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Cowboy #3
The Cowboy Next Door
Never again would he be burned by a city girl! No matter how sweet and loveable they seem, Lacey Gould and her niece won't win over Jay Blackhorse. Still, they clearly need his help. Lacey needs a place to stay...he has a house to rent. She's clueless about caring for the infant her sister abandoned. Jay has a talent for stopping the baby's tears. But when a dark secret from Lacey's past blows into town, will Jay's help be enough? And who will help Jay when he realizes he's falling for the city girl next door?
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
116 books213 followersBrenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 5, 2020
This book came to me via two friends. I picked it today because I wanted a light read that I could finish quickly. (I have a couple other books started with "heavier" topics.)
If you analyze the plot, it's ones that are used quite often in the Love Inspired line. A girl with a past she's trying to hide trying to start over in a new town--and with a history of dating someone from that town who ran when she told him about her past. A "country boy" who proposed to a "city girl" and was rejected who's now not eager to face rejection again and who can't see how he can keep the promise he made to his childhood sweetheart to "love her forever" while loving someone else.
The author complicates the plot a bit by having Lacey's sister and niece show up and then Lacey's mother show up, and by having Lacey end up adopting the niece. I did feel sorry for the niece, but glad that Lacey was willing to step up and try to provide a stable life for the niece. I hope that Lacey's mother turns her life around too with the help of Lacey's friends.
As is usual with this line, the romance seems to develop too quickly for my taste and I worry that impressionable people who read these will think that true love and "happily ever after" can come after knowing someone for only a few months. I believe Lacey'd been in town for about 3 years, but can't remember how long Jay's been back in town. They definitely hadn't spent tons of time together prior to the start of this book though.
If you analyze the plot, it's ones that are used quite often in the Love Inspired line. A girl with a past she's trying to hide trying to start over in a new town--and with a history of dating someone from that town who ran when she told him about her past. A "country boy" who proposed to a "city girl" and was rejected who's now not eager to face rejection again and who can't see how he can keep the promise he made to his childhood sweetheart to "love her forever" while loving someone else.
The author complicates the plot a bit by having Lacey's sister and niece show up and then Lacey's mother show up, and by having Lacey end up adopting the niece. I did feel sorry for the niece, but glad that Lacey was willing to step up and try to provide a stable life for the niece. I hope that Lacey's mother turns her life around too with the help of Lacey's friends.
As is usual with this line, the romance seems to develop too quickly for my taste and I worry that impressionable people who read these will think that true love and "happily ever after" can come after knowing someone for only a few months. I believe Lacey'd been in town for about 3 years, but can't remember how long Jay's been back in town. They definitely hadn't spent tons of time together prior to the start of this book though.
May 26, 2018
I liked the Christian theme in this story. Only Lacey & Rachel interested me in this story. I liked Lacey character. I felt sorry for Lacey. I felt sorry for Rachel. I liked Jay's character. I didn't Lacey's family 👪. I liked the ending.
July 11, 2012
It never fails. As soon as I start a BRENDA MINTON book, I can’t stop. And when I get to the end, I’m ready for another. THE COWYBOY NEXT DOOR was no exception. I loved getting immersed into Lacey and Jay’s lives.
Lacey Gould is a strong woman, in spite of her past…or maybe because of it. Since she escaped to Gibson, she’s slowly been putting her life back together. A life she’s dreamed of.
Jay Blackhorse, an officer of the law, knows all about Lacey Gould’s past. He and Lacey may be from two different worlds, but she isn’t the only one with a past. With secrets better left alone.
Lacey’s sister shows up with a baby in Gibson, then Lacey’s mother. Jay and Lacey’s growing friendship is soon snuffed out. Lacey may have forgiven others in her life, but she has yet to forgive herself. Jay made a promise to a girl years ago, and doesn’t know how to let go.
Will they both let go of their past and hurts, and allow love to blossom?
Once again BRENDA MINTON has written a page turner, with well thought-out characters that will walk into your life and win your heart. It’s a real pleasure when you run across a great line in a book that has you reading it over. But when you come across several, it’s a real treat, and THE COWYBOY NEXT DOOR is just that.
