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Cooper Creek #3
The Rancher's Secret Wife
HE SAID "I DO" TO A STRANGER. After knowing his bride for all of three hours, soldier Reese Cooper married waitress Cheyenne Jones. She was pregnant and scared, alone in Las Vegas-and he was about to ship out on a dangerous tour of duty. But months later, Reese comes home to Dawson, Oklahoma, no longer the strong cowboy who vowed to help Cheyenne. Shrapnel and a guarded heart changed everything. But with a wife and baby counting on him, Reese is about to learn what real courage is all about. Cooper Creek: Home is where the heart is for this Oklahoma family.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 24, 2012
54 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
114 books213 followersBrenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 29, 2012
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: LOVE INSPIRED BOOKS
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 24, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT
PROS: Flawless execution of what could have been a predictable plot; consistent feeling of a tight-knit community; fleshed-out secondary characters that didn’t overpower the main storyline; Cheyenne’s emotions were very relatable; realistic portrayal of being blind; didn’t glorify war when describing Reese’s time in action
CONS: None!
When Reese Cooper ran into Cheyenne Jones in Las Vegas, she was alone and scared, and he was about to ship out to Afghanistan. Offering to marry the pregnant waitress and dancer might not have been the most sensible option for either of them, but Reese never regretted his decision, knowing that he’d be supporting Cheyenne and her baby and allowing them a ticket out of Las Vegas and Cheyenne’s dead-end job.
Cheyenne never expected to see Reese again, although she was very grateful for the money he provided her with, which allowed her to study to become a hairdresser and enter a respectable career. But as Reese’s legal wife, she’s informed when he’s discharged from the army after being badly injured in the line of duty. After having exchanged several letters with Reese while he was overseas, Cheyenne can’t help but worry about her “husband”. So she sets off for Dawson, Oklahoma to visit Reese and his family.
Reese’s family are more than surprised to find a heavily pregnant woman on their doorstep, but it doesn’t take them long to figure out the truth of her situation. Although Reese and Cheyenne are determined that their “marriage” isn’t going to turn into anything real, Reese’s family are welcoming and make it clear that they want to support Cheyenne, even going as far as helping her set up a hairdressing business in Dawson.
Reese is still struggling to come to terms with his blindness, and doesn’t believe he can support a wife and family. But when Cheyenne starts to experience pregnancy complications, he can’t ignore the desire to be by her side. Will their marriage of convenience turn into something more tangible, despite their best efforts to ignore their true feelings?
I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience stories, even ones that have slightly cheesy titles. But despite their sometimes overly simplistic titles, I’ve developed quite an appreciation for Love Inspired Books, and their authors, over the past few years. Not only does Brenda Minton manage to put a new spin on the marriage of convenience story in The Rancher’s Secret Wife, she also puts across her incredibly compelling story in a 224-page novel.
The Rancher’s Secret Wife is technically the third book in the Cooper Creek series, which I didn’t realise when I picked it up. But as all Love Inspired books are designed to be read as standalone novels, I was able to ease into the town of Dawson and the Cooper family with no difficulty at all. I’ve never lived in such a tight-knit community, even though I’ve spent most of my life in small, country towns, but I like to believe that places like Dawson still exist, where neighbours look out for each other and you know all your local storeowners by name. Dawson had a lovely nostalgic feel to it, making me understand why Cheyenne would want to settle there and raise her baby, and it thankfully managed to void seeming too perfect or unrealistic.
I also loved all of the secondary characters in The Rancher’s Secret Wife. I’ll reiterate: you can read this book as a standalone novel, but you’ll probably end up wanting to read the rest of the books in the series once you get to know Reese’s family and friends. Although each of the characters had their flaws and problems, they never overpowered the main storyline, and I think I got a few inklings of a future book featuring Reese’s younger brother.
As I said, I love marriage of convenience stories. I’m not sure what the appeal is, but I’m obviously not alone in my feelings, as these stories crop up in every romantic genre – contemporary, historical, even Amish! It’s difficult to manage a marriage of convenience story in a contemporary setting without it feeling too contrived, and I did wonder how the story would pan out in The Rancher’s Secret Wife. Although the idea of a soon-to-be deployed soldier spontaneously marrying a woman simply because she was alone and pregnant seemed a little unrealistic, as I got to know Reese, I could tell that he was a man of character and integrity who would do what he thought was right, even if it demanded a lot of him.
There were a few times when I got a little annoyed at Cheyenne for not admitting her true feelings for Reese, and continually pushing him away when he offered to help her, but when I stepped back and examined her situation, I could see why she acted the way she did. I can be a pretty emotional person at times – and goodness knows how heightened my emotions would be if I were pregnant, like Cheyenne – and I could see a bit of myself in Cheyenne’s insecurity and worries. I imagine this is something a lot of readers will be able to relate to.
