What do you think?
Rate this book
Cowboy Country #3
The Cowboy's Surprise Baby
Hometown Reunion
After years away serving his country, Cole Bishop finally returns home—with a newborn baby in tow. As a single dad, Cole needs help. But the last thing he expects to encounter at his new job is his high school sweetheart—all grown up and more beautiful than ever. Tessa Applewhite might have broken Cole's heart years before, but she's never forgotten him. And he can wrangle her heart like no one else ever has. But Tessa rejected him when the stakes weren't nearly as high. Can Cole trust her again—and in the process, form a forever family?
After years away serving his country, Cole Bishop finally returns home—with a newborn baby in tow. As a single dad, Cole needs help. But the last thing he expects to encounter at his new job is his high school sweetheart—all grown up and more beautiful than ever. Tessa Applewhite might have broken Cole's heart years before, but she's never forgotten him. And he can wrangle her heart like no one else ever has. But Tessa rejected him when the stakes weren't nearly as high. Can Cole trust her again—and in the process, form a forever family?
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2015
15 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Deb Kastner
109 books147 followersPublishers Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 novels and two million books in print, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational and sweet western stories set in small communities, often including animals as major secondary characters.
Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband, her puppers Gabby and Sadie, and two mischievous bonded brothers, black tuxedo cats Hype and Dab. She recently went through what she terms her midlife crisis and adopted her very first ever real live horse whose name is sweet Moscato.
She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren with #3 on the way. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors and The High Kings are her favs), singing in the church choir and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband, her puppers Gabby and Sadie, and two mischievous bonded brothers, black tuxedo cats Hype and Dab. She recently went through what she terms her midlife crisis and adopted her very first ever real live horse whose name is sweet Moscato.
She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren with #3 on the way. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors and The High Kings are her favs), singing in the church choir and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2015
When Cole finds out he has a surprise child and that the mother was going to dump the child without a second glace, Cole does what he has to do to be a good father. Meaning he was going back to his hometown to find a stable job and a home for his baby to live in. The last thing he expected was to run into his ex at the same place he works at mentoring troubled young teens. The more they are around each other the more the more old feelings start to stir.But Cole isn't like his told self and will try to keep his heart guarded this time.
After reading this book I don't think the title doesn't suit the book, maybe its just me that feels that way. I mean, the baby was a surprise but it wasn't the focus of the book. I was expecting more on the baby and such because of the title.
Overall, I thought that this book was a very sweet and heart warming book. This book was clean so it can be read by most. I loved that they didn't instantly just rush into the attraction they once had, so it made the book seem more realistic. I loved getting to know more about each character as the story progressed. I loved the storyline and how well written this book was. I just thought that this book was sweet and I loved it. Its a nice short book to just curl up up for a moment and just escape into this book.
After reading this book I don't think the title doesn't suit the book, maybe its just me that feels that way. I mean, the baby was a surprise but it wasn't the focus of the book. I was expecting more on the baby and such because of the title.
Overall, I thought that this book was a very sweet and heart warming book. This book was clean so it can be read by most. I loved that they didn't instantly just rush into the attraction they once had, so it made the book seem more realistic. I loved getting to know more about each character as the story progressed. I loved the storyline and how well written this book was. I just thought that this book was sweet and I loved it. Its a nice short book to just curl up up for a moment and just escape into this book.
September 2, 2015
I've read a lot of second chance at romance novels lately. A LOT! This one attracted me because I love ranch romances and frankly after so many 2nd chance books that were more, erm...smutty, I was glad to read this Love Inspired novel.
Tessa and Cole have a history together. Cole has left the military to care for his newborn son. The problem is, his son Grayson doesn't figure into the story as much as I would have liked. In fact, the baby felt more like a plot device rather than a mini character, and that kind of made me sad. I love stories with babies.
Instead, the story focused on Cole and Tessa's work at Redemption Ranch. Cole really seemed to grow in the job he didn't feel he could do, but not without mishap. Though the mishaps aren't earthshattering.
