A Valentine's Day Return by Brenda Minton

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

About the Book

They thought love was in their past…
But could it be their future?

After completing rehab, Mark Rivers returns to his hometown to make amends with his ex-wife, Kylie, and their daughter. But he doesn’t expect to stick around beyond seeking her forgiveness. So when helping Kylie run her coffee shop after a health crisis draws them closer together, Mark is forced to decide—a career in Nashville or a second chance with the family he thought he’d lost forever…

My Review

I was so excited to read a Valentine's themed book, and doesn't this cover look sweet? The main characters Mark and Kylie have some rough history, and I wonder if it was touched on in the previous book (which I haven't read). The bad choices Mark made over the years of their marriage while under the influence of alcohol are rehashed repeatedly, as well as his angst and regret over them. Kylie's struggle to trust him despite her forgiveness is also repetitious and progress is very slow as their thoughts about the situation they are now in continue to waffle back and forth, which led to my losing interest. They are both devoted to the adorable Junie who is portrayed a few years more mature than the kindergarten age she is, I think she speaks and behaves more like a second grader. This story of redemption and hard-won forgiveness will be enjoyed by others but it was a miss for me.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Sunset Ridge series

 

 

Review: Her Guardian Rancher by Brenda Minton

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

A Soldier's Promise

Three years ago Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy: watch over his wife, protect his child. But he never imagined he'd fall in love with mom and baby. Now as Emma Shaw barely hangs on to her ranch and her daughter faces lifesaving surgery, the cowboy bodyguard is determined to see his promise through. But Emma doesn't want a hero. Especially one riddled with guilt. She'll make it on her own, just like she always has. With Emma, Daron faces his most difficult assignment: showing the battle-scarred widow that letting go makes you stronger—and that loving is worth the risk…

My Review

I always enjoy the healing that takes place in stories where the main character has experienced trauma. Daron has watched over the family of a fallen comrade for years which aided in his slow recovery journey. He's reliable in the way that Emma's husband wasn't, but she just can't let go of the thought that he's only there out of guilt. It actually gets repetitive how much she hounds on that, and I wished for her to have more development throughout the book instead of closer to the end. The themes of loyalty and community are strong, and I liked the others that Daron worked with in his security company- Boone and Lucy. There is some conflict with Emma's former brother-in-law which brought an element of suspense to the book.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Martin's Crossing series . . .

Review: The Rancher's Secret Child by Brenda Minton

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Can he cowboy up for fatherhood? 

He had no room for love...until now. 

 

After meeting the son he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo's simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart, the boy's lovely guardian. She'll help him become a parent--but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?

My Review

The secret baby trope isn't my favorite because I get really sad at the thought of the baby stages and childhood years missed by the father. I think there is real grief for him to go through at missing that special growing up time. Marcus comes from a dysfunctional family with an abusive and tyrannical father, so I can see how scared he would be to give fatherhood a try. Lissa wants to make sure he really is ready and able to be present in the life of Oliver, and even though Marcus can take Oliver away from her, they realize how important it is for them both to be in his life. I was happy with the healing that took place and look forward to more from the Palermo family.

 
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Bluebonnet Springs series . . .

Review: The Rancher's Christmas Bride by Brenda Minton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Cowboy for Christmas

After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.

My Review

Marissa is truly escaping her previous life when she relocates to Bluebonnet Springs in her wedding dress (although not in a limo). She goes from city girl to cowgirl, learning to take care of her estranged grandfather's ranch, with some help from her rescuer Alex. Alex is fighting demons from his past, especially the volatile and abusive father that left quite a mark on him and his siblings. Marissa is a light in his world, showing him with her actions how to love, overcome and develop faith. Her grandfather Dan is quite a character, rough around the edges but providing wisdom when Alex and Marissa need it most. I enjoyed the members of the community and Alex's family who support each other, especially when Dan's ranch is in danger.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Bluebonnet Springs series . . .

Review: The Rancher's Texas Match by Brenda Minton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Rancher's Mission

As a volunteer at the Lone Star Cowboy League Boys Ranch, Tanner Barstow helps the troubled young residents turn their lives around. When a local rancher dies and leaves his large property to the boys ranch, Tanner finds himself spending a lot of time with Macy Swanson, whose orphaned nephew, Colby, lives at the ranch. Tanner's attracted to the newcomer, but she doesn't fit his plans. Macy longs to have Colby come home with her, but the former city girl worries she won't be the mother he deserves. Can Tanner help her see that the future she and Colby need is right here—with him?

My Review

I loved the setting of a ranch where boys get the chance to learn how to cope with their trauma and heal. Macy and Colby are working toward reunification, and Tanner becoming more involved in their lives is a catalyst to help them move forward. It's heartbreaking that children go through such tough situations, and I'm thankful to the people who work in the industries that help them. Since this is the first book in the series, we are introduced to various characters at the ranch and in the community that will be featured in the following books. The subplot of suspicious trouble making which is blamed on the boys at the ranch by the local cantankerous lawyer isn't resolved but seems that it will be an overarching plot connecting the books. The healing and faith that Macy and Colby experience brought depth and sweetness to the story and I enjoyed their happily ever after.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Lone Star Cowboy League series . . .

Review: The Rancher Takes a Bride by Brenda Minton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

His Secret Daughter

Duke Martin is a father! The former army medic is stunned when old love Oregon Jeffries tells him the news. Given his troubled past, the hardworking rancher and diner owner understands why Oregon kept his daughter a secret for twelve years. But now Duke desperately wants to make up for lost time. As he sets out to be a true father to Lilly, he soon realizes his feelings for Oregon are growing stronger. When Oregon's health falters, he's ready to care for her and prove that he's worthy of her love. Could this be Duke's second chance with the woman he never should have let get away?

My Review

I'm not a big fan of the secret baby trope, but I think the author did this one right! The story jumps right into action with a car accident, and we learn about the characters along the way through their thoughts and reactions. I just loved each of them and especially the chemistry that flares between Duke and Oregon. It's interesting how they were simply neighbors and acquaintances until Lily's injury provides the impetus to change everything. Duke warms up to the idea of having a daughter and family quickly, and it's Oregon that struggles to adjust to having another adult in her daughter's life. She's so independent and there is a theme of having faith that God is aware of us and our circumstances, that we are not alone, even when we feel that way. Duke learns to turn back to God as he finds support from Oregon in coping with his post-traumatic stress symptoms. I loved how the community and Duke's family embraces Oregon and Lilly and draws them in. It was a really feel-good story!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Martin's Crossing series . . .

Review: Western Christmas Wishes: His Christmas Family / A Merry Wyoming Christmas by Brenda Minton, Jill Kemerer

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Two tales of holiday homecoming.

Spend the holidays with family!

Home is where the heart is in His Christmas Family when Laurel Adams comes home and discovers a foster child and a charming horse trainer living on her grandmother’s ranch. And in A Merry Wyoming Christmas, single mom Leann Bowden is starting over when she and her daughter are rescued from a snowstorm. Might the dashing cowboy be the Christmas gift they’re dreaming of?

My Review

This is a sweet collection of two holiday stories. They were both pleasant to read but I didn't feel much of an emotional connection to the characters. I was glad to be able to sample the writing style of Jill Kemerer and I enjoyed the plot of her Leann being rescued from a snowstorm and falling in love with her cowboy rescuer. That's a trope that is one of my favorites. Add in the magic of the Christmas season, and it was a fun read.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.