On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Though I've read and enjoyed a few Love Inspired titles, this line still has a bit of a stigma in my mind of being the "B team" of inspirational romance. I certainly wouldn't normally pick up a Love Inspired title unless it was written by an author I already know and love. So why did I choose to review A Cowboy of Convenience? It has to do with that final word in the title: "convenience." Marriage of convenience stories are my absolute favorite, forever and ever, amen. So how could I pass this one up?
A Cowboy of Convenience
(Sheridan Sweethearts #2)
By Stacy Henrie
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
June 1st 2018 by Love Inspired HistoricalGroom by Agreement
A real home—it's what Vienna Howe dearly wants for her young daughter. Yet the ramshackle property she just inherited hardly qualifies. She can't afford the repairs—until foreman West McCall suggests they start a dude ranch together. For propriety's sake, they'll need a marriage in name only...a practical solution for two wary hearts.
Years ago, West convinced Vienna to marry a man of means, never realizing how cruel her husband could be. Guilt-ridden, he intends to secure the lovely widow's future. But despite his reluctance to get close to anyone, this union might do more than fix Vienna's ranch. It could open the door to a warm, loving future...
So maybe I need to retrain my thinking regarding Love Inspired books, as A Cowboy of Convenience is simply delightful and could easily go toe-to-toe with historical novels published by Bethany House, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, or Zondervan!
The novel opens with Vienna and her daughter living with their friends Edward and Maggy (of The Rancher's Temporary Engagement) and West working as Edward's ranch foreman. That all changes when Vienna gets word that her estranged husband has died, and she is now the owner of his ranch. Longtime friends Vienna and West decide to team up to turn her ranch into a dude ranch ... but they'll need to marry for propriety's sake.
Of course, there's never any doubt that Vienna and West's marriage of convenience will turn real, but in this case, the joy is in the journey. Henrie's writing alternates between Vienna's and West's perspectives, so it does get a little frustrating knowing that Vienna and West are thinking virtually the same thing about their relationship but refusing to talk about it. Frustrating, but understandable given their history. As Vienna and West spend time together, their relationship grows into a deep friendship and then to love. So basically, this is both a marriage of convenience AND friends to lovers novel ... what more could you ask for?
I loved the joy Vienna's daughter Hattie brought to the novel, and it warmed my heart every time she said "Daddy West." Such a cutie! And West's background and family brought a depth and unexpected twist to the novel that I really appreciated.
Though this is book two in Henrie's Sheridan Sweethearts series, it stands alone. That said, I would love to go back and read Edward and Maggy's story in The Rancher's Temporary Engagement. I also hope that Henrie also writes a book about West's friend Alec! 4-1/2 stars.
Other Books in the Series
The Rancher's Temporary Engagement
(Sheridan Sweethearts #1)
By Stacy Henrie
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
February 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical
Undercover Fiancée
The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.
Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.
Tour Schedule
June 4th:
Launch
The Power of Words
Kathryn Cooper Writes
Cafinated Reads
Jen Around the World
June 5th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Moments
Among the Reads
Books n Baubles
June 6th:
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Tell Tale Book Reviews
cherylbbookblog
Jorie Loves A Story
June 7th:
Singing Librarian Books
Britt Reads Fiction
Book by Book
Rockin' Book Reviews
June 8th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Brooke Blogs
Remembrancy
Heidi Reads...
June 9th:
Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
- 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive a signed print copy of THE RANCER'S TEMPORARY ENAGEMENT (US only)
- Ends June 13th
Thanks for reading and reviewing the book! So glad you enjoyed it. And yes, Alec is the hero of the final book in the series, which releases in February. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great news, Stacy! I'll be looking for it :-)
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