I really loved how Cole handled Kaylie and her personal issue near the end of the book. It really showed how he had grown as the story progressed, as well as how he effected the young girl's life.
This was really a sweet novel. I felt the story put the romance on the back burner, even though you know there's still chemistry between them. The ending seemed a little much to me, since the two never really resumed their relationship, at least in a girlfriend/boyfriend sort of way.
Tessa and Cole have a history together. Cole has left the military to care for his newborn son. The problem is, his son Grayson doesn't figure into the story as much as I would have liked. In fact, the baby felt more like a plot device rather than a mini character, and that kind of made me sad. I love stories with babies.
Instead, the story focused on Cole and Tessa's work at Redemption Ranch. Cole really seemed to grow in the job he didn't feel he could do, but not without mishap. Though the mishaps aren't earthshattering.
I really loved how Cole handled Kaylie and her personal issue near the end of the book. It really showed how he had grown as the story progressed, as well as how he effected the young girl's life.
This was really a sweet novel. I felt the story put the romance on the back burner, even though you know there's still chemistry between them. The ending seemed a little much to me, since the two never really resumed their relationship, at least in a girlfriend/boyfriend sort of way.
October 30, 2015
When the past meets the present, the two main characters try to navigate shared life in a small town. This isn't easy when Cole has a baby that draws everyone in and many townspeople seem eager to throw Cole and Tessa back together again. A sweet story about the misunderstandings of youth, maturing over time, and the risks necessary to take a chance at a forever love.
April 6, 2016
I won this book, for free, on Goodreads First Reads. This book is a very sweet, contemporary love story about lost love that's found again, but with a few "hiccups" along the way. I thought is was a great and enjoyable book.
January 31, 2016
A great story with wonderful characters. I love seeing characters from other stories in this series pop up, but you can read as a stand-alone also.
December 10, 2021
This is the 5th book I read by Deb Kastner. I love ❤ the cover of this book. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked the singing 🎤🎶 scenes in this story. I liked Tessa's character. I liked Cole's character. I loved ❤ Grayson. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
It is a beautiful story about redemption, forgiveness, realistically emotional, and spiritual values. I love how Cole and Tessa created a nurturing foundation and enhanced ways for junivalle delinquents, to feel safe to communicate with others.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
April 8, 2018
Such a cute story about a second chance at love with the love of your life
January 29, 2019
Great story and addition to the series.
June 8, 2015
The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby is by Deb Kastner. It is a Harlequin inspirational romance. It deals with having a second chance.
Tessa Applewhite has found her niche. She works for Alexis and Griff’s Redemption Ranch as a counselor. She had gone to college with her father pushing her to become a lawyer; but she decided that psychology was better for her. After becoming a psychologist, she went to work helping Alexis as a camp counselor and loves it. She gets to work with troubled teens and has the freedom to own and ride her own horse on the ranch. Except for her lack of a husband and family of her own, she is satisfied with her life. Until the day Cole Bishop returns!
Cole Bishop left town to join the Navy after Tessa turned down his very public marriage proposal. He spent the years in the Navy and enjoyed himself except for every June when he relived the rejection he received from Tessa. One fateful June night left him the single father of a little boy. He persuaded the Mother to have the child and give him to Cole. He left the Navy and returned home to raise his son and have family around to help. He took a wrangler’s job on Redemption Ranch only to find Alexis had other plans for him. She wanted him to be a mentor to juvenile delinquents! Not only was that laughable; but it meant working closely with Tessa whom he had never forgotten.
Can the two get past their animosity to be able to work together for the betterment of the juveniles? Can they ever forgive the other to be able to go on with their lives?
July 27, 2015
A beautiful story, that demonstrates how love, kindness, caring and grace towards a person, can change their life.
The shock both Tessa and Cole feel, when they are working on the same ranch, after being twelve years apart, is evident. For twelve years, Cole has carried anger and resentment, after Tessa's public humiliation in front of the whole town.
