The Rancher's Secret Son

by Betsy St. Amant

A Mother's Last Hope

When her troubled teenage son is sent to Camp Hope, Emma Shaver is thrilled and relieved. The therapy horse ranch in Broken Bend, Louisiana, is well-known for giving at-risk teens a new lease on life. There's just one problem—it's owned by her old high school sweetheart, Max Ringgold, who doesn't know he's her son's father. Emma didn't plan on facing her past to ensure her son's future. But when old feelings for Max resurface, Emma must decide if she will reveal the truth to him and restore her family for good.

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of almost thirty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. When she’s not suffering through a CrossFit workout or baby talking her dog, she can usually be found in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.

also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma's son, Cody, sent to Camp Hope, a therapy horse ranch. It is his last chance to straighten up. At ranch teens given a new lease on life. Owned by Max who does not know he is Cody's Dad. Nor does Cody know. Max had been an at risk teen who turned his life around. Emma ends up getting asked to help with girls as leader when other one goes into labor. Does not know what secrets, situations you are facing, you will find encouragement. A pregnant teen, a troubled boy who refuses to change and change in others all happen. The end will make you rejoice how God worked situations to being about his plan.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with compelling characters. Some editing errors were annoying. For instance, Max said she didn't return his phone calls and emails but then later admits that he didn't go after her because he was afraid of rejection.

[Leslie Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was light and contemporary. The characters were easy to get along with and form a bond with throughout the book.

[Denise Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little story with a little twist. Just goes to show that not everything is as it seems.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good thing I can check these books out on cloudLibrary.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I was immediately hooked with the premise and it definitely lived up to expectation. This was a very fun read!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Rancher’s secret Son

Author: Betsy St.Amant

Series: Love Inspired with familiar characters from The Rancher next door

Chapters: 20 plus Epilogue

Pages: 217

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Thirteen years ago Emma Shaver left her hometown of Broken Bend Louisiana and her high school boyfriend Max Ringgold behind. Emma left with a secret that she never told anyone. Now thirteen years later she is back, because her son has been sentenced by a judge to a month at a therapy horse ranch that is run by Max.

The Rancher’s Secret Son is a sweet romance about forgiveness both God’s and human’s and a second chance.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Bend
Book 2

This is a story that really teaches us about the harm secrets can cause. Emma's thirteen year old son is troubled. She has to take him to a ranch in Broken Bend or he goes to Juvenile Detention. But she doesn't count on his father, a man who doesn't even know is his father, will be the man to try to get him back on the right path. Then when Max asks her to help when his woman counselor goes into early labor, she has to find a way to protect her son and the man she once loved from the truth.

The story was a bit slow in some parts, but it was very interesting to see how these three came together in the end. I did think everything was resolved a bit too easily...

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher's Secret Son is a very good book. The court tells Emma that her troubled teenage son, Cody, has to go to a therapy horse ranch or jail. They go to the therapy ranch. Emma discovered the owner is Cody's dad, but Max doesn't know it. Nor does Cody know that Max is his dad. Lot of tension. A good place for troubled children to go. Have to read it to see what all goes on in the book.

[Harlequin Books]

"Readers will be drawn in by St.Amant's characters, who demonstrate the damaging impact of lies and secrets in a relationship as they try to do what's best for Cody. Their story shows that when we relinquish control, it allows God to use life's curveballs for our good (RT Book Reviews)". 4 stars

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and loved how it all came together!

[Ashden Collige · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Jill Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, romantic tension. A fun journey reading about these two working through their past... and present. I loved both characters from the start. Well written. Fast paced.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome read... I read it twice in 2 days

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Laura Aase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful quick read! Emma brings her troubled son to a last chance camp for teens only to find it run by her x true love and her son's father. I wonder if they will end up together? A satisfying Christian romance.

[Tiffany Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book.