Cowboy for Hire

James (The Trouble With Cowboys) makes a second trip to charming Wishing River, Mo., in this heartfelt contemporary. Sarah Turner inherits her family’s ranch following the deaths of her parents and brother and is determined to take an active role in running it, but she’ll need the help of a capable foreman. After the ad she places in the paper is humorously misprinted (“Cowboy for Her: Experienced and skilled cowboy companion for lonely young woman”) Sarah’s grateful for the entirely professional application from experienced rancher Cade Walker, whom she quickly learns to depend on. Cade is at first surprised by Sarah’s grit and determination to learn the ins and outs of ranching, and then taken by her strengths and vulnerabilities alike. But Cade is afraid to act on his powerful attraction because he believes he’s unworthy of affection, the result of being raised by abusive, alcoholic parents. So when Sarah offers him her love, he self-sabotages, leading to a crisis that could end their relationship. James skillfully illustrates the redemptive power of love and the sweet relief of forgiveness. This emotional cowboy romance expertly tugs at the heartstrings. Agent: Louise Fury, The Bent Agency. (Apr.)