This is a really nice read. Both troubled and both searching...proving that an honest love can solve anything.

Free copy for an honest review. ( )

“The Rancher’s Secret Wife” by Brenda Minton is published by Love Inspired Books. Cheyenne Jones is pregnant and pulling up in front of the Cooper home in Dawson, Oklahoma, to check on Reese Cooper. It seems she was notified that he had been injured in the line of duty and she needed to know how he was doing.

Reese Cooper had been on his way overseas when he ran into Cheyenne in Las Vegas. They married in order that her baby would have a name and so that in the event that Reese didn’t return from the war, she would inherit his life insurance. They corresponded during the time that they were apart, even though this “marriage” was to be annulled immediately upon his return. This information has to be gleaned as you read the story, because this was not part of the beginning of the story.
Reese is blinded during an attack and returns home to recover, not believing that he has much to offer anyone at this point in his life. Cheyenne has no one and nowhere to live and is on her way “somewhere” when she decides to check on Reese. Of course there is a connection between the two and many pitfalls before both decide how to go on with their lives…with each other or without.

I liked this story, but felt as though I had missed most of it. I feel as if I started reading this this book in the middle of the story instead of from page one. I wanted to know what happened to Cheyenne before she met Reese. I wanted to know how their correspondence helped them know each other. I just felt that I was missing something throughout the book. If there is a prequel to this book, I would like to read it and then read “The Rancher’s Secret Wife” again.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book in return for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-53 ( )

As it s says on the back of the book, "home is where the heart is" and there are two people who come to find their heart and home in Dawson, Oklahoma in this story. Although this story is in a series, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything by reading this book first. In fact, it makes me want to read the others in this series as the Cooper family are folks you just want to get to know.

Reese Cooper is a soldier home from Afghanistan and trying to begin his life all over again after a serious injury in the war. Cheyenne Jones is a waitress from Las Vegas who appears at the Cooper ranch to see Reese and make sure he is okay. What the family doesn't know is that Reese married Cheyenne before being shipped overseas to "help her out". It is a long story and I won't spoil it for anyone, but the chemistry between these two people was very good, they were both what the other needed to get through some very tough times in their lives. Difficult times may come, but if you have someone who is there for you no matter the circumstances, you can get through anything. Reese and Cheyenne are living proof of this. ( )

Cheyenne Jones finds herself pregnant and alone in Las Vegas. She's scared and doesn't really know what she's going to do, when she runs into Reese Cooper. Reese is about to leave for a tour of duty in Afghanistan and decides he would help her out by marrying her, giving her money and insurance and after the baby is born, they would have the marriage annulled. But Reese returns sooner than expected, to Cooper Creek, no longer the cowboy he once was. Then Cheyenne shows up to check on Reese. There is a definite connection there but after all, they did had an agreement. But what Reese and Cheyenne need to figure out is that somethings agreements are made to be broken!

The Rancher's Secret Wife was a sweet and romantic story that I just couldn't put down. From the very beginning the characters completely captivated me. They were full of life and just a joy to spend time with. After reading this story I was looking up to see if there were other books available with the Cooper Family because I definitely want to read more about them. They are so connected that it just feels good to be around them. I loved it! Reese was exactly the type of hero that just makes you sigh. The perfect combination of tough and gentle. Cheyenne was a great leading lady. She was someone you could picture as a good friend. I loved all the little moments of seeing them together. Watching them tip-toe around there feelings. Very touching. This author did a great job of showing how God puts people in our lives when we need them the most. We just have to trust Him and allow Him to work. I smiled at the way Cheyenne described God as being like the voice on the GPS, urging us to turn around at the earliest convenience, to get back on the right path. A simple but practical way of thinking. I am looking forward to returning to Dawson, Oklahoma very soon to check in on the happenings at Cooper Creek! If you enjoy a good romantic story with some wonderful family dynamics then head on out to the Ranch! Maybe I'll see ya there!
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (July 24, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0373877609
ISBN-13: 978-0373877607

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review* ( )

The Rancher's Secret Wife (Cooper Creek, book 3) by Brenda Minton
4 STARS This story just makes me happy. They both are going through tough times right now. But thier best to work out the best solution for the future. This is a very clean book no swear words or sex scenes it doesn't need. Reese Cooper bumped into a women in Las Vegas who then fell apart on him. Cheyenne Jones was working two jobs a waitress and showgirl. Her husband did not really marry her. He wastes most of her paychecks on gambling. He demanded she get abortion and drove her to the clinic. Reese likes to help when he can. He told her that he would marry her and she could be on his insurance. He was leaving on a tour of duty in the middle east. Reese said that he would put her as benafactor if something happened over there he could be at least helping someone. So they got married and Reeses paid for beauty school and he went over to war. Cheyenne got visitors telling her that her husband was injured. Cheyenne want to go check on Reese and make sure he was okay. Plus she did not know what to do she had no where to go and a paycheck is all she has. Cheyenne goes to the Cooper Ranch and Reese never told anyone about thier marriage. Cheyenne got to see him and he was not welcoming her so she left. She went to gas station. got lunch and was going to eat at park but saw a barber shop for sale. It was her dream to open a hair salon so she sat on the bench dreaming until Reese's grandmother sat by her and asked what she was doing here. She told her about her dream someday. Reeses Grandmother had the keys in her purse, because it was her Uncle's barber shop. She told Cheyenne that tomorrow she would get the power and water turned on and she could open it back up. Cheyenne told her that she could not afford it right now. So Cheyenne was talked into going home with her and stay a few days and see what she can do. Reeses felt guilty and he heard how she was still in town. Reeses wants to still help her at least till the baby is born. Then he wanted to be more to her but how can he when he can't see. Reese's family wants to know what she is to him but neither will tell thier plans. His family sees the difference she is making to him and they are welcoming. Cheyenne has bad pains and she drives herself to emergency room and the doctor is working and reading the chart and sees that she is a Cooper. The doctor asks her who her husband was and said let me introduce myself. Dr. Cooper. Now Reese's brother know that they are married. So he tells his parents the truth. It is fun to see them fall in love and heal each other. How welcoming Reese's family is. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 08/01/2012 PUB HARLEQUIN Harlequin Love Inspired ( )