Jenna's Cowboy

Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater is Book #1 in the Callahans of Texas series, and is a love story set in beautiful west Texas. Jenna Callahan was just getting back on her feet after her husband left her and her new born son. She went back home to join her father on his successful ranch, and to be surrounded by family and friends. What she did not expect to see is her childhood friend Nate Langley back in town. Nate just got back from serving two tours of duty in the armed forces. He was welcomed home with a hero's welcome, but soon found out he had some healing of his own to do. Nate took a job at Jenna father's ranch, but it was soon discovered Nate was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder left over from the war. During this time Jenna and Nate rekindled their childhood feelings for each other, but first with the help of family, friends and a strong faith Nate slowly learns to put the terrifying images of the past behind him. Jenna's Cowboy is a sweet romance with a slice of reality. This love story reminds readers what many of our servicemen go through when they return home. If you are looking for an easy to read romantic story I would recommend this book, some of the romance is cliche but the story of post-traumatic stress disorder makes this a great read.

This book will really touch you. Nate's struggles with PTSD will make you think more about the people who risk their lives to defend our country. I had never spent much time thinking about the side-effects of war and the stress that a person would be under in those situations. Jenna's Cowboy made me even more appreciative of people like Nate who so bravely fight for us. The patriotism in these books is truly inspiring. I loved all the characters in this book! Jenna may have been hurt in the past, but she is willing to try to love again. And Nate is all too willing to be the one to help her heart heal. I am definitely going to be reading the other books in this series.

Jenna Callahan Colby knows what it's like to hurt, real bad. Her husband left her without a second thought. Leaving her not only empty and lifeless but leaving their son without a father. She returns to Callahan Corners to heal and work as a partner with her family on the ranch. Enter Nate Langley. After two tours of duty in war time he has seen and experienced lots of horrible things. He returns to Callahan Corners to help his father run the farm. When he sees Jenna needs help changing a flat he helps her out and realizes that the feelings he's had for her all his life are still going strong. Jenna feels that same pull. After all she has had feelings for him as well. Will these two scared souls ever be healed? Will they find the love they both so much desire? I loved this gentle and tender story of what God can do. Nate was such a great hero. He was so real and I loved how he spoke to Jenna. Jenna was a wonderful heroine. She was fun and loving and loyal to her family. I'm looking forward to getting to know the Callahan's better. I also learned about PTSD. I have heard that term but didn't really know anything about it or how it can effect you. Wow! It's something you deal with for the rest of your life. I highly recommend this romantic tale.

I loved this book. It's tender, intense, light in places and deeply meaningful in others. Nate's a hero in every sense of the word. He's every man who's served in the military and come home marked by the experience. I appreciate how the author honors our veterans. Did I mention the romance? It's truly heartwarming. Loved the first kiss! Loved the ending! I'm definitely looking forward to the next books in the series.

"Jenna's Cowboy" by Sharon Gillenwater is one of the sweetest romances I've read in a long time. And if you are familiar with my reviews, you know that I read quite a few wonderful books! I love the Texas landscape that the author has painted in this novel that showcases ranching and cotton farming with equal story time and meticulous description to educate the reader and put her in the position that the main character, Nate Langley, occupies. Nate returns home from serving in the military to help his ailing father on the family cotton farm, taking on a part-time job with a neighboring rancher for some extra income. Nate is reunited with Jenna Callahan, the rancher's daughter and an old friend from high school. Happy to learn that Jenna is divorced and hoping to pursue a relationship with her as he should have back in school, Nate tries to balance a growing love with his own denial about sleepless nights and post traumatic stress disorder. This book tenderly honors servicemen. I was touched by Gillenwater's handling of the issues associated with PTSD. And, even though the story wrapped up a little too neatly to be confused with a possible reality (though I will admit that God can do anything), I loved that the characters in this book displayed characteristics of true friendship and Christianity. Their reactions to the situations in this incredibly romantic novel put on display what a church family should look like. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, Nate received grace as he struggled with various issues that would make weaker men and women walk away. I am inspired that there are human beings on this planet like the characters in this novel who were willing to stand up for the one they loved and see him through the most difficult of times. I want to be that kind of person. I am glad that this book promises to be the first in a series called "The Callahans of Texas". I look forward to reading more exciting and romantic fiction about these characters that emulate such admirable Christian behavior. I am also a sucker for patriotism, so this novel (and future books in this series) will find themselves on my keeper shelf.