard for each other, just by being who they are, working together side by side. This book made me laugh out loud, and cry a little, too. My husband would walk in and ask what I was grinning about, and I’d say “I’m reading one of Jessie’s books”, and he’d nod his head and grin, and say “Oh, okay” lol. Y’all really need to get this one! I mean this guy is retiring from pro-baseball for the love of his life!!! ♥️🤗🥰. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
October 14, 2022
Each of Jessie’s books can be read as a stand alone book, but many of the stories interconnect. This is a great book to read on it’s own, but even better if you have read the previous books in the series.
Dwight has been trying for a year and a half to get a date with Orchid, but she keeps turning him down. He doesn’t understand why...he’s rich and a famous baseball player, so how can she not be interested in him. But a late night conversation with Charlene convicts him that a good relationship puts the other person first. Can he learn that and put it into practice enough to win Orchid over? There are a number of plot twists in this book that will keep the reader on their toes and leave them ready for the next book in the series.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to proof and review.
Dwight has been trying for a year and a half to get a date with Orchid, but she keeps turning him down. He doesn’t understand why...he’s rich and a famous baseball player, so how can she not be interested in him. But a late night conversation with Charlene convicts him that a good relationship puts the other person first. Can he learn that and put it into practice enough to win Orchid over? There are a number of plot twists in this book that will keep the reader on their toes and leave them ready for the next book in the series.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to proof and review.
October 14, 2022
What do you do when you really like someone but, they won't give you a chance? Get help from the Matchmakers of course.
Orchid Baldwin, thought Dwight Eckenrode, was stuck on himself, so she wasn't impressed. Every time they saw each other, he bragged about all he had, how good he was, the glitz and glamor in his life, as well as material things that he had. That wasn't what she wanted.
Dwight was bumbling and babbling around Orchid. He wanted her to know he could take care of her and that he really liked her. He was drawn to her like a moth to a light. In desperation, he went to the ladies at the church to see if their matchmaking skills could work for him.
I loved the story and characters, but, I really enjoyed the message that was written into the story. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Orchid Baldwin, thought Dwight Eckenrode, was stuck on himself, so she wasn't impressed. Every time they saw each other, he bragged about all he had, how good he was, the glitz and glamor in his life, as well as material things that he had. That wasn't what she wanted.
Dwight was bumbling and babbling around Orchid. He wanted her to know he could take care of her and that he really liked her. He was drawn to her like a moth to a light. In desperation, he went to the ladies at the church to see if their matchmaking skills could work for him.
I loved the story and characters, but, I really enjoyed the message that was written into the story. I really enjoyed reading this story.
November 27, 2022
Dwight is a hot-shot pro baseball player who keeps coming to North Dakota to visit his friend and to see Orchid. He is determined that Orchid is the woman for him but he is having trouble convincing Orchid of that fact.
Orchid sees the famous baseball player as arrogant and only wanting to brag and talk about himself. She isn't interested in someone who only cares about himself. When she finally gets to know the real man, she realizes that Dwight just wants to help convince her that he is good enough for her. Is it worth the risk to her heart to let him in?
This is another beautiful story written by Jessie Gussman about the human flaws we all have and how God can take us where we are and make something good.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Orchid sees the famous baseball player as arrogant and only wanting to brag and talk about himself. She isn't interested in someone who only cares about himself. When she finally gets to know the real man, she realizes that Dwight just wants to help convince her that he is good enough for her. Is it worth the risk to her heart to let him in?
This is another beautiful story written by Jessie Gussman about the human flaws we all have and how God can take us where we are and make something good.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
October 14, 2022
Never judge another unless what others to judge you.
It is pretty clear that Dwight needs help and the fact that the Piece Makers didn’t step in and help was kind of sad and not what I expected. It seems it took a knock on the door from God for Charlene to realize that he needs help. I do understand how Orchid and the Piece Markers feeling toward Dwight they just forgot that everyone has flaws and insecurities. Orchid, Lavender, and Daphne were really true friends to Katie. What they did could have backfired, but what Katie did was amazing. The book ends well for Dwight and Orchid but there are still some unanswered questions like what about Powell and what was Katie going to do? I cannot wait to find out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
It is pretty clear that Dwight needs help and the fact that the Piece Makers didn’t step in and help was kind of sad and not what I expected. It seems it took a knock on the door from God for Charlene to realize that he needs help. I do understand how Orchid and the Piece Markers feeling toward Dwight they just forgot that everyone has flaws and insecurities. Orchid, Lavender, and Daphne were really true friends to Katie. What they did could have backfired, but what Katie did was amazing. The book ends well for Dwight and Orchid but there are still some unanswered questions like what about Powell and what was Katie going to do? I cannot wait to find out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 16, 2022
I highly recommend this book that is a clean, Christian romance where Dwight and Orchid find love through friendship and helping those in need. I loved the characters and especially liked the way that Charlene of the Piece Makers went out of her way to guide Dwight in how to win Orchid's heart. She gave him Godly advice and showed him how his previous attempts to date Gloria failed because he seemed selfish by boasting about his baseball career and travels and not taking time to find out what Orchid liked. There is a lot of good advice that we as readers in relationships can use to make our marriages better. I am enjoying all the books in this series. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 19, 2022
This book is truly a blessing to anyone who reads it. It addresses self centeredness in a way that touches us all. It should not be about "me", where all we care about is how we look or how we are affected or any other thing that centers around "me". What happens to loving someone else and putting their wants, likes an convenience into consideration? It's a wonderful reminder of how we should live, so there'll be less hate and more love, after all there's no one love doesn't eventually break through to.
