There is just something about a cowboy...
Is that how the saying goes? I don't read a lot of cowboy novels, but sometimes I just have a hankering for one, especially one with a cowboy in "Counting on a Cowboy" by Debra Clopton.

The cowboy in question is Bo Monahan, a man of integrity, loyal and honorable, and of course handsome in every way.  A mistake in the past came back head on in the form of an adorable baby boy, Levi.  Only God (and Ms. Clopton - as the writer) can bring the perfect help in time to help this cowboy jump into fatherhood.  Abby Knightley lost everything in one night two years ago.
 She followed the advice of a columnist in trying to make a change and move things forward.  Her pain debilitated her in many ways, and her desire to "live along with the pain" brought her to Wishing Springs, Texas and ultimately to Bo.  I truly enjoyed every bit of this novel. From the start, it held onto my eyes as I begin envisioning all the moments, from the steer to the car to the fence and Abby in Bo's arms.  It's a romantic story, but the intensity of Abby's pain and what she's been through to her emotional state had engrossed me. I gravitated towards her emotions throughout this novel and I was rooting for her to heal, to find closure, to find happiness again.  "Counting on a Cowboy" is a good title, because Abby needs her cowboy, and Bo needs Abby.  It is her strength in her struggles that captivated this cowboy's heart, and her strength to protect him and Levi even amidst her struggles that gives Abby the heroine award in this novel.

"Counting on a Cowboy" is the second book of the "A Four of Hearts Ranch" romance series.  It can act as a standalone novel, which is great for someone like me, who have yet to read the first one.  Ms. Clopton is great with this series. First, I don't have to read the first one to understand the second one, and it seems to be true with the third or fourth book of the series.  Second, there's a little allusion about the first book (whom I'm assuming is about Tru and Maggie) that entices readers of the this book to want  to (not have to) go back and read it.  That makes a great series writer. And yes, it also means, I'll have to get my hands on the first book.

In all, I love it, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. What not to love? It has depth, humor, eye candy (just visualize the description in the book), a little adventure and romance.

To Purchase a Copy: Amazon




NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction through Litfuse Publicity Group for an honest review.