Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus // Just Read

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Loving the Rancher's Children 

Series: Hope Crossing #3 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Publisher: Love Inspired Books 

Release Date: May 23, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A short-term solution

Could lead to long-term love

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

Review: 

Engaging and heartfelt story of second chances and finding love in unexpected places. 

Alli Krenek moves back to her hometown while navigating a career change, she unexpectedly accepts a job nannying for Jake Walker's two children, despite her complicated history with Jake. I liked that Jake and Alli were able to quickly move past what happened when they were kids, and develop an honest friendship. Allie is amazing with the children and does a great job giving them loving structure.

There was so much great interaction throughout, I loved how Alli and Jake shared a strong faith and were devoted to putting it into action in their lives. Jake's mom is also really supportive of Alli working with the kids. Alli is a wonderful caregiver, with a big heart for others. 

Overall, a fully enjoyable read from beginning to end, I connected with the characters quickly and found that it ended far sooner than I wanted. A wonderful read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More Books in this Series

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About the Author

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Loving the Rancher's Children and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Sadie Goodwin has never written a romantic book in her life, it's not like she has any real life experience to draw from. But Sadie has one season to write a romance novel or forfeit her publishing contract so she takes up her friend on the offer of an empty beachfront house free of distractions, determined to research her way into the perfect novel. 

Sam came to North Carolina to get away from the noise, but a chipper new neighbor with an outgoing nature that attracts even more people isn't a part of his plans. 

An engaging read, with likable leads and a idyllic setting on the North Carolina Coast. I loved how the author wove in elements about the "rules" of writing a romance novel, throughout the story. It was fun seeing Sadie and Sam get to know each other, albeit begrudgingly on Sam's end. I liked their interaction, and how they worked together to reach their goals. 

A quick enjoyable read, it brought a smile to my face. Heartwarming and engaging, a wonderful standalone novel for fans of sweet romance! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

After receiving a TBI while serving his country, Behr returns home but can his biggest fear be the answer to his healing? 

An engaging and heartwarming romance with wonderful characters and a plot that does a great job of pulling the characters together despite their own plans. Ellery thinks that she can find a dog to help Behr, and I liked that she was understanding and didn't push him too much. I liked how they bonded over their faith, and helping Ellery's nephew as well. 

I think that one of my favorite things was the give and take of the friendship between Ellery and Behr. His family is welcoming and wonderful, I especially liked his father.

Overall, such a wonderful heartwarming read with great characters, pacing and engaging plot. Probably my favorite by this author so far!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher // Review

My Review: 

Six years after a terrible divorce that upended her life, Olivia Ward's life is once again upturned when she learns that she will receive custody of her daughter Emma, whom she has not seen for years. Will she be able to reconnect with her daughter despite the years apart?

A heartfelt and faith filled read about a mother and daughter's reunion, as well as the tale of a young mother 100 years before and her struggles through the unknowns trying to hold her family together during the Depression. 

A lovely story with heartfelt characters, struggling to do the right thing and make sense of where they are at. I loved Millie's journal entries, at first they seemed to no have anything to do with the main story but as the story progressed the connection was more clear. Tyler is a great guy, who finds himself caught between duty and his growing friendship with Olivia and Emma. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable smalltown read set in a few places that may be familiar if you are a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher like I am. I liked the honesty of the characters, they were flawed, but easy to cheer for just the same. I especially liked the strong message of faith and trusting God through the storms. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer // Review

Review: A delightful fairy tale re-telling with a Texas twist!

Orphaned at a young age, for Penelope Snow her growing beauty has always been something of a misfortune. Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley is more than a little suspicious of the young woman who has taken up residence with 7 rough and tumble old cowpokes, as he investigates a string of thieving. 

A charming read from beginning to end, I loved the characters especially the old cowhands with their various defining qualities and tender heart towards Penelope's plight. Such a fun read that brought a smile to my face, I loved Penelope and Titus together. I really enjoyed seeing Ms. Witemeyer's take on a classic tale, bringing it out west and making it her own, infusing it with a strong core of faith. 

Overall, this was a wonderful read, it brought a smile to my face and I liked Penelope's heart for others. A compelling read with a fairy tale twist, it makes for a cozy escape, entertaining, engaging, filled with romance and not shying away from faith. Highly recommend, and can't wait to read more in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Pick up your own copy today: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/492071 

Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham // Review

My Review: 

A stunning re-telling that for me was the perfect blend of staying true to the original while turning it on its head. 

Beauty is a young woman who uses her words and wit brazenly, as well as to fill the silence making light of life's trials, disguising a life shattered by an event that haunts her. This is a beautiful re-telling of a classic tale, I loved how it captures the classic tale, while digging deeper and even though I know the original well, it kept me guessing how it would end.

 The lovely prose flows through the book, weaving a captivating tale perfect for lovers of fairy tales. It also deals excellently with the topic of sexual assault in a sensitive but powerful way, that would be appropriate in my mind for teen readers. 

Beauty is a flawed character, who is clever but not always compassionate, thoughtlessly flaunting her wit, but my heart still went out for her because despite all of her bravado it is a cover for her true heart. I liked how the beast challenged her way of thinking with his quiet ways. 

Overall, I devoured this well written re-telling of one of my favorite stories, I haven't read a book so quickly in a long time, and I didn't want it to end. I honestly wouldn't change a thing about this lovely re-telling, and hope to read more similar books from this author in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

Her whole life Christine has been compared to her twin, Brittany, but she has carved out her own  niche with her antique mall. Meanwhile, Brent returns home with his future unclear to help his great-aunt Midge remodel her home so that she can sell. Will Christine and Brent let the past and their current insecurities take away their chance for a future together? 

A sweet and engaging tale with endearing characters. I especially liked how Aunt Midge was so supportive of Brent and Christine throughout. I liked how Christine encouraged Brent to follow his dreams, as well as her appreciation for treasures from the past. My heart went out to her for how tough her younger years were to be compared to her sister, and I admired how she gave Brent a chance to tell his side of the story. 

Overall, this was a charming read filled with compelling characters and plenty of heart. A wonderful standalone read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee // Review

My Review: 

A gripping novel of brotherhood and coming of age on the Bataan Death March. 

Jimmy Propfield is a young man stationed in the Philippines with his two best friends, Billy and Hank, when the US enters WWII. Together they fight for survival on the deadly march. 

A story of friendship and war, the book is told through the eyes of Jimmy as he endures unspeakable ordeals alongside his friends, while memories from back home give him a reason to make it home. The style of storytelling worked well for this particular story, infusing context into the complex characters relationships, and the memories were a welcome reprieve from the harder to read parts, and together it was amazing. I couldn't help but love the juxtaposed character that was Hank Wright, with his bravado, impulsive bravery, and loyalty to his friends in the most unimaginable situations where no one would have blames him if he'd acted selfishly. 

Overall, this was a powerful read with complex characters and masterful storytelling that captures the tension, and weight of their youth, as well as bright glimmers of hope in the darkest times. A tremendous story that you won't soon forget. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Pursuit of Miss Parish by Grace Hitchcock // Review

My Review: A charming and adventure filled romance, filled with faith and friendship. 

Belle Parish is ready to make a fresh start, answering the letter of a cowboy in search of a mail-order bride. But when she arrives things that Colt wrote to her about don't seem to match the man that he appears to be, so she calls the wedding off and signs on as a Harvey Girl. 

Belle is a likable and capable young woman, I liked that she holds herself to high standards and quickly proves herself a hard worker. I was glad that she found true friends in Angelique and Harriet who supported her throughout. Even though Colt isn't who he appears to be, I did like that he wants to do better and prove himself to Belle, fighting for her not knowing who she would choose. 

Engaging and well-paced, with a courageous heroine in this action filled western romance. Enjoyable from beginning to end, this book has a full cast of characters, with strong themes of second chances, faith and friendship. I loved the slight connection to the previous book in the series and returning characters, though this book could definitely be read as a standalone. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Get your copy HERE

Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Daniel and Juliette team up again to solve a mystery, with her best friend, Agatha's livelihood hanging in the balance after the murder of her father. 

A great addition to the series bringing Juliette and Daniel together again, this is an engaging read that works well especially if you have read the first book in the series. I liked that Juliette was a faithful friend to Agatha, supporting her through all of it. It was also great that this book progresses Juliette and Daniel's friendship, and gives hints of a possible outcome. 

Engaging and well paced, this was a great sequel that held its own full of intrigue with great tension as they race against the clock. I'm definitely excited to see what's next for Daniel and Juliette in their work and relationship!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.