My Review of A Rancher To Trust by Laurel Blount: I usually stay away from Love Inspired books but I saw the tour for this one and signed up, it is a cute book, has enjoyable characters that are life-like. My copy did go missing for a while when my baby brother found it and carried it around saying, "Baby, baby!" In a soft loving tone, he loved looking at the cover, which I agree is quite cute.
Rating: 3 stars.
Recommendation: 17/19 up due to past mistakes.
Verse: Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. (King James Version.)
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

Once again, a very special thank you to the author Laurel Blount and JustRead tours. I was provided a complimentary copy to review. A positive review was not required or requested. All words and thoughts are my own.

“A Rancher to Trust” is another great, Harlequin Love Inspired, stand-alone read in the author’s “Pine Valley, Georgia Series”. This is the fourth book in the series.

I was introduced to the author and the series thanks to JustRead publicity tours when I reviewed “Hometown Hope” – the third book in this series.

I later obtained “A Family for the Farmer” which is where Bailey Quinn makes her appearance and where we meet Abel Witlock and Emily Elliott. And, from what Santa’s elves told me, “A Baby for the Minister” is set to arrive in my stocking on Christmas Day.

Anyway …

This visit to Pine Valley involves Bailey Quinn who is still married to Dan Whitlock, despite them having not seen each other in about a decade.

She’s changed since their elopement which didn’t last long, and he’s had a long road ahead of him – finding sobriety namely one of them. He’s also changed from the man who he used to be.

Now, he’s looking to mend some busted fences and Bailey is looking to divorce him so she can move on with her life. And, there are certain people who hold grudges.

Dan wants to work things out, something Bailey is against. That is until Dan’s life is changed by a tragedy that leaves him the guardian of twin babies.

But, when Bailey changes her mind – Dan is skeptical as to why.

And, while Bailey thinks she knows what she wants, and what she doesn’t want – she learns God has his own plan.

As always, the Harlequin books have happy endings. The Love Inspired series promises uplifting, inspirational romance with new beginnings. These are also Christian themed, cleaner reads. This story didn’t fail to deliver at all.

Beautiful, sad, devastating, endearing, hopeful, and inspirational – this novel didn’t disappoint. The author is right – get the tissues. This one gets you in the “feels”. Forgiveness and redemption themes are abundant.

Readers will be happy to see returning characters (if only in passing) such as:

Natalie Davis-Stone & Jacob Stone (A Baby for the Minister)
Anna Delaney-Bradley & Hoyt Bradley (Hometown Hope)

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see if the author returns to Pine Valley or if she starts something else.

This is an enjoyable stand-alone read. You do not have to read the others in the series, but I think it would be best enjoyed if read along with the other books. ( )

When I see the Love Inspired logo with the words heartwarming inspirational romance, I know that I will be both inspired and entertained. This book certainly didn't disappoint! I haven't read the previous three books that Laurel Blount has set in Pine Valley, Georgia, but A Rancher to Trust makes me want to visit there. Since I am from a small town in Kentucky I'm sure that I would feel right at home.

A Rancher to Trust has a bad boy, the girl he left behind, and the classic plot twist of that bad boy trying to redeem his reputation. Dan Whitlock and Bailey Quinn were secretly married as teenagers but she was left alone when he left Pine Valley. When he returns several years later he faces town folk who don't believe that he has changed and the surprising fact that he is still married! Further complications arrive in the form of twin orphans who are suddenly put in his care. Dan needs a lot of help but does he have the nerve, let alone the right, to ask Bailey for help? Especially when she is now ready to sign those divorce papers!

Blount realistically shows how Dan is completely thrown off by being responsible for not just one, but two small children! Who wouldn't be overwhelmed? Bailey's hesitation to forget and forgive is very understandable and her ability to trust him again seems unlikely. And, even though I sympathized that Dan was given the cold shoulder by some of the locals, I know that reputations are hard to restore when your hometown is such a small place. With a lot of hard work and by listening to the advice of some of his more understanding neighbors Dan does manage to change his image and public opinion. It just remains to be seen if Bailey will be able to see the new, improved Dan Whitlock.

A Rancher to Trust reminds us that we all have made mistakes but we all can be redeemed; true repentance and forgiveness are the keys! I recommend this book for all who enjoy Christian romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book that I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest thoughts. ( )

I’ve enjoyed visiting Pine Valley, Georgia through Laurel Blount’s books, and Bailey Quinn has played a small role in each of the other stories. Therefore, I was thrilled the resident owner of the natural food store is getting her own story.

Bailey is a strong and independent woman, so the man who falls in love with her must admire and encourage those characteristics. Enter Dan Whitlock. Despite his difficult upbringing and regrettable choices in his youth, Dan has fought his demons and become a dependable friend and employee.

I enjoyed how this particular book veered somewhat away from the normal Love Inspired formula (don’t worry, there’s still a HEA). There’s a big (and heartbreaking) plot twist thrown in the middle of this story that makes the ending that much sweeter and more satisfying.

A Rancher to Trust is filled with second chances, small town shenanigans, and rekindled romance.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ( )