Next on my list of BRENDA MINTON books…REKINDLED HEARTS.
Lacey Gould is a strong woman, in spite of her past…or maybe because of it. Since she escaped to Gibson, she’s slowly been putting her life back together. A life she’s dreamed of.
Jay Blackhorse, an officer of the law, knows all about Lacey Gould’s past. He and Lacey may be from two different worlds, but she isn’t the only one with a past. With secrets better left alone.
Lacey’s sister shows up with a baby in Gibson, then Lacey’s mother. Jay and Lacey’s growing friendship is soon snuffed out. Lacey may have forgiven others in her life, but she has yet to forgive herself. Jay made a promise to a girl years ago, and doesn’t know how to let go.
Will they both let go of their past and hurts, and allow love to blossom?
Once again BRENDA MINTON has written a page turner, with well thought-out characters that will walk into your life and win your heart. It’s a real pleasure when you run across a great line in a book that has you reading it over. But when you come across several, it’s a real treat, and THE COWYBOY NEXT DOOR is just that.
Next on my list of BRENDA MINTON books…REKINDLED HEARTS.
October 11, 2012
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!! I loved it so much that I stayed up until 2am just to finish it. :-) It was such a wonderful story between Jay & Lacey but it was also great to "see" Bailey & Cody from His Little Cowgirl(and see how their lives have changed). Lacey is such a strong person and her outlook on life with her strong faith is what gets her through all the rough situations that she goes through in the story. She is so afraid that her past will catch up to her and all the hard work she has done to change her life around, will be wasted. Jay is a man who can not get over a promise to somebody that he made at a very young age. I absolutely loved all the other characters in the story and how they all showed the love for someone in their community.
If you have not read His Little Cowgirl or The Cowboy Next Door, I would highly recommend them. They are amazing stories & they show how a strong faith can get us through any situation.
If you have not read His Little Cowgirl or The Cowboy Next Door, I would highly recommend them. They are amazing stories & they show how a strong faith can get us through any situation.
April 11, 2020
A sweet and tough enlightening read. Great for passing time or the lazy-day (self-isolation) read. Good and bad 'moments' with strong and touching characters. Brings out the self-reflecting side. Cuteness, ruggedness, strength and weaknesses, this covers it all and it's a shorter read. Definitely can be finished in less than a day.
August 9, 2022
Messed up girl with a past in prostitution is trying to turn her life around but intrusions by first her sister and then her mother make her life difficult, meanwhile mr lets just be friends cant let go of his promise to his dead wife to love her forever or can he? No its not a literary masterpiece, but if you are looking for a lightweight read with a happy ending this will fill the bill nicely.
April 21, 2018
If you like a sweet clean romance with a cowboy included this is a good one. All in this series are good. Brenda Minton is gifted in weaving life situations and inspiration into her stories.
May 26, 2020
Wonderful love story. Great storyline.
June 14, 2022
I loved this book I wanted to keep it but I got it out of a book box so I returned it :) but this book had the quote I live by
November 27, 2023
The plot had potential... but the characters were just infuriating!!! Not my most enjoyable read. But quick
March 11, 2017
Forgiveness
This is a story of forgiveness. Forgiveness of those who hurt you and forgiving yourself. I loved the cast of characters in this book, this is as true to reality with a big heap of hope by faith.
This is a story of forgiveness. Forgiveness of those who hurt you and forgiving yourself. I loved the cast of characters in this book, this is as true to reality with a big heap of hope by faith.
Read
October 17, 2016 She hid in the closet with her sister, trying to protect them both. Her mom was having another fight with another one of her many violent boyfriends. Lacey was constantly in trouble with the police for stealing, which she did just so her siblings could eat. After living through this harsh childhood Lacey Gould moved to the little town of Gibson, a very supportive and loving community. Lacey life is changed by this loving little community even though she is conflicted about her past.
A loving community can make a place home. Sometimes this love is shown through gifts. The Blackhorse family offered to let Lacey stay in their empty house when her sister came to live with her. The Blackhorse family is a large part of the community and when they heard about Lacey’s situation they wanted to help. The fact that a part of the community helped her get this house makes it feel even more like a home. The community showed their love in other ways. They showed Lacey support constantly even though Lacey’s unkind family members kept showing up. Lacey’s mom showed up and was rude to the pastor but Pastor Dan was still kind to Lacey and her mother. Pastor Dan is a strong member of the community but he supported Lacey no matter what. Lacey's boss lets her off work when her sister comes unexpectedly to stay with her. She also assures Lacey that she is praying for her before she leaves. Her praying for Lacey shows that she is another community member who supports Lacey. This support from community members is constantly making her feel like she is at home in Gibson. Lacey is shown love by the community members in multiple ways which makes her feel that she has truly found a place to call home. It also makes the reader feel like they would be at homegrown in Gibson.
Lacey faces internal conflict because of her past which makes her insecure. Lacey doesn’t trust herself sometimes. She is worried she won’t be a good mother for her niece which she is going to adopt. Lacey's doubt comes from the fact that she doesn't want to be like her mother. She wants to give her niece, Rachel, a better childhood than she had. Lacey also feels that she doesn't fit into the community sometimes because of her terrible past. She thinks everyone in the town is pretty much perfect. Lacey though has a criminal record from her teen years and sells herself short on occasion thinking she doesn't fit in even though she has changed her life. Just because someone has a bad past they need to trust themselves when they make a change in their life.
Lacey life has changed since she moved to the supportive little town because she now has more self-trust and confidence in herself. The Cowboy Next Door really pulls together a strong theme. Conflict is just one of the attributes that creates the strong theme making this book fun to read. The theme of a loving community making a place home shows through in today's the world. It's really the people around a person that helps create a home and people need to learn to cherish their own community like Lacey does.
A loving community can make a place home. Sometimes this love is shown through gifts. The Blackhorse family offered to let Lacey stay in their empty house when her sister came to live with her. The Blackhorse family is a large part of the community and when they heard about Lacey’s situation they wanted to help. The fact that a part of the community helped her get this house makes it feel even more like a home. The community showed their love in other ways. They showed Lacey support constantly even though Lacey’s unkind family members kept showing up. Lacey’s mom showed up and was rude to the pastor but Pastor Dan was still kind to Lacey and her mother. Pastor Dan is a strong member of the community but he supported Lacey no matter what. Lacey's boss lets her off work when her sister comes unexpectedly to stay with her. She also assures Lacey that she is praying for her before she leaves. Her praying for Lacey shows that she is another community member who supports Lacey. This support from community members is constantly making her feel like she is at home in Gibson. Lacey is shown love by the community members in multiple ways which makes her feel that she has truly found a place to call home. It also makes the reader feel like they would be at homegrown in Gibson.
Lacey faces internal conflict because of her past which makes her insecure. Lacey doesn’t trust herself sometimes. She is worried she won’t be a good mother for her niece which she is going to adopt. Lacey's doubt comes from the fact that she doesn't want to be like her mother. She wants to give her niece, Rachel, a better childhood than she had. Lacey also feels that she doesn't fit into the community sometimes because of her terrible past. She thinks everyone in the town is pretty much perfect. Lacey though has a criminal record from her teen years and sells herself short on occasion thinking she doesn't fit in even though she has changed her life. Just because someone has a bad past they need to trust themselves when they make a change in their life.
Lacey life has changed since she moved to the supportive little town because she now has more self-trust and confidence in herself. The Cowboy Next Door really pulls together a strong theme. Conflict is just one of the attributes that creates the strong theme making this book fun to read. The theme of a loving community making a place home shows through in today's the world. It's really the people around a person that helps create a home and people need to learn to cherish their own community like Lacey does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
This is definitely one of the books that normally reminds me that almost the whole genre of Love Inspired books are all the same in their story presentation. Although some are written better than others this is definitely not one of them with a repetitive plot that can be dull and lengthy to get through for the casual reader.
The reason for the 3 stars instead of a much lower score is there were spots where emotion truly was wrung out while it was like an oasis to come after such a long travel in the desert. In the first instance it made me want to cry while in the second it made me laugh aloud, shaking my head. I love a story, especially a romance that contains emotional depth to the characters.
The secondary characters had more development and personality than the two protagonists, which is a shame since Lacey reminded me so much of myself in certain parts. And all I can see is that Jay would be a wonderful guy but since there only problem is what the book is 200+ pages about it dampened them significantly.
A second reading doesn't seem to be in the future, especially since this is the second time that I had read the book while I couldn't even remember parts of the plot from the earlier reading. So altogether with its tiny crumbs of emotional impact and the wisdom that could be found within the pages the book is an okay read, especially for the first time.
The reason for the 3 stars instead of a much lower score is there were spots where emotion truly was wrung out while it was like an oasis to come after such a long travel in the desert. In the first instance it made me want to cry while in the second it made me laugh aloud, shaking my head. I love a story, especially a romance that contains emotional depth to the characters.
The secondary characters had more development and personality than the two protagonists, which is a shame since Lacey reminded me so much of myself in certain parts. And all I can see is that Jay would be a wonderful guy but since there only problem is what the book is 200+ pages about it dampened them significantly.
A second reading doesn't seem to be in the future, especially since this is the second time that I had read the book while I couldn't even remember parts of the plot from the earlier reading. So altogether with its tiny crumbs of emotional impact and the wisdom that could be found within the pages the book is an okay read, especially for the first time.
July 26, 2015
Interesting backstory for the main character. The main issue I had with this story was the repetition. For the first to the last chapter, the pages were full of Lacey feeling unworthy. Her friends telling her she was a welcome part of the community and Jay helping her while insisting they weren't friends. They all need a big smack upside the head for whining and being annoying. Or at the least confine all that repetition into a few conversations and let them develop. This could have been much more enjoyable without the stagnant emotional baggage. The supporting characters were great. The town was nice. Lacey and Jay...this novel tried to focus on their healing, but the result was that they both have a lot of growing up to do for this novel to work. They never got there.
Read
August 1, 2012plot never again would he be burned by a city girl no matter how sweet and loveable they seem lacey gould and her niece won't win over jay blackhouse still they clearly need his help lacey needs a place to stay he has a house to rent shee's clueless about caring for the infant her sister abandoned jay has talent for stopping the baby's tears but when a dark secret from lacey's past blows into town will jay's help be enough and who will help jay when he realizes he's falling for the city girl next door
May 14, 2016
What a sweet story! I really liked how Lacey was a combination of strength and vulnerability, and how even though she believed she'd been forgiven, she needed to remind herself what that looked like from time to time. I liked how Jay was so sure he was impervious to ever finding love again, but how, little by little, he grew to understand that sometimes to move forward, you need to let go.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
December 2, 2015
This was my first book by the author. I enjoy reading the story. It is refreshing to read good old fashion love stories. I am really getting tired of reading books where the hero lusting after heroine because of her body. There is more to a relationship then sex. I discover the Love Inspired series this year and I will be purchasing more of these books.
February 14, 2016
Lacey Gould came to Gibson from St. Louis to start over. She has made a new life for herself with God's help. Jay Blackhorse is the local law and drops her sister and baby at her door. Can Lacey deal with extended family including her negligent mom? Can Jay make room in his heart for someone other than Jaime?
October 21, 2010
I enjoyed the story and it was a fast paced read. Well written and fun.
July 2, 2012
Read this one on the beach and it was a perfect!
October 3, 2012
Great Christian read, 2nd in the series of many! Review to come
May 30, 2014
Cute story.
March 24, 2015
Debra is back to her great writing! This book was completely believable and I laughed as much as I sighed. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 20, 2016
It talks about Faith and Him....
No Words to describe this perfect piece of fiction....Certainly now i am also pinning for forever :) , obviously with Him........
No Words to describe this perfect piece of fiction....Certainly now i am also pinning for forever :) , obviously with Him........
April 10, 2016
I cried at parts but there couldn't have been more drama put in this story. Small town gossip mill.
Want to read
June 26, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14080389
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14080389
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews