"A Cowboy for Keeps" by Jody Hedlund

 


Greta Nilsson would do anything for her little sister. When Astrid's consumption grows worse, Greta agrees to become a mail-order bride in order to move to Colorado, where the air is said to be healing. But the trip doesn't go as planned—and there's no groom waiting at her destination. What's a woman with a young sister in tow to do?

Wyatt McQuaid works hard but is struggling getting his ranch off the ground. He can't refuse when one of the town leaders promises to invest in his ranch on one condition: that Wyatt marries the mail-order bride.

As Wyatt, Greta, and Astrid begin a life together, they face many challenges. Hostile neighbors. Curious Indians. Astrid's impulsiveness. Can they learn to rely on each other in the good times and bad?

This is an endearing story with likable characters. Greta was my favorite, and I could relate to her as a fellow very involved older sibling. At one point she tells Astrid: "Being your big sister and taking care of you has made me into a better person." I feel that in my bones!

I would recommend this novel to fans of historical romance, and especially if you like marriage of convenience stories. That happens to be one of my favorite tropes, and it was done very well here.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.