The Faithful Cowboy

Pre-Order Releases December 8, 2026

As a widow with young children, rancher Lottie Wilkes is determined to do two things. First, she’s determined not to get married again so that she doesn’t become like her fickle mother, who’s had many husbands. Second, Lottie wants to prosper and protect her ranch, which is proving hard to do against those who think there’s no place for women in ranching.

Jameson Noble has been a drifting cowboy since the day he ran away from home after a falling-out with his family. As he arrives at the Longhorn Ranch hoping for work, he finds himself in the middle of a gun battle, helping the beautiful ranch owner fend off the neighbor, who’s been harassing her.

Grateful for the assistance, Lottie agrees to hire Jameson for a month, which is as long as he’s willing to stay. His steady and faithful presence wins over her sons, and it’s not long before she’s falling for the drifter too. When her boys beg her to convince Jameson to be their new father, she refuses to consider love and remarriage . . . until it’s too late and she stands to lose everything.

• Drifter
• Cowboy for hire
• Wounded hero
• Prodigal hero
• Strong and independent heroine
• Widow with children
• Pretend marriage turns into more

The inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.