Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen

Synopsis:

She shouldn't get involved with the cowboy next door...

Laid off from her teaching job in the city, Jemma Monroe takes a job teaching in a tiny town and rents a house on the outskirts. A visitor soon shows up at her door—a horse. His owner, a handsome neighbor in boots and a cowboy hat, comes by to collect him.

When single dad Wyatt Langford meets Jemma, it’s the first time he feels interest in a woman since his wife left. But she’s his daughter’s new teacher, so they both know they should keep their distance.

Nonetheless, Wyatt keeps finding excuses to spend time with Jemma, and Wyatt’s daughter becomes more and more attached to her. With them, Jemma discovers the good things about country life, from starry skies to s’mores cooked over a fire. But she still misses her past life in the city. Is there any reason for them to dream of a future together?

My Review: 5 Stars

Jemma Monroe heads to the small town of Haven Lake to take a temporary teaching position after she was laid off. She didn't quite know what to expect from the small town but she was up for the adventure. And boy did she get one! Where else would you answer the knock at the door to see a horse standing there? Or be in the middle of teaching and have a slithery, forked tongued vistor make an unforgettable entrance? Or meet a handsome, yet grumpy, cowboy that gives you butterflies?

Wyatt Langford has sworn off women ever since his wife left him and their daughter, Bailey Rae. He never wants to experience that kind of heartache again. Nor does he ever want to pick up the pieces of his precious daughter's heart after someone leaves them yet again. But he can't deny the pull that Jemma has on him. He'll just have to do his best to stay as far away from her as possible because his heart isn't the only one on the line. 

Staying away proves to be a problem, especially in a small town. The more Jemma and Wyatt get to know each other, the more time they want to spend together. Throw the adorable Bailey Rae into the mix and they all start feeling like they're a family. 

But Wyatt can't forget that Jemma's time in Haven Lake is only temporary. He'll have to decide if he should push her away once and for all or take a leap of faith to see if maybe, just maybe, they can become the family they all have been longing for. 

*dreamy sigh* 

For those of you that don't know, I'm a sucker for small town and single parent tropes. And when you put the two of them together in the same book, I'm instantly hooked and can't wait to read it! 

I'm happy to say that Country Hearts did not disappoint! I instantly fell in love with Jemma, Wyatt and Bailey Rae and couldn't wait for their story to unfold. I could not get enough of the banter back and forth between Jemma and Wyatt. I found myself busting out laughing and enjoying every minute of it. Add the little matchmaker, Bailey Rae, into the mix and there's no way you aren't going to love this book.

And I absolutely adored Haven Lake! I felt like I was transported there and I didn't want to leave. I wanted to curl up in Havenly Brew and watch life unfold around me while I'm nibbling on all the yummy treats and trying the new, fun drinks. This was the perfect book to curl up with on a quiet weekend. 

This is my first book by Ms. Madsen and I'll definitely be looking into reading more of her books. 

And of course I can't forget my casting! I pretty much saw these two from the very beginning. What do you think?!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*