I haven't read the other books, but found this book rather good,it can certainly be read as a stand alone book. The characters in the book all seemed like they were real people. This book touches on alcoholism, death, people not being as kind as they could be and others who are downright mean, infertility and even rules over helping someone in trouble. Spoilers below alert.

I felt the book wrapped up quicker than I was ready for, Jesse's initial motivation to become Amish was for a woman, rather than for any real conviction that it was the life for him. I would have liked seeing a little more into the Bishop's character and what he felt about Katie's marriage and pregnancy, and how he felt about many of the Amish moving away. I enjoyed the book but likely wont hunt up the others in the series.

A perfect end to a great series, this final book in the Amish of Apple Grove Series was the best of them all. It takes up the story of Jesse, the cheeky cowboy we met in the first book. We follow as his character moves from flighty, irresponsible drunkenness to develop a strength and depth we can truly admire. Along the way, we learn about grief, alcoholism, and the history of cattle barons and antisepsis in medicine. The action starts early in the book and keeps you turning pages till the very end. Although it could stand alone, I'm so glad I read it to end the series - so satisfying. I cant recommend it enough!

Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith in their new book, "A Cowboy At Heart" Book Three in The Amish Of Apple Grove series published by Harvest House Publishers takes us into the lives of Katie Miller and Jesse Montgomery.

From the Back Cover: She loves me... she loves me not... she loves me

Kansas, 1886-Jesse Montgomery is beginning to feel restless. He's been off the Chisholm Trail and on a family farm for a year now. Though he is grateful to Luke and Emma for helping him get on his feet again after a few bad choices and some hard living, surely the Lord doesn't want him to stay in Apple Grove forever. Doesn't the Almighty have plans for this reformed rowdy cowboy to build a life of his own?

When an unscrupulous cattle baron tries to steal Amish land, Jesse intervenes and is wounded. Lovely Katie Miller, the young healer in the district, attends to him while trying to guard her heart. This sweet Amish widow cannot risk falling in love again-especially with an Englisch cowboy, charming though he may be. And yet-she believes God has a life for her too that is more than what she can presently see. Could God possibly have a plan for both of them far beyond what they can see?

This is the third and last book in this series, which I am sorry to see come to an end, and this time the focus is Jesse Montgomery. You can read this volume as a stand alone with no problem but it is a lot more fun when you know the character's growth from the first two books. If this was a movie it would be the kind that John Wayne made during his middle period and he would be Jesse. There is a cattle rancher trying to drive off the Amish farmers and Jesse stands up to him almost getting killed in the process. Katie tends to him and the sparks fly but each is wounded and needs to heal before their romance can actually work. In the meantime the battle is on for the safety of Apple Grove. "A Cowboy At Heart" is a romance but it is much, much more. Ms. Copeland and Smith explore the themes of Grief over the loss of a spouse and Standing your spiritual ground when it seems that all is lost. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next series from this talented duo.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Harvest House Publishers for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"A very satisfying conclusion to the Amish of Apple Grove series. Once again, the characters were interesting, believable, and endearing. The plot flowed smoothly and the conflict resolution was clever. Though I enjoyed all three books, this one was my favorite because all the loose ends were neatly and happily tied up. Bishop Miller was a tragic figure, but not beyond hope, and I enjoyed watching Jesse find peace. Katie's bareness tugged at my heart and I admired her courage in the face of her trials. To be a healer when your own heart is broken is one of the secrets of life. Lovely story."

Another good book by dual authors. Lori & Virginia seems to flow together as God writes the book.

I could so see Ranchers doing to the Amish like Mr. Littlefield did to Jonas. But Jonas being so forgiving is a lesson for us all. Yet Jonas had to work to fight his anger and remain calm.

I've really never thought about Amish being around in the 1800s.

Having read the story of Jesse before on cattle drives with Luke, it is refreshing to read of his struggles with whiskey and faith. I lived with a guy in my house growing up who fought both.

God's plans for Jesse, Jonas, Amos and Katie are revealed. A new Amish Community if formed because God leads the Amish same as anyone else.

My 12 year old granddaughter was reading the title yesterday and asking questions about the book.

Jesse's recovery from a bullet wound and a bishop who is hard to deal with were interesting to read.

The whole story is about forgiveness when wronged. Something that isn't that easy believe me.