Tough Yet Tender
Wounded but Strong
Never have I read a story about a wounded soldier that was so moving. Jody does a wonderful job of capturing all aspects of Brody McQuaid as he finds his way back to peace with God. He was always known as the tender heart in the family, but he was determined to fight in the Civil War, going against his family’s wishes. Unfortunately, this decision left him with some deep scars that he wrestles with until he hands them all over to God.
Wasn’t that how it was with God? When others gave up, He kept going, kept pursuing, always seeing the potential of a person tamed by His hands. (Hedlund, Jody p. 67 To Tame a Cowboy)
You will fall in love with Brody’s adorable niece Flora! She is a shining light in his life during some of his darkest times. Jody captures Flora’s sweet child innocents in scenes that will melt your heart, make laugh, and want to pull her out of the pages to hug!
She patted the mattress, mimicking what he did for her every night. And once he stretched out, she pulled the covers up and made a production of tucking every hem of the blanket around him snugly. Then she sat on the edge and proceeded to tell him the story in a singsong voice that imitated the way he read to her. (Hedlund, Jody p. 90 To Tame a Cowboy)
The message of purity is pulled into this story through our leading lady Savannah as she becomes friends with Brody’s younger sister, Ivy. This is something that is near and dear to my heart as I work with young ladies at school. Jody does an amazing job of passing this message on in a clear and concise manner.
Savannah paused, surprise coursing through her. She hadn’t known Ivy was courting anybody. And even if she was, a lady needed to use restraint. Her momma had always said a woman couldn’t give away her favors so easily. A man wouldn’t learn to cherish what he got freely but would prize what he worked hard to earn. (Hedlund, Jody p. 162-163 To Tame a Cowboy)
For those who love the romance, don’t worry Jody didn’t leave that out! She has scenes that make your heart flutter and leave you saying “Ahh…” as you slowly expel a breath of air. The romance in this book will have you longing to curl up in the arms of your own cowboy!
At her movement, his hands against her stomach drew her toward him more securely. The long length of his fingers splayed across her ribs almost possessively. He wasn’t touching her directly. A coarse woolen blanket covered her skin. Her bare skin.
LiteraryScape Book Club gives To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund 3 lassos! Brody and Savannah’s love story is sure to have you hooked and hog tied!
Check out our ratings for the categories below to be sure this book is a fit for you.
Mystery Level = Espresso (There is an expression or very little mystery to this story.)
Adventure Level = Mocha (There is a medium amount of adventure in this story.)
Romance Level = Mocha to Latte (There is a cross between a medium amount to a lot of romance that sizzles in this book.)
Be sure to sure to get your copy of To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund today! Check out our Book Buying Guide with direct links to purchase on Amazon.
Stay tuned for next week’s episode as we dive into Falling for the Cowgirl. The fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. Be sure to check out Jody’s website as the fifth and final book of the series comes out on February 14th!
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