Long and Short Reviews

Her Reluctant Rancher by Anne Marie Novak
The Wild Rose Press, Yellow Rose
Contemporary
Full Length, Spicy
Review by Jasmine

Living with his stern grandfather taught construction tycoon Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a man weak. Now back in Texas to settle his grandfather’s estate, Trev plans to sell the Rocking C Ranch so he can put his unhappy past behind him and move on.

Single-mom Beth Evans once confused lust for love and will never let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.

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Trevor Callahan had vowed that he would never return to the Rocking C Ranch and the town of Stone Creek in Texas. Living with his stern and strict grandfather, Hank Callahan, had taught him that caring makes a man weak. And he is determined not to do that. But, soon he receives word that his grandfather has died. Knowing that he has take care of the estate and settle matters, he once again steps foot on the Rocking C Ranch, determined to get in and get out as quickly as possible and without the least bit of hassle. What he did not count on was Beth Evans and her little bit of a daughter Maggie.

Beth Evans has a very fulfilling life taking care of Maggie and finishing up her studies as she plans to start a new library in the town. Soon she befriends Hank Callahan and is very surprised when he agrees to donate the books in his personal library. And she is even more amazed when she learns that he has left her about 1 million dollars for the library. But there is a condition attached. She can only get that fund if she can convince Trevor Callahan to not sell the Rocking C. That seemed like a pretty easy condition, until she met Trevor. Now she is not so sure she can keep her end of the bargain.

I enjoyed this novel and the characters immensely. I especially like Maggie’s character. The little girl is so vivacious and full of life that it adds sparkle and joy to the story. The story develops at a reasonable pace. Ms. Novak uses more dialogue than description to get a statement or point across. This makes the story more interesting to read and keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone.