Cherishing the Cowgirl ~ Review

Cherishing the Cowgirl

Colorado Cowgirls #2

By Jody Hedlund

In Committing to the Cowgirl, we were introduced to the Courtney sisters. Having come to Colorado in search of a better life, Charity is faced with the truth they may lose the house they inherited from their uncle. With few options, Charity may be forced to accept a marriage of convenience to provide a home for herself and her younger sisters, Patience and Felicity. But when she saves Hudson Vanderwater's life, she may have very well changed her future.

Hudson Vanderwater is determined to connect the East and the West with another railroad line. His ideas aren't well met in Fairplay, whose ranchers need a North/South route for their cattle. And until Charity rescued him from a dangerous situation, no one would have ever expected him to be anything other than a cold-hearted, financially motivated rich guy. But there is another side to him, one that wants to offer help to young women in need. And his plan to help Charity involves a bit of high-handedness, but ultimately results in his renting her boardinghouse and employing her for an entire month. 

Charity is left with little choice in the matter, but she quickly regrets her agreement. But there is a small part of her that hopes he is the answer to her long-held wishes that she could have a fairytale come true.

Cherishing the Cowgirl is the second book in the Colorado Cowgirls series, but it can be read and enjoyed on its own. It is interesting contrasting Charity and Hudson's different expectations in life. Charity hopes for love, while Hudson expects a business arrangement. Hudson expects everything he wants to be his, while Charity expects nothing. Can two people from such different worlds hope for something more? Or will it be doomed from the start? 

Naturally, with books from Jody Hedlund, one expects romance, but this time, there is also an undercurrent of mystery involved. Someone may be taking advantage of the Courtney sister's situation. But who? And is it intentional or accidental? And even more worrisome, is it dangerous? But how is Charity to determine the truth when she can find no evidence of anything?

Another winner from Jody Hedlund for anyone who loves historical romance!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Charity Courtney is at her wit’s end trying to save her boardinghouse from a bank foreclosure. Short of money but not short of marriage proposals, she dreads putting aside her fairy tale dreams of love and having to settle for a marriage of convenience. But with the need to provide for her two younger sisters, she doesn’t have any other options.

While visiting Fairplay, wealthy railroad magnet Hudson Vanderwater hears of Charity’s plight. Although he comes across as cold and calloused, he is drawn to helping women in need because of a tragedy that destroyed his sister. He concocts a plan that will save Charity—he’ll employ her and rent her boardinghouse for the month and in doing so alleviate her debt.

With a grumpy and demanding new boarder who is now her boss, Charity determines to hold the handsome Hudson at arm’s length. But she’s the sunshine for his stormy soul, and he can’t resist being drawn to her. As danger closes in and threatens to destroy Charity, he’ll stop at nothing to save her.
Grumpy-sunshine
Cranky billionaire
Crusty boss
Rags-to-riches
Fairytale
Class differences