Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt, slow-burning romance that blends small-town charm with genuine emotional depth. Set against the dusty, golden backdrop of rural Oklahoma, it brings together two characters who are at a crossroads in their lives, both carrying the scars of the past and unsure whether to risk loving again.

Caroline, the whip-smart and fiercely capable doctor at the heart of the book, is everything I love in a romance lead. She’s emotionally guarded but never cold, and her determination to rebuild her life after heartbreak is both empowering and relatable. Her decision to swap her Scottish roots for a new beginning in the American Midwest adds a lovely layer of contrast and cultural tension.

Then there’s Hunter, the brooding cowboy who is all rough edges and hidden softness. His loyalty to his family’s ranch and his reluctance to open up give him that classic ‘grumpy but golden’ appeal. Watching him slowly fall for Caroline—despite his best efforts not to—is pure reading joy. The chemistry between them simmers from the start, with just the right amount of angst and unresolved tension to keep the pages turning.

This book captures that perfect grumpy-sunshine dynamic, with witty dialogue, slow-burning passion and plenty of heart. It’s not all light and breezy either—both characters are grappling with real emotional baggage, which gives the story weight and substance.

✨ Highlights:
• A competent, older heroine who knows her worth
• A rugged cowboy with a soft heart he tries to hide
• Beautiful Oklahoma ranch setting with a moody, grounded atmosphere
• Delicious slow-burn tension and a satisfying emotional arc

Back in the Saddle is a warm, romantic story about healing, second chances and finding the courage to love again. If you enjoy heartfelt stories with a strong heroine, broody cowboys and a dash of whisky-fuelled spark, this one is for you.

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Back in the saddle is an emotional romance story which heavily features themes of grief, cancer and the breakdown of marriage.

I love that Caroline is a smart, strong FMC and it’s so nice to have a FMC who’s in her early thirties.

If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster of a romance book with a cowboy then this is the book for you. Sadly it wasn’t quite the cute contemporary cowboy romance I’d expected from the cover/blurb. I didn’t really gel with the characters and I didn’t appreciate how Hunter always dealt with issues that came up in their relationship. Plus the pacing just felt a bit off for me, I’d have liked to see more of their second chance at love!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Maggie Eckersley’s Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt journey that blends personal growth with the rustic charm of a life rediscovered. Eckersley’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and authentic character development, making it easy for readers to connect and empathize. The novel’s emotional honesty and engaging narrative make it a rewarding read. Overall, Back in the Saddle is an inspiring tale that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s uncertainties and found strength in unexpected places.

Back In The Saddle is a contemporary cowboy romance, but it wasn't quite what I expected from the blurb and the cartoony cover. Maybe there'll be trigger warnings in the book or in the retail descriptions that weren't in the ARC version but a lot of this book is about cancer and grief. Obviously getting into heavier subjects within a romance novel isn't a bad thing, but it just wasn't what I was expecting when I dived into it while in the mood for a cowboy romcom. Perhaps the blurb could be tweaked for release to give a better idea to the subject matter?

Going on what the book is though, rather than what I thought it was going to be, there's a really original story here, particularly to do with the circumstances of Caroline's impending divorce. It's not a subject that I've seen being explored in romances and I liked how it ended amicably between them, although still obviously awkward. Given lack of communication on both sides lead to that marriage breakdown, it is a shame that there was still miscommunication from both Caroline and Hunter in their new relationship. There's a lot to like here but I just don't think I fully clicked with them as a couple, particularly how Hunter treated Caroline sometimes and how she reacted to him in the aftermath of those moments.

3.5/5

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This romance novel does some interesting things structurally, so I did enjoy it for that! The prose itself wasn’t my favourite, which made it hard for me to really sink into the story, but overall I had a good time and I could easily recommend this.

This is a story about two people bought together by chance. Caroline is starting a new life in Oklahoma, when she sets her sight on Hunter you can feel the instant attraction between them both. But they both have things in their past they are trying to run away from. But can they both help each other to forget about the past and enjoy their future. I can almost imagine Hunter's character being the hot cowboy. It was fun and enjoyable read, it does get pretty steamy in parts but an easy read to follow along with. Light hearted and uplifting and some horses too. The perfect read.

Maggie Eckersley pairs the whimsical, Western charm of Elsie Silver with the empowered, headstrong FMC of an Ali Hazelwood novel and dazzles the reader in her new book "Back in the Saddle". I am so grateful to Avon Books UK for an advanced e-copy and am thrilled to give a review. I absolutely loved this book and cannot sing its praises loud enough!

I'm an Oklahoma girl so this book hit close to home - literally! Eckersley masterfully portrays the rugged beauty of this unique corner of the world. Caroline has faced unimaginable loss in her life and has chosen to let her experiences shape her future - she builds her life on helping people through heartbreaking pain. Hunter, our main man, is so unapologetically patient and gentle with Caroline as she processes big life decisions. Make no mistake, he may be dreamy but he's still an unwavering, strong and true Oklahoma cowboy. I think it's his 'built tough but chooses to be gentle' personality that makes him so charming.

This book drew out the best parts of romance - the slow burn, second chance, 'will-they-won't-they' steam is utter perfection! I'm amazed at the way Eckersley intertwines the lives of Caroline and Hunter and makes you fall in love with them almost faster than they fell for each other. And the ending - absolutely swoon-worthy! Saddle up for a fantastic and emotional ride that leaves you hopeful for second chances and true love!

This was such a great cure to tie me over from Lyla Sage and Elise Silver and I’m here for it. I love this so much and it is an excellent love story.

Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt, emotionally charged small-town cowboy romance full of longing, second chances, and slow-burn chemistry—and one unforgettable whisky-fuelled kiss. 🐎💋🌾

Caroline is everything I love in a romance heroine: whip-smart, fiercely competent in her role as a doctor, and emotionally guarded in a way that felt real and relatable. Watching her attempt a fresh start in Oklahoma after a painful divorce gave the story real emotional weight. I also loved seeing an older female lead who knows who she is and doesn’t fall easily.

Hunter is the broody, burdened cowboy with a soft heart he pretends not to have—and the “I don’t have time for this” energy that makes it so satisfying when he catches feelings. Their dynamic had grumpy-sunshine vibes, with delicious tension simmering beneath every conversation.

✨ Highlights for me:
• A heroine who’s smart, skilled, and unapologetically strong
• Cowboy + doctor? Highly underrated combo
• Gorgeous, moody Oklahoma ranch vibes

There were moments where I wished for deeper dives into both characters’ emotional pasts, but overall, this was a warm, satisfying read—with just enough angst, heart, and steam to keep me turning the pages.

And the cover? Absolutely stunning. Total shelf candy. 😍

Perfect for fans of:
🤠 Emotionally guarded cowboys
🩺 Brilliant, no-nonsense heroines
💘 Slow-burn romance
🌾 Second chances and fresh starts

Maggie Eckersley is one to watch—this book left me smiling, swooning, and definitely ready for more.

Touching, heartfelt cowboy romance! For anyone in their cowboy era looking for a deeply moving story, filled with emotions and romance.
The author’s experience in their professional field is reflected in the careful detail put into the medical aspects of the story which makes for a realistic reading experience.
The diverse characters add another layer of realism to the story, bringing a genre often full of stereotypes into the real world.
Hunter and Caroline were beautifully developed people and easy to love.

5/5 stars! I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I was drawn to the cover and the premise sounded cute, so I figured let's see what happened. I'm so glad I did. This book was so sweet and sassy and can rival the Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver books out there. I am a sucker for COMPETENT FMCs and having Caroline be a bad-a** doctor was amazing to read. It makes complete sense why Hunter couldn't get enough of her. Desperately waiting for another book from this author.

Absolutely adored Back in the Saddle!
This book had me hooked from the very first page. Caroline and Hunter are such a compelling pair—both carrying emotional baggage, both strong in their own way, and the sparks between them are electric. I loved the small-town charm, the wit, the depth of emotion, and the way their story unfolds with such warmth and heart. It’s a slow-burn romance that feels so real and satisfying. Maggie Eckersley has crafted a beautiful, uplifting story about second chances, and I didn’t want it to end!

thank you so much for the arc and congratulations to maggie for publishing this book!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to other readers as I can absolutely see other people falling in love with it, however I personally did not connect with the characters. Sometimes a book is simply just not your cup of tea and that’s okay!

But I know Caroline and Hunter will be adored by many and wish Maggie all the love for this release and the future!!

there were some moments that i wanted to highlight that i especially enjoyed, such as the ‘one year later’ near the end of the book. earlier in the book i felt that both characters were not ready for each other and needed more healing before getting into a romantic relationship. this time gave them room to grow and grieve before they came back together. i thought that was very sweet and needed for their characters, and i think this was such a great choice for their story!

this quote in particular had me swooning: “They walked in silence. Caroline kept timidly glancing at him, only to find him already watching her.”

And I also found the relationship with Yolanda and Caroline so precious and lovely!

I enjoyed Caroline’s backstory, how she got married and it didn’t work out, but not because of anything malicious, it just didn’t work. I haven’t personally read many books where the mc has been previously married and it has ended on good terms so this was refreshing to read!

Thank you again for the arc, I am so grateful and wish Maggie all the love on this release!

Back in the saddle is marketed towards Elsie Silver fans, but personally I think this novel has managed to capture a different view that Elsie silver hasn’t, if not only has whitty and quick conversations (customary for a cowboy book of course) but also a ability to make the reader really connect with the characters.

Back in the saddle is marketed towards Elsie Silver fans, but personally I think this novel has managed to capture a different view that Elsie silver hasn’t, it not only has whitty and quick conversations (customary for a cowboy book of course) but also a ability to make the reader really connect with the characters. I especially really connected with the MMC, Hunter. My only criticism is that it felt more like a novella than a full length novel, I read it very fast and didn’t feel like it quite had enough.