I really appreciate Jessie's penmanship and her ability to weaver a story that's not only interesting, but thought provoking and inspirational. There's always a lesson to be learnt.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leaving my heartfelt review.
I really appreciate Jessie's penmanship and her ability to weaver a story that's not only interesting, but thought provoking and inspirational. There's always a lesson to be learnt.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leaving my heartfelt review.
September 25, 2022
With Jessie Gussman, each book is like getting a sermon. This book deals with building a foundation for marriage and treating the other person with respect and kindness. Dwight is a pro baseball player. His best friend Bryce just found happiness with Peyton with the help of the Piece Makers and Dwight has been attracted to Orchid for 18 months. Orchid doesn't like Dwight's cocky attitude so she keeps telling him "NO!" Getting desperate, Dwight goes to the Piece Makers (the Sweet Water matchmakers) and asks for help to get Orchid's attention. Sweet, clean and enlightening! I can't wait for Daphne's story!
September 30, 2022
I definitely enjoy Jessie Gussman's books and this one is no exception. There was a lot of humor in this story which I really enjoyed, as well as many examples of friends helping friends through the tough times. Though I enjoyed reading about Dwight and Orchid and Dwight's failed attempts to get Orchid's attention for eighteen months, I thought the relationship developed much too fast once they got together. Who declares undying love and talks marriage after only one weekend of working together as friends? They did have several serious conversations during that weekend but it still moved a little fast for me. I would really like to see an update on the Browns in a later book.
October 19, 2022
Dwight is a professional baseball player. When he's in Sweet Water visiting his best friend, he notices Orchid. He is drawn to her work ethic and smile and sweetness. Every time he's in town, he tries to impress her and ask her out. She always refuses. His friend convinces him to ask the Piece Makers for help.
Orchid isn't interested in a 'player' who is only interested in talking about himself.
I love how this books brings out character and hard work. There are a couple of minor characters that I enjoyed hearing about and wonder how their stories will turn out. Jessie says they will be in future books! Can't wait!
Orchid isn't interested in a 'player' who is only interested in talking about himself.
I love how this books brings out character and hard work. There are a couple of minor characters that I enjoyed hearing about and wonder how their stories will turn out. Jessie says they will be in future books! Can't wait!
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.
September 26, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Pro-baseball player Dwight Eckenrode is thinking about retiring and settling down in Sweet Water. He contacts the Piece Makers for assistance in getting Orchid Baldwin to go out with him. Their first date doesn’t go so well, but their friendship grows as they get to know each other and he assists at the Auction barn her family owns. The plot of this book includes relationship information and how to maintain a friendship. A great addition to this series by Jessie Gussman.
September 28, 2022
Dwight and Orchid are entertaining and humorous in their relationship foibles, and inspiring as they work out dating, not dating, friendship, and falling in love. This story is a lovely reminder of how relationships work best, by considering the partner over self. As I was reading, I kept thinking young people need to read and understand this! By the time I finished the book, I was doing a self-evaluation and realizing I needed to read and understand it, even after 30-plus years of marriage. Jessie Gussman's books are always a pleasure to read and time well-spent.
September 30, 2022
This cowboy really has patience waiting for a date that takes months to happen, then blows it! But with God's help, and the Piece Makers, will he be able to prove himself not the jerk that he was.
Another good message about being the person that God wants us to be in order for a relationship to last a lifetime!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Inspirational. Whimsical. Realistic. Unpredictable. Romantic Easy-to-read Page-turner. Happily Ever After. Entertaining Wonderful characters Original. Informative
Another good message about being the person that God wants us to be in order for a relationship to last a lifetime!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Inspirational. Whimsical. Realistic. Unpredictable. Romantic Easy-to-read Page-turner. Happily Ever After. Entertaining Wonderful characters Original. Informative
October 14, 2022
Dwight has got it bad but doesn’t realize he is coming across like a braggart! Orchid wants nothing to do with him. But Dwight knows when he needs help and Miss Charlene delivers😁. Watch how Dwight takes the advice of an older woman to heart. Orchid starts seeing someone that isn’t what she thought. I loved Dwight’s persistence and his willing heart. Orchid is hard to convince but…. Read this wonderful story to see where things go with them. Jessie has written another book that kept me up way past my bedtime as I could not put it down ❤️
October 15, 2022
WOW - a pro baseball player wants to date her!
