Treasure Me, Cowboy

As a fellow writer of Christian fiction, I tip my hat (not a cowboy hat, but oh well) to this prolific writer for such an entertaining book. The western setting is fun and authentic, and her writing moves the dramatic adventure along at a brisk and satisfying pace. I devoured “Treasure Me, Cowboy” in two sittings and found the romantic interplay enjoyable. Things like rodeo dunk tanks add color to this drama about a whirlwind courtship.

One element often trips up writers in this genre, and that’s the God factor. In Debra’s book, most of the spiritual aura happens in the culminating third, but when it comes along it’s nicely nuanced. The great majority of books in the Christian-fiction realm either contain an imperceptible whisper of faith . . . or are clunky and heavy-handed. This good book doesn’t have any of the faux joviality that deadens many faith-based stories. She hits a cheerful balance in that regard, which is tough to achieve. The subplot with the drug-addicted brother is also unpacked in a gritty and sympathetic way.

I’m particularly in awe of the fact that Ms. Clopton has built a successful franchise of these well-received series. That’s tough to do, as all writers in the year 2020 know full well.

Worth a look!

Melody has her mind set on treasure. Hunting down an old legend and solving a mystery. It just so happens to be on Seth’s land and he’s…not interested. Even after his brother decides to let Melody spend the summer living on their property. She’s tempting, though.
Melody and Seth were a pair. Seth’s every bit outgoing and confident to Melody’s shy and withdrawn. He says what he’s thinking and knows what he’s about. Years of family strife, though, have left Melody withdrawn and hidden inside herself. I liked them both. His growl and how he softened up as they got to know one another. And how hard Melody was trying to change her life and do something just for her.

Melody plans to work all summer on research at a historic stagecoach house on the Turner Creek Ranch, hoping that she can get away from the emotional baggage that her brother weighs her down with. After living with his problems for so many years, she can’t seem to escape the merry go round. But, even though one of the brothers who own the ranch agreed to let her stay on the property, Seth, the one who actually lives on the ranch, tries to demand that she leave. Shocking both herself and Seth, she stands up to him and convinces him to let her stay.

Seth cannot believe what his brother has done. Allowing a history teacher to dig through all the family documents. He doesn’t want anything exposed. But, when she shows up with a treasure map, he decides to help her look.

What follows is a story that’s much more than simply hunting for buried treasure. Seth is an awesome book boyfriend. I actually like him more than I do Melody. He’s gentle, yet doesn’t shy away from telling the truth as he sees it. When he learns about Melody’s brother, he is brave enough to tell her how to get off the merry go round – whether she likes it or not. And, even though Melody doesn’t want to hear the truth about her brother, she needs to hear it. Melody, I suppose, fits the characteristic of a person who’s stuck in a dysfunctional situation. Consequently, I am a bit surprised at the timing of the romance. It would have seemed more realistic to have extended it out more – to allow Melody herself to move beyond her past more.

There are parallels in the story – Seth doesn’t want his family’s past exposed through her research. Meanwhile she doesn’t want anyone knowing about her brother. And, they may believe they are seeking a physical treasure, but in reality, they find other, more significant treasures.

All in all, even though I can’t totally relate to what Melody is going through, I am able to see Seth’s perspective and connect to the story that way. There’s not as much humor as some of the author’s other books, but there is a lot of sound advice concerning addictions.

Romance – PG / kissing
Language – PG / clean
Violence – threatening situation concerning Melody’s brother
My rating – 5 stars

Treasure

Melody is at the stagecoach house to do research to find out more about a lost treasure and the journals kept by the owner. Who happens to be Seth, Wyatt & Coles ancestor. Seth doesn’t want her there but it is something she needs to do. Will they find it, or will the find love.

A very good book, a must read if you like action packed and happy ending’s.

Loved this book. As someone who has a son with substance abuse issues, I felt it speaking to me. I saved some of the highlights in Evernote and sent them to a few people who know my life challenges. I changed the characters names to mine and my sons…
“Have you ever stopped and thought that your son’s issues and your issues are separate issues? He needs to come to grips with his problems. That’s painfully obvious. But, Julie from where I sit, you’re hiding issues of your own behind his. You’re a Christian and yet you have no faith. Have you ever stopped to think that God might be waiting for you to get out of the way and trust on blind faith and have peace in your heart that He is in control?”

God loves you, Julie . He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t forsaken you and I think, listening to you talk, that that is what you think. Life happens. No matter how much we love someone, we can’t make them make the choices we want them to make. We can only make the choices that are right for us. Romans 14: 12 is one of the Bible verses that gives me comfort when things seem out of my control. It says, ‘So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.’ Short and direct, just the way I like things.”

“Julie , dig deep and know that God has provided you with your answer. I know that He has. He has the answer. You’ll know in your heart what is right for you. All this turmoil you’re feeling is simply you fighting the truth as it pertains to you.”

“No. Actually, you were right. We all have to answer to God in the end, and no one can do it for us. I have to let Tim go. He was taught right from wrong and he’s chosen over and over again this lifestyle… and why not? What’s it costing him? Nothing. It’s costing me. It cost my parents. But it’s costing him nothing. Anyway, thank you for opening my eyes. I think you were actually an answer to my prayers—you were speaking hard truths that I needed verbalized.”

I can’t wait to read another in this series. Why aren’t there cowboys where I live!?

Author pulls you in with the characters. Issues they deal with are today’s problems nicely presented. You fall in love with the characters and the town and they become your friends. Very entertaining and nicely inspirational.

Great story ! Love it

I truly loved this book