A Cowgirl on His Doorstep

The Blackwell Belles #3

by Anna J. Stewart

Could his instant family…

Be her forever home?

Cowboy Shane Holloway tackles every challenge with rugged determination. But managing his father’s struggling ranch while raising his brother’s three orphaned children is running his wounded heart ragged. When trick-rider-turned-renovator Iris Blackwell shows up to work on his father’s ancient trailer, he discovers two important things—she’s as warm and bright as a Texas sunset, and she’s an unwanted distraction. Until her fun-loving spirit and genuine care start to heal his little family. Can their love entice the vagabond cowgirl and her rescued border collie, Cosmo, to stay?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

The Blackwell Belles

Book 1: A Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis
Book 2: A Cowgirl Finds Home by Carol Ross
Book 3: A Cowgirl on His Doorstep by Anna J. Stewart
Book 4: A Cowgirl's Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine
Book 5: A Cowgirl's Christmas Reunion by Cari Lynn Webb

Genres: Harlequin

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Anna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. She primarily writes for Harlequin's Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy romance). In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in the Daphne duMaurier Award for Excellence, the National Readers’ Choice and had one of her books optioned as a TV movie. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create. Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, or re-watching her all-time favorite shows, Supernatural and all things Star Trek and Star Wars She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the third book in the Blackwell Belles series. I did get into this story, and I liked the main female character. This book left me wanting more connection between the main female and male characters and more drama. I just wanted more. There was some really cute moments with the kids and animals in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Carrie Schmidt]

A Cowgirl on His Doorstep is all kinds of fun, y’all! I love Anna J. Stewart’s writing style and her always-on-point talent with dialogue and characters, and this one may just be my favorite example to date. I could particularly hear Shane’s voice in my head (swoon!) and adored the banter and conversations between him and Iris, as well as with the kids and his dad Butch. Basically I just had a big ol’ smile on my face from the first page to the last and definitely plan to keep a copy on my shelves so I can re-read it when I need a pick-me-up.

Like her other 4 sisters, Iris Blackwell is estranged from her mother, Flora. And, honestly, if I had a mother like Flora I’d probably want as much distance between us as possible too! Stewart does a great job of depicting Flora as a character who drives you crazy (but you also can’t help but begrudgingly love her) and makes you sad since it’s clear she hasn’t figured out who she is outside of the glory days of her showmanship past. As a result, not only has her oblivious single-mindedness pushed her daughters away (hence the necessity of her ‘apology tour with Big E and Denny), it’s made them all the more determined to do what she can’t – define themselves without the ‘Blackwell Belles’ label. And boy has Iris done that! I loved her unique career (refurbishing/restoring RVs and trailers) as well as watching her excel at it. But most of all? I loved her sense of humor and her big heart. Iris is exactly the kind of person I’d want to be friends with in real life, and I would be first in line to shove her toward taking a chance at ‘forever’ with Shane and his family.

Because oh sweet mercy. From swoony cowboy uncle Shane to his adorable nephews Miles and Eric, his precious niece Ruby Rose, and his crotchety-but-loving dad Butch, the Holloways completely stole my heart. Shane had the ability to make me laugh AND melt at the same time (usually when he got a little exasperated at how easily Iris was taking over his heart… if you haven’t noticed it before the Sundance scene, you will for sure then). I also confess to shedding a few tears. You see, the Holloways are grieving, and here again Stewart fabulously captures the nuances of their emotions and the different layers to how it affects their dynamics. Iris is a breath of joy-filled air for them, yes, but they provide the same respite for her heart too. Needless to say, Shane and Iris easily became one of my favorite couples in recent memory, and it’s in large part to the family he brings with him to the relationship.

Bottom Line: If you’re in need of a warm, heartfelt story with plenty of fun humor, complex family dynamics, and swoony romantic chemistry, then A Cowgirl on His Doorstep by Anna J. Stewart should be your next read! While this is part of a continuing, multi-author series (that builds off other Blackwell series by the same authors), you can still enjoy it as a standalone title if needed. But I highly recommend bingeing on the Blackwells if you’ve got time over the holidays because they’re all delightful. Iris and Shane – and his family – are delightful too, and they moved right on in to my heart as though that’s where Iris was working instead of Butch’s old RV. Stewart’s pitch-perfect & witty writing voice always sweeps me into the story and keeps me immersed in every word until the end, and A Cowgirl on His Doorstep was no exception. Looking forward to meeting the next Blackwell sister soon!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Michelle Pierce]

What a wonderful book! I really liked how we had a little bit of Big E and Denny at the beginning but for the most part, this book was pretty much Shane, Butch, the kids, and Iris and of course the animals, especially Cosmo. I really liked Iris and getting to know more about her and what a great business that she has put together for herself, Saddle-Up and her traveling trailer Wander Woman, what a perfect name. From the beginning when she shows up at the Holloway Ranch to help with a trailer rehab, I had an inkling feeling there was more to this than meets the eye. I liked how we also get more of the backstory on Butch and Shane and what happened in their lives that Shane is now father to his niece and nephews and how there is tension between the two. The kids were so cute, especially Ruby Rose and I really enjoyed how everyone got to know each other better and started being part of each other’s lives. However, per usual, just when things are plugging along, Butch has invited some ‘friends’ for dinner and of course we all know who is going to show up. I really felt for Iris because it was pretty much an ambush to her, and I didn’t like that for her. Shane realizes what this is and helps stand up for Iris, not that she needs it. I really did like how Iris finally had an awakening and had a somewhat decent conversation with her mother. I am wondering however if in the end Flora can pull off the deals, she’s been making in order to get her daughters on board for the HOF performance. Because right now there are three deals on the table, and they aren’t little deals either. This book is really great, and I liked how Shane and Iris deserve each other, especially because he sees her for her and will stand up and be there for her. The ending with the ‘video update was so perfect. This is my favorite book so far in this series and now we’re off to stop number four of the apology tour featuring Flora, of course, and Big E and Denny.

[Yvonne Cruz]

This is the third book in the Blackwell Belles series, but if like me , you have not read the previous ones, rest assured that the author gives the readers enough background information to make it a stand alone.
Shane Holloway returned to the family ranch when his brother and sister in law were killed and entrusted him the care of their three children. HIs father, Butch, recovering from a heart attack, is still struggling with the loss of the son that loved the ranch, adjusting to his new life, and working with the son that feels his father is not happy with to have him around.
But everyone is in for an unexpected change in their lives when former Blackwell Belle, Iris Blackwell, now a renovator of RVs, trailers etc, is hired to renovate Cassidy, Butch’s dilapidated RV.
While an attraction is evident, Shane is struggling with his new roll as a father, the kids are missing their parents, Iris’s past and her family relations are almost non-existent and Butch can’t seem to move forward.
When all seems moving along well, an unexpected visitor turns Iris’s world upside down, and the future she was starting to dream about, will likely not happen.
This is a clean romance about family and the struggles that sometimes occur within them. It’s also a story about taking chances in life and love. As well as overcoming grief and heartaches, especially when hope is within reach.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford]

A Cowgirl on His Doorstep is the third in The Blackwell Belles series but can be read as a stand alone story, however I suggest reading the previous stories for a little background into the family and characters that appear but mainly you will want to read them for the pure entertainment and delight of the series. Iris Blackwell was part of the Blackwell Belles along with her 4 sisters but after the group broke up and the sisters each went their separate ways. Iris now renovates RV's and makes custom furniture, loving her nomadic life with no one to answer to and the freedom of the road. Shane Holloway has returned to the family ranch to raise his two nephews and niece after the death of his brother and sister-in-law, as well as take care of his father. He is working hard to save the struggling ranch and isn't happy when his father hires Iris to renovate an old RV, but when upon meeting her his wounded heart begins to heal and he knows he must find a way to convince Iris to take a chance on permanence. When Iris' mother, grandmother and great-uncle show up, old feelings and hurt threaten what she and Shane are building. They both must face and overcome the past to have the happy future that they want. This was another amazing installment in the series with wonderful characters and a lot of heart felt moments.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Gale]

Reading the Blackwell Belles’ stories is such fun! Okay, I adore “Big E” and Denny as they are such great busybody characters and yet I’m still...let’s call it annoyed at Flora (the Belles’ mother). This time, it’s Iris Blackwell’s turn and it is such a great story. I won’t get into detail as reading it is way more fun (!), but Iris shows up at the Holloway ranch to rehab Butch (Papa) Holloway’s RV, aka Cassidy. And for old movie fans, that reference is hilarious. Iris meets all the Holloways – “Uncle” Shane, Butch’s youngest son, and Butch’s grandchildren: Eric, Miles, and Ruby Rose. The Holloways story is heartbreaking and warm and fuzzy but Iris showing up? Makes it all just that much better!

I love the growing relationship between Shane and Iris. Shane is SO not pushy but he tries to help everyone around him work thru the trauma and drama in their lives. And Iris is so helpful with that – at least for Shane and his family – as Shane is to Iris and her family...issues.

What a warm, loving, crazy story! Loved this installment of the Blackwell Belles. Shane and Iris are perfect together, and as a team. And Butch as a sneaky old man is perfect. And the kids – they will not only break your heart but make it grow in size. Loved this book!

[MK]

The third book in the Blackwell Belles, 5 in total, which is a new series by some fabulous authors. Ms. Anna J. Stewart, Melinda Curtis, Carol Ross, Cari Lynn Webb, and Amy Vastine. I also want to mention this is the fourth Blackwell series that these authors have written.

I loved Iris Blackwell. She’s a former Blackwell Belle where she used to perform with her sisters trick riding. Now she’s out on her own renovating things. A job renovating an RV for Butch Holloway gets very interesting when she meets Shane along with his niece and two nephews. She learns of something that the family all went through which breaks her. Iris has issues about trusting, and Shane well he’s trying to be there for his father along with the kids. A lot has happened in there family. Iris seems to know the right thing to say. The only thing is she doesn’t want any help with her situation.

A big surprise shows up at his ranch, and Iris is not sure how she feels about it. I loved it. It had me reaching for tissues.

[Valri Western]

This story was utterly delightful! I fell in love with every character for different reasons! Iris Blackwell and Shane Holloway were a great couple that definitely weren't looking for love, but it found them anyway! Iris had a past she had completely shut the door on and now had a very successful business of renovating RVs. When she shows up at Shane's ranch to renovate his father's RV, Shane is suspicious at first but soon learns that Iris is heaven sent for his family. His brother and sister-in-law recently died, and he's been trying to hold down the fort with raising their children, taking care of the ranch and dealing with his grief and his father's. It's a lot to handle! Iris seems to connect with all of them while avoiding her pain. However, their attraction to each other is there from the get-go! Each of the children were so precious and I love their inclusion in the story. When Iris's mother, grandma and great uncle, Big E show up, look out! There's a showdown a foot! A tender, sweet, yet fun story!

[Julia David]

Loved the story. Loved the characters. Kids and dogs are the best. The Blackwells are a stubborn bunch. Iris might be the most stubborn. She has cut herself off from her family for 12 years and if it was up to her, she wouldn't see them for another 12 years. When she goes to do a job on the Holliway ranch, she finally finds a place that might make her want to put down roots. It scares her and she isn't sure she even knows how to love someone. Shane, and his family, is just the guy to prove to her that she is loveable and loved. When Big E, her grandmother and her mom ambush her, she is so mad. She knows her mother wouldn't be there unless she wanted something, and Iris will not give her anything. Can Iris put down roots? Can she stay in one place and accept the love the Holliway family wants to give her?

[Lia Lorimer]

Ex-trick rider, Iris, having turned her back on her family, thoroughly enjoys her nomadic career of renovating dilapidated RV trailers, travelling with her dog, Cosmo. However, shortly after arriving at the Holloway Ranch in the North Texas town of Cottonwood Creek, this attitude is tested by spending time with Shane, his troubled nephews and niece, and his irascible dad.
Ms Stewart writes an emotive story, dealing with family relationships complicated by unfulfilled expectations, misunderstandings, tragedy and grief, and the healing that can follow honest communication. The characters are well-portrayed, with the author showing an empathetic understanding of the children’s interaction and behaviour The eloquent writing style ensures that the reader is immersed in all aspects of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dodge]

This is a clean romance. This is a part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Iris is estranged from her family. She travels around the country refurbishing campers/trailers, etc. When she arrives at a ranch to refurbish their trailer, she meets the son first rather than the father, who has contracted with her. Shane isn't sure about her at first, but she becomes part of the family. Can he get her to stay and put down roots?

This is a cute and sweet cowboy romance. It definitely shows family dynamics and how different they can be, family to family. This is an easy read to lose yourself in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise Schenk]

When Iris Blackwell, a trick-rider-turned-renovator, arrives at Shane Holloway's ranch to refurbish his father's old RV, Shane finds himself immediately drawn to her. Shane is busy raising his brother's three orphaned children and managing the family ranch. Iris, who is estranged from her mother and sisters, prefers it that way. Although Iris feels an attraction to Shane and the children, she avoids relationships. As their mutual interest grows, Shane also becomes adept at caring for the children.
When Iris's mother, grandmother and great uncle show up she is totally blindsided. She knows her mother is wanting something from her.

[MaryEllen]

Iris and Shane each have issues with trust and self-worth within their families.
Her stay with his family begins shoring up some of those issues, until trouble finds her.

The story was well told, and the characters were wonderful. I liked that their relationship grew slowly, from friendship and respect. I hate what she had to go through to get to where she felt OK with herself but love that he was the first in line to protect and defend her.
I've not read the other books in the series and thought this one stood OK on its own.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from BookSprout.

[Lynn Brooks]

Adorable and heartfelt! I loved every minute of Iris and Shane's unputdownable story! I'm a big fan of the Blackwells, so getting to enjoy a new one is always a treat. Iris pulled at my heartstrings even stronger than the rest of her sisters have so far. The characters were well developed, the angst was gentle yet meaningful and the warmth of the family she lucked into joining was really sweet. I loved them!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and the Blackwells that came prior too to anyone that enjoys a sweet romance filled with sass and a really buttinsky but loving family.

