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The Callahans of Texas #1
Jenna's Cowboy
Can you ever get a second chance at your first love?
Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town—the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago.
And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.
Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him—and become the man Jenna deserves.
Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town—the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago.
And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.
Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him—and become the man Jenna deserves.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
551 people are currently reading
2563 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Gillenwater
65 books147 followersaka Sharon Harlow
Bestselling author Sharon Gillenwater writes stories about love—between a man and a woman, of family and home, and the everlasting love of God and Jesus.
She grew up on a ranch in the Rolling Plains of West Texas, near the small town of Colorado City. Marriage took her across the country, but Texas is still dear to her heart. All of her Christian contemporary romances and most of her Christian historical romances are set in small West Texas towns filled with rugged, yet tenderhearted cowboys and strong, yet compassionate women.
While on a trip to England and Scotland years ago, the history and people captured her imagination. After returning home, she discovered Regency romances and another favorite time period and setting. She currently has two Christian Regency historical romances available, along with three sweet historical Regency romances.
She and her husband live in a quiet, rural area of Washington state with a wonderful view of the mountains. A friend once commented, “It’s like a writer’s retreat.” Sharon agrees and is busy dreaming up stories about Texas cowboys or English and Scottish heroes and the women who win their hearts.
Bestselling author Sharon Gillenwater writes stories about love—between a man and a woman, of family and home, and the everlasting love of God and Jesus.
She grew up on a ranch in the Rolling Plains of West Texas, near the small town of Colorado City. Marriage took her across the country, but Texas is still dear to her heart. All of her Christian contemporary romances and most of her Christian historical romances are set in small West Texas towns filled with rugged, yet tenderhearted cowboys and strong, yet compassionate women.
While on a trip to England and Scotland years ago, the history and people captured her imagination. After returning home, she discovered Regency romances and another favorite time period and setting. She currently has two Christian Regency historical romances available, along with three sweet historical Regency romances.
She and her husband live in a quiet, rural area of Washington state with a wonderful view of the mountains. A friend once commented, “It’s like a writer’s retreat.” Sharon agrees and is busy dreaming up stories about Texas cowboys or English and Scottish heroes and the women who win their hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
September 13, 2016
Pretty good. There are a lot of references to Christianity/sprituality, etc. While I realize it is a Christian romance novel there seemed to be an almost excessive amount of Christian references. While I appreciate that the characters relied on God and their faith to see them through hard times, occasionally it seemed a bit unrealistic.
This book almost made it seem like it was easy to trust God in tough times and easy to pray through worries and they would just go away. I tend to prefer characters that are more realistic and don't just have quick fixes to their problems.
Another aspect of the book I thougth was a bit unrealistic was the romantic relationship between Jenna and Nate. While I appreciate that this is a Christian romance, there didn't really seem to be very many romantic scenes. I think it's important to show that a man and woman be in love and choose not to have sex, I think it's unrealistic to not address the issue, even in a Christian book. I think it would be a much better example for readers (especially younger readers) to address the issue of sex and discuss that because of the couple's biblical beliefs they have set certain boundaries in their relationship. Just to hear that Jenna & Nate cuddled on the couch after Zach went to sleep and then Nate went home every night for months just doesn't seem very realistic for a couple who are 28 and 29 years old.
I think Christian authors have a responsibility to show that Christian relationships can be just as real and have chemistry and passion, but make a choice to put up some boundaries. This book just makes it seem like those issues never came up for Jenna & Nate, therefore making it feel a bit unrealistic to me.
This book almost made it seem like it was easy to trust God in tough times and easy to pray through worries and they would just go away. I tend to prefer characters that are more realistic and don't just have quick fixes to their problems.
Another aspect of the book I thougth was a bit unrealistic was the romantic relationship between Jenna and Nate. While I appreciate that this is a Christian romance, there didn't really seem to be very many romantic scenes. I think it's important to show that a man and woman be in love and choose not to have sex, I think it's unrealistic to not address the issue, even in a Christian book. I think it would be a much better example for readers (especially younger readers) to address the issue of sex and discuss that because of the couple's biblical beliefs they have set certain boundaries in their relationship. Just to hear that Jenna & Nate cuddled on the couch after Zach went to sleep and then Nate went home every night for months just doesn't seem very realistic for a couple who are 28 and 29 years old.
I think Christian authors have a responsibility to show that Christian relationships can be just as real and have chemistry and passion, but make a choice to put up some boundaries. This book just makes it seem like those issues never came up for Jenna & Nate, therefore making it feel a bit unrealistic to me.
April 5, 2012
I should have realized this book was not for me waayyyy before I did.
What kind of Cowboy doesn't drink beer, talk sh*t and mess around? A Christian cowboy that's who.
I didn't mind so much when I found out this was a Christian romance( note to self research books first, but it was free on amazon) I really wouldn't of minded if the praying and praising wasn't what made majority of the storyline!
I liked the idea of this story, a reunited love. Jenna a divorcee and Nate a war hero with PTSD, and their courtship upon his return and his battle with PTSD and the help he got along the way.
Don't get me wrong as a catholic I believe in God but I just find it hard to believe that people talk about him as much as they did in this story, I found at times I was skimming whole pages as they quoted the bible and praised him.
What kind of Cowboy doesn't drink beer, talk sh*t and mess around? A Christian cowboy that's who.
I didn't mind so much when I found out this was a Christian romance( note to self research books first, but it was free on amazon) I really wouldn't of minded if the praying and praising wasn't what made majority of the storyline!
I liked the idea of this story, a reunited love. Jenna a divorcee and Nate a war hero with PTSD, and their courtship upon his return and his battle with PTSD and the help he got along the way.
Don't get me wrong as a catholic I believe in God but I just find it hard to believe that people talk about him as much as they did in this story, I found at times I was skimming whole pages as they quoted the bible and praised him.
March 6, 2016
4.5 stars
What happens when you leave your kindle at home on a beach trip? You get the book your sister just finished.
Very sweet love story with God at the center, so you know this is G rated.
Jenna and Nate had been friends in high school, but Nate was too afraid to ask her out (plus her Dad scared him away). Nate comes back years later after being wounded in the military. Now he asks her out and they begin dating. Nate suffers from PTSD, but gets help from her Dad, their pastor and a doctor.
I look forward to reading about her brothers' HEAs whenever my sister gets done with them. Did I mention she a slow reader?
What happens when you leave your kindle at home on a beach trip? You get the book your sister just finished.
Very sweet love story with God at the center, so you know this is G rated.
Jenna and Nate had been friends in high school, but Nate was too afraid to ask her out (plus her Dad scared him away). Nate comes back years later after being wounded in the military. Now he asks her out and they begin dating. Nate suffers from PTSD, but gets help from her Dad, their pastor and a doctor.
I look forward to reading about her brothers' HEAs whenever my sister gets done with them. Did I mention she a slow reader?
December 31, 2015
Not your everyday cowboy story.
For the first 40% of the book I enjoyed the story and was glad that Jenna and Nate's Love story actually started in high school and not one of thoat fast-see the person-fall in love-misunderstanding-reconciliation-happy-ending-love-story. I enjoyed the story but didn't have that can't-put-the-book-down feeling. It took me some time to get used to the Cowboy/Texas talk and phrases like: eating crow and squeezing the stuffing out of me.
That changed for the last 40% of the book where I needed to see what happens, mainly due to Nate's story.
Chapter 17 and 18 was filled with emotions. My heart broke for Nate and my admiration for Jenna tripled because of the way she handled certain events. Dub (who I first not liked) also stepped up to be the support Nate needed. PTSD is something I never really considered and this book opened my eyes to what vets and current soldiers are dealing with. I think we see them as this strong heroes and don't realise they can also be broken, which was also perfectly demonstrated through Nate who at first didn't want to get help.
Some key messages that came through for me in this book was: loving with acceptance, to be careful that pride does not determine your actions and to accept when you need help and acknowledging that you can only be completely healed by God
For the first 40% of the book I enjoyed the story and was glad that Jenna and Nate's Love story actually started in high school and not one of thoat fast-see the person-fall in love-misunderstanding-reconciliation-happy-ending-love-story. I enjoyed the story but didn't have that can't-put-the-book-down feeling. It took me some time to get used to the Cowboy/Texas talk and phrases like: eating crow and squeezing the stuffing out of me.
That changed for the last 40% of the book where I needed to see what happens, mainly due to Nate's story.
Chapter 17 and 18 was filled with emotions. My heart broke for Nate and my admiration for Jenna tripled because of the way she handled certain events. Dub (who I first not liked) also stepped up to be the support Nate needed. PTSD is something I never really considered and this book opened my eyes to what vets and current soldiers are dealing with. I think we see them as this strong heroes and don't realise they can also be broken, which was also perfectly demonstrated through Nate who at first didn't want to get help.
Some key messages that came through for me in this book was: loving with acceptance, to be careful that pride does not determine your actions and to accept when you need help and acknowledging that you can only be completely healed by God
January 17, 2012
Jenna's Cowboy...is FANTASTIC!!! This is one of the best books I've read in a long time! It is heartwarming, touching, moving, sweet and tender!
Jenna is going through a trial; trying to adjust as a single mom after divorcing her cheating husband. She has built a wall around her heart.
Nate is goign through his own trial; trying to adjust to life after the military. He's afraid to get too close to anyone, afraid he'll hurt them during the flashbacks he has from his time in the military.
Both of them have returned to the home of thier childhood to heal and begin again. Jenna on her father's ranch, Nate just trying to get by and help his folks out.
Jenna and Nate had both liked each other in high school, but neither let the other one know it! Nate knew he could never say anything to her when Jenna's dad, Dub, told him he wasn't good enough for his little girl.
But now, after years of growth, mistakes and healing, they have found each other. It will take Nate's love to break through Jenna's defenses and will take all of Nate's friends, family, Jenna's love and God's grace to get past his PTSD and to be able to live again.
Wonderfully moving and touching story! Touches lightly on what our soldiers deal with when they return home and how God and good friends and family can help them come back from the horrors of war. It portrays some of the struggles, but doesn't delve too deeply into it.
This is a wonderful story of grace, love and forgiveness...beautifully written! I'll watch for more of this series! Hopefully we'll get to read about Chance and Will, Jenna's brothers!
Jenna is going through a trial; trying to adjust as a single mom after divorcing her cheating husband. She has built a wall around her heart.
Nate is goign through his own trial; trying to adjust to life after the military. He's afraid to get too close to anyone, afraid he'll hurt them during the flashbacks he has from his time in the military.
Both of them have returned to the home of thier childhood to heal and begin again. Jenna on her father's ranch, Nate just trying to get by and help his folks out.
Jenna and Nate had both liked each other in high school, but neither let the other one know it! Nate knew he could never say anything to her when Jenna's dad, Dub, told him he wasn't good enough for his little girl.
But now, after years of growth, mistakes and healing, they have found each other. It will take Nate's love to break through Jenna's defenses and will take all of Nate's friends, family, Jenna's love and God's grace to get past his PTSD and to be able to live again.
Wonderfully moving and touching story! Touches lightly on what our soldiers deal with when they return home and how God and good friends and family can help them come back from the horrors of war. It portrays some of the struggles, but doesn't delve too deeply into it.
This is a wonderful story of grace, love and forgiveness...beautifully written! I'll watch for more of this series! Hopefully we'll get to read about Chance and Will, Jenna's brothers!
March 19, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I assumed it was a romance. What I have to comment about this book is that it hit really hard at home for me. Nate was a Iraqi war veteran. He served two tours; one in Iraq and the other in Afganistan. He suffers from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). It goes into the struggles he faces every day from: nightmares, to jumping at every little sound and shadow, panic attacks, fear of fire, loss in memory, short temper and anger issues, cars parked off the side of the road, flashbacks, being in big crowds, driving in a lot of traffic, and just down right not sleeping and such.
My husband served two tours in Iraq and deals with PTSD. I never fully understood why he behaved the way he did. Which he dealt with and sometimes still deals with: nightmares, jumps at every little sound, he can't be in crowded areas, or drive during times when a lot of traffic is out, panic attacks, loss of memory, temper and anger issues, and flashbacks.
After reading about Nate's experiences while in Iraq and Afganistan and how it was causing these issues to pop up; really shed some light on why my husband suffers the way he does.
For example: being in a crowded place, they are constantly checking every single person out to see if there is any one in the crowd that might be a suicide bomber or if any one might have a gun on them. All because that is how they were trained to handle those scenarios while on duty. It was a matter of life and death. I really enjoyed this book and I am grateful to be able to relate to it and that it opened my eyes to things I probably never would have understood if not through a book. Very cute story!
My husband served two tours in Iraq and deals with PTSD. I never fully understood why he behaved the way he did. Which he dealt with and sometimes still deals with: nightmares, jumps at every little sound, he can't be in crowded areas, or drive during times when a lot of traffic is out, panic attacks, loss of memory, temper and anger issues, and flashbacks.
After reading about Nate's experiences while in Iraq and Afganistan and how it was causing these issues to pop up; really shed some light on why my husband suffers the way he does.
For example: being in a crowded place, they are constantly checking every single person out to see if there is any one in the crowd that might be a suicide bomber or if any one might have a gun on them. All because that is how they were trained to handle those scenarios while on duty. It was a matter of life and death. I really enjoyed this book and I am grateful to be able to relate to it and that it opened my eyes to things I probably never would have understood if not through a book. Very cute story!
September 2, 2012
this is a simple straightforward love story, that for me started out strong, with characters that I immediately enjoyed reading about.
Towards the end, though the the story got bogged down. I'm not even sure what it was about the story that made it feel that way.
I felt as though the religious aspect of it was forced, thrown in at various times as though it was a prerequisite. That the author gave herself a goal to have so many references about God ,prayer, and religion in her book.
I greatly enjoyed the main character Nate, his backstory, his service in the military, and his struggles with coming home.
As the characters discussed his issues with PTSD I couldn't help but feel I was watching an after school special. the dialogue seemed forced and geared toward educating the reader on what PTSD was; instead of making the dialogue seem more natural in the course of the characters conversations.
Overall, I enjoyed ready a clean love story but this would not be a book I would pick up again.
Towards the end, though the the story got bogged down. I'm not even sure what it was about the story that made it feel that way.
I felt as though the religious aspect of it was forced, thrown in at various times as though it was a prerequisite. That the author gave herself a goal to have so many references about God ,prayer, and religion in her book.
I greatly enjoyed the main character Nate, his backstory, his service in the military, and his struggles with coming home.
As the characters discussed his issues with PTSD I couldn't help but feel I was watching an after school special. the dialogue seemed forced and geared toward educating the reader on what PTSD was; instead of making the dialogue seem more natural in the course of the characters conversations.
Overall, I enjoyed ready a clean love story but this would not be a book I would pick up again.
April 11, 2012
Jenna and her young son live on her parents ranch. After a bad divorce she needed to come home and regroup. She is now a partner running her father's ranch along with her brothers.
Nate Langley comes back home after 2 tours over in Iraq. He wasn't expecting to see Jenna so soon after coming home for good. He and Jenna were old friends from high school and at one time cared for each other. Of course Jenna would never have known how he felt then as he kept to himself.
The two meet up and the romance is still there after the years have gone by. They go out on a date to the homecoming football game. Nate had a flashback from a car backfiring and threw Jenna to the ground hurting her. With the help from Jenna, her family, Nate's parents and the preacher he starts to heal and the dream are there but not as frequent. If he can learn to deal with his dream and his PTSD they might have a future together unless the secret comes out from her father.
I enjoyed this read not just for the romance, but a great tribute to our armed forces. We get to go inside Nate's thoughts and see what he went through while in Iraq a glimpse of what was and is going on there. How hard it is on them and the families they come home to. Everyone pays the price, but things can work out in the end if you just have some faith.
The author did a wonderful job with the setting and the characters. It was nice to see Nate work on his fears throughout the story and Jenna realizing they can help t is not all a lost cause. A heart warming story.
Nate Langley comes back home after 2 tours over in Iraq. He wasn't expecting to see Jenna so soon after coming home for good. He and Jenna were old friends from high school and at one time cared for each other. Of course Jenna would never have known how he felt then as he kept to himself.
The two meet up and the romance is still there after the years have gone by. They go out on a date to the homecoming football game. Nate had a flashback from a car backfiring and threw Jenna to the ground hurting her. With the help from Jenna, her family, Nate's parents and the preacher he starts to heal and the dream are there but not as frequent. If he can learn to deal with his dream and his PTSD they might have a future together unless the secret comes out from her father.
I enjoyed this read not just for the romance, but a great tribute to our armed forces. We get to go inside Nate's thoughts and see what he went through while in Iraq a glimpse of what was and is going on there. How hard it is on them and the families they come home to. Everyone pays the price, but things can work out in the end if you just have some faith.
The author did a wonderful job with the setting and the characters. It was nice to see Nate work on his fears throughout the story and Jenna realizing they can help t is not all a lost cause. A heart warming story.
January 27, 2010
First of all, I must reveal that I won this book in a drawing from Goodreads. I began reading it with the intention of not letting that fact influence me one way or the other, and I believe I was successful.
I have never before read any fiction with such a blatant Christian slant. It was disconcerting and distracting that so much praise and prayer were inserted into the characters' thoughts and dialogue. At times it seemed as if an editor had instructed the author to go back and add more. Many times the praise or prayer interfered with the flow of the story. At this point, I must explain that I am Jewish, but I read the book with a determination that I would not let this influence my opinion. I am certain that my opinion reflects that of any American who might read this.
I really enjoyed the protagonists, they seemed well-drawn and their challenges seemed much like those of real people. Many of the secondary characters were little more than cardboard cut-outs; except for the heroine's family, most seemed like a collection of cliches. Gillenwater needs to work a little on making these other characters come alive for us as the protagonists do. This book would also have benefitted from the inclusion of some characters whose character was not so sterling. Other than a selfish ex who does not appear, there are none to leaven the mix.
One thing that did not seem realistic to me was the use of so much explicit verbal Praise of the Lord in the dialogue, not just an occasional expression of gratitude but truly overkill. I am close to many devout Christians who are never heard talking like that. The overuse served to make some of the characters seem insincere when I can tell that this was not the author's intent.
Another thing that grated on me was the author's depiction of the hero's struggle with PTSD. During the major episode, where he is taking a 22 out of his truck's glove box so that he will not grab it during a flashback, he seems to be ruling out suicide in a dialogue with the Lord and Satan. In real life, people who are struggling with trouble seldom use such internal imagery. One can acknowledge the influence of the Lord without such melodramatic language as Gillenwater used. This is one of many scenes in which such references detracted from the flow of the story.
Something else that did not seem realistic to me was that the families involved in this book seem affluent, though they make their living through agriculture. (All I truly know about this I learned from other fictional accounts.) The author has the characters revealing worries about the uncertainity of the industry on one hand, while appearing to spend indiscriminately on the other. I am comfortably well off, and have some friends with wealth, but I don't know anyone who could feel comfortable just walking into a jewelry store and putting an engagement ring on their debit card like the hero did.
The plot was excellent, and the pacing of the events as they unfolded was very good. The depiction of the disaster that hit the community, and its aftermath, was the best part of the book. This author, with a little guidance, may have the talent it would take to become a writer as successful as Debbie Macomber, whose fiction features realistic characters with a lot of moral fiber without being preachy.
I have never before read any fiction with such a blatant Christian slant. It was disconcerting and distracting that so much praise and prayer were inserted into the characters' thoughts and dialogue. At times it seemed as if an editor had instructed the author to go back and add more. Many times the praise or prayer interfered with the flow of the story. At this point, I must explain that I am Jewish, but I read the book with a determination that I would not let this influence my opinion. I am certain that my opinion reflects that of any American who might read this.
I really enjoyed the protagonists, they seemed well-drawn and their challenges seemed much like those of real people. Many of the secondary characters were little more than cardboard cut-outs; except for the heroine's family, most seemed like a collection of cliches. Gillenwater needs to work a little on making these other characters come alive for us as the protagonists do. This book would also have benefitted from the inclusion of some characters whose character was not so sterling. Other than a selfish ex who does not appear, there are none to leaven the mix.
One thing that did not seem realistic to me was the use of so much explicit verbal Praise of the Lord in the dialogue, not just an occasional expression of gratitude but truly overkill. I am close to many devout Christians who are never heard talking like that. The overuse served to make some of the characters seem insincere when I can tell that this was not the author's intent.
Another thing that grated on me was the author's depiction of the hero's struggle with PTSD. During the major episode, where he is taking a 22 out of his truck's glove box so that he will not grab it during a flashback, he seems to be ruling out suicide in a dialogue with the Lord and Satan. In real life, people who are struggling with trouble seldom use such internal imagery. One can acknowledge the influence of the Lord without such melodramatic language as Gillenwater used. This is one of many scenes in which such references detracted from the flow of the story.
Something else that did not seem realistic to me was that the families involved in this book seem affluent, though they make their living through agriculture. (All I truly know about this I learned from other fictional accounts.) The author has the characters revealing worries about the uncertainity of the industry on one hand, while appearing to spend indiscriminately on the other. I am comfortably well off, and have some friends with wealth, but I don't know anyone who could feel comfortable just walking into a jewelry store and putting an engagement ring on their debit card like the hero did.
The plot was excellent, and the pacing of the events as they unfolded was very good. The depiction of the disaster that hit the community, and its aftermath, was the best part of the book. This author, with a little guidance, may have the talent it would take to become a writer as successful as Debbie Macomber, whose fiction features realistic characters with a lot of moral fiber without being preachy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2016
Ms. Gillenwater nails West Texas in this contemporary romance. I'm so impressed with her ability to take me back to my roots and all the "good old boys" way of talking. Plus the environment from home decor to business to schools and community. Nicely done. And not overdone. The book starts from Nate's perspective and he has a strong, distinctive written voice. There is a LOT of Christian talk, but it reads authentic to me, since many 3rd generation+ Texans think and talk like that. A sweet, old fashioned style romance, jobs ranching and cotton farming, plus hometown football all made for a fun read. It brought out my dormant Texas twang.
July 3, 2012
This is a very soft "Christian Romance." Not really my cup of tea. There were really no conflicts worth writing about. I'm sure there is a huge audience for a book like this, I'm just not one of them. It's just one of those sappy, overly icky story lines, with no real conflicts. The writing was OK, I'm just not into stories like this one. This will be a short review because frankly it's too exhausting to put the effort into it...
December 8, 2012
The story was intriguing and the topic of PTSD timely, but the heavy handed Christian message combined with a tendency to *tell not show* really killed it for me. The PTSD affected hero needs to be put out there more as more men and women return from war. I don't mind inspirational when I'm prepared, but usually I find that in the interest of delivering the good word, it interferes with the pacing. So, yes, it was okay. Could have been far more engaging.
April 26, 2013
This very easily could have been a great story unfortunately it falls short. It is very simple writing and you feel like your reading more of a summary of the lives of the characters rather than in the story with them. There is great detail in how to herd cows or exactly how someone loads the dishwasher or the exact number of dishes in the sink and exactly what each dish is, but no detail in anything that would actually build up the world or characters.
December 29, 2011
This started out interesting but the second half was a cheese fest, even for an inspirational read. I was disappointed because the heroine's brother's book (Megan's Chance) was pretty good.
2 stars / D+
2 stars / D+
September 9, 2015
This was such an awesome book to read! This is my first book to read by author Sharon Gillenwater and I will be reading more of her books! This was a nice romance story. Plus telling how our veterans are trying to lead a normal life after being in a war.
March 31, 2016
This book started out good, but was very preachy and towards the end they were really trying to fit in too many messages. Now each message was important and they took on a couple of big problems but it really got muddled down.
June 25, 2020
A good Christian, western romance which also deals with the struggles that go along with PTSD. It encourages a healing approach for PTSD with counseling and a strong spiritual component. The romance part is based in Christian values between two people which started in high school and the two went separate ways, one into a bad marriage, and one into the military and service to his country. The marriage ends badly and comes home to her family with her 2 year old son and the other leaves the military and comes home to help on the family farm.
January 27, 2014
Nate comes home after two tours in the war, he meets up again with Jenna who is his old boss's daughter. Nate has liked Jenna since high school but has never said he likes her. The two hit it off and even though Jenna has been married and has suffered scares from her divorce along with a small son 'Zack' in tow.
The story line is OK. The talk about the problems Nate faces from being in the war is good. There are some good lessons to learn from sharing what PTSD is, along with the treatments. That was good to learn,along with what to look for. What I didn't find realistic are a few things: Nate seemed to talk to Jenna and others very openly. He had no problem discussing himself. Don't think guys do this so openly (even Christian guys) don't like to talk about their problems so openly.. AND esp. a soldier just home from Iraq.
Jenna's son Zack though cute and funny acts and talks more like he's three or four years old Not a baby who has just turned two. He's using some big words for some little guy still in diapers, along w/ how he is already figuring life and problems out on his own..at a year in half? seriously?... Lastly I thought it hard to believe Nate had never kissed anyone in all this time... that Jenna was his first kiss. Come on' he's 29, and sexual temptation is great,he's been to war. The idea of cuddling on the couch once was never really talked about further or how either felt afterwards, it's something that should be discussed further than just say he got up and went home...really?. The author should have expressed this better and maybe discussed the challenges it brings in being alone as often as these two seemed to be. The story line is cute and somewhat romantic but not very realistic in my opinion. No girl just accepts the first ring at the store w/o looking at others too.She had money, been married before, and he's a Vet.. How could she just say Ok that's just too much money for you to spend esp w/ the dr. bills. Jenna and Nate lived in a fairy tale for the most part in this story. Wouldn't recommend this book, unless your young and innocent w/o children.
The story line is OK. The talk about the problems Nate faces from being in the war is good. There are some good lessons to learn from sharing what PTSD is, along with the treatments. That was good to learn,along with what to look for. What I didn't find realistic are a few things: Nate seemed to talk to Jenna and others very openly. He had no problem discussing himself. Don't think guys do this so openly (even Christian guys) don't like to talk about their problems so openly.. AND esp. a soldier just home from Iraq.
Jenna's son Zack though cute and funny acts and talks more like he's three or four years old Not a baby who has just turned two. He's using some big words for some little guy still in diapers, along w/ how he is already figuring life and problems out on his own..at a year in half? seriously?... Lastly I thought it hard to believe Nate had never kissed anyone in all this time... that Jenna was his first kiss. Come on' he's 29, and sexual temptation is great,he's been to war. The idea of cuddling on the couch once was never really talked about further or how either felt afterwards, it's something that should be discussed further than just say he got up and went home...really?. The author should have expressed this better and maybe discussed the challenges it brings in being alone as often as these two seemed to be. The story line is cute and somewhat romantic but not very realistic in my opinion. No girl just accepts the first ring at the store w/o looking at others too.She had money, been married before, and he's a Vet.. How could she just say Ok that's just too much money for you to spend esp w/ the dr. bills. Jenna and Nate lived in a fairy tale for the most part in this story. Wouldn't recommend this book, unless your young and innocent w/o children.
July 16, 2010
I found this book extremely disapointing. I'm very interested in PTSD and have read many books about soldiers struggling with that in civilian life, but this was by far the worst PTSD-story I ever stumbled upon.
One thing that drove me crazy was the overwhelming religious babbling. Obviously I realize that this book is Christian fiction, so I was expecting a Christian undertone, but there is hardly a page in this book where religion doesn't ruin the story, because it is used as a solution to absolutely everything.
While Nate DOES seek medical help and uses medication to treat his PTSD, it is implied that talking to his pastor helps him more than that and that God suddenly just frees him of his fear of fire. As someone who is familiar with the dangerous effects of PTSD, I find that kind of storytelling very alarming. I have yet to meet a vet who was suddenly cured of his main symptoms, because he happened to pray a lot. While I obviously understand the idea of seeking support from a Christian cleric, I would like to emphasize that this is not a wise substitute for psychological counseling and no respectable therapist/psychologist would actually let a pastor take over his/her sessions.
This book might be an entertaining love story for people who are very religious and don't take the PTSD part too seriously, but for anyone who does care a lot about the issue, I can't recommend this.
The book is also clearly not suitable for atheists, because some sentences are really offensive to any non-Christians ("There were some good Christian men on the team who managed to have a pretty normal family life [...:]. EVEN SOME OF THE NON-CHRISTIAN GUYS DID.").
One thing that drove me crazy was the overwhelming religious babbling. Obviously I realize that this book is Christian fiction, so I was expecting a Christian undertone, but there is hardly a page in this book where religion doesn't ruin the story, because it is used as a solution to absolutely everything.
While Nate DOES seek medical help and uses medication to treat his PTSD, it is implied that talking to his pastor helps him more than that and that God suddenly just frees him of his fear of fire. As someone who is familiar with the dangerous effects of PTSD, I find that kind of storytelling very alarming. I have yet to meet a vet who was suddenly cured of his main symptoms, because he happened to pray a lot. While I obviously understand the idea of seeking support from a Christian cleric, I would like to emphasize that this is not a wise substitute for psychological counseling and no respectable therapist/psychologist would actually let a pastor take over his/her sessions.
This book might be an entertaining love story for people who are very religious and don't take the PTSD part too seriously, but for anyone who does care a lot about the issue, I can't recommend this.
The book is also clearly not suitable for atheists, because some sentences are really offensive to any non-Christians ("There were some good Christian men on the team who managed to have a pretty normal family life [...:]. EVEN SOME OF THE NON-CHRISTIAN GUYS DID.").
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
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I got this book for three reasons. One, it started with a J. Two, It was free on ibooks and Amazon. Three, it was a romance novel that talked about PTSD.
So, I expected this book to be amazingly awful in that way that good romance novels are. Instead I got a book that was wholesome and sweet. Not what I was after at all! I like my romance novels to have some fire. This had a lot of prayer.
Jenna is a single mom who is dealing with being left by her pretty emotionally abusive husband when Nate, a soldier who has PTSD, comes back into town. Nate and Jenna don’t know that Nate has PTSD. Over the course of the book Nate and Jenna learn more about how Nate is “damaged” from the war and how to treat it. The answer is of course prayer, since therapy and medications are never helpful for mental health issues.
I did want Jenna and Nate to get together, but they moved fast into marriage. Jenna was Nate’s first kiss, a few months before they got married. That is as steamy as it got. They had a make-out session, but had to stop because no sex before marriage.
This review may sound like I am bashing Christianity, but I mean no offense. Some of my favorite romance novels are Amish. There is a lot to say about a good religious romance novel. Instead of being a good book, this one relied on prayer as a way to solve all issues instead of character development. Religion could have been a tool and a great message, but instead it was used as a crutch.
Overall, this book was kinda eh. It was very much wholesome and pure, and pretty darn boring.
I got this book for three reasons. One, it started with a J. Two, It was free on ibooks and Amazon. Three, it was a romance novel that talked about PTSD.
So, I expected this book to be amazingly awful in that way that good romance novels are. Instead I got a book that was wholesome and sweet. Not what I was after at all! I like my romance novels to have some fire. This had a lot of prayer.
Jenna is a single mom who is dealing with being left by her pretty emotionally abusive husband when Nate, a soldier who has PTSD, comes back into town. Nate and Jenna don’t know that Nate has PTSD. Over the course of the book Nate and Jenna learn more about how Nate is “damaged” from the war and how to treat it. The answer is of course prayer, since therapy and medications are never helpful for mental health issues.
I did want Jenna and Nate to get together, but they moved fast into marriage. Jenna was Nate’s first kiss, a few months before they got married. That is as steamy as it got. They had a make-out session, but had to stop because no sex before marriage.
This review may sound like I am bashing Christianity, but I mean no offense. Some of my favorite romance novels are Amish. There is a lot to say about a good religious romance novel. Instead of being a good book, this one relied on prayer as a way to solve all issues instead of character development. Religion could have been a tool and a great message, but instead it was used as a crutch.
Overall, this book was kinda eh. It was very much wholesome and pure, and pretty darn boring.
May 2, 2012
This book was so sweet...and innocent, and pretty well written too. I read this book because I just got a Kindle, and I could download it for free. I could have easily just read the first few pages and left it, but instead I read it all while on two long plane rides. So, while it might not earn any mainstream critical acclaim, I enjoyed it. I'd also read other books in the series.
This novel is set in Texas, and that was part of the appeal for me (having grown up in Texas). There was a whole chapter about the homecoming mum tradition, which I think anyone not from Texas would find totally bizarre. I am from Texas and I still find it bizarre, but it was still enjoyable to read about and say, "Oh yeah. That's really what it's like, crazy as it may seem." I actually got teary a couple different times while reading this because the male lead (Jenna's Cowboy) is a war veteran and dealing with the aftermath of PTSD. It's rough stuff, and the author did a really good job researching what that this disorder is all about.
I believe this book is classified as Christian Women's fiction. As a genre, I think it's getting bigger and stronger, and I look forward to reading more of it. These certainly aren't religious books, but there isn't anything illicit in the story (maybe one minor swear word in the whole thing; no sex; little/no drinking; etc.). I figure there's enough trash in my life, so I could stand some wholesome reading.
This novel is set in Texas, and that was part of the appeal for me (having grown up in Texas). There was a whole chapter about the homecoming mum tradition, which I think anyone not from Texas would find totally bizarre. I am from Texas and I still find it bizarre, but it was still enjoyable to read about and say, "Oh yeah. That's really what it's like, crazy as it may seem." I actually got teary a couple different times while reading this because the male lead (Jenna's Cowboy) is a war veteran and dealing with the aftermath of PTSD. It's rough stuff, and the author did a really good job researching what that this disorder is all about.
I believe this book is classified as Christian Women's fiction. As a genre, I think it's getting bigger and stronger, and I look forward to reading more of it. These certainly aren't religious books, but there isn't anything illicit in the story (maybe one minor swear word in the whole thing; no sex; little/no drinking; etc.). I figure there's enough trash in my life, so I could stand some wholesome reading.
August 21, 2012
The story line appealed to me because of Nate's PTSD, which made me want to read how he would be dealing with it, but it's been a boring read nonetheless. There were a couple of good moments, but I had expected more drama, more pain. Nate is the only interesting character. The heroine is a brave woman and doing a wonderful job raising a child alone, but she's rather boring despite her somewhat interesting past. The rest of the characters, including the hero and heroine, are almost unnaturally forgiving towards everyone. The story is not really a page turner.
One other thing I am annoyed by, is that the writer is obviously a devoted Christian, because there is a lot of mentioning of God, Jesus and praying. I hadn't realized it was a Christian book. The whole religion thing to me seems very "young" and "immature". Praying to God to help you succeed "here", to support you "there", to get you through "this" and to make the other person "that".... Blah! Those are so-called stupid prayers. As if you can make a deal with God or something! "please God, make me love again", or "please God, help Nate". Sorry, life doesn't work that way. You fight your own battles, not have God fight them for you or by putting your fate in the hands of the Lord. The whole element of the journey into yourself to find or heal yourself, is completely missing in this way. Then again, that is the case with Christianity.....
One other thing I am annoyed by, is that the writer is obviously a devoted Christian, because there is a lot of mentioning of God, Jesus and praying. I hadn't realized it was a Christian book. The whole religion thing to me seems very "young" and "immature". Praying to God to help you succeed "here", to support you "there", to get you through "this" and to make the other person "that".... Blah! Those are so-called stupid prayers. As if you can make a deal with God or something! "please God, make me love again", or "please God, help Nate". Sorry, life doesn't work that way. You fight your own battles, not have God fight them for you or by putting your fate in the hands of the Lord. The whole element of the journey into yourself to find or heal yourself, is completely missing in this way. Then again, that is the case with Christianity.....
February 10, 2012
A wonderful love inspired christian romance that tackles how our returning veterans must pick up their lives and make a new. Jenna is Nate's boss's daughter and best friend's sister and he has loved her since High School. But Dad told him he wasn't good enough - that was before he went off to war and became a decorated war hero. But because of emotional scars from battle Nate is not sure if he can ever be the right one for Jenna. Jenna married the boy her Dad thought was headed for big things - but that man did not cherish the love Jenna and their young toddler gave - so they came back home. And Jenna does not know if she can ever love again. With God's Help they will both have answers.
It's a look at small town Texas - football loving, and community driven. I could feel the love of this family. Yes some things are too perfect in this book - but sometimes when I read all I want is an escape. This books goes on my Nook shelf of Favorites - ones I go back to when I just want to relax and visit with an old friend.
I downloaded this book for free a while ago on my Nook - but I did go and buy the second book in the series once I was finished! Other reviews I have read said it ended too quick - but when you read book 2 you understand as that books starts just a few days later but from a different character's perspective.
It's a look at small town Texas - football loving, and community driven. I could feel the love of this family. Yes some things are too perfect in this book - but sometimes when I read all I want is an escape. This books goes on my Nook shelf of Favorites - ones I go back to when I just want to relax and visit with an old friend.
I downloaded this book for free a while ago on my Nook - but I did go and buy the second book in the series once I was finished! Other reviews I have read said it ended too quick - but when you read book 2 you understand as that books starts just a few days later but from a different character's perspective.
May 22, 2012
This was a free kindle download, and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the story, and liked how the author chose to use PTSD and how it affects not only the victim, but also his/her family and friends. Most contemporary Christian romance novels just don't make the connection with me, but this one did. I thought Nate and Jenna's story was sweet and even though they were old friends, they didn't have any of the ex-boyfriend/girlfriend baggage to overcome. Jenna's son was a little unbelievable: I've never known a kid that age who could not only communicate clearly with a wide range of vocabulary, but also his level of comprehension was "off the charts" (to quote from the book). I haven't met anyone who could reasonably communicate with a 2-year old, yet this family seemed to manage the feat very well.
The one thing I didn't like was how Nate was suddenly cured of his fear of fire. In order for him to be cured, he had to experience another life-threatening trauma?? I don't think that is how many people learn to overcome their fears, but I could be wrong. The town fire served not only to tie-up Nate's story, but also set-up the next one, so it was a way for the author to connect the stories, but it still bothered me.
It was a good, enjoyable book and will definitely read the others in the series, as well as other books by this author.
The one thing I didn't like was how Nate was suddenly cured of his fear of fire. In order for him to be cured, he had to experience another life-threatening trauma?? I don't think that is how many people learn to overcome their fears, but I could be wrong. The town fire served not only to tie-up Nate's story, but also set-up the next one, so it was a way for the author to connect the stories, but it still bothered me.
It was a good, enjoyable book and will definitely read the others in the series, as well as other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2010
Nate Langley has returned to Callahan Crossing. He was off fighting in the war. He is ready to come home and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Jenna Callahan Colby and her son Zach are content living on her family’s ranch, after a failed marriage. Jenna thought she had everything her heart desired…till she saw Nate. Jenna and Nate were high school sweethearts but Jenna’s father felt that Nate wasn’t good enough for Jenna and sent him packing.
Now Jenna and Nate are all grown up. Can these two reconnect and give love a second chance?
Jenna’s Cowboy is the first book in a new series called The Callahans of Texas. I liked the town of Callahan Crossing. The people there were so friendly and inviting. It made me wish it was a real place. I can’t imagine what someone coming back from the war must be going through with nightmares. I thought author, Sharon Gillenwater did her research well on this subject. Nate could have been a very uncaring and depressing character but instead she made readers cheer for Nate. The romance shared between Nate and Jenna was sweet. I have to admit though that there were times when I skimmed thought the middle as I felt it moved a little slow. Overall, though, this book showed promise and I am sure the rest of the series will be pretty good.
Jenna Callahan Colby and her son Zach are content living on her family’s ranch, after a failed marriage. Jenna thought she had everything her heart desired…till she saw Nate. Jenna and Nate were high school sweethearts but Jenna’s father felt that Nate wasn’t good enough for Jenna and sent him packing.
Now Jenna and Nate are all grown up. Can these two reconnect and give love a second chance?
Jenna’s Cowboy is the first book in a new series called The Callahans of Texas. I liked the town of Callahan Crossing. The people there were so friendly and inviting. It made me wish it was a real place. I can’t imagine what someone coming back from the war must be going through with nightmares. I thought author, Sharon Gillenwater did her research well on this subject. Nate could have been a very uncaring and depressing character but instead she made readers cheer for Nate. The romance shared between Nate and Jenna was sweet. I have to admit though that there were times when I skimmed thought the middle as I felt it moved a little slow. Overall, though, this book showed promise and I am sure the rest of the series will be pretty good.
March 1, 2011
Jenna has returned home, broken hearted with her son to heal. Her marriage has ended and she no longer feels like the homecoming queen who left town.
