Barbour Publishing, Mar. 2016
Reviewed By Bonnie Roof
~5 stars!~
THE COWGIRL'S LASSO
1895 - New Mexico
Needing a foreman to help run the Desert Pony Ranch inherited from his uncle, godly British transplant Jonah Sparks - a man of strong ethics - asks mentor and previous Desert Pony foreman, 74-year old Charlie. Being far past his prime after helping friend Mr. Matheson on his ranch, Charlie instead recommends his protégé foreman of 8 years - C. J. Matheson.
Little does 6'3" Jonah realize C. J. stands for Celia Jo and his new foreman will be a 5'8" female with a confrontational and combative mind of her own. The two immediately lock horns and sparks fly. Jonah with nerves constantly on edge, unable to relax, and feeling he can't have a woman running his ranch - plots to contrive unbearable situations to make C. J. quit, thinking this a way he will feel less guilt in letting his old pal Charlie down than if he fires C. J.. Foremost a businessman, Jonah fails to see C. J.'s talent at being a foreman - a talent Charlie recognizes.
C. J. has been told "no" all her life - as if she has no intelligence or know-how. From her father who had dwindled the family ranch away in debt and mismanagement to her 4 older brothers who always think they know better than her. Being denied her dream and passion of running a ranch, C. J. runs from her brothers and their suggestions of an arranged marriage, living with an aunt in Chicago, taking a position as a seamstress, and a train ticket to an elite school in Boston for young women in transition.
Neither C. J. or Jonah are aware that lovable, gruff Charlie has an ulterior motive in bringing the two together. One of the numerous realistic and heart-warming characters in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso', Charlie is based on one of the author's uncles. The wording and imagination with which the novella is written is exquisite - I laughed out loud at the scene in which C. J. is greeted with a spider invasion.
'The Cowgirl's Lasso' is Jaime Jo Wright's debut published work. I've followed her journey from writer to published author for several years via her Facebook posts and her blog with 3 other writer/authors: Coffee Cups and Camisoles. 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' was more than worth the wait - a charming, witty, entertaining novella laced with tender, touching moments of faith and love. I'm looking forward to Jaime's next work: 'Gold Haven Heiress' from The California Gold Rush Romance Collection - releasing August 1st, 2016.
Needing a foreman to help run the Desert Pony Ranch inherited from his uncle, godly British transplant Jonah Sparks - a man of strong ethics - asks mentor and previous Desert Pony foreman, 74-year old Charlie. Being far past his prime after helping friend Mr. Matheson on his ranch, Charlie instead recommends his protégé foreman of 8 years - C. J. Matheson.
Little does 6'3" Jonah realize C. J. stands for Celia Jo and his new foreman will be a 5'8" female with a confrontational and combative mind of her own. The two immediately lock horns and sparks fly. Jonah with nerves constantly on edge, unable to relax, and feeling he can't have a woman running his ranch - plots to contrive unbearable situations to make C. J. quit, thinking this a way he will feel less guilt in letting his old pal Charlie down than if he fires C. J.. Foremost a businessman, Jonah fails to see C. J.'s talent at being a foreman - a talent Charlie recognizes.
C. J. has been told "no" all her life - as if she has no intelligence or know-how. From her father who had dwindled the family ranch away in debt and mismanagement to her 4 older brothers who always think they know better than her. Being denied her dream and passion of running a ranch, C. J. runs from her brothers and their suggestions of an arranged marriage, living with an aunt in Chicago, taking a position as a seamstress, and a train ticket to an elite school in Boston for young women in transition.
Neither C. J. or Jonah are aware that lovable, gruff Charlie has an ulterior motive in bringing the two together. One of the numerous realistic and heart-warming characters in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso', Charlie is based on one of the author's uncles. The wording and imagination with which the novella is written is exquisite - I laughed out loud at the scene in which C. J. is greeted with a spider invasion.
'The Cowgirl's Lasso' is Jaime Jo Wright's debut published work. I've followed her journey from writer to published author for several years via her Facebook posts and her blog with 3 other writer/authors: Coffee Cups and Camisoles. 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' was more than worth the wait - a charming, witty, entertaining novella laced with tender, touching moments of faith and love. I'm looking forward to Jaime's next work: 'Gold Haven Heiress' from The California Gold Rush Romance Collection - releasing August 1st, 2016.
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GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Cowboy's Bride Collection will be given away to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) To be eligible be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
An awesome review of what sounds like a witty, fun story with a lot of colorful characters, BONNIE! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana!! 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' is such a delightful fun read, however, you'll love the dramatic and sweet scenes also!!
DeleteAwwww Bonnie. You always make me love you more! Thank you for the review and so blessed to you and Carrie for featuring my debut!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just so true?? :) Bonnie's top shelf...a peach...a bright star in the night sky :)
DeleteThanks for your sweet comments, Jaime!! I pray I did justice to your 1st published "baby" and feel blessed Carrie gave me the opportunity to feature it on OWG. As I commented in the review - 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' was so worth the wait, I'm so looking forward to your next release. Love you too, Jaime!!
DeleteThank you, Caryl - hugs!!
DeleteBeautiful review I'd love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ora Dee!! So glad you stopped by to visit OWG again. So many things to love in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' as well as the other 8 novellas in the collection. Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteP.S. Please leave a way to contact you - should you be our winner, Ora Dee!! Thanks!!
Deleteoradeerocks@gmail.com
DeleteWonderful review. Thank you for sharing about the story. :-) ahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm always honored to share wonderful Christian Fiction, Melissa. I think you will love 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' - good luck in the drawing and thanks for your kind comments!!
DeleteThe cover photography caught my attention, so I clicked on over. Your review makes me want this book right away, Bonnie. It sounds like so much F*U*N! Being quite a 'horselady' myself, I know I'd love it! :) I say 'horselady' after being asked by a first grader once (at a school presentation) if I was a 'cowgirl'. I have my cowboy hat on, after all. But I never messed with cows, only horses...and I was no longer a girl, but a lady...hence 'horselady' :) I'm looking forward to your story, Jaime!
ReplyDeleteLOL, love the story of "cowgirl" vs "horselady", Caryl!! Love the online pics of you on your horses, also - I'm sure you're quite the "horselady" and will enjoy the horse scenes in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'. I think my description of the novella is an accurate description of Jaime, herself: "charming, witty, entertaining, laced with tender touching moments of faith and love" - she interspersed her personality so perfectly in her novella. Thanks for your support and wonderful comments, Caryl!!
DeleteYour review makes me want to read this even more! I follow Jamie on Facebook and just love her sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad my review was a further encouragement to read 'The Cowgirl's Lasso', Andrea!! It has so much of Jaime's personality in it - I know you will love it!! Thanks for commenting, please leave a form of contact should you be our winner!!
DeleteGreat review Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteI read this book and loved each story in it....(so am not entering the contest).
Blessings,Tina
Thank you so much, Tina!! I've only read Jaime's novella so far - but will get to the others with time. I love everything about the Barbour novella collections - stories, the pages themselves, covers, etc.!! Thanks for your support and your comments, blessings back - my friend!!
DeleteI love the book. The interview made me want to buy it. Thank you for the giveaway. mommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net
ReplyDeleteHi, Tammy!! So glad I was able to convey Jaime's wonderful story in such a way it would compel you to read it. It's such a fun novella with characters you will cheer for and which will touch your heart also. Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteBONNIE, thank you for the excellent review! Who can resist a cowboy?! Not me, that's for sure! I'm excited for Jaime's debut release!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
I'm excited for Jaime also, Caryl - so can't even begin to imagine how excited she is over 'The Cowgirl's Lasso', her debut release. And yes, I think there are many readers who find cowboys irresistible, lol. You'll find some cowboys to swoon over in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso', as well as some you will probably dislike. However, it's a wonderfully entertaining novella - with some touching scenes also. Thanks for your sweet comments and your support!!
DeleteI am so excited about reading this book! Jaime's story sounds so good! Thanks for the review, Bonnie!
ReplyDeletebetherin02 AT gmail DOT com
I am so excited about reading this book! Jaime's story sounds so good! Thanks for the review, Bonnie!
ReplyDeletebetherin02 AT gmail DOT com
Hi, Beth!! Jaime packs a lot of story into her novella, 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'-it's for sure you'll find some humorous scenes, however, there are some tender ones also. Thanks for your comments, please stop by OWG again soon!!
DeleteThis sounds like a great book with some wonderful authors contributing. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
9 gifted authors and 9 wonderful novellas in 'The Cowboy's Bride Collection', Susan. I think you will especially enjoy Jaime's 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' - a beautiful job, no one would guess it's her debut release. I hope you have the opportunity to read it soon - good luck!!
DeleteCongrats to Jamie Jo Wright on her first release! Sounds like a fun read.
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Patty, I think you'll find numerous humorous scenes in 'A Cowgirl's Lasso'- as well as some dramatic and heart-warming ones. Such fun to read about the "sparring" between C. J. and Jonah!! I wholeheartedly agree with those congrats to Jaime. Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteAwesome review, Bonnie! Sounds like such a delicious set-up and story!! I need this book, lol!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Noela!! 'A Cowgirl's Lasso' is such a fun story, but it also came across to me as a lesson in pride and not "judging a book by it's cover" or first impression, so to speak - with both C. J. and Jonah. Some touching moments and lessons along with the fun. And yes - it is a "delicious set-up and story", I hope you get the opportunity to read it.
DeleteSo fun to see Jaime Jo Wright here. Such a fun collection! I would totally love to add a print copy to my evergrowing collection! :D Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sydney!! I agree - so much fun to feature Jaime's debut work here on OWG, and such a wonderful group of authors and stories in 'The Cowboy's Bride Collection'. As I stated previously, 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' was more than worth the wait - I know we can expect many more entertaining and inspiring stories from Jaime!! Barbour novella collections are wonderful, aren't they?? Good luck in the drawing and thanks for your comments.
DeleteCJ sounds like a spunky cowgirl who can wrangle a British gent! I need to look for this fun collection of stories.
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised a gmail dot com
LOL, yes - C. J. is all of that and more, Merry!! I think you will love her story and the other stories in 'The Cowboy's Bride Collection' as well. Good luck and thanks for your fun comments!!
DeleteI can't wait to read your book. I love it when the sparks began to fly, I just know this book will be so much fun to read. Thank you so very much for offering a print copy for your giveaway.
ReplyDeletepam1lunsford at gmail dot com
LOL, if you enjoy sparks flying in the stories you read - you will love 'A Cowgirl's Lasso', Pamela!! A lot of fun reading in this novella, but also some tender, touching moments of faith and love. An added bonus to the winner will be the other 8 stories, from 8 different authors, in 'The Cowboy's Bride Collection'. Thanks for your wonderful comments, Pamela!!
DeleteP.S. Correction: 'THE Cowgirl's Lasso', sorry - Jaime!!
DeleteThis sounds like such an awesome book! Thanks for the review, Bonnie - and the chance to win!
ReplyDelete~Sarah
bookluver1492[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi, Sarah!! Barbour has some totally awesome novella collections. I think you will love The Cowboy's Bride Collection and especially Jaime's 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'. Good luck in the drawing and please stop by to visit us at OWG again soon!!
DeleteSounds like a great story and one that I would love to read! rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot) org
ReplyDeleteGlad to "see" you again, Rebecca!! 'A Cowgirl's Lasso' is such an entertaining, inspiring story - I hope all who comment on my review will have the opportunity to read it. Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteLovely review Bonnie, as always! Full of excitement for readers like myself who wants to dive in and meet CJ, Jonah and of course, Charlie!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Annie!! My prayer is always that I convey elements of each book I review which will entice readers to partake of it's beauty and inspiration. There is much for them to love in 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'. I appreciate your support and encouragement of OWG - and me, personally!!
DeleteLovely review, Bonnie! I am very sure this book will be enjoyed by many. Thanks for the giveaway - I certainly would love to win :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind comments, Betti!! The Barbour novellas are always a big hit with readers - such beautiful covers and pages, with the opportunity to read wonderful stories by numerous gifted authors within the same book. Jaime's 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' is a beautiful part of this one, as I stated above - she has a 2nd novella releasing in a few months, also a part of a collection. I'm certainly looking forward to many more published works from her!!
DeleteI sincerely hope you have the opportunity to read 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' - please leave a way to contact you, should you be our winner!!
Thank you ALL for the lovely comments on my novella release!! I can't figure out how to respond to each of you individually, so here's a collective THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jaime!! 'A Cowgirl's Lasso' is a beautiful story, I'm honored to be able to share it with others and am looking forward to your next release!!
DeleteCan't wait to read the whole thing! I have been picking and choosing my stories in it. LOL. They are all fabulous!
ReplyDeletelattebooksAThotmailDOTcom
You're so right, Susan - Barbour novella collections always have fabulous stories!! I feel sure you'll enjoy 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'!! Enjoy, thanks for commenting!!
DeleteOh me! This book would be one I would ❤️ to read! I'm hoping I win for sure! I love the cover too!
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, Brenda!! 'The Cowboy's Bride Collection' has a beautiful cover, doesn't it?? I think you'll find the stories within - even more beautiful. Good luck and thanks for your comments - please stop by and visit with us at OWG again soon!!
DeleteThis sounds like a delightful read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the drawing. Justjan(at)rocketmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a delightful read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the drawing. Justjan(at)rocketmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by and commented, Jan!! Yes, 'The Cowgirl's Lasso' is just that - delightful, and much more!! Here's hoping you have the opportunity to read it very soon!!
DeleteI want to be one blessed commenter! I love these Collections ~ the paper, the edges, and... the wonderful novellas inside them.
ReplyDelete"C. J. has been told "no" all her life - as if she has no intelligence or know-how."
What fun to have an Uncle "Charlie." Blessings, Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Crossing my fingers for you, Kathleen!! I love Barbour's collections also - for all the reasons you mentioned, aren't the paper edges exquisite?? I'm sure Jaime feels blessed in having had an Uncle "Charlie" of her own - and you will feel blessed after reading 'The Cowgirl's Lasso'. Thanks for your comments!!
ReplyDelete