Here's the thing: I can have a dozen or more books on my tablet but when I get a new one by Carolyn Brown it always jumps to the top of the list. Simply put, Carolyn Brown is one of my go-to authors when I want a feel-good story that will make me smile. And so I expected nothing less from the latest in her Longhorn Canyon series, COWBOY BRAVE. My daughter and her friends ask if I'm reading another "mom book" and I tell them - yes, I certainly am. Carolyn Brown has brought me a lot of joy over the years. Welcome to COWBOY BRAVE.

Learning to separate yourself from your past is a difficult part of growth. Sometimes it's an event that triggers a feeling of inadequacy or self-consciousness. Or a word or deed that leaves an indelible imprint on who you are. Why is it so important what people think of you? When is it okay to look at your own reflection with pride and confidence? Does it take being loved?

Smart women know better than to judge themselves by other people's standards. Emily Baker is smart with a warm inviting personality. She is also gorgeous. But Emily is also tall and curvy, and her luck with dating hasn't gone well, and that has filled her with self-doubt.

Justin Maguire has been a very busy single guy, keeping mostly to one night stands and just looking for a good time. When he meets Emily, Justin takes a long look at himself and his lifestyle.

Part of Emily's memories is a moment when all she wanted was that special Valentine card. She is a true romantic at heart and it is so important to be the love of someone's life, which she sees in her parents' marriage, and she isn't willing to accept less. Nonetheless, Emily is finished with cowboys. Her job has brought her to town working in a senior center with some pretty terrific people, in particular, a group she calls the Fab Five. Older than dirt but as spry as they come. The Fab Five keep her on her toes and they have become her extended family.

No one would guess that Emily is actually from a ranch. Her family has a large spread in Texas. In fact larger than the Longhorn ranch. But she is determined to make her life away from places like her family home although it is very obvious there is a lot of cowgirl in Emily. It would seem you can take the girl out of the ranch but you can't take the ranch out of the girl.

Justin sees just how amazing Emily is in all so many ways. She is great with the Fab Five, loves people and animals, and isn't afraid of hard work. And let's not forget the fact that Justin thinks Emily is gorgeous. Justin is going to have his work cut out for him if he is going to persuade Emily that he is a very special cowboy. Justin already knows that his Emily is special. Now he has to show her just how special she is.

When you read how Justin decides how to show Emily how special she is to him you will surely sigh. Vintage Carolyn Brown at work.

Book Summary

TWO BOOKS IN ONE! AN ALL-NEW CAROLYN BROWN BOOK,
PLUS SECOND CHANCE COWBOY BY A.J. PINE.

This city girl's about to get a dose of cowboy charm

Emily Baker doesn't rough it - anymore. Born and raised on a farm, she's worked hard to distance herself from that life, thank you very much. But when the seniors at the nursing home where she works beg for a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to the Longhorn Canyon spread. With one glance at the sexy cowboy who opens the door, she's suddenly thinking a week with him might not be so bad after all. Justin Maguire doesn't quite know what to do with the gorgeous woman who shows up on his doorstep. She's all curves and confidence-even after stepping in a cow pile. Too bad she's determined not to fall for a cowboy. But with the help of five nosy, matchmaking seniors, he might just convince her he's worth the risk.

SECOND CHANCE COWBOY

Once a cowboy, always a cowboy! Jack Everett can handle working on the ranch, but turning around the failing vineyard he's also inherited? That requires working with the woman he never expected to see again.

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