"Chicken stew, pal. That's all I'm saying to you.
Chicken stew." (40)
Chicken stew." (40)
Title: Home on the RangeSeries: Double S Ranch, Book 2
Publisher: Waterbrook & Multnomah
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Can the brother left behind and a woman without hope work together for the good of two precious children?
Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.
For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.
Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?
Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.
For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.
Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?
I LOVE Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne. That's it. I'm leaving my review at that. OK, maybe not quite so succinct. Let's do a little something different here. Let me list you the reasons I love this book. (Not in any specific order.)
How about we start with a quote? Well, technically, I already did started this post with a quote. And why would I start with that one? Let's just say it was one of the many moments in this book that had my emotions in high alert, even if that emotion is laughter. And that was reason number one.
"Chicken stew, pal. That's all I'm saying to you. Chicken stew." (40)
Reason #2: And that, my friends, takes you to this reason:
"There's an old saying that says laughter is the best medicine. It means that embracing the joys in life is healthier than letting the sorrows drag us down." (43)And there are plenty of laughter to go around.
Reason # 3: The kids, Cheyenne and Dakota (and lets throw in Noah, but he's more the obvious cutie in Book 1, Back in the Saddle). They are adorable and will melt your heart. Plus, don't you just love those names, especially for a western?!Reason #4: The adult characters: Nick, Elsa, Angelina, Isobar, Sam, Colt....etc. Yes. The full range of development for our main couple, Nick and Elsa, as well as the continued development of Angelina, Colt, Sam...etc since Back in the Saddle. And don't you worry, Home on the Range can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to? Back in the Saddle is just as yummy and heart-tugging as Home on the Range, though I must say, my current fave is Home on the Range. I might need to reread Back in the Saddle to be certain. *wink.
#4A: Elsa: I think I broke out in song at least once or twice. "Do you wanna build a snowman?" "Let it go...let it go..." Ahem. Excuse me. Elsa is beautiful, fun and warm. I liked the fact she focused on taking care of the girls' emotions first. She pushed back what she's going through to be there for others. And Ruthy's little suspense in her struggle was spot on - from the character's actions to the reveal.
© Disney Pixar
#4B: Nick. He's thick-headed, stubborn (I guess that means the same), and just plain aggravating at times! But he's quite the yummy hunk, especially with his daughters.
Reason #5: Encouragement. You'll find lots of circumstances and quotes that can resonate with you, even if your journey and experience is not the same as any of the characters in Home on the Range.
Reason #6: That COVER. Just stare at it. That little girl holding onto the cowboy's leg. And after you read the story, and look back at this cover? It's perfect. No words can describe how perfect it is. Kudos to Waterbrook & Multnomah's marketing team.Reason #7: The AUTHOR. Ruth Logan Herne is funny and genuine. Follow her on Seekerville, Facebook or Yankee Belle Cafe Blog. You'll know what I mean. Her books are deep, with such profundity, you wouldn't think it's possible to add in humor or a lightness, but she makes it work seamlessly.
"Sometimes people just need someone to talk to. Someone they're not trying to protect. Someone who'll listen to their complete thought without building instant brick walls of rebuttal" (7)
Reason #8: Sometimes you just need a good book that seems to understand and talk back to you.
Reason #9: The message. You'll need to read it to fully appreciate it.
There goes my 9 reasons, but trust me when I say there could be many many more, for different readers. Home on the Range is about family, love, trust and forgiveness. It's about being broken and about loss and togetherness. It's about learning to lean on our Heavenly Father for strength, guidance and comfort. Filled with drama, as well as light moments, my heart broke with the characters, my smile mirrored theirs, and my tears shed as the story takes us there. I've lived with these characters, and love is not a strong enough word to tell you how highly I think of Home on the Range. I can't wait for Trey's story in Peace in the Valley. Here's my favorite quote from the book:
Don't go anywhere yet. Want to learn more about the Double S Ranch series? Check out my interview with Ruthy after reviewing Back to the Saddle.
Now, don't forget to scroll on down for the giveaway. I got an extra ARC from ACFW Marketplace for purchasing some books. So one of my readers will be able to snag it if your entry is the winning entry!
Now, don't forget to scroll on down for the giveaway. I got an extra ARC from ACFW Marketplace for purchasing some books. So one of my readers will be able to snag it if your entry is the winning entry!
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Blogging for Books for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
I love Christan Fiction because they are uplifting and contain nuggets you can apply. TY for the chance. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate being able to read without filling my mind with "trash" - explicit sex, curse words. I enjoy almost everything except sci-fi. I get tired of reading the same genre so switch around frequently. Historical is probably my favorite but I like contemporary too. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love Christian Fiction because it is encouraging and God honoring! Cowboys are hard workers and that reminds me of my hubby. I enjoy stories with kids because there have always been kids in my life and they are always entertaining or frustrating. Either way they make for a great addition to the story!
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because it's clean and uplifting and doesn't weigh my mind down or encourage impure thoughts!