The surprises Cole is facing at the ranch, don't end there. To find out, that instead of working as a wrangler, he is going to be a mentor for teenage delinquents, sets his world and head spinning. And if that is not enough, he is a single father of a seven week old baby, and now the whole town seems to be working on getting Cole and Tessa back together.
Both Tessa and Cole are filled with angst, remorse, dread, and unease with the turn of the events. But determined to do the right thing by the teens, they are trying to work together, learn to trust each other again, respect, and listen.
As the weeks at the ranch goes by, Tessa And Cole work with the teens, and mirror their own past history, to help the teenagers at the ministry. They rely on their faith, guidance, and hope of a peace of mind.
I admired how the story demonstrated faith to guide them, how a little bit of guidance and love could change the situations. The love Cole and Tessa have, never died over the years, but now they have an opportunity to meet as more mature adults, and make decisions from that foundation they had built over the years.
A very touching and poignant story
~ Five Spoons
The shock both Tessa and Cole feel, when they are working on the same ranch, after being twelve years apart, is evident. For twelve years, Cole has carried anger and resentment, after Tessa's public humiliation in front of the whole town.
The surprises Cole is facing at the ranch, don't end there. To find out, that instead of working as a wrangler, he is going to be a mentor for teenage delinquents, sets his world and head spinning. And if that is not enough, he is a single father of a seven week old baby, and now the whole town seems to be working on getting Cole and Tessa back together.
Both Tessa and Cole are filled with angst, remorse, dread, and unease with the turn of the events. But determined to do the right thing by the teens, they are trying to work together, learn to trust each other again, respect, and listen.
As the weeks at the ranch goes by, Tessa And Cole work with the teens, and mirror their own past history, to help the teenagers at the ministry. They rely on their faith, guidance, and hope of a peace of mind.
I admired how the story demonstrated faith to guide them, how a little bit of guidance and love could change the situations. The love Cole and Tessa have, never died over the years, but now they have an opportunity to meet as more mature adults, and make decisions from that foundation they had built over the years.
A very touching and poignant story
~ Five Spoons
July 24, 2015
Oh gosh, I loved this book. It was super cute, had some good morals and revolved around adults making a difference in the lives of teens.
A cowboy, DILF story, which is weird to say about an inspirational romance and the cover is one of my least favorite things about this book, but the inside was sugary sweet.
It's a second chance romance book where a couple that had planned a future together, much too young gets a chance to see that they might have been right all along. Everyone remembers their first love and whether it's a fond memory or a train wreck, it's still a part of you. I grew up in a small town so I could relate to a lot of the story, but I'm so thankful I never had a very public relationship.
It was very cute and the only reason I struggled with my rating is I had no idea it was an inspirational Romance and all of a sudden the cowboy was talking about the direction of his life and God.
It was all about first love, coming back to your hometown and sticking with your beliefs! That I can totally get behind.
I was provided with a copy of The Cowboy's Surprise Baby in exchange for my honest review.
A cowboy, DILF story, which is weird to say about an inspirational romance and the cover is one of my least favorite things about this book, but the inside was sugary sweet.
It's a second chance romance book where a couple that had planned a future together, much too young gets a chance to see that they might have been right all along. Everyone remembers their first love and whether it's a fond memory or a train wreck, it's still a part of you. I grew up in a small town so I could relate to a lot of the story, but I'm so thankful I never had a very public relationship.
It was very cute and the only reason I struggled with my rating is I had no idea it was an inspirational Romance and all of a sudden the cowboy was talking about the direction of his life and God.
It was all about first love, coming back to your hometown and sticking with your beliefs! That I can totally get behind.
I was provided with a copy of The Cowboy's Surprise Baby in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2015
4 STARS
The Cowboy's Surprise Baby is full of good characters, charming baby and troubled teens. Lots of drama, cute story. It is a clean read.
Cole Bishop has left the military to come home and raise his new born son Grayson. He never planned to come back and live. He was embrassed in front of the whole town. He got a new job working as a wrangler on a Redemption Ranch.
Tessa Applewhite is a counselor for the girls who were sent to Redemption Ranch. She broke up with Cole when she was 18 in public. She had loved him but did not want a life in the military anymore.
Serendipity , Texas on Redemption Ranch is the setting for the book. It is a small town. Redemption Ranch is a mission ranch that help troubled teens with hard work and Christian values.
I liked the story it was easy to connect with the characters and want them to do well. It deals a lot with single parenthood that is unexpected. It also talks about prayer, love and God's plans.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of The Cowboy's Surprise Baby.
The Cowboy's Surprise Baby is full of good characters, charming baby and troubled teens. Lots of drama, cute story. It is a clean read.
Cole Bishop has left the military to come home and raise his new born son Grayson. He never planned to come back and live. He was embrassed in front of the whole town. He got a new job working as a wrangler on a Redemption Ranch.
Tessa Applewhite is a counselor for the girls who were sent to Redemption Ranch. She broke up with Cole when she was 18 in public. She had loved him but did not want a life in the military anymore.
Serendipity , Texas on Redemption Ranch is the setting for the book. It is a small town. Redemption Ranch is a mission ranch that help troubled teens with hard work and Christian values.
I liked the story it was easy to connect with the characters and want them to do well. It deals a lot with single parenthood that is unexpected. It also talks about prayer, love and God's plans.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of The Cowboy's Surprise Baby.
January 1, 2016
Cowboys and babies is a genius theme for a romance, don't you think? And when the setting takes place in a town like Serendipity, Texas where it's "too small even to warrant a dot on the map, and its residents had minds like elephants and considered gossip a national pastime." -- well, let's just say sweet perfection and leave it at that.
There's something so beguiling about daddy Cole determined to make a life for his son surrounded by family and life-long friends. He knew that would mean running into his high school sweetheart, Tessa, from time to time but he wasn't prepared for the emotional roller-coaster ride that would take him on. History is proof that these two aren't right for each other...at least they weren't when they were kids. Now that they're all grown up...blissful sigh...well, you'll just have to read The Cowboy's Surprise Baby to find out what happens.
There's something so beguiling about daddy Cole determined to make a life for his son surrounded by family and life-long friends. He knew that would mean running into his high school sweetheart, Tessa, from time to time but he wasn't prepared for the emotional roller-coaster ride that would take him on. History is proof that these two aren't right for each other...at least they weren't when they were kids. Now that they're all grown up...blissful sigh...well, you'll just have to read The Cowboy's Surprise Baby to find out what happens.
June 28, 2015
I was provided The Cowboy's Surprise Baby by Deb Kastner from Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest review.
NetGalley has provided me the opportunity to read books by authors new to me. I enjoyed Ms. Kastner's delightful book and look forward to more from her.
Cole Bishop returns home from the Navy with a baby who has stolen his heart. The one problem he has is that he is thrust face-to-face with Tessa Applegate, the only woman to humiliate him and break his heart. While they work closely at Redemption Ranch, old feelings surface challenging everything they both have.
This read is touching, heart-breaking and heart-warming. The dynamic between Cole and Tessa keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. This luscious romance should be added to everyone's to-be-read list.
NetGalley has provided me the opportunity to read books by authors new to me. I enjoyed Ms. Kastner's delightful book and look forward to more from her.
Cole Bishop returns home from the Navy with a baby who has stolen his heart. The one problem he has is that he is thrust face-to-face with Tessa Applegate, the only woman to humiliate him and break his heart. While they work closely at Redemption Ranch, old feelings surface challenging everything they both have.
This read is touching, heart-breaking and heart-warming. The dynamic between Cole and Tessa keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. This luscious romance should be added to everyone's to-be-read list.
July 10, 2015
Cole and Tessa were high school sweethearts who thought they knew what they wanted out of life. But things didn't go as planned. Now it's Twelve years later and they find themselves working together at Redemption Ranch. Life has changed for both of them. When they first meet up there is a lot of tension. Can they work through it and get back to being friends and working together for the food of the teenagers that come to Redemption Ranch to heal?
This was a great story and tugged at heart strings. It involves many Serendipity folks we've met in past Kastner books and a few new ones in this third book of the Cowboy Country series. It's always fun to travel back to Serendipity.
This was a great story and tugged at heart strings. It involves many Serendipity folks we've met in past Kastner books and a few new ones in this third book of the Cowboy Country series. It's always fun to travel back to Serendipity.
July 19, 2015
This is a nice second chance book. High school sweethearts with plenty of growing up and miscommunication reconnect after 10 years. She helps with a troubled youth ranch. He is coming home after serving in the Navy. They are not that excited to see each other, but the town has different ideas.
I liked both Cole and Tessa. I liked that the book addressed unplanned pregnancy in a productive way. The small town people and elements were lovely. There is some mild religion in the book, but definitely nothing too offish.
Rating: 4
Content: Discussion of unplanned pregnancy, mild religion, squeaky clean kiss
Source: Netgalley
I liked both Cole and Tessa. I liked that the book addressed unplanned pregnancy in a productive way. The small town people and elements were lovely. There is some mild religion in the book, but definitely nothing too offish.
Rating: 4
Content: Discussion of unplanned pregnancy, mild religion, squeaky clean kiss
Source: Netgalley
September 1, 2015
The cowboy's Surprise Baby a Cowboy Country series by Deb Kastner. Tessa Applewhite works for Alexis and Griff at their Redemption Ranch as a counselor. Her father wanted her to become a lawyer. She decided that psychology was better for her. After becoming a psychologist, she went to work helping Alexis as a camp counselor. She gets to work with troubled teens. Cole bishop returns to Redemption and takes a job at Alexis and Griff's ranch. Cole had a one night stand and now has a baby boy. The mother didn't want the child. Old feelings happen again between Cole and Tessa. They both help the troubled children. A very good read
August 1, 2015
The Cowboy's Surprise Baby (Cowboy Country) by Deb Kastner is about high school sweethearts who broke up twelve years ago and both of them have ended up working at the same place in their hometown of Serendipity , Texas on Redemption Ranch. It deals with second chances and how a bad choice can lead to good things if handled correctly. It has a strong them of second chances. I have read books by Deb Kastner and she does not disappoint with this book. If you like cowboys, second chances, and troubled teens, this book is a great read.
August 1, 2015
The Cowboy's Baby by Deb Kastner is a sweet Christian romance.
I loved the characters of Cole and Tessa and baby Grayson adds to the characters.
The interaction of Cole and Tessa with the teenagers, as mentors added a blessed dimension to the book.
They show us through their actions that we have a loving and forgiving God,that will help us in all situations,
Thank you for the autographed copy of your book and my review is given in return.
Hope to read more of your books.
I loved the characters of Cole and Tessa and baby Grayson adds to the characters.
The interaction of Cole and Tessa with the teenagers, as mentors added a blessed dimension to the book.
They show us through their actions that we have a loving and forgiving God,that will help us in all situations,
Thank you for the autographed copy of your book and my review is given in return.
Hope to read more of your books.
August 26, 2015
Really a 2 1/2 for me. I really did not like the H treatment of the h at all, he was really petty and childish in not wanting to forgive her. Don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but one of the campers situation was resolved so quickly it was ridiculous. I felt like issues that could have been developed better was rushed while the beginning was dragged out. So I didn't care for this one at all in this series."The cowboy's forever family," is way better.
Read
January 12, 2016"The characters reinforce one important nugget of truth: We can change the world, one heart at a time. It is easy to identify with the characters’ questions of how their lives impact others" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Cowboy Country
Miniseries: Cowboy Country
August 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how Cole stepped up to take care of his infant son and how Tessa was right there to help him. Cole was a good mentor to the kids he was not sure about. This book was very enjoyable.
June 22, 2015
Utterly and completely predictable.
May 1, 2016
cute story
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Cowboy Country
Miniseries: Cowboy Country
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews