Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

The Cowboy by Amanda Lewis takes you to a quaint little town in Texas where Bea St. Claire decides Elijah Callahan is the man she will marry. During the summer vacation, Elijah goes into town every Wednesday to eat out and grab his dog a couple of hamburgers, which happens to be at the restaurant where Bea works. Convinced she needs to get his attention, Bea goes to his ranch to ask if she can draw his likeness. What she finds there surprises her and gives her a new mission. She hopes to get his attention, but she can't even tell if this handsome yet moody man can even tolerate her presence. Elijah enjoys Bea's optimism but can't seem to find the right words to talk to her. With a past like his, it is best to stay clear of him. Can Bea crack Elijah's outer shell and let her into his heart?

I found The Cowboy a sweet contemporary romance that brought a smile to my face. Amanda Lewis brings a little town alive with its busybodies, gossip, and ghost stories. This well-written novel weaves a hopeful woman, a lonely man, and an intricate underlying mystery into an engaging storyline. The pace is quick while Bea races to have Elijah fall in love with her by the end of the summer. Lack of communication and misunderstandings add a complex web of drama. I love how the author inserts hope and persistence, making you feel like it will end well even if you can't see how. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a country romance.