[Kate Vale]

Another of the Blackwell Belles series, in which former Belle Iris Blackwell takes a job refurbishing an old RV for the father of rancher Shane Holloway. Iris soon becomes involved with the three children Shane is now parenting after the deaths of his older brother and sister-in-law. In doing so, she also finds herself wanting what Shane has--a family. But Iris is not capable of love, or so she thinks.

The question then becomes, can Shane convince her otherwise? Or will the unexpected arrival of Big E and Iris' mother ruin Shane's plans?

[Lesley]

After a roaming childhood as a Blackwell Belle, when her family imploded after an accident, Iris made herself a career where she never got attached to people or her surroundings and was always on the move. However her latest project finds herself on a ranch with a grieving family, who soon start to tug on the heart she didn’t think she had. Will the unexpected arrival of her estranged mother send her back out on the road again?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sunnie]

This was such a sweet read. I loved it. And I have loved this series! The Blackwell Belles, Iris Blackwell and her sisters were a group that performed as trick riders. Now Iris remodels trailers and travels all around as she does this work. And that's how she meets Shane as his father requested she work on his old camper. It's a sweet romance and I love the family appeal. This was a book worth reading and I really enjoyed it.
I received and ARC copy of this book. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janice Sisemore]

A cowgirl on his doorstep

I loved all the characters in this book. Iris is restoring an old camper for Shane’s dad. Shane and his family has suffered a lot of loss. Shane is raising his nephew and niece. He has a big job. I loved the kids in the story and my favorite part was the dogs and other animals in it. I enjoyed this story so much.

I received a copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Beatrice Followill]

Book three in the series , We meet Iris and learn her story . I really enjoyed getting to know her , her innovative designs and fun remodel jobs she does when she meets Shane and his family who are Reeling from a loss as well .As Big E, Denny and Flora make their way to make amends , Iris wins the hearts of everyone .I really enjoyed this story .Look forward to meeting the last two sisters of the Belle Family .

[Eris]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Iris and Shane. Iris travels around the United States remodeling rvs. Shane runs the family ranch, he is guardian of his brother’s three children. His brother and wife died in an auto accident. Iris comes to Shane family’s ranch to remodel his father’s rv. There is an attraction. They each have issues but together they solve the issues and fall in love.

[Stacy]

I loved getting to know Iris, Shane and the rest of the Holloway gang. This was a fun and cute little story. I must say I missed the meddling of Big E and Denny, the story was almost done before they popped up... but then again I suppose we wouldn't have gotten to see all of the sides of Iris if they had shown up earlier.

[Lela]

This is the third book in the Blackwell Belle series. Big E, Denny & Flora need to track Flora’s daughters down to get them to perform at her Hall of Fame induction. Iris remodels RV’s and campers back to their glory and has a job on the Holloway Ranch. This is where she is tracked down by her family and at the same time unexpectedly falls in love with Shane Holloway.

[Marissa]

Can a trick-rider save a cowboy’s ranch and his heart? Struggling rancher trying to keep his father’s ranch afloat while raising his brother’s three orphaned children will meet his match when she enters his world. It is a heartwarming story that will tug at your heart strings. It is a sweet romance that you will enjoy.

[Suze82]

wonderful
This is the first book I´ve read from this author but it surely won´t be the last: I just loved everything about it. A male main character with a good heart but in over his head, children having to cope with loss, an optimistic female main character spreading sunshine and a cute rescued dog: don´t they just deserve to find love and happiness as an insta patchwork family?

[Peggy Baldwin]

This is the 3rd book in the Cowgirl series and Iris Blackwell shows up at the Holloway Ranch and Shane is not thrilled and while Iris is working on the trailer sparks ignite between them but Iris is planning to leave when she is done her job.In the meantime Shane's Dad Butch invites Iris's family to the Ranch who Iris hasn't contacted in 12 years.I am really enjoying this series

[Frankie]

Hero is a likable and decent character who has his hands full raising his brother’s kids and managing the family ranch. Heroine has family and trust issues. The back & forth pull got tiresome to be honest but it is still a sweet read.

[Barbara Tobey]

This was my first experience with the Blackwell Belles. Loved it. Of course, now I want to read the previous ones and any to follow. Many misty-eyed, sweet moments. Interesting family issues. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Brenda]

The third book in the Blackwell Belles series. The third daughter of the trick riding.group remodels RV's. I live in one so I was intrigued with the remodel of Cassidy. I loved this book so much and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Louise]

I found this to be a fantastic read. Was a lovely storyline with great characters. Recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Holiday Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Blackwell Belles (Book #3)