If you’re in the mood for a wholesome romance with plenty of heart and a hero you can’t help but root for, The Cowboy’s Secret by Jill Kemerer delivers. Set in the small town of Rendezvous, Wyoming, this story brings together many of the hooks Love Inspired readers love: a secret, a child, small-town charm, a cowboy and a cattle ranch.
Gabby Stover is a single aunt who’s been raising her niece, Phoebe, since birth. She’s fiercely protective of the little girl because of her own experiences with the men in her life.
Dylan Kingsley is Phoebe’s uncle on her father’s side, a multi-millionaire with no goals. But when he works as a cowboy at Gabby’s demand, he discovers a passion for the outdoors and the physical activity. He hides his wealth, though. He’s terrified women will use him for his money. More specifically, he’s afraid Gabby will be like other women and exploit little Phoebe for financial gain.
There was also humor in this book. I laughed out loud at the irony of Gabby calling this wealthy guy a “deadbeat.” And later when Dylan, pretending to be a cowboy, prays for God to help him with a drifting calf and then wonders why God would listen to the prayer of an imposter like him. Haha!
Another favorite scene was when Stu taught Dylan to fish. In that moment, Dylan began maturing as a man and continued to grow under Stu’s mentorship. This part of the story touches on the importance of fathers and how fathers can teach their sons to become men.
I’ll be honest. At times, I didn’t like Gabby. I found her demanding, and her reasons for hating cowboys felt somewhat weak. But Dylan? He won me over completely. His patience, humility, and willingness to work through all the obstacles Gabby throws his way, make him an appealing hero.
At its heart, this is a story about trust—not only in each other but also in God.
If you’re looking for a novel with a swoon-worthy hero, a Wyoming ranch setting, and themes of trust and faith, The Cowboy’s Secret is a great choice. Despite my occasional frustration with Gabby, Jill Kemerer crafted a story that kept me engaged and left me satisfied. 🙂
Get your copy here!
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