ReplyDeleteoh what a fun post, Annie!! LOVE this! And you! And Ruthy! And Home on the Range :-D
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading Christian fiction because they are good, clean reads and also inspirational.
ReplyDeleteI love stories with children because they are so innocent and precocious and can be so funny! :) Thanks for the giveaway! smileytwin10{at}gmail{dot}com
ReplyDeleteCowboy novels are meaningful, memorable and give me great enjoyment. Cowboys are principled, have strength of character and are real men.
ReplyDeleteI like reading Christian fiction because they lift me up, and I don't have to worry about what they leave me thinking about at the end. I like reading stories about cowboys, because I like to read all genres & all eras. I LOVE stories about children because of their innocence, and because I love kids. I had 6 children and now have 6 grandchildren. I look forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeleteI love reading Christian fiction. I find that the story line is deeper. The stories are inspirational and will show you a faith that you can relate to.
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because the characters share my values. I love both cowboy stories and ones that feature kids!
ReplyDeleteI DO love books with cowboys; no particular reasons why. Add the inspirational element and a dose of humor, which Ruth consistently displays, and this sounds like a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteI love to be able to read books that will help grow me in faith.
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because it helps keep my mind and heart pure while I indulge in my love of reading.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love books about cowboys because cowboys are so dreamy! (Fictional ones, at least)
And I love kids, so I always enjoy books with child characters.
A combination of a cowboy with kids! Yeah, I'm in!!
love any books by Ruth!
ReplyDeleteI get great inspiration from reading Christian fiction.
ReplyDeleteOH MY STARS!!!! Annie, this is such an amazingly wonderful review!!! I fell in love with my own work, LOL! :) I can't thank you enough for all of your kind words, and you have no idea how pleased I am that you loved Nick and Elsa's story... "Chicken stew, pal. That's all I'm sayin' to you. Chicken stew."
ReplyDelete:)
And I've gotten word from my amazing editors and marketers at Waterbrook (JAMIE!!!!) that we'll be doing some more giveaways in the next month, so STAY TUNED because I guarantee, this is one book you won't want to miss... Because it just kind of sings softly to your heart... and your soul. Thank you, Annie!!! I love you!!!
I love Christian fiction because it is inspiring and clean stories to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love reading. And I love Christian fiction of almost all genres because of the content. I don't have to worry about what's in the book. And a lot of times more than not, I learn something or grow from the book. So that's always a positive. It's not just entertainment!
ReplyDeleteAnnie, thanks for the insightful review of Ruthy's Home on the Range! Your excitement should generate a lot of interest in its release. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, ladies for dropping by!! I hope you'll get a chance to read this one! =)
ReplyDeleteANNIE!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, LOVE the review of Ruthy's book, and I cannot wait to read it. LOVED Back in the Saddle, so chomping to dive into this one too. But even MORE SO now, after that fun review!!
I love Christian fiction because romance isn't passionate without the God Who created it smack dab in the middle!
And I LOVE Christian reviewers, ESPECIALLY ones as adorable and sweet as you!!
Hugs,
Julie
I like Christian fiction because the books are clean to read and have a wonderful faith message. Some of the messages are more prominent while some are subtle and I like to see how each authors unique writing style is shown in their books and how they are using their writing gift to bless christian book readers
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
I love that Christian books have clean story lines :)
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because the author glorifies God in their writing! They also always have some kind of message that God portrays through them straight to the reader's heart. I love that! You can't get that with secular writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun post and book giveaway!
I like Christan Fiction because they are uplifting and clean books to read.
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because I do not have worry about what I am reading. If my kids accidentally pick up one of my books, I do not have to worry about them reading any of it.
ReplyDeleteI love stories about cowboys. I've always wanted to live on a ranch and take care of horses and many other animals.
I love stories about cowboys because they work with animals and plus they sometimes have more respect for people and God more than some city folk. And plus cowboys are amazing
ReplyDeleteI also love Christian Fiction because it they show different character traits of God working through these characters
ReplyDeleteI like Christian fiction because my daughter often asks to read books from my shelf. I want to set a good example of the Proverbs woman for her. If it's Christian fiction, I can feel safe saying yes!
ReplyDeleteDianna
I love Christian fiction because it encourages and blesses me.
ReplyDeleteI love Christian fiction because I don't have to worry about the content & it usually gives us thoughts to ponder toward our own Christian walk. I especially love Ruthy's writing, sharing her Christian Faith in her writing.
ReplyDeleteVicki
awesome post!!! I have the book, haven't got to read it yet and now I'm so wanting the work week to be over so I can. I LOOOOOOOVE Ruthy books!!!!!! Again, this is an awesome post.
ReplyDeleteI Love Christian Fiction because they are clean and the stories seem longer because there is not a bunch of scenes and sometimes even chapters I have to skim over. I Love Out West, Ranch / Cowboy / Small Town Stories I just always have. Kids in stories are great I have a couple of my own and they always seem to brighten up a story with their happiness and they are funny.Thanks for the chance to win the book looks great.
ReplyDelete