Releasing September 22, 2026

As a widow with young children, rancher Lottie Wilkes is determined to do two things. First, she’s determined not to get married again so that she doesn’t become like her fickle mother, who’s had many husbands. Second, Lottie wants to prosper and protect her ranch, which is proving hard to do against those who think there’s no place for women in ranching.

Jameson Noble has been a drifting cowboy since the day he ran away from home after a falling-out with his family. As he arrives at the Longhorn Ranch hoping for work, he finds himself in the middle of a gun battle, helping the beautiful ranch owner fend off the neighbor, who’s been harassing her.

Grateful for the assistance, Lottie agrees to hire Jameson for a month, which is as long as he’s willing to stay. His steady and faithful presence wins over her sons, and it’s not long before she’s falling for the drifter too. When her boys beg her to convince Jameson to be their new father, she refuses to consider love and remarriage . . . until it’s too late and she stands to lose everything.

• Drifter
• Cowboy for hire
• Wounded hero
• Prodigal hero
• Strong and independent heroine
• Widow with children
• Pretend marriage turns into more

The inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.

Reviews for The Faithful Cowboy

• Bailey: A shoot out is a great way to start a story, especially a cowboy one. It’s an exciting way to kick off the tale, and it sets the stakes high right from the beginning. The tension remained high throughout, whether it was the romantic, personal, or external drama. There were some great twists, some that were unexpected. It is a shorter story but still packs a punch. There is character growth, swoony romance, danger, and forgiveness.
• Carolyn: Richly crafted characters completely pulled me into their lives making me feel like a part of their world as I rooted for a happy future. I love Jameson’s protectiveness of Lottie and her sons and how he so easily and sweetly interacts with the precious little boys. I enjoyed Lottie and Jameson’s high-chemistry but clean romance. I definitely recommend this engaging, satisfying read. 
• Margaret: I think this is my favorite of the books so far because of the faithfulness of the cowboy. He really lives up to that title. I can’t tell you all the reasons because it will give away one of the major plot twists.
• Taylor: Fake marriage stories are so fun to read and this one does not disappoint! 
• Linda: The Faithful Cowboy is my favorite so far. Author Jody Hedlund is an expert at writing romance with the right amount of sizzle and surprise. Check this series out!