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Coming Home to North Dakota #10
Cowboy Wanting Everything
When Lavender met billionaire hunk Thaddaeus Hart five years ago, she thought he was a jerk who needed a major attitude adjustment.
She would be absolutely fine to never see him again. She’s perfectly happy working in Sweet Water at her family’s auction barn and taking care of an elderly lady who’s keeping her daughter’s two small children. She never even thinks of Thad anymore.
Hardly ever.
Thad doesn’t believe in love at first sight, but he does believe that sometimes a man’s attention gets caught by a good woman and it’s hard to focus on anything else for the next five years. Or something like that.
Finally, because he’s the boss and the boss can take a vacation, he decides to go ahead and take a vacation by getting a ranching job at the same place where Lavender just so happens to be babysitting and helping the elderly woman hold on to her ranch. If he spends a few weeks with Lavender, he’ll realize she’s just like every other woman he knows.
Except she’s not. And a few weeks isn’t nearly long enough to spend with her. But she is going to hate him when she finds out he’s been deceiving her all this time. Unless he really becomes what he’s claimed to be – penniless. Is one woman worth risking everything for?
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
She would be absolutely fine to never see him again. She’s perfectly happy working in Sweet Water at her family’s auction barn and taking care of an elderly lady who’s keeping her daughter’s two small children. She never even thinks of Thad anymore.
Hardly ever.
Thad doesn’t believe in love at first sight, but he does believe that sometimes a man’s attention gets caught by a good woman and it’s hard to focus on anything else for the next five years. Or something like that.
Finally, because he’s the boss and the boss can take a vacation, he decides to go ahead and take a vacation by getting a ranching job at the same place where Lavender just so happens to be babysitting and helping the elderly woman hold on to her ranch. If he spends a few weeks with Lavender, he’ll realize she’s just like every other woman he knows.
Except she’s not. And a few weeks isn’t nearly long enough to spend with her. But she is going to hate him when she finds out he’s been deceiving her all this time. Unless he really becomes what he’s claimed to be – penniless. Is one woman worth risking everything for?
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
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 29, 2022
The previous book in the series (« Cowboy Looking At Me ») is and remains my favorite BUT I have to admit that this one is a close second ! Lavender is the last one in her group of sibblings and friends not to be married or in a romantic relashionship. She’s almost 30 and begins to believe that it’s God’s plan for her to remain single. That’s when a mysterious man comes to work in the same farm she’s employed in. He’s broke, penniless, soft handed and doesn’t have a clue about farming. Although, always willing to help anyone, Lavender offers to teach him the ropes on her free time. As the weeks go by, they become friends and even look at each other with something else than friendship in their eyes. But Thaddeus is very secretive and never said a thing about his past and Lavender is a bit scared of what he may hide. I loved that the book begins 5 years earlier, it’s an interesting way to introduce the characters and we wonder when Lavender is going to realize that they have already met. A must read !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! The spiritual insights Lavender shares with Thaddeus hit home and reconfirmed Gods love. Jessie has taken Love, compassion, friendship and faith , then woven them into a beautiful story! I highlight several quotes and thoughts.
This highlight is one. “So, while I maybe don’t understand why God can’t just put a stop to everything, I do understand that He wants us to choose Him out of our own free will. He didn’t create little machines to worship Him, He created people who get to choose what they want, and when they choose Him, that means something. Especially when they choose Him over themselves, over their own pleasure, over their own glory and gratification. Somehow, that gives glory to God, when we choose to take what He’s given us—life—and give it back to Him, in the form of dedicating everything we do to Him and submitting to His will for our lives, even if it means we go in a completely different direction than what we want to.”
This highlight is one. “So, while I maybe don’t understand why God can’t just put a stop to everything, I do understand that He wants us to choose Him out of our own free will. He didn’t create little machines to worship Him, He created people who get to choose what they want, and when they choose Him, that means something. Especially when they choose Him over themselves, over their own pleasure, over their own glory and gratification. Somehow, that gives glory to God, when we choose to take what He’s given us—life—and give it back to Him, in the form of dedicating everything we do to Him and submitting to His will for our lives, even if it means we go in a completely different direction than what we want to.”
June 2, 2023
Wanting Everything, Getting Much More
Cowboy Wanting Everything, tenth Coming Home to North Dakota novel, is Jessie Gussman's most overtly Christian book to date, but not awkward. She just puts together a spiritually mature heroine and a new believer hero, and she allows her to naturally spur him on to good deeds and faithful growth!
Billionaire Thaddeus "Thad" Hart runs into youngest Baldwin sister Lavender at a homeschoolers' convention in one of his buildings in "the Cities" (Minneapolis and St. Paul). Ironically, Lavender has no children to homeschool; she's the last single Baldwin sibling and is only there for her friend Katie--who ends up not homeschooling when her husband leaves her and she must work to support the family. Thad's snobby fiancee says that the dowdy women shouldn't be allowed in his building, but Thad is impressed by Lavender's compassion for her wheelchair-bound companion, her persistence in trying to get the wheelchair up steps while he rides an escalator, her spirit in standing up to his scolding, and her humility in agreeing with one of his points. He asks his assistant to research the fascinating woman with the telltale name tag.
Five years and one divorce later, Thad shows up at Miss April's ranch in Sweet Water with old clothes, a new beard, a recommendation from chief Piece Maker Miss Charlene, and a general impression of being penniless. Miss April, who's juggling the preparation of the farm for sale, the success of her home baking business, and the addition of two granddaughters whose parents didn't want them, hires him immediately and tells him to get started. Lavender will show him around.
