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A Choice of Love
For him, playing the role of rescuer was his duty. For her, she would just as soon see him run.
Cowboy Matt Keath enjoys the perfect life. He has freedom, few responsibilities, and a dream job that lies just within his grasp. But when a letter arrives informing him of his brother's death, he can't escape the truth that family takes care of family. He saddles up and heads to his brother's farm outside of Osceola, ready to rescue his sister-in-law from her troubles and then escape back west as quickly as possible.
Emily Keath can't believe that her late husband's farm-hating, kid-wary brother would have the audacity to consider himself her rescuer. He's not equipped to take care of her farm, let alone her and her children. Perhaps if she can help him see his inadequacies, he'll realize that she's better off without him.
Between family arguments and barnyard trouble, the summer threatens to become one of sheer survival. Matt and Emily will need a stronger bond than necessity if they wish to work alongside one another--but anything stronger feels a little too permanent for either of their comfort.
Cowboy Matt Keath enjoys the perfect life. He has freedom, few responsibilities, and a dream job that lies just within his grasp. But when a letter arrives informing him of his brother's death, he can't escape the truth that family takes care of family. He saddles up and heads to his brother's farm outside of Osceola, ready to rescue his sister-in-law from her troubles and then escape back west as quickly as possible.
Emily Keath can't believe that her late husband's farm-hating, kid-wary brother would have the audacity to consider himself her rescuer. He's not equipped to take care of her farm, let alone her and her children. Perhaps if she can help him see his inadequacies, he'll realize that she's better off without him.
Between family arguments and barnyard trouble, the summer threatens to become one of sheer survival. Matt and Emily will need a stronger bond than necessity if they wish to work alongside one another--but anything stronger feels a little too permanent for either of their comfort.
- GenresRomanceChristian Fiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2024
30 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Alena Mentink
5 books87 followersAlena Mentink is a Nebraska author who enjoys mixing history with fiction characters to create a story for God’s glory. Alena lives on a farm with her parents and eight siblings, and is currently writing a series set near her home in Polk County. To find out more about her, visit her website at https://alenamentink.com/ and sign up for her newsletter to receive a short story, Never Too Far, that takes place in 1870s Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 20, 2026
“Your future isn’t the victim of your past choices.”
Matt Keath arrives in Osceola, Wisconsin, completely out of his element. He’s a cowboy with a past he’s decided to bury and is on his way, feeling duty-bound and eager to start afresh. Matt has a good heart. When he’s asked why he’s going to Oscelola, he replies, “Because I’m needed, that’s why.” I instantly liked this cowboy with a servant’s heart.
Emily Keath is struggling to make ends meet and her pride is keeping her from asking for help. At first, she butts heads with Matt at every turn. I’ve been there. Her independence resonated with me.
New-to-me author, Alena Mentink, has a lovely flow to her writing and I appreciated the sprinkling of humour…especially concerning Snooty! Mentink also layers her faith message extremely well. I was thinking of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4 when I read about the ranch owner trying to entice Matt to stay. I also liked Mrs. Durmond’s character; she’s bristly and Emily deals with her with such grace. I loved the references to the power of prayer and about a character being an answer to a prayer.
“You’d be surprised at how powerful prayer is, not just for the person you’re praying for, but for you too. Sometimes it changes the person who’s praying even more profoundly than the person who is being prayed for.”
“You have the power to change your eternity.”
I love learning as I read, too, and appreciated the author pointing out that cowboys and farmers are not synonyms. I’d never considered that “farmers were a threat in cattle country” and was eager to find out why.
I loved my time in this community and instantly sourced book two. I’ve also added this author to my auto-read list.
Matt Keath arrives in Osceola, Wisconsin, completely out of his element. He’s a cowboy with a past he’s decided to bury and is on his way, feeling duty-bound and eager to start afresh. Matt has a good heart. When he’s asked why he’s going to Oscelola, he replies, “Because I’m needed, that’s why.” I instantly liked this cowboy with a servant’s heart.
Emily Keath is struggling to make ends meet and her pride is keeping her from asking for help. At first, she butts heads with Matt at every turn. I’ve been there. Her independence resonated with me.
New-to-me author, Alena Mentink, has a lovely flow to her writing and I appreciated the sprinkling of humour…especially concerning Snooty! Mentink also layers her faith message extremely well. I was thinking of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4 when I read about the ranch owner trying to entice Matt to stay. I also liked Mrs. Durmond’s character; she’s bristly and Emily deals with her with such grace. I loved the references to the power of prayer and about a character being an answer to a prayer.
“You’d be surprised at how powerful prayer is, not just for the person you’re praying for, but for you too. Sometimes it changes the person who’s praying even more profoundly than the person who is being prayed for.”
“You have the power to change your eternity.”
