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A Cowboy for KeepsJody Hedlund

Christian Historical Romance

A Cowboy for Keeps

by Jody Hedlund

Book 1 of the Colorado Cowboys series

341 pages · First published 2021

Greta Nilsson travels west to Colorado Territory as a mail-order bride, hoping the mountain air will improve her younger sister Astrid's failing health. But when bandits rob their stagecoach and Greta discovers her intended husband has died, the sisters arrive in Fairplay penniless and without a home. Rancher Wyatt McQuaid has troubles of his own, struggling to establish his cattle operation and build a secure future for his family. When the town's mayor offers to finance Wyatt's herd in exchange for marrying Greta and helping establish a respectable community, a practical arrangement seems to offer them both a way forward. Yet as the newlyweds face ranching hardships, unexpected revelations, and a growing attraction neither anticipated, they must decide whether a marriage born of desperation can become a lasting love. Perfect for readers who love marriages of convenience, rugged frontier adventures, and hopeful historical romance, this heartwarming story invites you to escape into the Colorado mountains and root for a family finding its way home.

Paired for this story

Blackberry Lemon Tea + High Plains Amber Ale

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Armed stagecoach robbery and theft; serious illness affecting a child; financial hardship and housing insecurity; death of an intended spouse before the story's central marriage; emotional distress and family-related insecurities; romantic attraction and kissing.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Blackberry Lemon Tea

Sweet blackberries and bright lemon offer a comforting contrast to Greta's difficult journey west as she searches for security, healing, and an unexpected place to call home.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

High Plains Amber Ale

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Mellow amber ale evokes the wide-open Colorado frontier where Wyatt struggles to build his ranch and discovers that the best things in life cannot be measured in cattle or land.

What you'll need

  • 12 oz Amber ale

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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