They start to talk — and he so much wants to impress her all he does is tell her about himself. Well that just turned her off!!! Fortunately a lady in town straitened him out . . . .and he began to get to know her. He REALLY likes her . . . . and he is willing to get to know her . . . .this is a great book that will make you think about how you treat your “better half”!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
They start to talk — and he so much wants to impress her all he does is tell her about himself. Well that just turned her off!!! Fortunately a lady in town straitened him out . . . .and he began to get to know her. He REALLY likes her . . . . and he is willing to get to know her . . . .this is a great book that will make you think about how you treat your “better half”!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
October 15, 2022
Good fluffy story than entertained without being shallow.
The audiobook of this is available on Youtube - I'll add the link when I can - (as are all the other books in this series and more) if you want to check it out.
The audiobook of this is available on Youtube - I'll add the link when I can - (as are all the other books in this series and more) if you want to check it out.
October 16, 2022
What Integrity looks like in a Romance
Our society preaches constantly that my life is all about Me, Me, Me! That's not God's perspective. Jessie Gussman's "Cowboy Falling Hard", looks at a Christian couple building, a solid 💗 on Persistence, Integrity, & a Servant's Attitude toward each other. Not looking to just "Dates", where you're putting out your best efforts, but the day-to-day real person.
How do Dwight & Orchid make it their Lifetime 💞? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Wonderful 📗 to find out! ❤d 📖ing It. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our society preaches constantly that my life is all about Me, Me, Me! That's not God's perspective. Jessie Gussman's "Cowboy Falling Hard", looks at a Christian couple building, a solid 💗 on Persistence, Integrity, & a Servant's Attitude toward each other. Not looking to just "Dates", where you're putting out your best efforts, but the day-to-day real person.
How do Dwight & Orchid make it their Lifetime 💞? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Wonderful 📗 to find out! ❤d 📖ing It. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 17, 2022
Success in life doesn’t mean success in love!
Dwight Eckenrode sees everything he has ever wanted in Orchid Baldwin, but all she sees in him is a man more interested in himself than in anyone else. When Dwight’s efforts to woo Orchid fails he tries to hire the Piece Makers, but even they won’t help him. What is a millionaire baseball player supposed to do to find love in Sweet Water?
I really enjoy the Sweet Water romances. Jessie Gussman gets a big thumbs up from me for another clean cowboy romance! I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
Dwight Eckenrode sees everything he has ever wanted in Orchid Baldwin, but all she sees in him is a man more interested in himself than in anyone else. When Dwight’s efforts to woo Orchid fails he tries to hire the Piece Makers, but even they won’t help him. What is a millionaire baseball player supposed to do to find love in Sweet Water?
I really enjoy the Sweet Water romances. Jessie Gussman gets a big thumbs up from me for another clean cowboy romance! I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
June 10, 2025
Oh the Glory!
What a spectacular God inspired love story this is! Dwight is a baseball player think in about retiring back home. He meets Orchid and knows she is for him, but it takes him sticking around, helping, asking and getting turned down before she finally sees him, not his famous self but him. In the midst of this the ladies find out that Katie’s husband is cheating on her and they gather around her a carry her through it. But we gotta give God the Glory because they turn to God for guidance as they should.
What a spectacular God inspired love story this is! Dwight is a baseball player think in about retiring back home. He meets Orchid and knows she is for him, but it takes him sticking around, helping, asking and getting turned down before she finally sees him, not his famous self but him. In the midst of this the ladies find out that Katie’s husband is cheating on her and they gather around her a carry her through it. But we gotta give God the Glory because they turn to God for guidance as they should.
September 23, 2022
Dwight is a famous baseball player who visits his friend in Sweetwater. While there, he saw Orchid and felt an instant attraction to her. For 18 months, every time he asked her out, she turned him down. She finally conceded to go out with him. Could this be the start of something good, or did she just do it to appease him? Was she hoping he would quit asking? You'll find the answers in the book. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
September 23, 2022
Dwight’s been enamored with Orchid for over a year. Orchid thinks he’s too self-centered and won’t accept a date. Dwight asks the Piece Makers for help and they put him off. What’s a guy to do now?
I love this book! Dwight and Orchid are both willing to admit faults, listen to advise and follow it. You might even find some godly advice for yourself in here, I know I did. Sweet characters who aren’t afraid to put themselves out there. You’ll be glad you read this book.
I love this book! Dwight and Orchid are both willing to admit faults, listen to advise and follow it. You might even find some godly advice for yourself in here, I know I did. Sweet characters who aren’t afraid to put themselves out there. You’ll be glad you read this book.
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