Releasing October 28, 2025

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is doing his best to start over in the high country of Colorado. He’s gaining back his life, but he’s missing one thing—his mail-order bride, who should have arrived well before Christmas.

Fleeing from her husband’s murderer, Amelia Stone makes it to Breckenridge, Colorado, as a mail-order bride. When she’s thrust into a wedding with her groom by an excited crowd, she hopes that this time she will have a respected place in the community and a happy home to give to her unborn baby.

Thatcher is relieved his bride has finally arrived, but it doesn’t take long after the wedding for him to realize that many things about his new wife don’t add up. When he and Amelia finally figure out there’s been a bride mix-up, they’ve already started developing feelings for each other. But Thatcher’s real mail-order bride is still on the way. Can they find a way to stay together before it’s too late?

• Mail-order bride
• Marriage of convenience
• Mistaken identity
• Bride mix-up
• Forced proximity
• Pregnant widow
• Bachelor veterinarian

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 Favored Cowboy

• The Literate Leprechaun: I love it when I feel that I know more than the characters and, in this case, it made for a really compelling read. I loved the focus on finding true love, on the pain of rejection, on getting justice, and how providence has a way of turning messes and mistakes into miracles. I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel!
• Bailey: Thatcher and Amelia’s story was a sweet picture of how wonderful it can be when you truly love and care for another and are shown that love in return. 
• Angeline: I would totally recommend this book! The book was engaging and easy to read. The characters were lovable and I was rooting for them the whole way. I am so excited to read the next book in the series. 
• Lori: Y’all this was wonderful! I loved every minute of this book. I simply couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in one evening.
• Naomi: Another swoon worthy romance from Jody Hedlund.
• Taylor: If you enjoy mail order bride stories and marriage mixups, you will love The Favored Cowboy! You really can never go wrong with a Jody Hedlund book!