In ONE LESS LONELY COWBOY the aging rancher Mike Reardon hires a cowboy for necessary help at times, and Jack McKenzie, training a paint filly, is welcoming but properly not over-friendly. Lily rediscovers her old photos and trophies, for everything from pleasure riding to raising rabbits. Can her daughter settle down to a similar life? Jack meanwhile is trying to find a tactful way of repairing a barn roof without telling the rancher that he's old and infirm. Mike, unsure how to treat a teenager and his independent daughter, is running a co-op and raising grass- fed beef without drugs.

I enjoyed reading about the realities of ranching life and a natural approach to rearing beef cattle. Now that Lily is a mother herself she is concerned about growth hormones, antibiotics and corn feedlots. Modern realism is present with the expectations of a young teen and the wandering life of the day-worker. Small ranches cannot afford to hire a man full-time but at certain times of year such as calving the skilled worker is invaluable.

"You bring your own horse, your own gear, your own tools, and you do what you're hired to do the way the boss wants it done." All very well for the man.

"But a girl has a baby, she has to become a woman very quickly." So life discriminates.

Kathleen Eagle recreates ordinary conversation skilfully, in ONE LESS LONELY COWBOY. Like real life, not every minute is packed with drama, but major changes occur gradually and big decisions have to be made. I really got to know her characters and enjoyed the developing romance, as well as the backdrop of the debate on grass-fed cattle. I recommend this book to lovers of western romances and anyone who wants a good, absorbing read.

Book Summary