Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) [Paperback]

Sharon Gillenwater (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Callahans of Texas | Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Can you ever get a second chance at your first love?

Jenna Callahan has a young son and rewarding work on her father's ranch. She's content. But she never expected to see Nate Langley again, who after two tours of duty in the armed forces, has some healing of his own to do. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him--and become the man Jenna deserves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . features likable characters and a heartwarming plot. It will please fans of traditional love stories with an infusion of faith . . ." -- Library Journal

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Can you ever get a second chance at your first love?

Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town--the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago.

And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.

Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him--and become the man Jenna deserves.


"A slice of American life--as current as today and as timeless as love always is. Both tender and realistic."--Lyn Cote, author, Texas Star of Destiny series

"A delightful yet realistic romance. Highly recommended, especially for returning vets and their ladies."--Gayle Roper, author, A Stranger's Wish


Sharon Gillenwater was born and raised in West Texas, and loves to write about her native state. The author of several novels, she is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When she's not writing, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, and adorable grandchildren.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Reprinted edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800733533
• ISBN-13: 978-0800733537
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #342,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sharon Gillenwater's first novel was released in 1988 by Dorchester. Since then, she has written for Berkley (Sharon Gillenwater and Sharon Harlow), Harlequin Historicals (Sharon Harlow) and in the Christian market for Multnomah, Steeple Hill, Love Inspired, and Revell. Though she has also published six English/Scottish historical romances, the majority of her books are set in small West Texas towns, similar to the farming and ranching community where she grew up.

Sharon's current project is publishing her numerous out of print titles as e-books. Love Song, Book 1 in the Buckley, Texas Series, is currently available on Kindle. Texas Treasure, Book 2 (previously titled Antiques), and Texas Tender, Book 3 will be available soon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sweet Romance and Wonderful Tribute to Military Servicemen, January 6, 2010

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) (Paperback)

"Jenna's Cowboy" by Sharon Gillenwater is one of the sweetest romances I've read in a long time. And if you are familiar with my reviews, you know that I read quite a few wonderful books! I love the Texas landscape that the author has painted in this novel that showcases ranching and cotton farming with equal story time and meticulous description to educate the reader and put her in the position that the main character, Nate Langley, occupies. Nate returns home from serving in the military to help his ailing father on the family cotton farm, taking on a part-time job with a neighboring rancher for some extra income. Nate is reunited with Jenna Callahan, the rancher's daughter and an old friend from high school. Happy to learn that Jenna is divorced and hoping to pursue a relationship with her as he should have back in school, Nate tries to balance a growing love with his own denial about sleepless nights and post traumatic stress disorder.

This book tenderly honors servicemen. I was touched by Gillenwater's handling of the issues associated with PTSD. And, even though the story wrapped up a little too neatly to be confused with a possible reality (though I will admit that God can do anything), I loved that the characters in this book displayed characteristics of true friendship and Christianity. Their reactions to the situations in this incredibly romantic novel put on display what a church family should look like. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, Nate received grace as he struggled with various issues that would make weaker men and women walk away. I am inspired that there are human beings on this planet like the characters in this novel who were willing to stand up for the one they loved and see him through the most difficult of times. I want to be that kind of person.

I am glad that this book promises to be the first in a series called "The Callahans of Texas". I look forward to reading more exciting and romantic fiction about these characters that emulate such admirable Christian behavior. I am also a sucker for patriotism, so this novel (and future books in this series) will find themselves on my keeper shelf.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars JENNA'S COWBOY, March 24, 2010

By 

Tamara Tilley (Hume Lake, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) (Paperback)

JENNA'S COWBOY was a tender romance. Jenna Callahan Colby is back at Callahan Crossing after the breakup of her loveless marriage. Feeling a bit like damaged goods, she hides out on the family ranch trying to make a new life for her and her young son, Zach.

Nate Langley has also come back to Callahan Crossing after his stint in the war. Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he struggles to get a grip on life. Working as a hand on the Callahan ranch is just like old times, and the feelings he had for Jenna then are even stronger now.

Both Jenna and Nate struggle with their attraction to each other. Both wounded, they are afraid to let someone in. Jenna has Zach to consider, and Nate is afraid he can't give Jenna what she deserves.
I enjoyed JENNA'S COWBOY though I did find it overly predictable. The depth of the Callahan family rounded out the novel, allowing you a comfortable sigh as you reached the end. Predictable as it may be, I most likely will pick up the next installment of The Callahans of Texas Series.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great story, abrupt ending, January 23, 2010

By 

Margaret Chind "Creative Madness Mama - Quilt... (Atoka, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) (Paperback)

It is plain to see in reading this story that Sharon Gillenwater is good at her research and explains things very well. I know nothing about ranching or farming, but I felt from the explanations and pictures drawn by her imagery were great. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance of the story and the cover is perfect for the character of Nate. While reading this book I was thinking about the different things that I was going to say in the review about how much I enjoyed the characters and the visualizations as well as their witty banter. Easily I could say that I enjoy this author and look forward to reading her books in the future. However, I felt that the last three chapters were such a lurch from the rest of the story. Perhaps I am on my own in that opinion, but I felt that it went in rather abruptly and then the story just ended. I know why "it" happened and understand that, but I feel that the "big event" could have had more closure. It felt to me that the story was going along great, and then just amidst the action it ended and did not wrap down. It leaves me feeling like I missed something and I think could have ended better. Overall great writing though and enjoyable.