Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

This book is an absolute delight! I am a huge fan of the Texas Happily Ever series, and this book did not disappoint. The fact that it’s a clean, closed-door romance with no language makes it a refreshing read, and the sweet, tender romance between Samantha and Asher is simply adorable.

The gender-swapped Cinderella retelling is such a unique twist—Samantha takes on the role of the prince while Asher plays the role of Cinderella, and it’s so creative and refreshing. The Western setting adds such charm to this reimagining of the classic fairytale. I loved that the stepmother and two younger brothers weren’t wicked and evil but were instead sweet, innocent, and endearing. It was such a welcome change from the usual.

The relationship between Samantha and her brother, Clint, was incredibly heartwarming and genuine. It was wonderful to see that sibling bond and how it added to the depth of the story. The faith elements were beautifully woven in, with scenes of prayer and verses from the Bible that felt natural and not forced.

The romance between Samantha and Asher made my heart swoon! Their slow-burn friendship that blossomed into love was such a beautiful journey to watch. I also loved how Samantha’s relationship with her father developed, bringing depth and emotional growth to the story. The tension and drama with family secrets added another layer of intrigue, and the mystery kept me hooked with its twists and turns.

Speaking of twists, I didn’t see that ending coming at all! The themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption were handled so well, and I loved seeing some morally grey characters become more layered and complex as the story progressed.

Overall, this book was a wonderful blend of heartwarming romance, family drama, and faith. If you’re looking for a sweet, unique retelling with great characters and a satisfying, surprising plot, this story is definitely worth reading! Highly recommend!