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Operation: Return
Cole Bradley isn’t who he says he is.
As an intelligence officer, Cole faked his death then went undercover to find the spy in their group. When the dust settled, Cole discovered the government had mistakenly notified his next of kin of his death, though he was very much alive.
Through anger and resentment at having no identity other than the one they gave him, he comes home with a chip on his shoulder. He loves his country, but he has nothing.
Until Conner Kincade offers him a job at Wayside Ranch.
That job comes with one stipulation, he must face his one regret. That would be the woman he left behind. The woman who would now think he’s a ghost.
Erica Jameson can’t make ends meet. Her five-year-old son thinks the world of her and she’s let him down one too many times. When she gets the notice that her lease is expiring and they refuse to renew her and the camp where her son had a scholarship changed their minds, all on the same day, she’s pretty sure her life can’t get worse.
Until the man she thought was dead shows up on her doorstep.
He's just as handsome as ever and offers her solutions to all her problems without even knowing they were there. But what about when the month ends and she has to face her life again?
Especially if she doesn’t tell him . . . that her son is his.
As an intelligence officer, Cole faked his death then went undercover to find the spy in their group. When the dust settled, Cole discovered the government had mistakenly notified his next of kin of his death, though he was very much alive.
Through anger and resentment at having no identity other than the one they gave him, he comes home with a chip on his shoulder. He loves his country, but he has nothing.
Until Conner Kincade offers him a job at Wayside Ranch.
That job comes with one stipulation, he must face his one regret. That would be the woman he left behind. The woman who would now think he’s a ghost.
Erica Jameson can’t make ends meet. Her five-year-old son thinks the world of her and she’s let him down one too many times. When she gets the notice that her lease is expiring and they refuse to renew her and the camp where her son had a scholarship changed their minds, all on the same day, she’s pretty sure her life can’t get worse.
Until the man she thought was dead shows up on her doorstep.
He's just as handsome as ever and offers her solutions to all her problems without even knowing they were there. But what about when the month ends and she has to face her life again?
Especially if she doesn’t tell him . . . that her son is his.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2023
135 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Kari Trumbo
127 books426 followersKari Trumbo is a writer of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense. She's a mom to four wonderful children. When she isn't writing or editing, she loves to read, sing, and knit. Kari loves curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, many cats and one sweet bunny.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 2, 2025
This book drew me in a little more and I’m liking the characters. I love that they help victims plus get a second chance in a relationship.
May 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. Cole is on a mission to reconnect with his past. Wayside ranch is still under heavy security due to Viceroy’s reach. Plenty of mystery and action in this book. The opinions here are my own.
July 31, 2024
Operation: Return, A Christian Suspense Romance, is the second book in Kari Trumbo’s Wayside Ranch series. Cole aka Taylor had faked his own death seven years earlier leaving his old love, Erica to mourn his passing and his parents to die without ever knowing he was still alive. Angry and untrusting Cole now faces Conner’s challenge to face his greatest regret. But will Erica accept him as the man he used to be or reject the man he has become?
After her one true love, Taylor, dies, Erica is left with his child and a life living on the cusp of homelessness as she loses one job after another. When a stranger appears on her doorstep calling himself Cole and claiming to be her dead love Taylor, Erica must decide. She has just lost her job, has no money, and is about to be thrown out of her apartment. Will she take a chance that Cole is really Taylor. And will his offer of a place for her and her son at Wayside Ranch prove to be the respite she needs or bring danger to herself and her son?
Fast paced and entertaining, this is another good blend of suspense, action, and romance in a clean, Christian Suspense Romance book by Kari Trumbo. This could have easily earned a four- or five-star rating except for an act of stupidity by one of the characters near the end of the book. Just a problem for me personally, however (and this review is my opinion), so don’t let the three-star rating keep you from checking out Operation: Return. The premise of this series is unique and interesting and I will continue reading the series.
After her one true love, Taylor, dies, Erica is left with his child and a life living on the cusp of homelessness as she loses one job after another. When a stranger appears on her doorstep calling himself Cole and claiming to be her dead love Taylor, Erica must decide. She has just lost her job, has no money, and is about to be thrown out of her apartment. Will she take a chance that Cole is really Taylor. And will his offer of a place for her and her son at Wayside Ranch prove to be the respite she needs or bring danger to herself and her son?
Fast paced and entertaining, this is another good blend of suspense, action, and romance in a clean, Christian Suspense Romance book by Kari Trumbo. This could have easily earned a four- or five-star rating except for an act of stupidity by one of the characters near the end of the book. Just a problem for me personally, however (and this review is my opinion), so don’t let the three-star rating keep you from checking out Operation: Return. The premise of this series is unique and interesting and I will continue reading the series.
May 22, 2023
We all have regret but what does one do when they are confronted with it. This whole series is about confronting your biggest regret. This story focuses on Cole who, while serving in the Marines was mistakenly, pronounced dead. His one regret is that he never found his true love to explain what happened. Standalone story, but I would highly recommend reading book one for the back line of the story. I am enjoyed Cole and Erika‘s story. There was a lot of suspense, drama and sweet romance. Cole convinces Ericka to come to wayward ranch for her son to experience a horseback camp, that she had previously promised him, before she was the girl from her job. I honestly thought it was a little far-fetched that Ericka with her six-year-old son, would pick up and leave with a man did not even know. But considering her circumstances, it worked for this story. Other than that, I thought the story from very well it kept me interested and intrigued to discover how everyone at the ranch would come through the threat that hung over them. I thought the characters were well defined and portrayed. There are a few triggerpoints as were in book, one, kidnapping, gunfire, or trapped in a burning building… But all were handled discreetly, and respectfully. There are some Christian elements, believing in God and praying for good, nothing preachy. I’m looking forward to Eric and Ari’s story in the next book. I am giving this 4 1/2 stars.
May 23, 2023
Operation Return, by Kari Trumbo, is the second book in the Wayside Ranch series. This story takes over where the previous one ended, so it is best to read these books in order. The author does a fantastic job of writing this book and giving background information, so this book is also a good stand alone story. This story is filled with action and suspense with touches of romance. I enjoyed how this story focused on multiple thing happening at the same time and how they all tied together in the end.
I especially enjoy how the men working at the ranch are encouraged to correct a mistake they made in their past. For Cole, it was reaching out to the girl, Erica, he left behind when he enlisted in the military. Erica is struggling to raise their son by herself. Her son is her priority and that has resulted in another job loss.
I also enjoy how the story brings back characters from the earlier books and the work they are doing. I look forward to reading he rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
I especially enjoy how the men working at the ranch are encouraged to correct a mistake they made in their past. For Cole, it was reaching out to the girl, Erica, he left behind when he enlisted in the military. Erica is struggling to raise their son by herself. Her son is her priority and that has resulted in another job loss.
I also enjoy how the story brings back characters from the earlier books and the work they are doing. I look forward to reading he rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
May 7, 2023
Kari knows how to take the topic of regrets and write heartfelt stories of redemption and second chances combined with the right amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages.
Cole lost his entire identity when he came home from the military. He was a dead man on paper and filled with anger. Now he’s hoping to put all that behind him. Is it possible there could be a second chance with Erica?
Erica loved Cole when his name was Taylor. She’s not so sure about the man who shows up to take her to the Wayside Ranch. Can she believe anything he says? It’s not just herself she has to worry about. There’s also her six year old son who has to be the first priority.
This book gives us a look at how regrets can shape us and how easy it is to misunderstand someone’s words or actions. At the same time, it’s an inspiring picture of hope and love.
I recommend this book.
Cole lost his entire identity when he came home from the military. He was a dead man on paper and filled with anger. Now he’s hoping to put all that behind him. Is it possible there could be a second chance with Erica?
Erica loved Cole when his name was Taylor. She’s not so sure about the man who shows up to take her to the Wayside Ranch. Can she believe anything he says? It’s not just herself she has to worry about. There’s also her six year old son who has to be the first priority.
This book gives us a look at how regrets can shape us and how easy it is to misunderstand someone’s words or actions. At the same time, it’s an inspiring picture of hope and love.
I recommend this book.
February 7, 2024
A man sudden return to his first love brings some sadness but love prevail in the end.
Loved being back at Wayside ranch again. Cole and Erica story was exciting from the start. Cole and Erica had a lot from their pasts to work through One of which was their son Pete who Cole didn't know was his until the very end. Even though the people around him saw how much they looked alike. Cole had a little idea Pete might be his. Edwyn, Teddy, Brendon, Gabby, Junior and Victoria all made Erica feel at home. Cole wooed her all that time too even in the midst of danger. Which an old friend of Cole helped them out once again. So happy the story ended well. Looking forward to more in the series. Hope we get hear how Scarlet and Trace are doing. Little Pete was a real sweetie who needed his dad. So whether Cole keeps his name or goes back to being Taylor all will be well.
Loved being back at Wayside ranch again. Cole and Erica story was exciting from the start. Cole and Erica had a lot from their pasts to work through One of which was their son Pete who Cole didn't know was his until the very end. Even though the people around him saw how much they looked alike. Cole had a little idea Pete might be his. Edwyn, Teddy, Brendon, Gabby, Junior and Victoria all made Erica feel at home. Cole wooed her all that time too even in the midst of danger. Which an old friend of Cole helped them out once again. So happy the story ended well. Looking forward to more in the series. Hope we get hear how Scarlet and Trace are doing. Little Pete was a real sweetie who needed his dad. So whether Cole keeps his name or goes back to being Taylor all will be well.
June 9, 2023
Operation: Return
Another wonderful book in the Wayside Ranch series. This book is full of suspense, intrigue, and danger with a side of romance. While serving his country, Taylor Creed was declared “killed in action” by his country for a special op. They were not suppose to notify family members and take his identity but they did. Now he has no family but the men and women who work at Wayside Ranch unless he faces his one regret, Erica. Erica thought her one true love died in service so she has been raising his son alone. What is she to think when he shows up and doesn’t realize the child is his? Will these two get a second chance to find happiness while trying to avoid the human traffickers?
Another wonderful book in the Wayside Ranch series. This book is full of suspense, intrigue, and danger with a side of romance. While serving his country, Taylor Creed was declared “killed in action” by his country for a special op. They were not suppose to notify family members and take his identity but they did. Now he has no family but the men and women who work at Wayside Ranch unless he faces his one regret, Erica. Erica thought her one true love died in service so she has been raising his son alone. What is she to think when he shows up and doesn’t realize the child is his? Will these two get a second chance to find happiness while trying to avoid the human traffickers?
April 1, 2025
Return_ book 2
This book continues the Wayside series with Cole and Erica's story. There is a lot of action and again there are times when it is a tad confusing, but still a page turner. The interactions between the MC's are not always logical. She is a fearful person and it affects her life. He at least changes for the better. The child is never told the truth about his dad. That was quite the oversite. This epilogue was purely for the next book. At least the epilogue in book one had something of the main characters. This doesn't.
The 'guests' feature less in this book than the first. Overall, interesting but a bit lacking . Would have liked to see the boy find out the truth, a better proposal at the end to know what secrets Scarlett is hiding. On to book 3...
This book continues the Wayside series with Cole and Erica's story. There is a lot of action and again there are times when it is a tad confusing, but still a page turner. The interactions between the MC's are not always logical. She is a fearful person and it affects her life. He at least changes for the better. The child is never told the truth about his dad. That was quite the oversite. This epilogue was purely for the next book. At least the epilogue in book one had something of the main characters. This doesn't.
The 'guests' feature less in this book than the first. Overall, interesting but a bit lacking . Would have liked to see the boy find out the truth, a better proposal at the end to know what secrets Scarlett is hiding. On to book 3...
May 8, 2023
Another great book in the Wayside Ranch series. The story grasped my attention from the first few pages. It didn't take long for me to remember characters from the first installment and come to like new ones.
Erica and her son, Pete, brought new adventures to the series. Trouble from the Wayside's past reappears. The story is full of danger, forgiveness, and new beginnings. There are sweet moments and other tense ones as Erica & Cole work through circumstances and past hurts. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Highly recommended series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinons are my own.
Erica and her son, Pete, brought new adventures to the series. Trouble from the Wayside's past reappears. The story is full of danger, forgiveness, and new beginnings. There are sweet moments and other tense ones as Erica & Cole work through circumstances and past hurts. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Highly recommended series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinons are my own.
May 8, 2023
This book is so intense and grabs you from the beginning. There was so much happening that I couldn’t put the book down. Cole was in the military and pronounced dead. Erica was the girl he met before entering into military service. Six years after Cole leaves, he goes to get her as part of his no regrets challenge. She now has a son Pete. As the story goes on there is so much suspense as all sorts of things happen. It kept me on the edge of my seat. But it was also great to see how Cole and Erica had to gain trust in each other through faith and prayer. This was a wonderful story to read. This is a book you don’t want to miss.
May 18, 2023
Secrets, a faked death, and a second chance at love add to the suspense and danger that kept me up late at night turning pages. A great addition to the Wayside Ranch series by Ms. Trumbo! Having relied on their own intuition and strategies for so long, can Cole and single-mother Erica decide to do what's best for themselves as a couple--and Pete? I liked that characters from Book 1 were also part of the storyline, and we learned more about them. I highly recommend the Wayside Ranch series. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
May 19, 2023
Another intense book in the Wayside Ranch series by Kari Trumbo.
Cole is on two missions. One to find the woman he loved but she was told by the government that he was dead. The other is to bring Trace back to the ranch.
Erica is a single mom with a six year old son. She can’t afford to believe that Cole is the man she once loved but was declared dead. Her heart can’t take another loss.
Other things complicate their time at the ranch and pit everyone in danger.
Very intense, clean storyline.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Cole is on two missions. One to find the woman he loved but she was told by the government that he was dead. The other is to bring Trace back to the ranch.
Erica is a single mom with a six year old son. She can’t afford to believe that Cole is the man she once loved but was declared dead. Her heart can’t take another loss.
Other things complicate their time at the ranch and pit everyone in danger.
Very intense, clean storyline.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
June 22, 2023
This was another great story of love and second chances. After he was declared dead by the military, Cole/Taylor became bitter and left his old life to create a new identity at Wayside Ranch. When he takes up the challenge to face his biggest regret, he finds the only woman he has ever loved, and her son. He brings her to the ranch to reconnect, but the danger is still very real from Viceroy and they face the possibility of losing everything. These stories are heart-rending and suspenseful but uplifting as well.
June 24, 2023
ok
Like the one before this had so much emphasis on the 2 characters emotions that I got tired of reading “do I love her/him, do I not.” It seems like 2/3 of the book was only about that. Boring!!!
I skimmed those parts. There wasn’t as much drama in this one as book 1 which had the most stupid counselor in the world. How anyone in that kind of position would be allowed to counsel anyone is beyond me.
I know it’s a book but seriously, she was just stupid and not a character I liked.
Like the one before this had so much emphasis on the 2 characters emotions that I got tired of reading “do I love her/him, do I not.” It seems like 2/3 of the book was only about that. Boring!!!
I skimmed those parts. There wasn’t as much drama in this one as book 1 which had the most stupid counselor in the world. How anyone in that kind of position would be allowed to counsel anyone is beyond me.
I know it’s a book but seriously, she was just stupid and not a character I liked.
October 7, 2023
This the second book in the Wayside Ranch series and it does not disappoint! This story carries a little more intrigue, but still includes wonderful characters, great premise, adventure, suspense and romance. Can mistakes in the past heal the heartbreak the produced? Will Erica and Cole renew their love and commitment? Again the subject of human trafficking is skillfully interwoven into the story without being too graphic or offensive. I've read and listened to a lot of books my this author and I think I'm finding a new favorite series!
March 3, 2024
Kept Me Reading
This book was interesting. The plot worked well to really pull me in. I loved the way the MCs had a lot to work through and juggled work on top of that. The only thing that might throw someone off was the amount of words which weren’t what they should’ve been. It doesn’t throw me off in this story, but I know it’s a major issue for others. If you can overlook that, give it a try because it’s worth the effort, especially if inspirational, suspense romance is your jam.
This book was interesting. The plot worked well to really pull me in. I loved the way the MCs had a lot to work through and juggled work on top of that. The only thing that might throw someone off was the amount of words which weren’t what they should’ve been. It doesn’t throw me off in this story, but I know it’s a major issue for others. If you can overlook that, give it a try because it’s worth the effort, especially if inspirational, suspense romance is your jam.
May 26, 2024
this story reminds me of a TV series I watched
The TV show starring actor Kevin Bacon, The Following. In the TV show you never knew who was a friend or an enemy and you can guess it was filled with suspense. This book about Cole and Erica was the same. Every person they came into contact with were friends or enemies. They just didn’t know which. The whole story if filled with suspense and a little romance thrown in. I am actually loving this series and am getting ready to start the third book in this series. Read it and you will love it too.
The TV show starring actor Kevin Bacon, The Following. In the TV show you never knew who was a friend or an enemy and you can guess it was filled with suspense. This book about Cole and Erica was the same. Every person they came into contact with were friends or enemies. They just didn’t know which. The whole story if filled with suspense and a little romance thrown in. I am actually loving this series and am getting ready to start the third book in this series. Read it and you will love it too.
September 16, 2025
Sometimes Choices Have to be Made
Cole had so much to go through, finding and eliminating a traitor in his group, being critically wounded, and then waking up to find he no longer exists. Then, he found his parents died and that the only woman he loved had a child within the year he signed up. Erica only knew he quit writing back then received notice he was dead, then shortly afterward his parents died even though they were the only parents she knew. This is a very emotionally charged story of how we change in personality and demeanor when under extream trials.
Cole had so much to go through, finding and eliminating a traitor in his group, being critically wounded, and then waking up to find he no longer exists. Then, he found his parents died and that the only woman he loved had a child within the year he signed up. Erica only knew he quit writing back then received notice he was dead, then shortly afterward his parents died even though they were the only parents she knew. This is a very emotionally charged story of how we change in personality and demeanor when under extream trials.
May 1, 2023
Great story
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Thrown in with the action, adventure, and suspense of the next skirmish in the battle with the big baddies from the last first book in the series, is a single mom and her boy.
Both adults are distrustful and insecure of their own worth.
Reconnecting is cut short by a the baddies and that leaves them back where they started from... or does it?
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Thrown in with the action, adventure, and suspense of the next skirmish in the battle with the big baddies from the last first book in the series, is a single mom and her boy.
Both adults are distrustful and insecure of their own worth.
Reconnecting is cut short by a the baddies and that leaves them back where they started from... or does it?
May 6, 2023
Intense! Cole and Erica reconnect after six years. Erica thinks she is seeing a ghost and his story sounds very farfetched. The job he offers her seems like a dream come true until the problems begin. This is clean, inspirational, romantic suspense at its best! You will be sitting on the edge of your chair and holding your breath. Even though this is a standalone book you will definitely want to read the first book in the series “Operation: Restoration” first.
May 21, 2023
Wow, there is so much suspense in this book. I couldn’t put it down. It is a standalone but reading book one will give you a better understanding. Erica is Cole’s one regret. Bringing her and her son Pete into danger was never part of the plan. Their relationship is bittersweet with a ton of emotions on both sides. A lot happens in this story and will keep your interest throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
February 23, 2024
Cole is working at Wayside Ranch. When his turn comes to try to deal with his biggest regret, he travels 2 hours away to the small town where his girlfriend from before his service lives with her 6 year old son. Erica is immediately drawn to Cole but the man she loved was name Taylor and this man seems very different. But circumstances have fallen into place and going with Cole seems to be her only hope. Great characters, romance and suspense!
May 19, 2023
Great Series
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters and their stories. I loved Erica and Cole's story. These two have had a difficult past. She's been alone for to many years. He doesn't know who he really is are wants to be. This book is full of emotions, intrigue and a second chance romance.
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters and their stories. I loved Erica and Cole's story. These two have had a difficult past. She's been alone for to many years. He doesn't know who he really is are wants to be. This book is full of emotions, intrigue and a second chance romance.
May 19, 2023
A camp for people who have been hurt and need redemption
He goes to find his ex-girl friend— and finds out she has a son!!! Who is the father? But he takes them both to the camp because someone is targeting her! THIS BOOK - WOW - JUST WOW.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
He goes to find his ex-girl friend— and finds out she has a son!!! Who is the father? But he takes them both to the camp because someone is targeting her! THIS BOOK - WOW - JUST WOW.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
May 21, 2023
Cole has to face his one regret when he is hired to join Wayside Ranch. That regret is Erica who thinks he is dead. If you like complex stories with lots of suspense, bad guys, action, and a second chance with an HEA, this is the book for you. I received an advance copy. I choose the leave this review.
June 4, 2023
Intrigue and Drama
Kari Truman is tackling the very real and scary world of human trafficking in this series. Follow the team at Wayside Ranch as they rescue their regrets and those caught in the world of trafficking. This book my trigger PTSD for those that have Bern in abusive, trafficking or violence episodes.
Kari Truman is tackling the very real and scary world of human trafficking in this series. Follow the team at Wayside Ranch as they rescue their regrets and those caught in the world of trafficking. This book my trigger PTSD for those that have Bern in abusive, trafficking or violence episodes.
August 27, 2023
My heart can't take this excitement!
This is the second book in this series. The first one, Operation Restoration, was really good. This second book is even better. It had my heart racing up to the end, even knowing there was a happily-ever-after ending. You have got to read this--if your heart can take it.
This is the second book in this series. The first one, Operation Restoration, was really good. This second book is even better. It had my heart racing up to the end, even knowing there was a happily-ever-after ending. You have got to read this--if your heart can take it.
September 20, 2024
not sure….
I kept asking myself is this how people would act? Like Erica not reporting the threatening phone call because she’s afraid she’ll lose her job??? What kind of sense does that make. And her not telling Cole that Trent talked to Pete. And her not telling anyone about the man who came in and asked where the kitchen was. Makes no sense!
I kept asking myself is this how people would act? Like Erica not reporting the threatening phone call because she’s afraid she’ll lose her job??? What kind of sense does that make. And her not telling Cole that Trent talked to Pete. And her not telling anyone about the man who came in and asked where the kitchen was. Makes no sense!
February 7, 2025
I love this series!
This second book is even more gripping than the first! Cole has to prove to Erica that he’s Taylor that she was mistakenly told was dead. She and her son Pete are caught up in a battle against traffickers and she’s not sure who she can trust, including Cole. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and you can’t put it down!!
This second book is even more gripping than the first! Cole has to prove to Erica that he’s Taylor that she was mistakenly told was dead. She and her son Pete are caught up in a battle against traffickers and she’s not sure who she can trust, including Cole. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and you can’t put it down!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews