Cowboy for Hire

March 9, 2020
James (The Trouble With Cowboys) makes a second trip to charming Wishing River, Mo., in this heartfelt contemporary. Sarah Turner inherits her family’s ranch following the deaths of her parents and brother and is determined to take an active role in running it, but she’ll need the help of a capable foreman. After the ad she places in the paper is humorously misprinted (“Cowboy for Her: Experienced and skilled cowboy companion for lonely young woman”) Sarah’s grateful for the entirely professional application from experienced rancher Cade Walker, whom she quickly learns to depend on. Cade is at first surprised by Sarah’s grit and determination to learn the ins and outs of ranching, and then taken by her strengths and vulnerabilities alike. But Cade is afraid to act on his powerful attraction because he believes he’s unworthy of affection, the result of being raised by abusive, alcoholic parents. So when Sarah offers him her love, he self-sabotages, leading to a crisis that could end their relationship. James skillfully illustrates the redemptive power of love and the sweet relief of forgiveness. This emotional cowboy romance expertly tugs at the heartstrings. Agent: Louise Fury, The Bent Agency.

An unexpected relationship blooms in rural Montana in James' latest romance novel, the second in her Wishing River series. After her widowed mother died, Sarah Turner suddenly found herself in charge of the vast Montana ranch that had been in her family for generations. She's shy but strong-willed; however, she feels overwhelmed with the staggering responsibility of running the ranch. Thankfully, she has her loyal housekeeper, Edna Casey, by her side, but even Sarah knows she'll need to hire more help if she's to get the ranch back on its feet. So when she puts an ad in the local paper for a ranch foreman, the last thing she's expecting is romance. But that's just what she gets when the ruggedly handsome Cade Walker comes into her life. Cade and Sarah seem to come from two different worlds, but that doesn't stop the sparks from flying every time they're together. As their feelings for each other become undeniable, Sarah feels that she must choose between her newfound independence and a chance at true love. The shadow of Sarah's family tragedy offers fine character motivation and conflict; the emotional turmoil feels genuine and never overdone, and it's interesting to see how it shapes her decisions: "she asked to have the strength to continue living without them. She prayed to God that she would one day find her purpose, a man to love, a family to raise." Still, there's also plenty of humor and tongue-in-cheek banter. Cade's reserved nature enjoyably contrasts with Sarah's self-reliant attitude, and it's satisfying to watch the pair interact. The book's approach regarding unknown possibilities and new beginnings is appealing throughout. A heartwarming story about faith and starting over.

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