Nate has returned home too. The former football store is now a war hero plagued with post traumatic distress. Nate has always been in love with Jenna, but her father warned him away from her years earlier because he wanted something more for his only daughter.
Jenna and Nate reconnect as friends wanting more, but first Nate must overcome the demons from the war that causes him to act unknowingly in a manner that is dangerous to Jenna and her son.
I was hooked on this book from the beginning. It isn’t your normal romance. Gillenwater is able to portray each main character with major strength throughout the story.
For me I could have used less setting details about the ranching and cotton farming. But that is just me! I’m sure if you are interested at all in those occupations you would love the detail. I found them distracting because I wanted to get on with the story.
I’d recommend this besides being a good read it helps with the understanding of what our vets might be experiencing when they return home.
Nate has returned home too. The former football store is now a war hero plagued with post traumatic distress. Nate has always been in love with Jenna, but her father warned him away from her years earlier because he wanted something more for his only daughter.
Jenna and Nate reconnect as friends wanting more, but first Nate must overcome the demons from the war that causes him to act unknowingly in a manner that is dangerous to Jenna and her son.
I was hooked on this book from the beginning. It isn’t your normal romance. Gillenwater is able to portray each main character with major strength throughout the story.
For me I could have used less setting details about the ranching and cotton farming. But that is just me! I’m sure if you are interested at all in those occupations you would love the detail. I found them distracting because I wanted to get on with the story.
I’d recommend this besides being a good read it helps with the understanding of what our vets might be experiencing when they return home.
July 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book about Jenna and Nate! Nate had been in the war and was injured with PTSD, sent home and having to learn to live with an injured leg and his "always there" reactions to loud noises, fire, and anything causing his PTSD to cause a reaction, not knowing what or when it might happen!
He goes back to town where Jenna and he grew up and Jenna had gotten married and had a child but now was divorced and living with her parents on their ranch! Both he and Jenna had always had a "thing" for each other and it is still there, but he and she are both hesitant to restart anything knowing that he could be dangerous when a episode of PTSD happens so they take it slow! He starts to work at her family ranch while also helping his own family with their ranch and slowly but surely starts to get help with his problem and all the while getting closer to Jenna and her daughter!
Very romantic while learning to live with his problem and then a town fire happens! Nate discovers that he gets through the fire and helps with it and then realizes he was able to get through it alright without a problem, so Jenna and he get much, much closer, with a happy ending!
He goes back to town where Jenna and he grew up and Jenna had gotten married and had a child but now was divorced and living with her parents on their ranch! Both he and Jenna had always had a "thing" for each other and it is still there, but he and she are both hesitant to restart anything knowing that he could be dangerous when a episode of PTSD happens so they take it slow! He starts to work at her family ranch while also helping his own family with their ranch and slowly but surely starts to get help with his problem and all the while getting closer to Jenna and her daughter!
Very romantic while learning to live with his problem and then a town fire happens! Nate discovers that he gets through the fire and helps with it and then realizes he was able to get through it alright without a problem, so Jenna and he get much, much closer, with a happy ending!
September 19, 2013
I found that Jenna's Cowboy was mainly about Nate's PTSD and it wasn't really what I expected. I found that this book lacked conflict. I haven't read any other books by this author but I found the writing a little weak. I also found that the story line moved a little fast when it came to the last half of the book where she was skipping a lot of time and summarized what happened during those months. There were a couple of errors I found like the use of the word "speeded" when it really should have been "sped".
I was often confused by the point of view where it wasn't established early enough in a chapter or there were no breaks between different points of view but I'm not sure if that was because I read it in the eBook version.
I also found it a little strange how a new character was introduced within the last few chapters of the book and was becoming a more prominent character. The last half of the book introduced an event that wasn't alluded to even a little bit in the first half of the book and it was almost as if the author had to make something happen and put that in there.
I was often confused by the point of view where it wasn't established early enough in a chapter or there were no breaks between different points of view but I'm not sure if that was because I read it in the eBook version.
I also found it a little strange how a new character was introduced within the last few chapters of the book and was becoming a more prominent character. The last half of the book introduced an event that wasn't alluded to even a little bit in the first half of the book and it was almost as if the author had to make something happen and put that in there.
September 11, 2013
Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater is a decent christian read. It has the western feel for that genre, it's got romance for the romance lover and it has God for the christian viewpoint. It's a lovely little story. Our hero Nate, is a true life hero from his deploy in Iraq. He returns home to help his parents farm and also takes employment on the Callahan ranch as he did as a teenager. He's had a crush on Dub Callahan's daughter for as long as he can remember. Nate also suffers from PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder. Jenna is trying to rebuild her life after a disastrous marriage to the high school jock, now a professional football player. The only good thing from the marriage is her son Zach. The story details Nate's battle with recovery from PTSD with help from Pastor Brad who takes him to Dr. Silverman at the VA Hospital. It also tells of Jenna's volunteer work at the Mission and a natural disaster where everyone pitches in to help.
May 23, 2012
I was so looking forward to reading this book. The cover captured my interest of course but that was not all that had. I'd read the first couple of pages on line, and couldn't wait to receive the it so I could get started. The first several pages were good, just as I had read on line but that is where it stopped.
I didn't get why the author would have the two characters confess they liked one another beyond friends, and then not go anywhere with it. It's like they missed their moment. As I kept reading, giving it a chance, it just didn't hold my attention. I felt as though it was all telling, and hardly any showing. The writing, though I wouldn't say was poor, just didn't do it for me. There was not much action, very monotone. At about page 87 I had to put it down. It just wasn't for me.
On a positive note, it was a great cover, and good storyline.
I didn't get why the author would have the two characters confess they liked one another beyond friends, and then not go anywhere with it. It's like they missed their moment. As I kept reading, giving it a chance, it just didn't hold my attention. I felt as though it was all telling, and hardly any showing. The writing, though I wouldn't say was poor, just didn't do it for me. There was not much action, very monotone. At about page 87 I had to put it down. It just wasn't for me.
On a positive note, it was a great cover, and good storyline.
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