Reese’s disability added an extra dimension to the romance, holding him back from admitting how he felt to Cheyenne out of fear that he couldn’t be a real husband to her. This turns out to be the third Love Inspired novel I’ve read this year that contains a blind character, and the descriptions of how Reese learned to move around and understand his surroundings appeared to be the most realistic I’ve come across in a novel. I also appreciated that the book was able to address Reese’s time in combat and the affect it had on his life, without glorifying war. Stories featuring war heroes, particularly romance novels, sometimes seem as if they’re verging on glorifying war rather than simply acknowledging the sacrifices servicemen and women make, which can often sit uncomfortably with a pacifist like myself.
I picked this book up thinking it would be an easy, relaxing read for a stressful period in my university semester. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, or to become so emotionally connected with the characters and the setting of Dawson, Oklahoma. This has to be my favourite contemporary Love Inspired novel and I highly recommend it to readers of this line. This definitely won’t be the last of Brenda Minton’s novels that I read.
Review title provided by Love Inspired Books.
PUBLISHER: LOVE INSPIRED BOOKS
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 24, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT
PROS: Flawless execution of what could have been a predictable plot; consistent feeling of a tight-knit community; fleshed-out secondary characters that didn’t overpower the main storyline; Cheyenne’s emotions were very relatable; realistic portrayal of being blind; didn’t glorify war when describing Reese’s time in action
CONS: None!
When Reese Cooper ran into Cheyenne Jones in Las Vegas, she was alone and scared, and he was about to ship out to Afghanistan. Offering to marry the pregnant waitress and dancer might not have been the most sensible option for either of them, but Reese never regretted his decision, knowing that he’d be supporting Cheyenne and her baby and allowing them a ticket out of Las Vegas and Cheyenne’s dead-end job.
Cheyenne never expected to see Reese again, although she was very grateful for the money he provided her with, which allowed her to study to become a hairdresser and enter a respectable career. But as Reese’s legal wife, she’s informed when he’s discharged from the army after being badly injured in the line of duty. After having exchanged several letters with Reese while he was overseas, Cheyenne can’t help but worry about her “husband”. So she sets off for Dawson, Oklahoma to visit Reese and his family.
Reese’s family are more than surprised to find a heavily pregnant woman on their doorstep, but it doesn’t take them long to figure out the truth of her situation. Although Reese and Cheyenne are determined that their “marriage” isn’t going to turn into anything real, Reese’s family are welcoming and make it clear that they want to support Cheyenne, even going as far as helping her set up a hairdressing business in Dawson.
Reese is still struggling to come to terms with his blindness, and doesn’t believe he can support a wife and family. But when Cheyenne starts to experience pregnancy complications, he can’t ignore the desire to be by her side. Will their marriage of convenience turn into something more tangible, despite their best efforts to ignore their true feelings?
I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience stories, even ones that have slightly cheesy titles. But despite their sometimes overly simplistic titles, I’ve developed quite an appreciation for Love Inspired Books, and their authors, over the past few years. Not only does Brenda Minton manage to put a new spin on the marriage of convenience story in The Rancher’s Secret Wife, she also puts across her incredibly compelling story in a 224-page novel.
The Rancher’s Secret Wife is technically the third book in the Cooper Creek series, which I didn’t realise when I picked it up. But as all Love Inspired books are designed to be read as standalone novels, I was able to ease into the town of Dawson and the Cooper family with no difficulty at all. I’ve never lived in such a tight-knit community, even though I’ve spent most of my life in small, country towns, but I like to believe that places like Dawson still exist, where neighbours look out for each other and you know all your local storeowners by name. Dawson had a lovely nostalgic feel to it, making me understand why Cheyenne would want to settle there and raise her baby, and it thankfully managed to void seeming too perfect or unrealistic.
I also loved all of the secondary characters in The Rancher’s Secret Wife. I’ll reiterate: you can read this book as a standalone novel, but you’ll probably end up wanting to read the rest of the books in the series once you get to know Reese’s family and friends. Although each of the characters had their flaws and problems, they never overpowered the main storyline, and I think I got a few inklings of a future book featuring Reese’s younger brother.
As I said, I love marriage of convenience stories. I’m not sure what the appeal is, but I’m obviously not alone in my feelings, as these stories crop up in every romantic genre – contemporary, historical, even Amish! It’s difficult to manage a marriage of convenience story in a contemporary setting without it feeling too contrived, and I did wonder how the story would pan out in The Rancher’s Secret Wife. Although the idea of a soon-to-be deployed soldier spontaneously marrying a woman simply because she was alone and pregnant seemed a little unrealistic, as I got to know Reese, I could tell that he was a man of character and integrity who would do what he thought was right, even if it demanded a lot of him.
There were a few times when I got a little annoyed at Cheyenne for not admitting her true feelings for Reese, and continually pushing him away when he offered to help her, but when I stepped back and examined her situation, I could see why she acted the way she did. I can be a pretty emotional person at times – and goodness knows how heightened my emotions would be if I were pregnant, like Cheyenne – and I could see a bit of myself in Cheyenne’s insecurity and worries. I imagine this is something a lot of readers will be able to relate to.
Reese’s disability added an extra dimension to the romance, holding him back from admitting how he felt to Cheyenne out of fear that he couldn’t be a real husband to her. This turns out to be the third Love Inspired novel I’ve read this year that contains a blind character, and the descriptions of how Reese learned to move around and understand his surroundings appeared to be the most realistic I’ve come across in a novel. I also appreciated that the book was able to address Reese’s time in combat and the affect it had on his life, without glorifying war. Stories featuring war heroes, particularly romance novels, sometimes seem as if they’re verging on glorifying war rather than simply acknowledging the sacrifices servicemen and women make, which can often sit uncomfortably with a pacifist like myself.
I picked this book up thinking it would be an easy, relaxing read for a stressful period in my university semester. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, or to become so emotionally connected with the characters and the setting of Dawson, Oklahoma. This has to be my favourite contemporary Love Inspired novel and I highly recommend it to readers of this line. This definitely won’t be the last of Brenda Minton’s novels that I read.
Review title provided by Love Inspired Books.
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I used to devour 2-3 Harlequins in a day a few years ago so I couldn't resist downloading these!
November 6, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Rancher's Secret Wife" and I thought it was a wonderful third installment in the Cooper Creek Series. I loved the story plot and the characters were absolutely phenomenal, especially Reese and Cheyenne. I would certainly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian romance.
October 5, 2019
I only just discovered this author and love her work. This is the second of her books I have read. She creates great characters and plots and they just make your heart smile. I am on a mission to read more.
August 5, 2012
The Rancher's Secret Wife (Cooper Creek, book 3) by Brenda Minton
4 STARS This story just makes me happy. They both are going through tough times right now. But thier best to work out the best solution for the future. This is a very clean book no swear words or sex scenes it doesn't need. Reese Cooper bumped into a women in Las Vegas who then fell apart on him. Cheyenne Jones was working two jobs a waitress and showgirl. Her husband did not really marry her. He wastes most of her paychecks on gambling. He demanded she get abortion and drove her to the clinic. Reese likes to help when he can. He told her that he would marry her and she could be on his insurance. He was leaving on a tour of duty in the middle east. Reese said that he would put her as benafactor if something happened over there he could be at least helping someone. So they got married and Reeses paid for beauty school and he went over to war. Cheyenne got visitors telling her that her husband was injured. Cheyenne want to go check on Reese and make sure he was okay. Plus she did not know what to do she had no where to go and a paycheck is all she has. Cheyenne goes to the Cooper Ranch and Reese never told anyone about thier marriage. Cheyenne got to see him and he was not welcoming her so she left. She went to gas station. got lunch and was going to eat at park but saw a barber shop for sale. It was her dream to open a hair salon so she sat on the bench dreaming until Reese's grandmother sat by her and asked what she was doing here. She told her about her dream someday. Reeses Grandmother had the keys in her purse, because it was her Uncle's barber shop. She told Cheyenne that tomorrow she would get the power and water turned on and she could open it back up. Cheyenne told her that she could not afford it right now. So Cheyenne was talked into going home with her and stay a few days and see what she can do. Reeses felt guilty and he heard how she was still in town. Reeses wants to still help her at least till the baby is born. Then he wanted to be more to her but how can he when he can't see. Reese's family wants to know what she is to him but neither will tell thier plans. His family sees the difference she is making to him and they are welcoming. Cheyenne has bad pains and she drives herself to emergency room and the doctor is working and reading the chart and sees that she is a Cooper. The doctor asks her who her husband was and said let me introduce myself. Dr. Cooper. Now Reese's brother know that they are married. So he tells his parents the truth. It is fun to see them fall in love and heal each other. How welcoming Reese's family is. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 08/01/2012 PUB HARLEQUIN Harlequin Love Inspired
4 STARS This story just makes me happy. They both are going through tough times right now. But thier best to work out the best solution for the future. This is a very clean book no swear words or sex scenes it doesn't need. Reese Cooper bumped into a women in Las Vegas who then fell apart on him. Cheyenne Jones was working two jobs a waitress and showgirl. Her husband did not really marry her. He wastes most of her paychecks on gambling. He demanded she get abortion and drove her to the clinic. Reese likes to help when he can. He told her that he would marry her and she could be on his insurance. He was leaving on a tour of duty in the middle east. Reese said that he would put her as benafactor if something happened over there he could be at least helping someone. So they got married and Reeses paid for beauty school and he went over to war. Cheyenne got visitors telling her that her husband was injured. Cheyenne want to go check on Reese and make sure he was okay. Plus she did not know what to do she had no where to go and a paycheck is all she has. Cheyenne goes to the Cooper Ranch and Reese never told anyone about thier marriage. Cheyenne got to see him and he was not welcoming her so she left. She went to gas station. got lunch and was going to eat at park but saw a barber shop for sale. It was her dream to open a hair salon so she sat on the bench dreaming until Reese's grandmother sat by her and asked what she was doing here. She told her about her dream someday. Reeses Grandmother had the keys in her purse, because it was her Uncle's barber shop. She told Cheyenne that tomorrow she would get the power and water turned on and she could open it back up. Cheyenne told her that she could not afford it right now. So Cheyenne was talked into going home with her and stay a few days and see what she can do. Reeses felt guilty and he heard how she was still in town. Reeses wants to still help her at least till the baby is born. Then he wanted to be more to her but how can he when he can't see. Reese's family wants to know what she is to him but neither will tell thier plans. His family sees the difference she is making to him and they are welcoming. Cheyenne has bad pains and she drives herself to emergency room and the doctor is working and reading the chart and sees that she is a Cooper. The doctor asks her who her husband was and said let me introduce myself. Dr. Cooper. Now Reese's brother know that they are married. So he tells his parents the truth. It is fun to see them fall in love and heal each other. How welcoming Reese's family is. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 08/01/2012 PUB HARLEQUIN Harlequin Love Inspired
August 8, 2012
BRENDA MINTON is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read just about every book she’s written, and love them all. THE RANCHER’S SECRET WIFE was no exception. As soon as I saw the cover I was hooked. The title was an extra bonus. Those things are important tools to draw me in with books by other authors, but when it comes to MS MINTON’S books, I know what awaits me inside.
Cheyenne Jones is just stopping by Dawson, Oklahoma to check on the man she married six months ago. She has no plans of sticking around, even though she has no one to count on and nowhere to go. When the grandmother of the man she came to see, insist Cheyenne opens up the old Barber Shop in town, she finds the offer too hard to refuse.
Reese Cooper is known for taking in strays, but when he up and marries a woman he only knew for a few hours, his family doesn’t know what to make of the news.
When Cheyenne unexpectedly shows up at Reese’s parents, he isn’t about to let her walk out and face life alone. Not when he can take care of her…or can he? Even if they did have an agreement and even if that agreement didn’t include love.
I just love Reese Cooper. Then again I love all of BRENDA MINTON’S heroes. I really like her heroines as well, which isn’t always the case when I read a book by other authors. In THE RANCHER’S SECRET WIFE, MS MINTON delivered many amazing lines that had me sighing.
I loved the uniqueness of Reese’s situation. I now have a new found awareness of those with his “disability”. I can’t tell you how many times I said, “Wow, I never thought of that challenge.” Many of us have thought briefly about what it would mean to lose our eyesight, yet in reality we have no clue.
You know when you read that special line in a romance novel that sends tingles down your spine. In THE RANCER’S SECRET WIFE, I felt that sensation so many times I lost track. Reese was that tender.
I can’t wait for the next relationship to blossom in Dawson, Oklahoma. If you have yet to read about the other wonderful characters in this quaint town, do yourself a favor and pick up the other stories.
Cheyenne Jones is just stopping by Dawson, Oklahoma to check on the man she married six months ago. She has no plans of sticking around, even though she has no one to count on and nowhere to go. When the grandmother of the man she came to see, insist Cheyenne opens up the old Barber Shop in town, she finds the offer too hard to refuse.
Reese Cooper is known for taking in strays, but when he up and marries a woman he only knew for a few hours, his family doesn’t know what to make of the news.
When Cheyenne unexpectedly shows up at Reese’s parents, he isn’t about to let her walk out and face life alone. Not when he can take care of her…or can he? Even if they did have an agreement and even if that agreement didn’t include love.
I just love Reese Cooper. Then again I love all of BRENDA MINTON’S heroes. I really like her heroines as well, which isn’t always the case when I read a book by other authors. In THE RANCHER’S SECRET WIFE, MS MINTON delivered many amazing lines that had me sighing.
I loved the uniqueness of Reese’s situation. I now have a new found awareness of those with his “disability”. I can’t tell you how many times I said, “Wow, I never thought of that challenge.” Many of us have thought briefly about what it would mean to lose our eyesight, yet in reality we have no clue.
You know when you read that special line in a romance novel that sends tingles down your spine. In THE RANCER’S SECRET WIFE, I felt that sensation so many times I lost track. Reese was that tender.
I can’t wait for the next relationship to blossom in Dawson, Oklahoma. If you have yet to read about the other wonderful characters in this quaint town, do yourself a favor and pick up the other stories.
October 22, 2012
KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
The Rancher’s Secret Wife is the first book I have read by Brenda Minton, and I have to say I will be looking for more. I grew up reading faith based romance novels, and have to say this one is beyond great!! I cried like a fool through it. The hero is Reese, and he is a recently injured veteran. As the sister of a Marine, I absolutely loved the way she handled not only his injury recovery but his PTSD too.
Cheyenne has come to Dawson to make sure that Reese is ok, and to offer him the annulment they promised each other at their quickie wedding in Vegas. What she didn’t expect to find is a home in Dawson.
Reese is beyond great. Before heading out to Afghanistan he has some time in Vegas, and literally runs into this pregnant crying dancer that pulls at his heart strings. He gets her to marry him to give her insurance and make her his beneficiary if something should happen to him. Well something did happen he was injured and has lost his sight. The last think he expected when walking in the kitchen was to find the wife no one knows he has sitting at his mom’s table. He is having a hard enough dealing with the fact that he can no longer see, and now he has to figure out what to do with his wife and the feelings that are growing for her. Can he get around her hardhead to make her see that forever is a possibility? Can he accept that he can have forever with her even though he is blind??
These two have so much chemistry, and there is soooooo much to love about both of them! I have to admit many parts had me tearing up with these two. I hope y’all love it as much as I did!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
The Rancher’s Secret Wife is the first book I have read by Brenda Minton, and I have to say I will be looking for more. I grew up reading faith based romance novels, and have to say this one is beyond great!! I cried like a fool through it. The hero is Reese, and he is a recently injured veteran. As the sister of a Marine, I absolutely loved the way she handled not only his injury recovery but his PTSD too.
Cheyenne has come to Dawson to make sure that Reese is ok, and to offer him the annulment they promised each other at their quickie wedding in Vegas. What she didn’t expect to find is a home in Dawson.
Reese is beyond great. Before heading out to Afghanistan he has some time in Vegas, and literally runs into this pregnant crying dancer that pulls at his heart strings. He gets her to marry him to give her insurance and make her his beneficiary if something should happen to him. Well something did happen he was injured and has lost his sight. The last think he expected when walking in the kitchen was to find the wife no one knows he has sitting at his mom’s table. He is having a hard enough dealing with the fact that he can no longer see, and now he has to figure out what to do with his wife and the feelings that are growing for her. Can he get around her hardhead to make her see that forever is a possibility? Can he accept that he can have forever with her even though he is blind??
These two have so much chemistry, and there is soooooo much to love about both of them! I have to admit many parts had me tearing up with these two. I hope y’all love it as much as I did!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 25, 2012
Title: The Rancher’s Secret Wife
Author: Brenda Minton
Series: Love Inspired Cooper Creek
Chapters: 14 plus epilogue
Pages: 215
Genre: Christian Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reese Cooper married Cheyenne Jones before he left for Iraq in order to give her and her unborn baby a better life. While he was gone she would have his health insurance, if he didn’t come back then she would have his life insurance. However no one saw him coming back injured and blind.
Cheyenne Jones Cooper shows up in Dawson Oklahoma to make sure that Reese was ok and to find a place to raise her child. Cheyenne is tire of feeling like no one can love her, and a throw away. Reese on the other hand doesn't feel like he can take care of a wife let alone a child being blind.
The Rancher’s Secret Bride is a novel about learning to trust God’s plan and His timing. That His ways are not our ways. Which is something that both Reese and Cheyenne have to learn.
The Rancher’s Secret Bride is the fourth book in the Cooper Creek series by Brenda Minton and one of my favorites. The Cooper’s are a large family in which love is thicker than blood. Even though it is a series each book is a standalone that can be read separately and out of order without giving away too much.
Reese is a hero who served his country was and injured but still made it home. But like Brenda said at the end of the novel it is the man and women of the Armed forces that are the real heroes and we need to take the time to thank them.
Author: Brenda Minton
Series: Love Inspired Cooper Creek
Chapters: 14 plus epilogue
Pages: 215
Genre: Christian Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reese Cooper married Cheyenne Jones before he left for Iraq in order to give her and her unborn baby a better life. While he was gone she would have his health insurance, if he didn’t come back then she would have his life insurance. However no one saw him coming back injured and blind.
Cheyenne Jones Cooper shows up in Dawson Oklahoma to make sure that Reese was ok and to find a place to raise her child. Cheyenne is tire of feeling like no one can love her, and a throw away. Reese on the other hand doesn't feel like he can take care of a wife let alone a child being blind.
The Rancher’s Secret Bride is a novel about learning to trust God’s plan and His timing. That His ways are not our ways. Which is something that both Reese and Cheyenne have to learn.
The Rancher’s Secret Bride is the fourth book in the Cooper Creek series by Brenda Minton and one of my favorites. The Cooper’s are a large family in which love is thicker than blood. Even though it is a series each book is a standalone that can be read separately and out of order without giving away too much.
Reese is a hero who served his country was and injured but still made it home. But like Brenda said at the end of the novel it is the man and women of the Armed forces that are the real heroes and we need to take the time to thank them.
November 11, 2013
Homigosh, if you like whining, this is the book for you.
So Cooper meets Cheyenne in Vegas, where she's waiting tables, knocked up, and abandoned. She's broke and already crying... which continues the ENTIRETY of the book. He's about to deport to Afghanistan (which is why I picked it up - I like soldier stories), and he figures he'll marry her, put her on his insurance so her baby's birth is covered, and when the baby's born, they'll annul the marriage.
So now he's back from the military, but trying to recover from wounds, and Cheyenne shows up and cries because he's wounded, and cries because she's pregnant, and cries because she has no home, or family, or place to stay, or food, or job, or backbone... she does, however, have tear ducts. And uses them like a pro.
And... I didn't have to finish the book to know that she has the baby and he doesn't annul the marriage, and they live happily sobby after. In fact, I didn't even make it halfway before I started skimming, and it's sobbing, so I skim more, and peek again and she's sobbing... and skim some more... and then I wondered WHY I was bothering. I knew the end at the beginning. Just close the book and give it the rating it deserves, already.
So I did.
So Cooper meets Cheyenne in Vegas, where she's waiting tables, knocked up, and abandoned. She's broke and already crying... which continues the ENTIRETY of the book. He's about to deport to Afghanistan (which is why I picked it up - I like soldier stories), and he figures he'll marry her, put her on his insurance so her baby's birth is covered, and when the baby's born, they'll annul the marriage.
So now he's back from the military, but trying to recover from wounds, and Cheyenne shows up and cries because he's wounded, and cries because she's pregnant, and cries because she has no home, or family, or place to stay, or food, or job, or backbone... she does, however, have tear ducts. And uses them like a pro.
And... I didn't have to finish the book to know that she has the baby and he doesn't annul the marriage, and they live happily sobby after. In fact, I didn't even make it halfway before I started skimming, and it's sobbing, so I skim more, and peek again and she's sobbing... and skim some more... and then I wondered WHY I was bothering. I knew the end at the beginning. Just close the book and give it the rating it deserves, already.
So I did.
January 24, 2013
This is a charming love story! You will really feel for and enjoy these characters. Reese and Cheyenne only meet for a few hours before getting married. When Reese comes back from war with some scars will he be willing to step up and take care of Cheyenne? Will Cheyenne be willing to live with the Reese who has come back so different?
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I enjoyed the two main characters. I thought they were very well written. It is a story that could actually take place and that made it even more enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romance that has depth but is also an easy read!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I enjoyed the two main characters. I thought they were very well written. It is a story that could actually take place and that made it even more enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romance that has depth but is also an easy read!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
March 23, 2021
This book was so good, it had me captive from the very first page to the very last. I love the creativity, descriptive and extensive background of our main characters, Cheyenne Jones and Reese Cooper.
Reese was certainly an amazing, selfless man, a natural and true hero. Not only did he marry Cheyenne, to give her health benefits but he gave her a true, loving family. (Everyone in the Cooper's family was genuinely and completely loving and helpful to Cheyenne). I love how strong, compassion, and confident Reese was, although he was blind to secure Cheyenne's faith and resurrance in God.
I highly recommend and love all Ms. Minton's books and looking exciting to read them in the very near future!
😇😘👶
Reese was certainly an amazing, selfless man, a natural and true hero. Not only did he marry Cheyenne, to give her health benefits but he gave her a true, loving family. (Everyone in the Cooper's family was genuinely and completely loving and helpful to Cheyenne). I love how strong, compassion, and confident Reese was, although he was blind to secure Cheyenne's faith and resurrance in God.
I highly recommend and love all Ms. Minton's books and looking exciting to read them in the very near future!
😇😘👶
December 22, 2012
Okay, I need to say it. This novel was romantic. I mean it wasn't the best I've read but I did fall in love with the heroine. I did enjoy reading about Reece. I was sad that Reece was blind, although he never let that slow him down. The hero and heroine seemed to have this perfect bond that meshed so well together. It was kind of beautiful!
October 17, 2012
Best book of the whole series! Went to bed wiht 37% read and couldn't go to sleep until I finished it! GREAT story I will read again VERY soon.
May 25, 2013
Loved this book. Have read it several times
November 21, 2017
Sweet book in a very good series.
June 27, 2018
I was surprised by how moving I found this romance (please ignore the cheesy cover). In particular, the thematic use of the epigraph really touched me (that's such a weird sentence, sorry, I'll explain).
This is a Christian romance and the book begins with a Bible quote "Consider the ravens for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feedeth them: How much more are ye better than the fowls?" (Luke 12:24) And in the middle of this book the heroine, who is feeling very insecure, thought about this passage and how she doesn't have to be "useful" or "deserving" to be loved by God. And I found that so moving that a few days later that is mainly what I remember about this book - not the hero and heroine together (though he's a total sweetheart) or the whole baby thing (though the baby plot turns surprisingly dramatic and compelling) but the heroine's emotional journey toward a sense of worth and belonging.
This is a Christian romance and the book begins with a Bible quote "Consider the ravens for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feedeth them: How much more are ye better than the fowls?" (Luke 12:24) And in the middle of this book the heroine, who is feeling very insecure, thought about this passage and how she doesn't have to be "useful" or "deserving" to be loved by God. And I found that so moving that a few days later that is mainly what I remember about this book - not the hero and heroine together (though he's a total sweetheart) or the whole baby thing (though the baby plot turns surprisingly dramatic and compelling) but the heroine's emotional journey toward a sense of worth and belonging.
June 18, 2018
Brenda Minton ALWAYS delivers stories that touch the heart. Reese Cooper married Cheyenne Cooper in haste to save her from the dire straits her life was plunging into. Pregnant and alone in Las Vegas, Cheyenne needed help and Reese felt that he could provide it. Since he was being deployed, the next day, their plan was to annul their marriage after the baby is born. She would get his insurance coverage, and he could care for her and her baby without being involved.
Months later, Reese is sent home. Injured and feeling like he can't help anyone, he is shocked when Cheyenne shows up on his doorstep to check up on him. She has lost her job, her car is giving its last gasp, and she only has a few more weeks of her pregnancy left. When he encourages her to stay in Dawson, OK, and his family learns their secret, Cheyenne begins to feel like home is tapping on her shoulder.
Will Reese and Cheyenne learn that, in helping each other, love can take root?
This story made me want to go back and find the rest of the books in this series. Reese was a man to depend on, despite his limitations. Cheyenne was strong and caring, in spite of the hand she'd been dealt. Together, they are whole, but apart, each feels the loss of the other. I loved how his family stepped in and loved Cheyenne, even before they knew she was married to Reese. I absolutely recommend this book!
Months later, Reese is sent home. Injured and feeling like he can't help anyone, he is shocked when Cheyenne shows up on his doorstep to check up on him. She has lost her job, her car is giving its last gasp, and she only has a few more weeks of her pregnancy left. When he encourages her to stay in Dawson, OK, and his family learns their secret, Cheyenne begins to feel like home is tapping on her shoulder.
Will Reese and Cheyenne learn that, in helping each other, love can take root?
This story made me want to go back and find the rest of the books in this series. Reese was a man to depend on, despite his limitations. Cheyenne was strong and caring, in spite of the hand she'd been dealt. Together, they are whole, but apart, each feels the loss of the other. I loved how his family stepped in and loved Cheyenne, even before they knew she was married to Reese. I absolutely recommend this book!
January 25, 2021
This was a heartbreaking story written in a delightful way, a refreshing rare combination. I enjoyed reading Rees’s character, what I loved the most was his constant smile even with everything he’s going through. Cheyenne on the other hand was just okay, her stubbornness was a little bit annoying but not unbelievable. I liked how the religious tone wasn’t overwhelming and the romance was clean but really sweet. I also loved the western setting of the book, the description of the ranch and everyday life in it was so vivid that I really enjoyed it.
October 11, 2017
Beautiful romance and love the Reese and Cheyenne story
I really enjoy this book full of compassion and learning how life can change what a beautiful love inspired Christian romance and not preachy in anyway !! Really enjoy Brenda Minton as new too her and can't wait read more by her....
I really enjoy this book full of compassion and learning how life can change what a beautiful love inspired Christian romance and not preachy in anyway !! Really enjoy Brenda Minton as new too her and can't wait read more by her....
March 5, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Brenda Minton. I loved this book's story line. I loved Cheyenne's character. I felt sorry Cheyenne. I loved Reese's character. My heart broke for Reese. I loved the ending. Awesome job Ms. Minton.
August 11, 2023
A must read
A riveting story of learning to trust in being loved wholeheartedly. From a marriage on paper only, to becoming a family against the odds. Great characters and story that compels you to keep reading til the sweetest ending.
A riveting story of learning to trust in being loved wholeheartedly. From a marriage on paper only, to becoming a family against the odds. Great characters and story that compels you to keep reading til the sweetest ending.
December 9, 2024
what a beautiful story
This story is so well written it’s hard to put down. The experience are so real to what happens if every day life Thinks for all the wonderful stories on to the next one in this series
This story is so well written it’s hard to put down. The experience are so real to what happens if every day life Thinks for all the wonderful stories on to the next one in this series
October 12, 2017
A great story.
August 20, 2019
Cute story. I just wish everyone had been more honest.
April 16, 2020
What a great book. Loved the characters!
September 23, 2021
Wonderful Tear Jerker
I lived this book from beginning to end. This was the 1st book in this series that I read but now I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
I lived this book from beginning to end. This was the 1st book in this series that I read but now I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
June 24, 2023
Sweet story of military man Reese, blinded, and Cheyenne an unhappy pregnant woman, marry and baby brings them together with love
August 7, 2024
Inspirational romance.
January 6, 2013
The Rancher’s Secret Wife is the first book I have read by Brenda Minton. The book starts out in Las Vegas when Cheyenne, a waitress, is really upset because the father of her baby tried to get her to have an abortion. She wants to keep the baby but does not know how she can make it. Along comes Reece, a cowboy, who is getting ready to go fight in the war. He decides to help her out by marring her. While he is gone she will get insurance and some money. After the baby is born they will dissolve the marriage. Their plans go bad when Cheyenne gets a visit and is told her husband was hurt in the war. Cheyenne decides to go visit his parents to see how he is doing. She finds out that he went blind from his accident. She decides to stay around and with the help of Reece’s grandmother opens a beauty parlor. Reece and Cheyenne seem to have feelings for each other, but both have reasons that they feel they cannot act on those feelings. Will they stay together or go their separate ways after the baby is born.
I really enjoyed this story. I feel in love with the characters. The author really seems to bring them to life. I liked how the author added blindness as a problem in the story. We get to see what a person who goes blind really goes through to start living their life again. It seemed to me that God played a big part in both of their lives by putting them together before Reece lost his sight. I enjoyed seeing them learn to love each other.
I only had one problem with the story and that might be because I have had experience with preeclamsia. I wondered why after the doctor’s told Cheyenne she had high blood pressure she was still working as a hair stylist. She talked about getting shoes that would fit and she continues to cut hair. In one scene she even cuts Reece’s hair and gives him a shave. I do not think many doctor’s would let her continue working in a job that she is on her feet most of the time while suffering from this. Other than that I really loved the story.
There are more books in the series and I plan to check them out after reading this one.
I was given an advanced copy of the book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review
I really enjoyed this story. I feel in love with the characters. The author really seems to bring them to life. I liked how the author added blindness as a problem in the story. We get to see what a person who goes blind really goes through to start living their life again. It seemed to me that God played a big part in both of their lives by putting them together before Reece lost his sight. I enjoyed seeing them learn to love each other.
I only had one problem with the story and that might be because I have had experience with preeclamsia. I wondered why after the doctor’s told Cheyenne she had high blood pressure she was still working as a hair stylist. She talked about getting shoes that would fit and she continues to cut hair. In one scene she even cuts Reece’s hair and gives him a shave. I do not think many doctor’s would let her continue working in a job that she is on her feet most of the time while suffering from this. Other than that I really loved the story.
There are more books in the series and I plan to check them out after reading this one.
I was given an advanced copy of the book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review
August 6, 2012
Review also on my blog http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...
I'm a huge fan of Harlequin, mainly their Blaze line, but I loved the cover for The Rancher's Secret Wife and the (short) summary sounded good.
It was a sweet story, and I loved the plot line, but I was a little disappointed. It felt like the story just came together too nicely,. There was no conflict like there would be in a real life situation like this (although the situation was a little far-fetched) or real emotions from the characters. Everything was just too perfect. Also, as someone who has no beliefs, the constant mention of God and praying made the book seem a little religious. But that's just me. I'm sure other's wouldn't be bothered by it.
We're told how Cheyenne and Reese meet, but I would have loved to have seen it. A memory from Cheyenne or Reese of them meeting as a flashback would have been awesome. A little question or suspicion from Reese's family about why this woman was suddenly showing up on their doorstep would have gone a long way also. But they just accepted her with open arms and no worries. It just didn't seem real how fast everyone welcomed her. And that bugs me.
But like I said, as much as it seemed just too perfect for my taste, the story was sweet. You have two people who meet, do something crazy because they only see the situation as A and B and never consider there would be a possible C. And suddenly they're thrust into scenario C and aren't sure how to deal with it. I love that the author didn't cure Reese. It was sad what happened to him, yes, but to me the result of his accident while at war was the only real thing about him. It was painful to picture this strong man learn how to do things all over again, yet it was what made you root for him.
I can't say that I loved the book, but I do think the romance lovers of Harlequin will enjoy it.
I'm a huge fan of Harlequin, mainly their Blaze line, but I loved the cover for The Rancher's Secret Wife and the (short) summary sounded good.
It was a sweet story, and I loved the plot line, but I was a little disappointed. It felt like the story just came together too nicely,. There was no conflict like there would be in a real life situation like this (although the situation was a little far-fetched) or real emotions from the characters. Everything was just too perfect. Also, as someone who has no beliefs, the constant mention of God and praying made the book seem a little religious. But that's just me. I'm sure other's wouldn't be bothered by it.
We're told how Cheyenne and Reese meet, but I would have loved to have seen it. A memory from Cheyenne or Reese of them meeting as a flashback would have been awesome. A little question or suspicion from Reese's family about why this woman was suddenly showing up on their doorstep would have gone a long way also. But they just accepted her with open arms and no worries. It just didn't seem real how fast everyone welcomed her. And that bugs me.
But like I said, as much as it seemed just too perfect for my taste, the story was sweet. You have two people who meet, do something crazy because they only see the situation as A and B and never consider there would be a possible C. And suddenly they're thrust into scenario C and aren't sure how to deal with it. I love that the author didn't cure Reese. It was sad what happened to him, yes, but to me the result of his accident while at war was the only real thing about him. It was painful to picture this strong man learn how to do things all over again, yet it was what made you root for him.
I can't say that I loved the book, but I do think the romance lovers of Harlequin will enjoy it.
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