The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Colorado Cowboy series and follows the story of Flynn and Linnea.
My Review of The Heart of a Cowboy
Linnea Newberry is a recently-widowed botanist who’s desperate to play her role on the team that had set put to catalogue the flora on the trail to Colorado
When she almost drowns, Flynn McQuaid rescued her.
The relationship between Flynn and Linnea blossomed slowly but with a passion that none of them expected.
The Characters in The Heart of a Cowboy
There were several interesting characters in this story ranging from the pompous Dr. Greeley to the precocious Ivy and the lady-charmer, Dylan.
Flynn was a great character: caring, helpful, and willing to do whatever he needed to take care of his family and those he cared about.
Linnea was a sweet character who quickly bonded with Flynn’s siblings especially his younger sister, Ivy.
I liked seeing their interaction as their friendship bloomed into love and the challenges they faced only made me root for them more.
The Themes in The Heart of a Cowboy
One of the major themes in The Heart of a Cowboy was that God takes care of us. Linnea was fond of ruminating on Matthew 6:25-32 which is a reminder that God cares about nature and He certainly cares about us.
Flynn especially had to learn that God took care of His people and that while He asks us to be good stewards, He is ultimately in control.
There was also a minor theme of forgiveness as Flynn had to work on forgiving his brother Wyatt for not being there when he needed him. He also had to forgive himself for his perceived failure to protect his family, especially his mom.
There was also a hint of what happened when people don’t feel good enough. Both Linnea and Flynn had to realize that sometimes you can do your best and still not be accepted by others.
Final Thoughts on The Heart of a Cowboy
The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Colorado Cowboy series but can be read as a stand-alone. As with all good stories there was an antagonist but I really wished he had gotten more of a comeuppance.
Overall, I enjoyed this story by Jody Hedlund and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
About The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book #2)
When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.
Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Howell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.
After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn’t need more complications.
When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Howell promptly
hires Flynn–unbeknownst to Linnea–to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As
Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all–falling for a woman he’s determined not to love.
Purchase The Heart of a Cowboy on Amazon | Baker Books
About Jody Hedlund
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty historical books for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards.
She writes clean, sweet romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.
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