Catching the Cowboy (Summer Creek, #1)

by Shanna Hatfield

[phyllish]

A fun start to a new series

I wasn't quite sure what to think when I read the synopsis of this story. I know I like Shanna Hatfield's books but was unsure how I could like a character like Emery. The type to get drunk and attempt to steal a horse?

At the onset, even when Emery was sobbing in a jail cell, I wasn't a fan of hers. After all, even her tears were selfish. Yet Ms. Hatfield knew just how much to show of Emery's spoiled character before allowing enough of a glimpse of her heart to make me not want to stop reading. I was quickly able to see deeper into Emery and found that she wasn't irredeemably awful. And I found myself liking her and cheering her on for the way she threw herself into the community service projects she was assigned.

I did like Hud from the very beginning, though I had to agree with Grammy Nell that he was a bit dense at times, at least where Emery was concerned. He was a delightful, handsome, hardworking single father who doted on his little girl, affectionately known as Cricket. (Incidentally, I loved that Emery's father called her Magpie - how fun that these girls were both nicknamed for their chatty nature!)

Being highly sentimental myself, I loved the way that Emery saw antiques and sought to find the stories behind them. The way this played out in her desire to revive the dying town was unexpected!

This is a fun, sweet, small-town romance with a hint of spirituality. Not enough that readers who prefer no religion in their stories will be offended - this mostly comes out in prayers before meals, a reference to attending church, and a reference to the changes in her character being related to a restored relationship with God.

While it was clear that Emery and Hud fell in love with each other for their personalities, their physical attraction played a part as well. A little more than I am comfortable with - of her admiring him with his shirt off, or one of them bending over and the other ogling - things like that. Otherwise, the story is clean.

If you enjoy romance in a Western setting, I can recommend Catching the Cowboy. I'm looking forward to reading more from the Summer Creek series!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.