Remembering the Rancher

Christmas in Redemption Ridge #2

by Liwen Y. Ho

Will her forgotten memories of the past be the key to healing their future?

Annabella Knight would be the first to admit that her marriage has been on the rocks for a while, but she never expected to be served divorce papers at work. Already feeling like a disappointment to God and to her family, there’s plenty that she would like to change about her past. But for now, she needs to find a way to salvage her relationship with her high school sweetheart for the sake of their son.

Since giving up his football dream to support his young family, Maverick Knight has tried his best to be the husband and father they deserve. Poor money decisions, however, have gotten him mixed up with dangerous men. When Annabella’s life is threatened, the only way he sees to protect his wife and son is to distance himself, even if it means breaking up their home.

When a car crash leaves Annabella in the hospital with amnesia, Maverick realizes his family needs him now more than ever. As they learn how to live together as husband and wife, will this loss of the past be an unexpected chance to start over? Or is it just the calm before the storm before old memories surface to tear them apart again?

Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Westerns

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.

In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).

Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!

Reviews

[Mandi Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It sucked me in from the beginning. Mav and Bella's story was unique, and I loved seeing them come back to each other. I smiled through the entire book. My heart needed this hopeful Christmas romance, and I give it ALL the stars!

[Elle Kay]

"Remembering the Rancher" by Liwen Ho offers a heartfelt look at a married couple grappling with trials and the miraculous second chance that memory loss brings into their lives. This upcoming release is part of the new Christmas in Redemption Ridge series.

The ranch hand and his wife endure their share of hardships, but when she loses her memory, it's as if God has pressed the reset button on their relationship. Their preteen son adds an extra layer of warmth to the story—you'll find him completely endearing.

Since my own book will be part of this series, I'm skipping the star rating to sidestep any potential bias. But don't let that stop you from diving into this emotional, second-chance romance.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know if I could deal with having amnesia. It’d be so hard not to remember the parts of my life even those that may be bad.
In this story by Liwen Y. Ho, life for this married couple has gotten difficult and then things take a drastic change. Can they restart and refresh their relationship, or will the past mistakes and problems cause it to go under?
I also appreciated how this author brought in the struggles of someone who can’t remember things and tenderly brings a positive, Godly spin on things.
Liwen Y. Ho has become one of my favorite “go-to” authors. Her stories are packed full of sweet lessons from God, and how He loves us. They also have wonderful examples woven throughout on how to cherish relationships.
Her writing is smooth and the story flows with wonderful characters and dialogue. I had a problem not wanting to put this book down.
If you like tender stories of love, friendships, and overcoming many issues, then this is a book you will want to read. I highly recommend you pick it up!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars, I could hardly put it down!
I like that Maverick and Bella didn't fall out of love, but that life's hardships and Maverick's poor choice was what forced them apart, yet through it all, they still loved each other and their son. I also love Mav's heart for his family. His heart was originally in the right place the first time he made his decision that took him down a dangerous road and then again when he was trying to protect them from his mistakes, but his execution was faulty both times. I'm thankful he and Bella got the opportunity for a second chance, and it was neat to see how the Lord used what looked like some awful situations to be undiscovered blessings. I liked seeing how He brought good out of rough and seemingly impossible circumstances. I'm so thankful for Mav and Bella's potential redemption, individually with God, in their marriage both with each other and the Lord as well as with their family both immediate and extended. I loved their faithfilled and prayerful journeys and seeing the miracles in their lives.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabella and Maverick have both made poor choices in the past - from sex before marriage to gambling to get the money for medical costs (and then borrowing from loan sharks who have threatened his family). On the brink of divorce, Annabella looses her memory in a car 'accident' giving them both a chance to go back to happier times, to trust God, to communicate rather than hide issues. I really liked how Maverick didn't just try to pretend their marriage problems didn't exist but was honest about all the negative stuff, and how easy it is for marriages to fall apart even when both still love the other when there is little communication, secrets and resentments. It was great to see that both were committed to working things out even when it wasn't easy. There were also funny bits especially when Annabella thought she was still in school and had no idea she was involved with Maverick let alone a parent and married! I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a sweet, Christian story, this one’s for you. Bella Knight married her best friend, Maverick after she became pregnant. They struggled at first because he had a career in football. He chose wife and son over football. Through the years they struggled with having another child. It put a drift between them. Mav ended up having a gambling problem. He owes a loan shark money. Now to save his family he must give them up. He still loves Bella but he needs them to be safe. Will they be? When Bella gets into a car accident, she ends up with amnesia. She thinks she’s still in high school. Lost ten years of memories. Will she regain her memory? Will Mav and Bella take this second chance to start over again? Having faith again, will God lead them down the right path? All the struggles may be worth it in the end. Just have faith in God. Wonderful characters who would do anything to get their family back together. It’s about love, second chances, losing faith and getting it back. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Shirley Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet second chance story. Liwen Y. Ho's writing just keeps getting better. I wasn't sure how suspenseful this book was going to be based on the blurb, but the husband's issues, while important to the story, remained a side plot. Overall the book focuses on the blessings of a clean slate and a second chance, treating Bella's amnesia as a blessing, which was a different than normal view. But even with the clean slate, the errors of the past are handled with grace and understanding. The characters are flawed in just the right ways to be relatable. And the son actually acted his age, which is a rarity. I'd definitely put this book more as romance/women's fiction than Liwen's normal rom-com, but it was perfectly done.
I received an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing second chance!

Mav and Bella’s story is from heart-wrenching to heart-overflowing. They have made so many mistakes and let so much grim and grit between them that it looks like the end. Then God steps in to answer their prayers.

The struggles they face are so true-to-life. The heartaches were very real, especially where their son, Jesse, is concerned. Their journey is inspirational; and the ending is out-of-this-world. God can totally change our lives if we let Him take charge and trust Him and learn to forgive those we love when they fail.

This is a book well worth the time spent reading and definitely one to revisit. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.

[Larissa (That Baker That Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Bella and Maverick are going through difficult times in their marriage and keeping secrets won't help Maverick regain his wife's trust. But everything changes when Bella is in a car accident.

Includes:
✨Christian Romance
✨Amnesia
✨Marriage in Crisis
✨Second Chance
✨Secrets
✨Small Town
✨Quick Read

🌶️Heat Level:
Sweet Kisses
Close Door
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥

My Opinion:
I really like Liwen's writing style. This is my second book and it won't be the last. If you like Christian romance novels, this one is for you. It is the main subject, especially about forgiveness and waiting on God's actions. Second Chances isn't my favorite trope but this book is very light and sweet, so I really enjoyed the narrative. I also liked the 'secret' part and it's a good plot for the book, making it very interesting to follow. This book is part of a multi-authors series, but can be read as a standalone.

TW:Infertility, Gambling, Loss of a Parent (Past)

*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*

[Deepeabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! I am just getting over COVID and have the attention span of a gnat and have found it difficult all week to concentrate on reading. Until I started this book. I was immediately hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I love this author’s work and this is one of her best.
The story is about a couple who were going through a bad time and had almost given up on each other. After Bella had an accident and lost her memory they were given a chance to start over. It is a great story.
I had an ARC copy of this book and all thoughts on it are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance had elements of suspense throughout. Maverick was pressured to give up his college football career and come home to marry his best friend, Bella, who had given birth to their son. It was a rough start but they made the best of it until they faced infertility problems and financial troubles and Maverick began gambling to earn some quick money. He got mixed up with some loan sharks and decided to divorce his wife in hope to keep his family safe. I sat on the edge of my seat as I watched this story unfold. It had just enough suspense to make it interesting but not too much to make it overly scary—my ideal level. I loved the HEA ending as relationships within the family are mended. I enjoyed it and recommend it! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of a couple having found love once and needing a second chance to find it again. Maverick Knight gave up a football career for his family. He tries to be the father and husband he needs to be but has caused problems by making poor decisions that have brought danger to them. Annabella is his dear wife who has been his best friend and has loved Maverick since they were in high school. She never thought herself worthy of him and has always hated she kept him from his dream of playing pro football. She is devastated when she receives divorce papers while at work. Then an accident takes her memories. She awakens believing she is still a teenager in high school. Will this give the couple the second chance they need to rekindle their love?

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-written book that dealt with communication, trust, and forgiveness within a marriage. I was afraid that there would be tons of angst in this book, but it was refreshing to see both Bella and Mav being sweet to each other and open to falling back in love after an accident. I appreciated that both were able to admit their faults and how they had each contributed to the strained, falling-apart marriage. The redemption of their marriage was wonderful to see and kept my interest throughout.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption is always possible! Mav and Bella are a wonderful couple, but certain choices were made that led them down a challenging path, while their faith began to drift. While circumstances seemed dire, God meant it for good. This is a hard to put down book that does involve enough plot twists to challenge your imagination. This story was well written. I really enjoyed it and would love to read it again (I don't usually read books a second time, so this is high praise from me)! I did receive an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many times do we wish we had a “do over”? Maybe it is over some harsh unkind words we’ve said, may be it is a situation we wish we’d handled better, well, Annabelle and Maverick Knight are given that opportunity. It comes by way of Annabelle having amnesia following a car “accident”. She no longer remembers the last 13 or so year, thus she doesn’t remember the harsh words, the divorce papers, being married to Mav. Sadly, it also means that she doesn’t remember her 12 year old son either. A second chance if they are willing to try again. I loved this second chance romance.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

Bella and Maverick's marriage is strained to the breaking point when she is involved in a car accident that proves to be among the best things to happen to them.

Her memory loss gives them a clean slate, but is it right to take advantage of that when her memories could return at any time?

Their story is really well told. I loved it!

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maverick has asked Bella for a divorce, none of their friends or family know about it. Before Bella can sign the papers Bella is in an accident and wakes up thinking she is still in high school. Really good storyline that keeps your interest from the first. I love how the characters are always talking to God, and when things happen they acknowledge them as answered prayers. Liwen Ho has another winner here.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful second chance story by Liwen Y Ho.
Bella and Mav have been married for thirteen years. He gave up pro football for her and their son, but now he’s gotten mixed up with the wrong people and files for divorce. He thinks this is the best way to protect them.
I won’t give away the reason but they are forced to spend time together and remember.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Remembering the Rancher by Liwen Y. Ho. I especially liked the way Mav and Bella learned the importance of honesty and trust in a marriage, as well as relying on God through prayer.

It is a clean romance with some suspense. I recommend this story for anyone that appreciates an inspiring story with a happy-ever-after ending.

Based on the title I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more of the story centered around the ranch and horses.

I was given an ARC of this story from the author but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maverick and Bella are growing apart in their marriage and have separated. Seemingly out of the blue Bella is served divorce papers. Bella had been coasting on autopilot for so long this actually surprised her. But not all is as it seems. After an accident Maverick feels like he's given a second chance to make everything work. Really sweet story. Rooting for both of these characters throughout!

[Amy Petrowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten past leads to beautiful future

Maverick and Bella have a love worth remembering but that’s in the past unless they can heal the wounds they are inflicting on each other.
When an accident causes Bella to forget years of her life, is it the beginning of a new life or just the bitter end of their marriage.
I loved how much Maverick grew and changed in this story. And their son was the true hero because he never lost faith in God or His ability to heal his family.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella and Maverick

Remembering the Rancher is an exciting story. I loved the danger and suspense as Maverick tried to find a solution to his problem and save his marriage. And to protect his wife and son. I felt badly for Bella trying to navigate life and her marriage with no memories of her life with her husband and son. I loved the trauma and the drama and the resolutions. I recommend this book, especially if you like second chance romance.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance romance with strong characters in Bella and Maverick. The author takes you into their lives with amnesia and their faith and trust in God. Emotions run deep as they deal with the secrets. The story moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and is a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Christian Series

I absolutely loved Mav and Bella's story.  I loved that these 2 are already married and how they find their way back to each other.  I enjoy how the author shows God working in their lives.  A heartwarming story that captivated me from the start. A really great read.

[Sarah Fikkert · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

This book was beautifully written, such a great story about second chances, love, and forgiveness. I enjoyed the plot, it was unexpected, but had a richness to it that made you feel like you knew the characters.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christian romance about second chances. Amnesia strikes just after divorce papers are delivered and it's like they both have been given another lease on their relationship. Clean romance, great family interactions, wonderful friendships as well. Worth reading.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming romance

I thought this was charming. I loved that Maverick tried to do what he thought was best for Bella and his son and liked that Bella's amnesia gave them a second chance to realise their love and faith.

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about love, redemption and forgiveness!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Karri Henley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars!

Ummm… not my favorite. It felt choppy. Not real page breaks or time line breaks. It wasn’t terrible but it needs some work.

[Regina]

Such a lovely, heart-warming story!