Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Julianne Parker is twenty-four and ready to take her future into her own hands. Determined to succeed and escape an arranged marriage her parents are thrusting on her, she emigrates from Chicago to the new state of Colorado to establish a school in a mining boomtown. Upon arriving, she finds that her adopted hometown is not what she expected, nor is she safe.

Hugh Fontaine is poised on the cusp of achieving his every dream, provided he can win the massive fortune on the table of a poker game in Creede, Colorado. Until, through divine intervention, he’s set on a path that makes him question who he is and what he really wants. He knows for sure that he wants Julianne Parker in his life, but he’s the last thing in the world she needs.

But—what would he give to be wrong?


Lucky in Love is a clean romance packed with suspense and humor and a wagonload of heart.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2017

518 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

Jo Noelle

47 books333 followers
This mother/daughter writing team writes “Sweet, Swoony Ever-Afters.”

Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart

Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author

Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.

They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.

Follow us on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub to get notices for all our new releases!

Join our Facebook Groups and chat with us and other readers who love sweet and clean romance.

• Cowboys and Angels and The Matchmaker’s Ball

• Loving Sweet Historical Romance

• Sweet Kisses Readers’ Group

• Sweet and Sassy Books Facebook Page

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
294 (59%)
4 stars
143 (29%)
3 stars
40 (8%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 15 books189 followers
May 8, 2018
Julianne has run away from home to escape an arranged marriage her parents have put together. She ends up in Creede Colorado after reading about the Reverend wanting new people.

Hugh owns a saloon and is a gambler. He sees what he assumes is a ghost but is his Angel and is told to leave the card game. He finds Julianne up in a tree and helps her down and is immediately attracted to her but knows he is not good enough.

Julianne wants to be a school teacher and she goes around meeting everyone with the help of the rev’s sister. Her and Hugh grow closer until her past comes to meet her. Can they work things out or will she end up leaving?

A nice easy read that keeps you engaged.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 89 books459 followers
October 25, 2017
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Julianne Parker is twenty-four and ready to take her future into her own hands. Determined to succeed and escape an arranged marriage her parents are thrusting on her, she emigrates from Chicago to the new state of Colorado to establish a school in a mining boomtown. Upon arriving, she finds that her adopted hometown is not what she expected, nor is she safe.

Hugh Fontaine is poised on the cusp of achieving his every dream, provided he can win the massive fortune on the table of a poker game in Creede, Colorado. Until, through divine intervention, he’s set on a path that makes him question who he is and what he really wants. He knows for sure that he wants Julianne Parker in his life, but he’s the last thing in the world she needs.

But—what would he give to be wrong?

MY TAKE
I've been a Jo Noelle fan for a while, and I've read all her books. She writes a lot of different genres, and each book has a great heart while containing humor as well. And some great kissing scenes.

Lucky in Love is a different genre than I've read by her before, but I loved it. I really felt for Julianne--I the love the whole running away from an arranged marriage, and the duck out of water scenario is charming. As is Hugh. I love how he rescues her when they first meet. He's in for it but has no idea.

The addition of the angel aspect was a treat. There is talk of religion (there IS an angel and she lives with a pastor's family), so if you're bothered by that kind of thing this book may not be for you. But if you like a sweet romance with engaging characters and an interesting town, this is the read for you.
Profile Image for Heike.
662 reviews55 followers
December 4, 2018
Christian romance about a saloon owner and gambler falling for a preachers daughter in a Colorado mining town.

What can I say. It was very well written and sweet. I did not expect it to be a Christian novel, and there is a lot of Lord and Jesus, thus my rating is so low, while, to the right target group, I think it would be much higher.

This said: if you like to read about the evil saloon owner who is converted back into His lap - this will be right along your alley!
63 reviews12 followers
Read
July 28, 2018
Ya-hoo!

This is a cute, fun read! The characters show real emotions and actually work through their problems. The happy ending makes sense. Lots of action.
Profile Image for Tamera Westhoff.
1,098 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2019
Sweet Story

I loved this continuation of the previous story and I really like the angel seems to fit the person each time! I am dying to see what happens in future books!
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
April 22, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic

I was captured by Lucky in Love with the opening pages and this story’s grip never let up. I loved every moment of Hugh and Julianne’s journey, and what a journey to a happy ending it is.

The neighboring towns of Bachelor and Creede, Colorado are basically mining towns that grew up from the ore finds, and dwindled with them as well, They’ve had several revivals as more ore and gems are found, but where there are those looking for their fortune there are also those willing to corrupt anything in their paths for pure greed. Unfortunately, at this time Creede is such a town and our hero, Hugh, visits between the two towns with regularity as one holds his own personal business and the other adds to his career. As the story opens we get our first good look at the angel in this particular story – and what an angel this cowpoke is. I loved cowpoke (he is never given another name for us to use) as much as the main characters in this romance. He message is full of strength, flashes of humor, and determination.

Julianne is escaping a forced arranged marriage by answering an advertisement for new residents to come to the town of Bachelor, Colorado. She is wanting to open a school and believes that this is her life’s work. But getting there proves… interesting. I’ll let you read about Julianne’s experiences for yourself. It sure is one way to introduce an heroine that is truly a unique woman. There is a spark between Hugh and Julianne from the very start, yet there are also barriers as well. Watching their romance play out is both heartbreaking and heart warming at the same time. The underlying mystery from the first story plays out with increased tensions and danger for several people. I enjoyed the additions to this world and the touches that I’m sure we’ll learn more about in future stories. I loved this romance and would happily recommend it to any Western Historical Romance reader who enjoys a strong story, believable characters, touches of danger and humor and a good old fashioned love story.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,010 reviews39 followers
March 4, 2019
Another good multi author series.
2,551 reviews46 followers
April 30, 2020
Sweet western romance. This is a quick read in a large series of books (49 books to date). I believe they are all stand alone.
I liked the cute meet which was rather humorous and loved both Hugh and Julianne. I loved the Julianne was a strong female character that wanted to be in control of her future and did something about it. And I loved Hugh. He is rather swoony. I loved that he was willing to change his life to be what he knew it should be all along since his mother had tried to teach him right despite her circumstances even if it did take the love of a good woman to be the catalyst.
I loved the angel aspect. I thought when I read the title that the angel referred to the female character but nope. A real angel... This is Christian Lit and heavy religious themes weave through the entire story. I didn't mind since it was a part of Julianne's character and therefore religious beliefs would be a natural thing. It all entwined beautifully.
It is a simple story, short and to the point. Not a ton of depth because there isn't time to develop anything more in a novella. This is a pleasant read where one can cheer for the good guys and hate on the villains.

Sex: references to prostitution
Language: no
Violence: women are kidnapped, a man is killed (and good riddance), a brawl.
Profile Image for Natalie.
71 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2021
Such a Wonderful Way To Help Two People Fall in Love

Meet Julianne Parker who has put her trust in God, to help her in her decision to leave her home and family, and move to Creede, Colorado, in hopes of stating a school there. She runs into some trouble along the way, and, lucky for her, Hugh Fontaine a big cowboy, comes her way to save her. The sparks of romance are flying from the very beginning. The only thing is that Hugh does not have a lot of faith in God, and he is also a saloon owner and gambler, which are 2 traits that he's sure a woman like Julianne would frown upon. Little does she know that an angel has brought them together!

Lucky In Love is the perfect book to read for Valentine's Day. What a delight it was to read about two people who met, and fell in love with the help of a cowboy angel. This book is more than just a love story. Jo Noelle adds some comedy and a little mystery to the book. I love the sweet romance, and the wonderful faith that really stands out. I would love to share one of my favorite quotes from this book, "“It only takes one moment to change, and then for the rest of your life, you just hang on to that moment. Think on that.”"
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2017
Hero: Hugh --- Heroine: Julianne
plot/storyline:4.5* strong-engaging- Julianne takes her own future in her hands leaves Chicago to start a school in Bachelor/Creede Colorado (idea from a newspaper ad) . They meet when he helped her out of a tree. He is a gambler and a saloon owner who is struggling with what he wants his future to be like, but gets guidance from a "cowboy angel".
Ending-4.5*- An Amazing HEA. No real cliffhangers (I still wonder about the honesty of the sheriff and what happened to the villain)- This story shows that Love is a rare treasure:)
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* I enjoyed reading this angelic romance with intrigue, drama, adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat and enough chemistry that kept me smiling. The family and friends with its supportive and witty dialogue adds to the enjoyment of the story. Lots of characters that I hope to read about in future books!!
Profile Image for Suzanne.
335 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2019
A sweet romance novel.
Julianne ran away from home because of an arranged marriage. She goes east to Bachelor city to set a school and be a teacher.
On the way there her coach breaks and is attacked by a lion. she saves herself and climbs a tree so no other wildlife. When she thinks it safe to come down, her dress is caught on a branch and she can not untangle herself. Hugh a salon owner comes across her. he was given a vision by an angel if he went that way he would be able to spend time with this lovely woman who would be a perfect gift to anyone.
they are both attracted to each other. He brings her safely to the church.
He wants to see her again but thinks he is not good enough for her.
But they keep bumping into each other in town. He saves her again from another embarassing event.
In town woman have been disappearing. Hugh hears plan for more absuctions but he thinks they are talking about cattle. But when Julianne disappears he knows who to follow.
Will he save Julianne in time?
Profile Image for Dorothy Roller.
480 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2019
I think this the first book I have read from Jo Noelle.
It is in the Cowboy’s and Angles series. I have to say it is a wonderful story that was funny and fun and horrible also in some ways.
Love, romance a bit of comedy and some nasty men who are into kidnapping women.
A cowboy angel is a fun way to show an angel trying to help a gambler and saloon owner a different life and by him coming upon a woman stuck in a tree. I am not kidding you.
Get this one along with other Cowboy’s and Angel books as they are all good. I love angels being sent to Creede, CO to help people find their true love.
I highly recommend this story.
417 reviews
July 7, 2019
Interesting Series

This is not just another series set as a western historical romance, these books have the added dimension of Christian faith and of Divine Intervention using guardian angels. I was hoping this book would have characters from the first book in this series, but although it is set in the same two towns and the Reverend and his sister are the same, the hero and heroine of the first book are not in this book. Possibly because they were not written by the same author. A nice touch by this author is her ability to give the characters correct accents for their background.
Profile Image for Lyssa.
858 reviews25 followers
October 6, 2023
DNF at 54%

I’ve never read a book with angels intervening on a divine mission. I was interested to see it play out. But I just couldn’t get into it. The characters spend a lot of time in their own thoughts, in denial, feeling sorry for themselves and acting like martyrs: She keeps thinking, I’m an old maid for a reason! While he continues to think about how lovely and perfect she is, while thinking to himself, I must stay out of her life for her best interests. Ugh.

I wasn’t crazy about any of the flat characters. And Julianne’s naïveté annoyed me. The plot line seems pretty obvious, though not to any of the characters of course.
Profile Image for Lisa Rector.
Author 37 books59 followers
May 12, 2018
If you love When Calls the Heart, you will love this!

This is the second book I’ve read by this author. It didn’t disappoint. So much like the When Calls the Heart series. Very cute read. The beginning hooked me. This is a Christian read with some talk of faith, but it wasn’t over the top. It was done just right, as to be part of the story instead of forced down the reader’s throat. A bit predictable, but enjoyable all the same.

Reader Rated for ages 14+ for adult themes such as drinking and gambling, and for mild kissing.
Profile Image for Laura.
148 reviews
May 15, 2019
Stuck in a tree, how wrong could he be?

When an aspiration appears, then a lovely woman stuck in a tree, Hugh wonders how wrong he could be with his life’s choices. Getting stuck in a tree & falling for a saloon owner weren’t in this preacher’s daughter’s plans, yet could they be part of God’s plan for her life?

A little too textbook for me, kind of like eating refrigerated cookie dough cookies. They are good, & come in several different flavors, but they aren’t a homemade cookie. I was looking for that homemade flavor & couldn’t find it, but still enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Lisa Swinton.
Author 27 books197 followers
February 12, 2025
I always know I'm in for a well crafted story when I pick up a book by Jo Noelle.

Pit a gambler against a preacher's daughter and you have a winning recipe for tension between your two main characters. They also have marvelous chemistry, and their meet cute is so fun and original.

Builds and twists in all the right places. I love how each angel is suited to their character instead of one angel doing the work throughout the series.

Block out some time for this clean romance because you won't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,798 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2022
TEN stars!! ❤️

WOW!

I had started this series in the middle and read several of the books, but then decided I should probably go back to the beginning and see what I missed. This story of Hugh and Julianne is one the most powerful stories I’ve ever read. I could not put it down and certainly didn’t want it to end! I think someone could make a movie from their story!

Simply amazing and a must read!
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,021 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2023
Julianne makes a run for the west when her parents propose marriage to a man she doesn't want to be with. When she arrives in the west she finds out how truly trying things can really be when you're on your own in a new place. Julianne finds herself fighting off a large wild cat, ended up stuck in a tree and having to be rescued by Hugh, a local saloon owner and gambler. I absolutely enjoyed Julianne and Hughs story!
1,097 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2018
The angel in this book is different from the angel in first book. Had a few chuckles about the hints from the angel. My strong woman is here and has decided her future. It is a clean romance. It also has some suspense. Loved the book and can’t wait for the next Cowboys and Angels book. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Heather Green.
Author 9 books11 followers
August 31, 2018
I loved this book! I loved that the MC always tried to look for the positives in life. I liked how the angel was thrown into the mix. The characters were very likeable. Pretty cool that it was a human trafficking story in the 1800's. Lots of evaluating life choices and working to become better. Clean. No language. No sex. Sweet and a fun read. I would read this one again.
Profile Image for Mary Gallo.
423 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2018
Unfortunately, a slow read

The story was excellent, unfortunately, the author spent too much time on the introspection of the characters. One time, it was 5 pages that the hero spoke to himself, over something that did not need to be discussed that long. The author needs to re read and edit. But the story was awesome otherwise.
Profile Image for Diane Horne.
682 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2019
Lucky in Love (Book 2) By Jo Noelle

Five stars, this is a good christian book..You can feel the love, and with a touch of excitement with the redemption ...Hugh was a saloon owner who fell in love with Julianne a pastor daughter with ambitions of getting to teach school..But someone is kidnapping the women..this good had a good ending.
76 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2023
This book was so unexpected and wonderful.
I loved Julianne, she was so sweet, kind and determined. I loved her love for God and how she showed it with simple things.
Hugh was swoon worthy and I loved how he changed for Julianne and found God. Also loved all the other characters too. Millie and her brother, Willie, the children….
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
162 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2017
A Coming to Jesus Romance

What I loved most about this book is the road Henry takes and Julianne's witness in trusting Christ. Beautifully done, with believable humanly flawed characters.
457 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
So exciting and moving.

Julianne knows her mind. She decides were to go and there she is. Full of spirit and courage. Hugh is honest and courageous also. Something clicks between them after his guardian angel sends him in the right direction. A very good book.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
March 22, 2018
Great Story

Gotta love those cowboy angels, especially when they've been given the taste to set someone who has strayed back on the straight and narrow. Great characters, both Hugh and Julianne were very likable. This was a sweet romance with a lot of food for thought.
115 reviews
March 23, 2018
Engaging story

Reading the series - in order or not, provides some insight into Pioneer towns needing the calming influence of brave and God-loving women to begin to nurture western towns.
Profile Image for Deborah E. Robinett.
28 reviews
May 21, 2018
Must read

Very well written. You have no idea what was going on until the end. It got to the point I could not put the book down. I love books that end but pick up in the next series. Can't wait to read book three.
2,093 reviews19 followers
July 25, 2018
Good

Really enjoyed the fun aspects of this book. Was uplifted by the changes in the male character's "broken" bits. Good to have the missing females found and restored. Enjoying the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.