I love learning as I read, too, and appreciated the author pointing out that cowboys and farmers are not synonyms. I’d never considered that “farmers were a threat in cattle country” and was eager to find out why.
I loved my time in this community and instantly sourced book two. I’ve also added this author to my auto-read list.
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February 28, 2024It's release day for A Choice of Love! I'm so happy to be able to share this story with everyone.
You may like A Choice of Love if you're interested by:
. A cowboy out of his element
. A widow trying to hold her farm together
. A talkative little girl and two man-shy little boys
. A villain on the warpath
. Plenty of faith content sprinkled throughout the story
Quote from the book: "True love is a choice we make, even though it doesn't always come easily."
You may like A Choice of Love if you're interested by:
. A cowboy out of his element
. A widow trying to hold her farm together
. A talkative little girl and two man-shy little boys
. A villain on the warpath
. Plenty of faith content sprinkled throughout the story
Quote from the book: "True love is a choice we make, even though it doesn't always come easily."
February 28, 2024
When cowboy Matt Keath gets word from the sister in law he’s never met that his brother Colton has died, he never thought he’d willingly go help her on the farm. Colton wanted this life, not him. He didn’t want to be behind a plow, planting, surrounded by children. And he definitely never wanted a wife, especially one like Emily. So just what happens when two stubborn, headstrong people try to work together to survive?
Alena has a gift with writing characters- I just loved little Joyanna, and couldn’t stand Mrs. Durmond! One of my favorite quotes from this story was when Matt went to church with Emily for the first time and heard Pastor Drew’s sermon: “If we want our lives to gain true meaning, then we must seek the One who gives meaning to all things. If we have formed our lives around mere things, then when those things go away, we are left empty and worthless. We have no purpose, and we are miserable.” This is such a good reminder to us all!
This is a story of second chances and the redemptive power of God’s grace and love. Thank you to the author for my copy!
Alena has a gift with writing characters- I just loved little Joyanna, and couldn’t stand Mrs. Durmond! One of my favorite quotes from this story was when Matt went to church with Emily for the first time and heard Pastor Drew’s sermon: “If we want our lives to gain true meaning, then we must seek the One who gives meaning to all things. If we have formed our lives around mere things, then when those things go away, we are left empty and worthless. We have no purpose, and we are miserable.” This is such a good reminder to us all!
This is a story of second chances and the redemptive power of God’s grace and love. Thank you to the author for my copy!
December 9, 2024
Oh this was a fine book in my opinion. All my favorite things wrapped in one book. First in the series, I’ll have to wait for the next.
Matt Keath is a cowboy and he loves that job. But when he gets news that his brother, a sodbuster has died, he has a decision to make. His boss has offered him a promotion that would mean more pay. He suddenly decides he needs to help his sister-in-law. Then follows a wonderful love/hate relationship. His nephews are scared of him, the milk cow kicks the milk bucket over whenever it’s full. He might have bitten off more than he can handle.
Found family challenge for library bingo.
This was a free download, I don’t remember where from. But that does not affect my honest review.
Matt Keath is a cowboy and he loves that job. But when he gets news that his brother, a sodbuster has died, he has a decision to make. His boss has offered him a promotion that would mean more pay. He suddenly decides he needs to help his sister-in-law. Then follows a wonderful love/hate relationship. His nephews are scared of him, the milk cow kicks the milk bucket over whenever it’s full. He might have bitten off more than he can handle.
Found family challenge for library bingo.
This was a free download, I don’t remember where from. But that does not affect my honest review.
December 30, 2024
"Duty without love was cold..."
"Duty without love was cold, but love without duty was pointless."
Engaging journey through trials and struggles many families face today while set in the wilds of the midwest in the 19th century.
The romance built so slow and gradual I felt as blindsided as the characters. It was truly a sweet clean read.
"Duty without love was cold, but love without duty was pointless."
Engaging journey through trials and struggles many families face today while set in the wilds of the midwest in the 19th century.
The romance built so slow and gradual I felt as blindsided as the characters. It was truly a sweet clean read.
February 17, 2026
I loved this book so much and I have a couple reasons why. It is set in Osceola NE (pronounced Oseela because midwesterners are crazier than the English language 😂) which I could relate to when it’s talking about the crazy and random weather and what it looks like etc. and what it was kinda like back then
I loved the main character Matt who is very blunt which is needed in a lot of the book and he has some really great character growth! He also was just such a well built character!
I loved that it kind of reminded me of Pride and Prejudice because the guy you don’t like proposes to Emily (the other main character ) and she says no, Matt proposes and she says no……and then he proposes again and she says yes. And I think I tend to like it and think it’s funny when the girl get proposed to several time in the story ( @AnneofGreenGables @PrideandPrejudice)
Also there were a couple things that I was not expecting including when Emily says she won’t marry him I was so shocked and had to take that in for a few minutes. Wether that was because I’m extremely unsuspecting (which very likely could be 🫣🤣) or that it genuinely was surprising it was fun to be so surprised!!!
I have not loved and had so much to say about a new book in a long time and I was very surprised at a couple things so good, good job Alena!
I loved the main character Matt who is very blunt which is needed in a lot of the book and he has some really great character growth! He also was just such a well built character!
I loved that it kind of reminded me of Pride and Prejudice because the guy you don’t like proposes to Emily (the other main character ) and she says no, Matt proposes and she says no……and then he proposes again and she says yes. And I think I tend to like it and think it’s funny when the girl get proposed to several time in the story ( @AnneofGreenGables @PrideandPrejudice)
Also there were a couple things that I was not expecting including when Emily says she won’t marry him I was so shocked and had to take that in for a few minutes. Wether that was because I’m extremely unsuspecting (which very likely could be 🫣🤣) or that it genuinely was surprising it was fun to be so surprised!!!
I have not loved and had so much to say about a new book in a long time and I was very surprised at a couple things so good, good job Alena!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
You want to know what is so weird about this novel...?
I actually thought, I would not like it very much,
that it would be kind of 'boring',
and so on,
thus I waited,
and left it in my kindle books,
for almost exactly one year!
But boy was I wrong, I ended up loving it,
it was NOT boring,
and I loved the faith content!!
I really thought all the characters were well formed.
I guess if I had any criticism
( well not exactly 'criticism.....
but would have wished for two...3 changes )
It would have been to see the betrayer, become a Christian,
and
the woman who thought she had the market on being a Christian,
to also become a real Christian,
and have finally gotten
a soft heart, compassion, love, and a caring attitude.
But all the others were perfect.
I also love the pace of the story...
I am really not big on cliff hangers
but somehow, the few hangers...in this novel
did not bother me that much....
Because they were not so terrible
like when you don't know if a character survived
a terrible accident, or the bad guy!!!
And you must read 10 chapters
of this and that fluff...
before you find out if they lived.
I loved how God worked
in the hearts of all but 3 characters.
The changes in the other main characters
were beautiful.
maybe the author, can revisit
the 3 not changed characters,
at some point...
I know not everyone will be saved
but I read fiction sometimes
to escape that sad reality....
In a novel, all can....
or could become believers....
And it is so uplifting!!!
I don't mind if they have to have some very hard knocks
before they wake up to the TRUTH....
Anyway, I hope to read more of this young author's work.
Hey! I don't get it!
How is it that sooooo many young folk
are becoming such seasoned authors at such a young age?????
( says me:
who is working on turning 81 this year).
Yup, This novel was not what I thought it would be,
in the best way possible!
I actually thought, I would not like it very much,
that it would be kind of 'boring',
and so on,
thus I waited,
and left it in my kindle books,
for almost exactly one year!
But boy was I wrong, I ended up loving it,
it was NOT boring,
and I loved the faith content!!
I really thought all the characters were well formed.
I guess if I had any criticism
( well not exactly 'criticism.....
but would have wished for two...3 changes )
It would have been to see the betrayer, become a Christian,
and
the woman who thought she had the market on being a Christian,
to also become a real Christian,
and have finally gotten
a soft heart, compassion, love, and a caring attitude.
But all the others were perfect.
I also love the pace of the story...
I am really not big on cliff hangers
but somehow, the few hangers...in this novel
did not bother me that much....
Because they were not so terrible
like when you don't know if a character survived
a terrible accident, or the bad guy!!!
And you must read 10 chapters
of this and that fluff...
before you find out if they lived.
I loved how God worked
in the hearts of all but 3 characters.
The changes in the other main characters
were beautiful.
maybe the author, can revisit
the 3 not changed characters,
at some point...
I know not everyone will be saved
but I read fiction sometimes
to escape that sad reality....
In a novel, all can....
or could become believers....
And it is so uplifting!!!
I don't mind if they have to have some very hard knocks
before they wake up to the TRUTH....
Anyway, I hope to read more of this young author's work.
Hey! I don't get it!
How is it that sooooo many young folk
are becoming such seasoned authors at such a young age?????
( says me:
who is working on turning 81 this year).
Yup, This novel was not what I thought it would be,
in the best way possible!
April 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The interactions between characters and the reactions to things that happen are very true to life. The cowboy who has to become a farmer provides a lot of comic relief. Romance happens, but I like the the amazing thing is that there's no swoony kissing! The relationship has grown as love is expressed through actions, not physical attraction (that's there, but not prominent).
November 7, 2024
Great story!
I really enjoyed reading this story of love lost and found. It also showed the challenges of reinventing yourself when you never thought it was possible to change direction in your life. I appreciate the emphasis on trusting in the Lord and surrendering our lives to Him. This was a sweet story.
I really enjoyed reading this story of love lost and found. It also showed the challenges of reinventing yourself when you never thought it was possible to change direction in your life. I appreciate the emphasis on trusting in the Lord and surrendering our lives to Him. This was a sweet story.
January 23, 2025
Enjoyed this book so much! I loved the note to the reader with the story behind the book and the research. It makes me want to research this area and the topics more. Great characters that are easy to fall in love with and amazing twists! I’ll definitely recommend this series to some friends and family.
*I received this book as part of a fundraiser giveaway.
*I received this book as part of a fundraiser giveaway.
January 30, 2025
This is a great book. I don't usually read romance, but this book kept me interested from cover to cover.
March 26, 2025
Love it!
September 28, 2024
Set in the late 19th century, A Choice of Love by Alena Mentink is a heartwarming Christian historical romance that brings readers back to the frontier town of Osceola, Nebraska. In the first book of the Home to Osceola series, Mentink introduces cowboy Matt Keath, a free-spirited ranch hand, whose dreams are filled with open skies, solitude, and a promising career as a foreman. But when a letter arrives notifying him of his brother’s sudden death, Matt's life is abruptly turned upside down. Duty calls him back home to Osceola, where his brother’s widow, Emily Keath, is struggling to maintain the family farm and raise her two children.
Emily is no damsel in distress. She’s a fiercely independent woman who sees Matt, her late husband’s estranged, farm-hating brother, as nothing more than an inconvenience. In her eyes, he’s ill-prepared to take care of the farm and her family. As tensions rise between them, Matt and Emily must navigate not only their grief but also their conflicting approaches to life and love. Yet, as the farm's hardships push them to their limits, they begin to see past each other’s flaws, realizing they may need each other more than they initially thought.
Mentink sets the tone for a heartfelt journey with a rich opening scene where Matt surveys the beautiful Nebraska landscape, content with his life as a ranch hand, blissfully unaware of the upheaval that’s about to unfold. The descriptive, serene beginning provides stark contrast to the chaos Matt finds in Osceola, which mirrors the turmoil in his relationship with Emily. The plot builds on their slow transformation from adversaries to partners, giving readers a deep emotional arc to follow. Both characters are wonderfully developed, with Matt’s protective instincts and Emily’s resilience clashing and ultimately melding into a compelling love story that balances faith, duty, and personal growth.
A Choice of Love is a poignant exploration of family, responsibility, and finding love in the most unexpected places. With its vivid setting and complex characters, Mentink’s novel is sure to resonate with readers who appreciate clean, faith-driven historical romance.
Emily is no damsel in distress. She’s a fiercely independent woman who sees Matt, her late husband’s estranged, farm-hating brother, as nothing more than an inconvenience. In her eyes, he’s ill-prepared to take care of the farm and her family. As tensions rise between them, Matt and Emily must navigate not only their grief but also their conflicting approaches to life and love. Yet, as the farm's hardships push them to their limits, they begin to see past each other’s flaws, realizing they may need each other more than they initially thought.
Mentink sets the tone for a heartfelt journey with a rich opening scene where Matt surveys the beautiful Nebraska landscape, content with his life as a ranch hand, blissfully unaware of the upheaval that’s about to unfold. The descriptive, serene beginning provides stark contrast to the chaos Matt finds in Osceola, which mirrors the turmoil in his relationship with Emily. The plot builds on their slow transformation from adversaries to partners, giving readers a deep emotional arc to follow. Both characters are wonderfully developed, with Matt’s protective instincts and Emily’s resilience clashing and ultimately melding into a compelling love story that balances faith, duty, and personal growth.
A Choice of Love is a poignant exploration of family, responsibility, and finding love in the most unexpected places. With its vivid setting and complex characters, Mentink’s novel is sure to resonate with readers who appreciate clean, faith-driven historical romance.
February 21, 2024
Mentink crafts a gentle story of faith, loyalty, and trusting God's ways are higher than our own. The characters are well-developed, the children are just too adorable for words, and the plot incorporates romance, faith, and danger to create an emotional story that will keep readers turning the pages.
With well-done character arcs, a plenitude of faith, and gentle romance, this is a book fans of Christian historical romance are sure to enjoy.
With well-done character arcs, a plenitude of faith, and gentle romance, this is a book fans of Christian historical romance are sure to enjoy.
March 31, 2025
Great read. This was a new to me author. I struggled to like Matt for a while, but he slowly matured and changed to the point he became an awesome likable character.
Great plot and characters. I'll definitely be checking out her other books
Great plot and characters. I'll definitely be checking out her other books
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews