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Operation: Chosen
Eric loved once, now he’d rather tame horses than see her ever again.
He told Connor he wants nothing to do with the mission to face his regret. Not when his regret hurt him so deeply and not when it means a disruption to what the ranch does. Wayside is supposed help victims of trafficking, so why are they worried about their past regrets?
Ali comes to Wayside under the guise of helping one of the men with a legal matter. As a military lawyer, she’s used to handling intricate matters. What she’s not used to is feeling unsure of herself, which is exactly what happens when Eric walks into any room she’s in. Her courtroom talents have no place on a rural Wyoming ranch.
Before she made the worst choice of her life, the choice to turn Eric’s proposal down and marry a man who cheated on her, they were in love. Now, he’s hesitant to even talk to her.
When a plot to steal the Wayside Ranch horses almost gets both of them killed, will matters of the heart become clearer, or will they let past hurts stand in their way?
He told Connor he wants nothing to do with the mission to face his regret. Not when his regret hurt him so deeply and not when it means a disruption to what the ranch does. Wayside is supposed help victims of trafficking, so why are they worried about their past regrets?
Ali comes to Wayside under the guise of helping one of the men with a legal matter. As a military lawyer, she’s used to handling intricate matters. What she’s not used to is feeling unsure of herself, which is exactly what happens when Eric walks into any room she’s in. Her courtroom talents have no place on a rural Wyoming ranch.
Before she made the worst choice of her life, the choice to turn Eric’s proposal down and marry a man who cheated on her, they were in love. Now, he’s hesitant to even talk to her.
When a plot to steal the Wayside Ranch horses almost gets both of them killed, will matters of the heart become clearer, or will they let past hurts stand in their way?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2023
244 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Kari Trumbo
127 books429 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 30 reviews
September 10, 2023
Great book
This was another great book with lots of mystery and suspense. I definitely recommend reading it. Looking forward to the next one.
This was another great book with lots of mystery and suspense. I definitely recommend reading it. Looking forward to the next one.
August 31, 2023
This story did not disappoint.
Like the first 2 stories in this series, this book was exciting, full of adventure. I did not like the heroine at first, but was looking forward to her story of redemption. It did not disappoint. I could not put this book down.
Like the first 2 stories in this series, this book was exciting, full of adventure. I did not like the heroine at first, but was looking forward to her story of redemption. It did not disappoint. I could not put this book down.
August 29, 2024
In Operation: Chosen (Wayside Ranch Book 3), Eric had told Connor he wanted nothing to do with his mission to face his regret. He had been badly hurt and humiliated by Ali’s public rejection and refused to even see Ali. As usual, Connor has his own plans and invites Ali to Wayside under the guise of helping Cole with a legal matter.
Ali has lived a driven, selfish life, her decisions based on what will bring her success, money, and creature comforts. Though the challenging conditions of her young life and abusive relationships with men who should have cared for her and protected her form the foundation of her self-centered existence, I had a difficult time connecting with her character. Her strong, take-charge nature made it difficult for me to accept her sudden transition.
Aside from that, the book is fast paced and entertaining. This is another good blend of suspense, action, and romance in a clean, Christian Suspense Romance book by Kari Trumbo. The premise of this series is unique and interesting, and I plan to continue reading the series.
Ali has lived a driven, selfish life, her decisions based on what will bring her success, money, and creature comforts. Though the challenging conditions of her young life and abusive relationships with men who should have cared for her and protected her form the foundation of her self-centered existence, I had a difficult time connecting with her character. Her strong, take-charge nature made it difficult for me to accept her sudden transition.
Aside from that, the book is fast paced and entertaining. This is another good blend of suspense, action, and romance in a clean, Christian Suspense Romance book by Kari Trumbo. The premise of this series is unique and interesting, and I plan to continue reading the series.
August 27, 2023
This book is another great addition to this series. It pulls on the heart, drawing you straight into the story. Healing isn’t always done in a straight line but in the end it’s always worth it. A wonderful second chance story.
Eric wants nothing to do with facing his regrets. Seeing Ali again will serve no purpose. He’s not interested in the woman who threw him over for someone else because he wasn’t good enough. Been there, done that.
Ali regrets the way things happened with Eric. Even though she’s a successful military attorney every time she’s in his presence she feels awkward and uncertain. What happened to her self assurance?
When danger comes to the ranch, will they be torn apart or drawn closer together?
Love really does conquer all. This book is one you have to read. I recommend it.
Eric wants nothing to do with facing his regrets. Seeing Ali again will serve no purpose. He’s not interested in the woman who threw him over for someone else because he wasn’t good enough. Been there, done that.
Ali regrets the way things happened with Eric. Even though she’s a successful military attorney every time she’s in his presence she feels awkward and uncertain. What happened to her self assurance?
When danger comes to the ranch, will they be torn apart or drawn closer together?
Love really does conquer all. This book is one you have to read. I recommend it.
October 7, 2023
First, I would like to suggest that readers will best enjoy this series read in order. I am so glad I went back to read them in that way. There is a new twist to the ministry of Wayside in Book 3. The guests are not the usual, but gang members. The ranch has some stiff rules that the boys keep breaking and the situation becomes "sticky." Can the men save these young "outlaws" from themselves? At the same time Eric and Ali have a new oportunity to work out their relationship; another difficult task. There is suspense, mystery, adventure, and romance just as in the first two books. The characters are wonderful, the topic of gangs and their hold on young men is handled with skill and compassion!
I received this book from the author as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received this book from the author as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 3, 2025
You Can't Look Back and Go Forward at the Same Time
Eric had a very difficult time letting go of what Ali did to him in public. Not just refusing him but publicly humiliating him by saying he would never be enough to care for her. Now, as he first marriage failed, since he was cheating from day one, it took her twenty years to realize Eric was exactly what and who she needed. By never confidently telling Eric what she was afraid of, it destroyed them both, especially with Eric thinking he was never good enough or that she never really loved him at all. This is a beautiful story to bring two people back together, realizing that they were both somewhat at fault. Kari has done an outstanding job of making each of us stop, think, and feel what we all have at one time or another, making this well deserving five stars.
Eric had a very difficult time letting go of what Ali did to him in public. Not just refusing him but publicly humiliating him by saying he would never be enough to care for her. Now, as he first marriage failed, since he was cheating from day one, it took her twenty years to realize Eric was exactly what and who she needed. By never confidently telling Eric what she was afraid of, it destroyed them both, especially with Eric thinking he was never good enough or that she never really loved him at all. This is a beautiful story to bring two people back together, realizing that they were both somewhat at fault. Kari has done an outstanding job of making each of us stop, think, and feel what we all have at one time or another, making this well deserving five stars.
October 16, 2023
Another great story from Wayside Ranch
Eric and Ali's story is one of forgiveness, restoration and healing. When I first started the book, I didn't like Ali because she was selfish and self-centered. As I continued to read, it became obvious that it was self preservation that drove her. When she and Eric reconnect and face many things together, including being kidnapped, it was beautiful to watch her change and grow and finally open her heart to Jesus. The stories in this series are inspiring and keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading Brenden's story.
Eric and Ali's story is one of forgiveness, restoration and healing. When I first started the book, I didn't like Ali because she was selfish and self-centered. As I continued to read, it became obvious that it was self preservation that drove her. When she and Eric reconnect and face many things together, including being kidnapped, it was beautiful to watch her change and grow and finally open her heart to Jesus. The stories in this series are inspiring and keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading Brenden's story.
March 7, 2024
I love this series and this one really has a lot of action. Different from the human traffickers, also a very current and dangerous group, gangs. We have the story of Eric and Ali, their past, their current and hopefully, their future. There is a strong theme of forgiveness that touched even a long time believer as myself. Kari Trumbo has given us her usual strong characters, compelling story line with “romance”, humor, danger and mystery. You can read these out of order but for best enjoyment, try to read them as they’ve been written as that will help your understanding of Wayside Ranch.
October 28, 2024
Wayside Ranch heals again
When the hurt is so deep that you are consumed by it, you need healing. When the shame of what you've done eats away at you, you need forgiveness. Eric wants to reject the healing so he can have a reason to reject Ali as she rejected him. Ali doesn't feel she needs to grovel before Eric, she was doing what she needed to do to change her life for the very best. If he can't understand how much security means to her then so be it. God's plans will always prevail, men may slow them down but can never stop the plans from happening. As Eric and Ali slowly start to find their way, God's faithfulness starts to mens fences and break down barriers.
When the hurt is so deep that you are consumed by it, you need healing. When the shame of what you've done eats away at you, you need forgiveness. Eric wants to reject the healing so he can have a reason to reject Ali as she rejected him. Ali doesn't feel she needs to grovel before Eric, she was doing what she needed to do to change her life for the very best. If he can't understand how much security means to her then so be it. God's plans will always prevail, men may slow them down but can never stop the plans from happening. As Eric and Ali slowly start to find their way, God's faithfulness starts to mens fences and break down barriers.
August 24, 2023
Great series! Sometimes our life gets in the way and we do not make the right choices. This is Eric’s chance to face Ali and see if they have a second chance. But someone is attacking Wayside Ranch and they have to solve and survive those events! Don’t miss this new intense, suspenseful, clean, inspirational story! Even though this can be a standalone book you will definitely want to read the first two books in the series first.
April 6, 2025
Chosen_book 3
This was different to the first two books and at one stage I wasn't sure about it. But the action picked up and I loved the ending! I also appreciated a more sensible heroine.
I must say, the guys on the covers don't 'resemble' the guys in the story. Book i reminds me of Cole, from book 2 and book 2 reminds me of Junior from book one. The guy on this book definitely does not look like he is in his early 40's! Just saying.
Ok, onto Brendon's story!
This was different to the first two books and at one stage I wasn't sure about it. But the action picked up and I loved the ending! I also appreciated a more sensible heroine.
I must say, the guys on the covers don't 'resemble' the guys in the story. Book i reminds me of Cole, from book 2 and book 2 reminds me of Junior from book one. The guy on this book definitely does not look like he is in his early 40's! Just saying.
Ok, onto Brendon's story!
April 9, 2025
I didn’t want to stop reading. This book started a little slow, but when the action picked up, it stayed up. I love how Kari weaves faith into her stories and she did a great job with this one. It was so satisfying to watch these MCs learn and grow even in their 40s, while still being believable, mature adults. If you’re looking for clean, inspirational, suspense romance that keeps you turning pages, then you should check it out!
October 15, 2023
Great book watching both Eric and Ali find their way back to each other and see how they’ve changed for the good. Of course they have lots of obstacles in the way throw in gang members trying to get on the ranch, horse thieves, and someone from Eric’s past who has gone bad bud you have a great book!
February 24, 2024
I really disliked Ali when she showed up at Wayside Ranch to help Cole. Eric is such a wonderful man and I felt like he deserved better. However, it soon became apparent that Ali is really just broken from her childhood and needed healing like so many other things at the ranch. Sweet romance with lots of suspense!
April 27, 2024
Second chances
Ali had humiliated Eric 20+ years ago when he proposed, and gone on to have a successful, prestigious life. I really enjoyed seeing Eric work to forgive her, and Ali soften towards God as she came to realise that things didn't bring security or happiness. The rest of the story was good too.
Ali had humiliated Eric 20+ years ago when he proposed, and gone on to have a successful, prestigious life. I really enjoyed seeing Eric work to forgive her, and Ali soften towards God as she came to realise that things didn't bring security or happiness. The rest of the story was good too.
May 26, 2024
A new quest
Our regular characters from this series is back but the people they are trying to help are different. Eric and Ali have their story told amid new crises to face. All of this series have been great reads ,however I think this is the best one so far.Brandon's story is next. Can hardly wait.
Our regular characters from this series is back but the people they are trying to help are different. Eric and Ali have their story told amid new crises to face. All of this series have been great reads ,however I think this is the best one so far.Brandon's story is next. Can hardly wait.
August 20, 2023
A well written, clean story of healing and second chances. There are many facets to this story and they all work well together to show that people can change and take advantage of a new beginning! There is a lot of action that will keep you riveted. Enjoy this journey of faith, trust and love.
September 21, 2023
Love this series
I love this Wayside Ranch series. And this book is somewhat different than the first two. And even though it's a series this book is easily read as a stand-alone. Perfect story for fans of second chance romance. Also a book that should appeal to anyone.
I love this Wayside Ranch series. And this book is somewhat different than the first two. And even though it's a series this book is easily read as a stand-alone. Perfect story for fans of second chance romance. Also a book that should appeal to anyone.
November 9, 2023
Really Great Christian Series
I'm so enjoying this series. These books just seem to keep getting better. I loved Ali and Eric's story and catching up with characters from previous books. I anxiously await the next book.
I'm so enjoying this series. These books just seem to keep getting better. I loved Ali and Eric's story and catching up with characters from previous books. I anxiously await the next book.
January 3, 2024
I didn't like this one as well as the others, and I think it is partly because I didn't like Ali for most of the book. I liked her better towards the end, but I still wasn't crazy about her.
I did like the new angle with the three juvenile delinquents
I did like the new angle with the three juvenile delinquents
June 4, 2024
excellent book
Great storyline. Strong characters. Well written. Stands alone but best when you follow the other characters through the progression and different things that happen. Strong Christian morals and ethics.
Great storyline. Strong characters. Well written. Stands alone but best when you follow the other characters through the progression and different things that happen. Strong Christian morals and ethics.
July 27, 2024
Thank you Kari!
I so enjoy reading these books. This one was harder to get into, but once I finally did, I couldn't put it down. Thanks Kari. I really appreciate the strong Christian storyline. People can clearly be lead to the Lord through the clear information you give.
I so enjoy reading these books. This one was harder to get into, but once I finally did, I couldn't put it down. Thanks Kari. I really appreciate the strong Christian storyline. People can clearly be lead to the Lord through the clear information you give.
November 7, 2023
Loved it
April 1, 2024
I enjoyed reading Eric and Ali's story.
May 8, 2024
Great book.
August 3, 2024
great book
I enjoyed reading this book. The author did a wonderful job keeping my attention. She had some good surprises thrown in as well.
I enjoyed reading this book. The author did a wonderful job keeping my attention. She had some good surprises thrown in as well.
September 23, 2024
Operation Chosen
The ranch is changing, can the men change too? After twenty years his regret is back. How will he handle all this change? Good clean romance.
The ranch is changing, can the men change too? After twenty years his regret is back. How will he handle all this change? Good clean romance.
October 3, 2024
talk about high minded!
I was right there with Eric that women could stay in the big city!! But I guess the good Lord had other plans. They both had some softening up to do.
I was right there with Eric that women could stay in the big city!! But I guess the good Lord had other plans. They both had some softening up to do.
June 2, 2025
This one was more suspenseful then the first couple and I have been wanting to read more.
September 1, 2024
The central theme of this book was forgiveness. Not only do we need to be forgiven but we also need to forgive. This book moved away a bit from human trafficking and wade into juvenile delinquency. The Rangers at Wayside Ranch step up to the plate and help them to heal. Another good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews