The Cowboy Father by Linda Ford

Title: The Cowboy Father by Linda Ford
Three Brides for Three Cowboys Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Love Inspired Historical
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Fiction
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

To Help Her Family…and Heal His Heart.

With Alberta in the grip of the Depression, Louisa Morgan is desperate to bolster her family’s finances. But how can she tutor bedridden Ellie Hamilton? The little tomboy is more interested in making mischief than studying sums. And the girl’s bond with her handsome papa is another reminder to Louisa of the children she’ll never have.

For Emmet Hamilton, strength means shouldering burdens alone. He never thought he’d let himself share his child, or his heart, ever again. But before long, Louisa’s kindness and optimism start to change the cowboy’s mind. Maybe he can gain the courage to trust again—in Louisa, in God’s grace, and in this new family.…

The Review:

The Cowboy Father by Linda Ford is a delightfully heartwarming historical romance. While working temporarily as a tutor, Louisa Morgan falls for both Emmet Hamilton and his precocious daughter Ellie. With their abiding faith guiding them, Emmet and Louisa struggle to overcome their tragic pasts and trust the future that God has set before them.

Louisa Morgan has endured many trials in her young life. Mostly optimistic and upbeat, she relies on her deep faith in God to lift her up when she becomes discouraged. She shares a close and loving relationship with her sisters and mother. While she may not like what they have to say, she values their opinions and does not hesitate to turn to them for advice.

Emmet Hamilton has suffered tremendous losses in his life and he is reluctant to open his heart again. Louisa’s unflagging optimism and belief in God is a guiding influence in his renewed faith. It is not until he reconciles his painful past that he finds the trust he needs to pursue his relationship with Louisa.

Emmet’s daughter Ellie has her daddy wrapped around her little finger and she easily manipulates him into doing what she wants. She is spoiled and rather bratty in the beginning of The Cowboy Father. But Ms. Ford does a wonderful job redeeming her character into a fun-loving and adorable child.

While the overall plot is interesting, The Cowboy Father is a little slow paced. The setting and time period are interesting, and Ms. Ford does a beautiful job weaving Scripture into Louisa and Emmet’s day to day life. Their romance is sweet and grows naturally out of their newfound friendship and mutual concern for Ellie’s well-being.

Fans of historical romance that enjoy faith-based novels are sure to enjoy The Cowboy Father. The characters are engaging and likeable with true to life flaws and imperfections. Linda Ford delicately handles Louisa’s infertility in a realistic and thoughtful manner.

Although it is the second book in the Three Brides for Three Cowboys series, The Cowboy Father can be read as a standalone novel.