Yes, Lavender has been assisting Miss April with the animals, with baking, and with childcare! Soon, she also finds herself assisting Miss April with training the newest hand. He seems intelligent and knows how to cut through excess to the bottom line, yet he can't even make a sandwich! Looking at his "soft hands", Lavender concludes that Thad worked a desk job before losing everything and patiently teaches him to cook in his rustic cabin. He, on the other hand, knows who he is and what he's been, and he follows Lavender's instructions while feeling guilty for his deception.
Between meeting Lavender and meeting Miss April, Thad met Someone more important than anyone: Jesus Christ. His assistant, a Christian, connected his employer with a church that showed him why earthly success and immense wealth didn't satisfy him and introduced him to the One who could satisfy his search for meaning. He'd been growing slowly, but noticing the little ways Lavender lives out her faith inspires him to tell her the truth. Friday night is their first date, so he plans to tell her then.
Unfortunately, a gossip columnist from Fargo--one of his ex-wife's friends--publishes a scoop about a local billionaire "slumming with the little people of Sweet Water", and someone tells Lavender. She sees Thad's panicky face, guesses the truth, and wonders why her hurt isn't accompanied by anger. She has to ride horses with him and Miss April's granddaughters in the town parade, so she pastes on a smile and waits until the girls are on the way home with Miss April to talk with Thad about his deception.
He's surprised that she isn't yelling at him. She's surprised that he doesn't know why. It's simple: she wants her friends to forgive her when she sins against them, so if she wants to follow Jesus's example, she needs to forgive him. He responds with news that will surprise all of Sweet Water--and Lavender in particular.
Thad didn't start out as a cowboy or a resident of North Dakota, but he gets there before the end of the book. He's learned that treasures on earth can't compare to those in heaven, and now he has both!
I enjoyed riding the romantic roller coaster with Lavender and Thad, and I am extremely happy to have found a heroine who unapologetically lives for God and wants to emulate Christ in her life, no matter what happens. I very highly recommend this book!
Cowboy Wanting Everything, tenth Coming Home to North Dakota novel, is Jessie Gussman's most overtly Christian book to date, but not awkward. She just puts together a spiritually mature heroine and a new believer hero, and she allows her to naturally spur him on to good deeds and faithful growth!
Billionaire Thaddeus "Thad" Hart runs into youngest Baldwin sister Lavender at a homeschoolers' convention in one of his buildings in "the Cities" (Minneapolis and St. Paul). Ironically, Lavender has no children to homeschool; she's the last single Baldwin sibling and is only there for her friend Katie--who ends up not homeschooling when her husband leaves her and she must work to support the family. Thad's snobby fiancee says that the dowdy women shouldn't be allowed in his building, but Thad is impressed by Lavender's compassion for her wheelchair-bound companion, her persistence in trying to get the wheelchair up steps while he rides an escalator, her spirit in standing up to his scolding, and her humility in agreeing with one of his points. He asks his assistant to research the fascinating woman with the telltale name tag.
Five years and one divorce later, Thad shows up at Miss April's ranch in Sweet Water with old clothes, a new beard, a recommendation from chief Piece Maker Miss Charlene, and a general impression of being penniless. Miss April, who's juggling the preparation of the farm for sale, the success of her home baking business, and the addition of two granddaughters whose parents didn't want them, hires him immediately and tells him to get started. Lavender will show him around.
Yes, Lavender has been assisting Miss April with the animals, with baking, and with childcare! Soon, she also finds herself assisting Miss April with training the newest hand. He seems intelligent and knows how to cut through excess to the bottom line, yet he can't even make a sandwich! Looking at his "soft hands", Lavender concludes that Thad worked a desk job before losing everything and patiently teaches him to cook in his rustic cabin. He, on the other hand, knows who he is and what he's been, and he follows Lavender's instructions while feeling guilty for his deception.
Between meeting Lavender and meeting Miss April, Thad met Someone more important than anyone: Jesus Christ. His assistant, a Christian, connected his employer with a church that showed him why earthly success and immense wealth didn't satisfy him and introduced him to the One who could satisfy his search for meaning. He'd been growing slowly, but noticing the little ways Lavender lives out her faith inspires him to tell her the truth. Friday night is their first date, so he plans to tell her then.
Unfortunately, a gossip columnist from Fargo--one of his ex-wife's friends--publishes a scoop about a local billionaire "slumming with the little people of Sweet Water", and someone tells Lavender. She sees Thad's panicky face, guesses the truth, and wonders why her hurt isn't accompanied by anger. She has to ride horses with him and Miss April's granddaughters in the town parade, so she pastes on a smile and waits until the girls are on the way home with Miss April to talk with Thad about his deception.
He's surprised that she isn't yelling at him. She's surprised that he doesn't know why. It's simple: she wants her friends to forgive her when she sins against them, so if she wants to follow Jesus's example, she needs to forgive him. He responds with news that will surprise all of Sweet Water--and Lavender in particular.
Thad didn't start out as a cowboy or a resident of North Dakota, but he gets there before the end of the book. He's learned that treasures on earth can't compare to those in heaven, and now he has both!
I enjoyed riding the romantic roller coaster with Lavender and Thad, and I am extremely happy to have found a heroine who unapologetically lives for God and wants to emulate Christ in her life, no matter what happens. I very highly recommend this book!
September 20, 2023
Not your typical billionaire romance novel, thank the Lord.
Thad is a billionaire who worked side by side with his father, building his dad's business. He now handles multiple corporations and all that goes with them...certainly not a life of pleasure yachts, debauched parties, and idle time at multiple vacation homes all over the world. Managing all of those businesses requires hands-on, 24/7, no time off, dedication to putting out fires, so to speak, cleaning up messes, dealing with personnel issues, anything that needs to be done, the boss, as the captain of the corporate ship, holds the responsibility to do. When I was a nurse, the one thing I knew was that my organizational abilities were even worse than my math ones, and with dyscalculia in the mix, that's really saying something. I maxed out as charge nurse organizationally, but I was being pushed, after a certain number of years, to move up or move out. There was, with medicine turning into a corporate model, and now a fascist model, no room for a good bedside nurse to work until retirement as a good bedside nurse. I was being told to move into an assistant clinical manager position, while taking out massive loans to get a combination bachelor's and master's in nursing at the same time (my bachelor's is in education). I would be losing any salary gains to education and loans, and be pushed beyond my organizational capabilities, which would have gotten me fired with no tuition assistance and a lot of debt. I had watched the things that a clinical manager had to do, the 24/7 load they carried for much less than a billionaire's salary, and seen the same for entrepreneurs. Knowing your limits apparently carries little weight in corporate America, but a lot of penalties. It is no wonder people change jobs so often. I was working disabled, though, and as things got worse for me, what I could do changed, and eventually, I couldn't work outside the home anymore. I know those days would have come sooner had I not insisted on working within my limits.
My digression is, I know, long, but I also know the envy billionaires inspire with their personal assistants, chauffered cars, personal security, all of which are needed for a person working anywhere,.anytime, for as long as necessary to create jobs and supply goods and services. And I am glad, finally, to see an author who writes factually about what a billionaire's life entails, even if they're not, as Thaddeus is when the story begins, a Christian in more than just name only. And if you're alwaus working, always on call, you're short on sleep and likely to be short with people.
At the beginning, when Thad first meets Lavender, he is worried about lawsuits, a business deal, a fiance he is marrying to close a business deal, and he is rushing between multiple engagements. But Lavender, who is outspoken about his (actually illegal) lack of accommodation for disabled in a huge convention center, confronts him about it, he has no response. Her own response is gracious but firm.
The next time we meet Thad, he is posing as a person seeking a job, any job, as a penniless, down on his luck, willing to do and learn anything, applicant as a ranch hand. His soft hands give him away, but they give him a chance, and though he has never made a bed, cooked, cleaned, even made a sandwich, has no idea about farm animals or repairs, he is a quick study. He has been drawn to Lavender since he first met her, but wondered if she was perhaps too good to be true.
As they get to know one another, will Thad discover in Lavender the person he believes her to be, or will she disappoint? Will Lavender see anything positive in this soft handed man who has never made a bed, or a sandwich, or cooked or cleaned? Will Thad adjust to life on a small ranch? Be able to deal with kids? Learn to ride? Will the 2 of them hit it off? And what will happen to Lavender once she discovers Thad's lies?
Thad is a billionaire who worked side by side with his father, building his dad's business. He now handles multiple corporations and all that goes with them...certainly not a life of pleasure yachts, debauched parties, and idle time at multiple vacation homes all over the world. Managing all of those businesses requires hands-on, 24/7, no time off, dedication to putting out fires, so to speak, cleaning up messes, dealing with personnel issues, anything that needs to be done, the boss, as the captain of the corporate ship, holds the responsibility to do. When I was a nurse, the one thing I knew was that my organizational abilities were even worse than my math ones, and with dyscalculia in the mix, that's really saying something. I maxed out as charge nurse organizationally, but I was being pushed, after a certain number of years, to move up or move out. There was, with medicine turning into a corporate model, and now a fascist model, no room for a good bedside nurse to work until retirement as a good bedside nurse. I was being told to move into an assistant clinical manager position, while taking out massive loans to get a combination bachelor's and master's in nursing at the same time (my bachelor's is in education). I would be losing any salary gains to education and loans, and be pushed beyond my organizational capabilities, which would have gotten me fired with no tuition assistance and a lot of debt. I had watched the things that a clinical manager had to do, the 24/7 load they carried for much less than a billionaire's salary, and seen the same for entrepreneurs. Knowing your limits apparently carries little weight in corporate America, but a lot of penalties. It is no wonder people change jobs so often. I was working disabled, though, and as things got worse for me, what I could do changed, and eventually, I couldn't work outside the home anymore. I know those days would have come sooner had I not insisted on working within my limits.
My digression is, I know, long, but I also know the envy billionaires inspire with their personal assistants, chauffered cars, personal security, all of which are needed for a person working anywhere,.anytime, for as long as necessary to create jobs and supply goods and services. And I am glad, finally, to see an author who writes factually about what a billionaire's life entails, even if they're not, as Thaddeus is when the story begins, a Christian in more than just name only. And if you're alwaus working, always on call, you're short on sleep and likely to be short with people.
At the beginning, when Thad first meets Lavender, he is worried about lawsuits, a business deal, a fiance he is marrying to close a business deal, and he is rushing between multiple engagements. But Lavender, who is outspoken about his (actually illegal) lack of accommodation for disabled in a huge convention center, confronts him about it, he has no response. Her own response is gracious but firm.
The next time we meet Thad, he is posing as a person seeking a job, any job, as a penniless, down on his luck, willing to do and learn anything, applicant as a ranch hand. His soft hands give him away, but they give him a chance, and though he has never made a bed, cooked, cleaned, even made a sandwich, has no idea about farm animals or repairs, he is a quick study. He has been drawn to Lavender since he first met her, but wondered if she was perhaps too good to be true.
As they get to know one another, will Thad discover in Lavender the person he believes her to be, or will she disappoint? Will Lavender see anything positive in this soft handed man who has never made a bed, or a sandwich, or cooked or cleaned? Will Thad adjust to life on a small ranch? Be able to deal with kids? Learn to ride? Will the 2 of them hit it off? And what will happen to Lavender once she discovers Thad's lies?
November 21, 2022
Cowboy Wanting Everything is an unusual story of a billionaire that meets Lavender 5 years ago at a Home School Convention in the city. One elevator was being worked on while the other had a very long line waiting. Lavender helped another girl and her mother in a wheelchair up the stairs. Thad was there with Meadow and he fussed at them for carrying the wheelchair up the steps and possibility causing a liability issue in his building. Lavender gave him some of his same sass back about he should have working elevators and if they had not carried her up the steps they would have missed their first class. Thad looked at the name on Lavender's name tag as he liked her attitude and thought if he had not already had his life planned with Meadow, he would want Lavender.
Five years later and Thad has been through a divorce, became a Christian and was trying to do things the right way. He knows he has built his billions by doing whatever it takes to get the job done. He now is not enjoying running his business and decided he wants to go to Sweet Water to see if the woman he has built up in his mind is the way Lavender really is. His assistant is connected to Miss Charlene and she thinks it is a good idea to come and work for Miss April on her ranch so he can be around Lavender. But, he was coming as a man down on his luck without any money. Lavender has to be the one to train him what he has to do. She notices his soft hands and he tells her that he has never worked on a ranch before. Lavender likes that he is willing to do anything she shows him, but he will not talk about his past. He really hates that he has lied about not having money and wants so bad to tell Lavender the truth. as
The day of the parade, Lavender hears bits and pieces of talk around her about Thad being a billionaire. Saying he was vacationing pretending to be a poor person. Lavender just goes ahead and rides in the parade with Thad and Miss April's two granddaughters. Thad has started to fall for Lavender and he had said he would tell her everything about his past at their date the next day. Seems like the reporter he seen at the auction on Wednesday let the cat out of the bag before he could tell Lavender. What can Thad tell Lavender that will make her still like him after this?
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and I am giving it 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Five years later and Thad has been through a divorce, became a Christian and was trying to do things the right way. He knows he has built his billions by doing whatever it takes to get the job done. He now is not enjoying running his business and decided he wants to go to Sweet Water to see if the woman he has built up in his mind is the way Lavender really is. His assistant is connected to Miss Charlene and she thinks it is a good idea to come and work for Miss April on her ranch so he can be around Lavender. But, he was coming as a man down on his luck without any money. Lavender has to be the one to train him what he has to do. She notices his soft hands and he tells her that he has never worked on a ranch before. Lavender likes that he is willing to do anything she shows him, but he will not talk about his past. He really hates that he has lied about not having money and wants so bad to tell Lavender the truth. as
The day of the parade, Lavender hears bits and pieces of talk around her about Thad being a billionaire. Saying he was vacationing pretending to be a poor person. Lavender just goes ahead and rides in the parade with Thad and Miss April's two granddaughters. Thad has started to fall for Lavender and he had said he would tell her everything about his past at their date the next day. Seems like the reporter he seen at the auction on Wednesday let the cat out of the bag before he could tell Lavender. What can Thad tell Lavender that will make her still like him after this?
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and I am giving it 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
June 19, 2023
Cowboy Wanting Eerything
Again, I was not disappointed. I have read almost all the books in this series and each had a unique story and I liked every one of them. This last story about the billionaire wanted to change his lifestyle since he got saved. I really admire his reasoning and reading how he wanted to give away all of his money for good causes was very thoughtful, but a little hard to believe that as being a reality. It was hard to believe he wanted his money to be given to people who needed it and not keep any of it for himself. I could see him helping a lot of people and being a billionaire meant that he had a lot to be able to do it, but becoming penniless really wasn’t really a necessity. I’ve known a few very rich people ad they were very generous in helping people in need, but they didn’t give it all away. They were good servants of The LORD in all that they did. So, I think that Thad could give a lot of his money away and that would be a wonderful act of charity and he would still be considered a generous man, but still have money to be able to support himself and his wife and eventually support his children in a comfortable way. Just voicing my opinion and since I’ve never been rich,and I worked since I was a young girl, even at the age of 14, I worked all summer cleaning houses and taking care of children as well. I was 15 when I got my first job working in a store and got paychecks with taxes taken out of it like n adult. And I worked all my adult life, taking time off to have my 4 children and retired at 65, and I worked contract jobs through an agency doing secretarial work to make ends meet. God always provided for me. So I knew how it was to earn a living!
Again, I was not disappointed. I have read almost all the books in this series and each had a unique story and I liked every one of them. This last story about the billionaire wanted to change his lifestyle since he got saved. I really admire his reasoning and reading how he wanted to give away all of his money for good causes was very thoughtful, but a little hard to believe that as being a reality. It was hard to believe he wanted his money to be given to people who needed it and not keep any of it for himself. I could see him helping a lot of people and being a billionaire meant that he had a lot to be able to do it, but becoming penniless really wasn’t really a necessity. I’ve known a few very rich people ad they were very generous in helping people in need, but they didn’t give it all away. They were good servants of The LORD in all that they did. So, I think that Thad could give a lot of his money away and that would be a wonderful act of charity and he would still be considered a generous man, but still have money to be able to support himself and his wife and eventually support his children in a comfortable way. Just voicing my opinion and since I’ve never been rich,and I worked since I was a young girl, even at the age of 14, I worked all summer cleaning houses and taking care of children as well. I was 15 when I got my first job working in a store and got paychecks with taxes taken out of it like n adult. And I worked all my adult life, taking time off to have my 4 children and retired at 65, and I worked contract jobs through an agency doing secretarial work to make ends meet. God always provided for me. So I knew how it was to earn a living!
November 11, 2022
This sweet, clean romance also offers a wonderful example of finding faith and redemption. Thad, a divorced billionaire, has recently re-examined his life and done a great deal of self-reflection that has led him to finding faith in God’s teachings and guidance. Before now, he has followed his father’s example and put business and being a financial success before everything else. Now he is ready to make some changes and he has sought out the town where the woman, Lavender, whom he met briefly a few years ago resides. He has never forgot her calmness, kindness or optimism and he has been driven to find her to discover if she is really the woman she seemed to be then. When he arrives in Sweet Water, Charlene from the Piece Makers helps him get a job on a farm where Lavender just happens to work part-time. He has deliberately changed his appearance, is dressed as a man down on his luck, claims he is penniless and begs for the job. In the past, his wealth drew people to him, but now he would like people to see the man and not the money first. It isn’t long before he realizes he made a mistake, especially in not telling Lavender the truth. The lie sits heavily on his conscience, but how does he tell such a wonderful woman as Lavender that he lied to her. Lavender is everything he remembers and more. She is determined to live by God’s teachings, but how will she react when she discovers that man she now cares deeply for has been lying? Their story is beautifully written and so inspiring. It certainly resonated deeply with me.
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.
October 31, 2022
Five years ago, Thad watched a woman help haul her wheelchair-bound friend up a flight of stairs. The name on her nametag was Lavender Baldwin. Now, he's become a Christian and wants to change his life - but he can't get Lavender out of his head. Determined to get to know her well enough to discover that she's really just like every other woman he's ever known, he gets a job working with her on a farm. But to do so, he pretends to be broke and desperate instead of the billionaire he really is. The problem is that the more he sees of her, the more he realises she truly is different, and he wants more. Can he convince her to give him a chance? And can he overcome the lies he's told?
I loved it. Poor Lavender's been feeling left out of all this matchmaking, so it was lovely to see her getting her turn - and with a man who's managed to make himself into someone who might be worthy of an honest woman's time. But I'd have to say that my favourite part of the book is what we get when the truth comes out - but I can't give details because that would be spoilers! Suffice it to say that I found both sides truly inspiring. I did find it a little hard to get my head around the idea that anyone could be so truly helpless around the house as Thad, but I appreciated Lavender's patience with him! As usual, a great story and I look forward to 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 loved it. Poor Lavender's been feeling left out of all this matchmaking, so it was lovely to see her getting her turn - and with a man who's managed to make himself into someone who might be worthy of an honest woman's time. But I'd have to say that my favourite part of the book is what we get when the truth comes out - but I can't give details because that would be spoilers! Suffice it to say that I found both sides truly inspiring. I did find it a little hard to get my head around the idea that anyone could be so truly helpless around the house as Thad, but I appreciated Lavender's patience with him! As usual, a great story and I look forward to 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.
November 15, 2022
This is an enjoyable clean Christian romance between Thad and Lavender. They met briefly five years earlier when Lavender was attending a convention in a building Thad owned. Thad saw the way Lavender's Christlike attitude shone through when she was helping a lady in a wheelchair up the stairs since the elevator was broke and he threatened her with a lawsuit when she almost fell down the stairs. Even when his girlfriend made unkind comments about the way Lavender was dressed, she didn't get angry. Her actions led him to become a Christian. He had seen her name on a name tag she was wearing for a meeting and couldn't get her out of his mind. When he became disillusioned with his billionaire lifestyle, he found out where she lived. He let his hair grow longer and grew a beard to disguise himself so he could get a job as a ranch hand for Ms. Alice where Lavender helped her with her baking business and the farm. He even drove an old car and dressed in secondhand clothing and claimed to be penniless. The more he got to know her, the more he felt guilty about his lies to get the job. He decided to do something to make his lies the truth when he fell in love with her. You will have to read the book to find out what he did and if they stayed together even when Lavender found out that he was really a billionaire and not penniless. I highly recommend this clean Christian romance. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 13, 2022
When Lavender met billionaire hunk Thaddaeus Hart five years ago, she thought he was a jerk who needed a major attitude adjustment.
She would be absolutely fine to never see him again. She’s perfectly happy working in Sweet Water at her family’s auction barn and taking care of an elderly lady who’s keeping her daughter’s two small children. She never even thinks of Thad anymore.
Hardly ever.
Thad doesn’t believe in love at first sight, but he does believe that sometimes a man’s attention gets caught by a good woman and it’s hard to focus on anything else for the next five years. Or something like that.
Finally, because he’s the boss and the boss can take a vacation, he decides to go ahead and take a vacation by getting a ranching job at the same place where Lavender just so happens to be babysitting and helping the elderly woman hold on to her ranch. If he spends a few weeks with Lavender, he’ll realize she’s just like every other woman he knows.
Except she’s not. And a few weeks isn’t nearly long enough to spend with her. But she is going to hate him when she finds out he’s been deceiving her all this time. Unless he really becomes what he’s claimed to be – penniless. Is one woman worth risking everything for
She would be absolutely fine to never see him again. She’s perfectly happy working in Sweet Water at her family’s auction barn and taking care of an elderly lady who’s keeping her daughter’s two small children. She never even thinks of Thad anymore.
Hardly ever.
Thad doesn’t believe in love at first sight, but he does believe that sometimes a man’s attention gets caught by a good woman and it’s hard to focus on anything else for the next five years. Or something like that.
Finally, because he’s the boss and the boss can take a vacation, he decides to go ahead and take a vacation by getting a ranching job at the same place where Lavender just so happens to be babysitting and helping the elderly woman hold on to her ranch. If he spends a few weeks with Lavender, he’ll realize she’s just like every other woman he knows.
Except she’s not. And a few weeks isn’t nearly long enough to spend with her. But she is going to hate him when she finds out he’s been deceiving her all this time. Unless he really becomes what he’s claimed to be – penniless. Is one woman worth risking everything for
November 11, 2022
Thad is a billionaire businessman. After his salvation, he becomes dissatisfied with his privileged, work-a-holic lifestyle. Five years early he briefly saw a young lady who greatly impressed him with her caring, kind, compassionate manner. He never forgot her and wrote down her name from her name tag. After having his assistant track her down, Thad decides to take a job as a farm worker in her small town, with the help of Miss Charlene, to find out if she really is the unique person he imagined. The only problem is he must tell a lie in order to get the job. He must pretend to be broke and out of work. As a Christian, he does not want to tell a lie but fears he will not get the job if they know who he really is. He wants to be treated like a normal person, not a billionaire. Lavender absolutely abhors lying. What will she do when she discovers he has been living a lie? Will the town matchmakers prevail again?
As with all of Jessie’s books, great Christian principles are incorporated into the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
As with all of Jessie’s books, great Christian principles are incorporated into the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 2, 2022
Thad is a billionaire who is just living, not really caring for anyone else when he meets Lavender. She is among a group of women helping a woman in a wheelchair get up the stairs when Thad sees what they are doing and yells at them to stop. They part ways, he marries a woman and neither one loves the other. They divorce after a few years. Despite not liking Lavender when he met her, he can't stop thinking about her over the years. He becomes a Christian and eventually decided to go to her town and thinks he will lose interest once he gets to know her. I guess he is still learning how to be a Christian because what he does to get to know her involves lying about who he is. Apparently she doesn't remember him. She finally learns through someone else who is and doesn't want anything to do with him. Interesting twists and turns here. I can kind of understand why he lied, because she most likely wouldn't have been interested in getting to know him from the beginning if she had known he was rich. He even got help from the Piece Makers at the start for a little help in meeting Lavender. Inspirational and humorous story.
October 26, 2022
Sweet, generous, humble Lavender meets arrogant, rich, self-centered Thaddeus. Talk about polar opposites! 5 years have passed since their first brief encounter and Thad wants to meet the lady who he has thought about all those years, if only to clear her out of his mind. Thankfully, within those 5 years he has also become a Christian and is quickly realizing the way he has lived his fast-paced lifestyle does not meet God's approval. Will he be able to meet Lavender and walk away? Will his life have changed enough to have Lavender even give him a chance?
I really enjoyed reading about how people can truly change their life around so God is their focus even after they have literally had all of the worldly goods in the palm of their hand. I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way altered my opinion of the book.
I really enjoyed reading about how people can truly change their life around so God is their focus even after they have literally had all of the worldly goods in the palm of their hand. I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way altered my opinion of the book.
November 15, 2022
I love this series and the unique way that the Piece Maker's manage to find perfect matches. This story was slightly different as the Piece Maker's did not have very much involvement in the couple's situation.
Thaddaeus and Lavender had actually met each other five years before as she was attending a conference in the building he owned. She had found him arrogant as he corrected her for her actions being the owner of the building. But she still thought of him every once in a while. He had seen her name on her tag and had never forgotten how kind she was to help her wheel chair bound friend.
Five years later he still cannot get her out of his mind and decides to go to her hometown of Sweet Water to see if his first impression of her was real. The only problem was that he didn't want to show up as the billionaire he was so he borrowed a worn out car and had his assistant get him second hand clothes. He spoke with the Piece Maker's who set him up with a job interview as a down on his luck ranch hand. The same ranch that Lavender helped out on.
Lavender is a very giving person and she loves to help anyone she can. So when Miss Alice doesn't think she can hire Thaddaeus due to his inexperience on a ranch, she offers to help him learn what needs to be done. I loved this part of the story as our H has no clue how to make a bed or even a simple sandwich. Lavender cannot figure out how he could be a grown man and not even know what a cake pan looked like. She couldn't image how such a smart hardworking man could have no money to his name. She also felt like he was hiding something from her about his past.
I liked how Thad had decided to change his life after first meeting Lavender. His marriage to a woman who cheated on him and his divorce also caused him to seek a serious commitment to the Lord. He knew some of his selfish actions towards his wife could have added to his marriage problems.
The end of the story was a little too rushed for me and without giving away any spoilers- the way Thad dealt with correcting his lies about his identity seemed a little too much. Overall this was another beautiful story.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Thaddaeus and Lavender had actually met each other five years before as she was attending a conference in the building he owned. She had found him arrogant as he corrected her for her actions being the owner of the building. But she still thought of him every once in a while. He had seen her name on her tag and had never forgotten how kind she was to help her wheel chair bound friend.
Five years later he still cannot get her out of his mind and decides to go to her hometown of Sweet Water to see if his first impression of her was real. The only problem was that he didn't want to show up as the billionaire he was so he borrowed a worn out car and had his assistant get him second hand clothes. He spoke with the Piece Maker's who set him up with a job interview as a down on his luck ranch hand. The same ranch that Lavender helped out on.
Lavender is a very giving person and she loves to help anyone she can. So when Miss Alice doesn't think she can hire Thaddaeus due to his inexperience on a ranch, she offers to help him learn what needs to be done. I loved this part of the story as our H has no clue how to make a bed or even a simple sandwich. Lavender cannot figure out how he could be a grown man and not even know what a cake pan looked like. She couldn't image how such a smart hardworking man could have no money to his name. She also felt like he was hiding something from her about his past.
I liked how Thad had decided to change his life after first meeting Lavender. His marriage to a woman who cheated on him and his divorce also caused him to seek a serious commitment to the Lord. He knew some of his selfish actions towards his wife could have added to his marriage problems.
The end of the story was a little too rushed for me and without giving away any spoilers- the way Thad dealt with correcting his lies about his identity seemed a little too much. Overall this was another beautiful story.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
November 11, 2022
Thad couldn't forget a chance encounter with Lavender 5 years previously - surely no woman could really be that kind and considerate, determined to do the right thing with the right attitude even when challenged. Now Thad is a Christian and his rich and famous workaholic lifestyle is no longer satisfying, so he decides to take a break and go 'under cover' as an unexperienced farm worker who desperately needed a job because then surely he will find out she is not that wonderful and be able to forget her. I loved how helpless Thad was without access to money and instant help from others, and how patient and willing Lavender was to help and teach him. Loved the reminders that we need to love others as Christ loves us and the twist at the end - how many of us would be willing to do that? I received an ARC but this review is my own.
November 14, 2022
I really enjoyed Lavender and Thad’s story. Lavender really raises the bar for a person who is serious about following Christ. She’s loving, kind, giving, and she trusts God enough to be truthful and do right even when she doesn’t feel it and it appears that it will not benefit her. Thad is a new Christian who has come to work on a small ranch with Lavender as his trainer although he knows nothing about ranching and is only there to spend time with Lavender. I don’t know how the author comes up with the unusual meet-cutes and plot twists and turns that she comes up with but I truly am glad that she does; I am always pulled in and entertained while being challenged to be a more faithful Christian. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
October 20, 2022
Jessie Gussman never disappoints in delivering a wonderful romance wrapped in an inspiring sermon. The Piece Makers have a small role in this story about Lavender. Lavender is a true Christian and strives to keep the Golden Rule at all times. When she and Thad meet the first time, Thad is with his fiancé and chews Lavender out verbally for breaking a rule by trying to help a woman in a wheelchair up the stairs since the wait for the elevator is too long to not miss her meeting. Since she is wearing a name tag for the event, Thad takes notice of her name. Fast forward five years. Thad can't get the beautiful Good Samaritan (Lavender) out of his head so he goes undercover as a penniless man seeking at job at the ranch where Lavender works.
October 23, 2022
Cowboy Wanting Everything is Jessie Gussman’s 10th book in the Coming Home to North Dakota series. This story is about Thad and Lavender. They had met briefly five years before and neither had totally forgotten the other. When billionaire Thad wants to make changes in his life he decides to go to Sweet Water, North Dakota and pretend to be penniless, just to prove to himself that Lavender isn’t any different than all the other women he’s known in his life. Lying about who he is probably wasn’t the best way to make a good impression on her. But it does make for a good story.
Miss Gussman’s books are sweet Christian books that tell a story and at the same time remind the reader how to live a Christian life.
Miss Gussman’s books are sweet Christian books that tell a story and at the same time remind the reader how to live a Christian life.
October 30, 2022
Will his lie doom their future?
Billionaire Thaddaeus Hart has not been able to get Lavender out of his mind since he met her five years ago. Since then, his marriage failed and his life is no longer very satisfying. His money could not buy him happiness but it helped him locate Lavender in Sweet Water. By masquerading as a penniless drifter he hopes to get to know her better and see if she is really as genuine and special as he remembers. He just hopes that when he tells her who he really is that she won’t hate him.
Lavender has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. She is independent, with a no-nonsense personality and a strong faith in God. It’s no wonder Thad could never forget her. I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
Billionaire Thaddaeus Hart has not been able to get Lavender out of his mind since he met her five years ago. Since then, his marriage failed and his life is no longer very satisfying. His money could not buy him happiness but it helped him locate Lavender in Sweet Water. By masquerading as a penniless drifter he hopes to get to know her better and see if she is really as genuine and special as he remembers. He just hopes that when he tells her who he really is that she won’t hate him.
Lavender has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. She is independent, with a no-nonsense personality and a strong faith in God. It’s no wonder Thad could never forget her. I received a free book but this review is voluntary and honest.
November 5, 2022
I absolutely love this series by Jessie Gussman, and this story is no exception. I love the unique way that Thad and Lavender met, a rich man that couldn’t forget about a womon he had met 5 years prior. But in order to feel like he could get her to talk with him the wonderful Peace Makers told him he had to say he was penniless, so that is what he did even though he felt guilty about lying. Lavender a kind, sweet, faithful woman, took it upon herself to help him, thinking he was penniless. She taught him to care for animals, fix fences and cook. Then the truth comes out, you will have to read to find out how. Once again, I have to say how much I love Jessie’s books and how they all keep me wanting to read and read. Definitely recommend!
November 13, 2022
Another great romance with so much more. A chance meeting brings Thad and Lavender together for a brief encounter. Five years later, unhappy with his life as a billionaire businessman with a failed marriage behind him, Thad has never forgotten Lavender. He decides to do something about it and becomes a penniless ranch hand. Not literally but one little lie won’t be a problem, or will it?
Full of Biblical wisdom about marriage, courting, truthfulness, and forgiveness the characters walk out their faith in real ways. Sometimes successfully and sometimes amidst personal struggles. God’s Grace is an ongoing theme in this book.
And of course there’s a satisfying end to the story. I recommend it.
Full of Biblical wisdom about marriage, courting, truthfulness, and forgiveness the characters walk out their faith in real ways. Sometimes successfully and sometimes amidst personal struggles. God’s Grace is an ongoing theme in this book.
And of course there’s a satisfying end to the story. I recommend it.
November 15, 2022
Will Lavender Choose to Forgive?
I Highly Recommend You 📖 Jessie Gussman's Inspirational, Page-Turning, Christian, Western Romance, "Cowboy Wanting Everything"! You'll understand the 📗 Best, by 📖ing the "Coming Home to North Dakota Western Sweet Romance" Series in order.
Lavender wonders if God has a Lifetime 💞 for her, in her future. In the meantime, she gets to "teach" the new Ranch Hand, Thad, how to do his job. He's from a large city, and doesn't even know how to cook. But he listens and learns quickly, and is a fellow Christian Believer. He's chosen to keep his history private. What does Lavender do when she finds out Thad's a Billionaire? You'll have to 📖 this Great 📗 to find out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I Highly Recommend You 📖 Jessie Gussman's Inspirational, Page-Turning, Christian, Western Romance, "Cowboy Wanting Everything"! You'll understand the 📗 Best, by 📖ing the "Coming Home to North Dakota Western Sweet Romance" Series in order.
Lavender wonders if God has a Lifetime 💞 for her, in her future. In the meantime, she gets to "teach" the new Ranch Hand, Thad, how to do his job. He's from a large city, and doesn't even know how to cook. But he listens and learns quickly, and is a fellow Christian Believer. He's chosen to keep his history private. What does Lavender do when she finds out Thad's a Billionaire? You'll have to 📖 this Great 📗 to find out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 19, 2022
Lavender and Thad didn't have much in common. He was a billionaire and she worked at her family's auction barn, but he had run into her some time ago and could never get her out of his head. He had to get to know her better and then she wouldn't be able to live up to his expectations. So, he went in undercover and got a job as a ranch hand. What he found was that she was more than he could have ever dreamed of. Would she hate him when she found out who he really was, though?
Jessie Gussman has a talent with creating likable characters that could easily be your friends in real life. Her books are clean and wholesome with a good moral story and with swoon-worthy moments.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Jessie Gussman has a talent with creating likable characters that could easily be your friends in real life. Her books are clean and wholesome with a good moral story and with swoon-worthy moments.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
October 22, 2022
This is another hit for Jessie Gussman! Sometimes her characters just inspire me to be a better person. This is one of those times. Lavender is such a deliberate Christian that she can give grace even when she's hurting. She looks for the best in everyone and realizes that even though people fail, it doesn't make them bad people. I understand Thad's reason for presenting himself as something other than what he was but I'm glad he wasn't comfortable with the deception. I kind of missed the Piece Makers being right in the middle of getting these two together and wonder if Lavender ever got a quilt but it really doesn't make any difference. She got her HEA!
November 10, 2022
These books are so good, and seem to keep getting better. I started at Number 6, and then I went back to read the whole series. I like the depth of the conversations that the characters have, and I like the fact that although there are secrets, the characters are honest with one another. Each book deals with different important ideas about character, values, and relationships.
This story line also has a big secret, and watching Thad adapt to normal life is amusing. It's great to get to know Lavender and see her reach her goals.
I read this as an ARC, but this is my own opinion, not influenced by the free copy. These books are relaxing and interesting to read.
This story line also has a big secret, and watching Thad adapt to normal life is amusing. It's great to get to know Lavender and see her reach her goals.
I read this as an ARC, but this is my own opinion, not influenced by the free copy. These books are relaxing and interesting to read.
November 12, 2022
I found this book interesting as Thadeus pretended to be a penniless farm hand when he was actually a billionaire. It seemed he could not forget Lavender, who he briefly met five years ago and this opportunity would allow him to get to know her with the Piece Makers help.I really liked that Thadeus had been saved and had changed his life for the better as he realized that money did not buy a life of love and happiness, He was still a daily work in progress and he hated that he lied about who he was to Lavender. I enjoyed the epilogue and the wonderful characters. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 12, 2022
This story shows us just how easy it is to think money is the way to happiness. When you're so engrossed in making more money, your soul starts seeking God's peace and happiness.
This is what happened to Thaddeus, he was so focused on making money, even if it meant marrying the wrong woman, that he really had no joy. When he met Lavender, he saw true love for others and he was drawn to that.
He finally had the moment where he needs to get away from everything and find himself, but, also find Lavender. Could he make a life with her when their lives were so different? He was sure going to try.
This is what happened to Thaddeus, he was so focused on making money, even if it meant marrying the wrong woman, that he really had no joy. When he met Lavender, he saw true love for others and he was drawn to that.
He finally had the moment where he needs to get away from everything and find himself, but, also find Lavender. Could he make a life with her when their lives were so different? He was sure going to try.
November 13, 2022
Another match by the Piece Makers?
Lavender and Thad met briefly, and although they had nothing in common, were still thinking about each other several years later. Wanting to try life as a regular person, he makes a connection with Miss Charlene, and arrives at Lavender’s work disguised as a penniless man desperate for work. As a newer Christian, he remembered Lavender as being different than anyone he knew, admired her integrity, and planned on a couple weeks to see that she wasn’t really different. Liked how they both wanted to live as Christ wanted, and although they disagreed often, gave Biblical reasons for what they did.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
Lavender and Thad met briefly, and although they had nothing in common, were still thinking about each other several years later. Wanting to try life as a regular person, he makes a connection with Miss Charlene, and arrives at Lavender’s work disguised as a penniless man desperate for work. As a newer Christian, he remembered Lavender as being different than anyone he knew, admired her integrity, and planned on a couple weeks to see that she wasn’t really different. Liked how they both wanted to live as Christ wanted, and although they disagreed often, gave Biblical reasons for what they did.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
September 5, 2024
Christian romance , the penny less cowboy
I really enjoyed this story, he needed to make some changes, but is lying the way to start? He met her five years ago and hasn't been able to get her out of his head. Now he has a crazy plan to try to make her his girlfriend. Not sure if it will work, but if nothing else it should get her out of his head.
She is just a small town girl, with Christian values. All she cares about is her small town, friends and family. When she heard someone needed help, she tried to be there. This mysterious man comes into her life, she knows he is keeping secrets. Can she trust him not to hurt her?
I really enjoyed this story, he needed to make some changes, but is lying the way to start? He met her five years ago and hasn't been able to get her out of his head. Now he has a crazy plan to try to make her his girlfriend. Not sure if it will work, but if nothing else it should get her out of his head.
She is just a small town girl, with Christian values. All she cares about is her small town, friends and family. When she heard someone needed help, she tried to be there. This mysterious man comes into her life, she knows he is keeping secrets. Can she trust him not to hurt her?
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.
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