The Rancher's Return

Home to Hartley Creek #1

by Carolyne Aarsen

The Rocking K ranch is the only home Carter Beck has ever known. Now, in the wake of family tragedy, he wants to sell it. But how can he do that when his new horse trainer, Emma Minton, sees the ranch as her fresh start? All she wants is a good job and a place to raise her son. As Emma's little boy becomes attached to Carter, he wonders if selling the ranch is really for the best. Or could this bond mean a second chance at a family--for all of them?

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Christian Fiction, Adult, Westerns

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Even with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally cheesy. And heartwarming ❤️

[PATRICIA KUNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book. Carter comes back to see his grandmother and to sell the ranch. He meets Emma and her son Adam.

He sees how good she is with the horses and cows and the ranch itself.

He had a great loss there and does not want to stay. But He starts to listen to God and feel the attraction to Emma.

He comes to realize that he can start over there at the ranch with Emma by his side and Adam as his son.

They find the love that is theirs and with God's help they will built a live life of love and happiness.

[Mirrored14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I massively enjoyed this. I haven't read anything remotely like this in years, but I had a lot of fun. Overall, I feel like I needed more from the story: more character, more plot, more slowburn; however, I will definitely be checking out more by this author when I need a change of pace

[Sandra Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional storyline....great read!

[Debbie Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book but also very sad. I would read it again and I definitely recommend it

[Jennifer Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting. I have never read Carolyne Aarsen before, but I am now going to get the rest of this series. I highly recommend it!

[Rose Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will note before I start this review that this book is outside my comfort zone: western & Christian. It's not usually a combo I read, but I wanted to branch out. I'd describe this book as "heartwarmingly cliché." It pushes the serious topic of the loss of a child, but the delivery is a bit wooden. The characters were underdeveloped as well, and the romance was rushed. Despite being a short book, the plot moved slowly. The strongest point was Emma's strong relationship with God and her push for Carter to renew his own after the death of his son. Regardless of its Hallmark cheesiness, it's a cute book with Christian themes. It's not a strong romance book, but it's also not bad either, particularly if you like the combo of these genres together.

[Virginia Brunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and hope that it is the beginning of a series. It had the right mix of suspense (about where the love story was going) and a great story line. I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book, acknowledging the hardship of writing about a significant loss. I think she handled it very well in the book. Am looking to read more by Carolyne Aarsen.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carter left the ranch two years ago when his son Harry drowned. Emma and her son Adam have been living there for the past six months. He wants to sell the ranch, she wants to continue working there and live there. Will he grieve his son or run away?

[Cheryl Davitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story

I have enjoyed all of the stories from Hartley Creek. This one is especially touching. The loss of a loved one is hard. Carter and Emma both have felt loss. But when they let God in and people in their lives change. Good story

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Home to Hartley Creek

[Ralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book with a good story

[Karen Kirst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I really enjoyed Carolyne's writing style. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

God never leaves us, it is us that leave Him. He is ALWAYS there for us when we return to Him

[Julia Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book as it was a departure from my norm.

[Linnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet and inspiring story of coming back to the light after darkness and pain have taken over.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Adored this book. I can't wait t read abut the cousins!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be super cheesy for my taste.

[Pam Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and lovely

A very emotionally compelling story. Struggles that we as humans go through when loss occurs. Learning to trust and depend on God of all creation. Wonderful!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Home to Hartley Creek
Category: Inspirational Romance

[Kimberly Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in times of trouble

I loved this story, love of a child by a parent, even the path of sorrow after the loss of a child. Reestablishing trust in God after a terrible loss. And being willing to allow healing of one's heart.