MAIL ORDER COWBOY

A widowed mom inherits a run-down ranch and develops complicated feelings for the man who helps fix up the property.

James’ novel opens with Hope Roberts’ new ranch hand quitting. He’s received a better offer of employment from a wealthier ranch owner. Much to her mortification, the young cowboy reveals his reasons for leaving within earshot of Dr. Dean Stanton, the incredibly handsome and wealthy physician who happens to be the son of the man who hired Hope’s employee. Not only that, but Dean is also the doctor who treated Hope’s now-deceased husband, Brian, who had cancer. Ever since Brian’s death, there’s been tension between Hope and Dean. Much to her surprise, Dean offers to fill in as the new hand around the house, but Hope is adamantly opposed. Given Dean’s duties as a physician, his responsibilities for his own rural home, and their icy relationship, it just doesn’t make sense. Even so, Dean seems to think his assistance is the best solution (“There’s no way you’ll find a more qualified cowboy than me”). He convinces her to let him complete one home improvement, and before she knows it, he’s turning the entire property around and winning over both Hope and her young daughter, Sadie. Hope refuses to acknowledge the feelings she begins to develop for him, worrying instead about all the reasons she thinks they could never be together, no matter how hard Dean tries to convince her otherwise. Told alternately from Hope’s and Dean’s perspectives, the opposing narratives slowly reveal the protagonists’ complicated personal histories and the obstacles they face in pursuing their own happiness. A seemingly lighthearted read with much attention centered on the characters’ physical attraction to each other, the novel also tackles weightier topics like mortality, parental responsibilities, grief, and guilt. Chock-full of details about ranch living and the endless work required for maintaining remote rural residences, the story remains focused throughout on the push and pull between the two main characters. Despite the tale’s formulaic and predictable trajectory, readers will enjoy accompanying Hope and Dean on their heartwarming journey.

An enjoyable country-Western love story best suited for fans of second chances.