Book Review: The Cowboy Father

Author: Linda Ford
Title: The Cowboy Father
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
Publish Date: Feb 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 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.…

Review: The Cowboy Father is a very sweet love story. It takes place during the depression in Alberta, Canada. While the plot is something we've seen before, the characters are so real that it is easily overlooked.

Your first impression of Emmet's daughter, Ellie, is not a good one. She's in a body cast after a fall from a tree, breaks her leg. (I'm not sure why a broken leg would require a body cast, but I'm going to assume Ms. Ford did her research and that this is correct). She is the most stubborn obnoxious child, I've ever read about. However, she is a motherless little girl and she's cooped up in a house with nothing to do while she recovers, so her misbehavior is almost understandable.

Louisa is totally sweet and hardworking. However the diagnosis of her barrenness after a long illness is taking over her life. In a way, she comes across as feeling sorry for herself. No one could love her because she couldn't have a baby. The same is true for Emmet. He lets what he feels are failures from his past dictate his future. The reason for his guilt is revealed toward the end of the story, and deals with the death of his parents. I don't want to spoil the story for any of you, but I will say, when you read it, you will cry. I know I did.

This two broken people are definitely suited for each other, but it takes a lot to get them together. Oh and not to worry, there's another child for both Louisa and Emmet, but you'll have to read the book to find out more!

Rating: 4 flowers