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Cooper Creek #2
The Bull Rider's Baby
When a bull rider returns home as a single dad, building a future for his daughter will take facing a difficult past in this wholesome romance novel.One minute, Keeton West is a confirmed bachelor living out of a suitcase on the professional bull riding circuit. The next, he’s the single dad of a baby he didn’t know existed. Now back home in Oklahoma, Keeton desperately needs help with little Lucy—the kind of help Sophie Cooper could provide.Everyone in town remembers the tragedy that changed Keeton and Sophie’s lives forever. And spending time with Keeton seems to remind Sophie of all she lost. She won’t get close to another bull rider. Yet one sweet baby girl has her own way of bringing two hearts together.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
62 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
116 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 30 reviews
October 29, 2018
3.25 stars - mild pg13 ()
This is the second book in a series. The first book, The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing, is great and I highly recommend it. With a rewrite of chapter sixteen this book would be almost equally good. The author’s writing style is sharp, funny and just flows; the dialogue and the characters are “real” and their thoughts seem natural, not “book like”; and there is usually a good faith thread woven throughout the story (somewhat stronger than the typical Love Inspired book). This second book was pretty good all the way up to the second-to-the-last chapter when I seriously wonder if some other author took over – all of a sudden, melodrama and ridiculous, contrived plot ploys began. Chapter sixteen is the point where I felt that the author totally nosedived into the muck of other lesser-talented authors. Chapter sixteen is the point where my rating for this book also nosedived, and I almost didn’t finish reading the one remaining chapter of the book. Prior to chapter sixteen, this second book had some details that didn’t quite fit and slightly more of the typical, silly romance-drama than the first book in the series, but the author is so talented she was able to keep me interested and managed to give reasonable enough explanations that kept my eyes from completely rolling up and getting stuck in my head. There were so many funny and good parts of the story, and the hero is swoony. It’s a shame that it went downhill at the end. I forced myself to read the last chapter (seventeen) and it was cute but cheesy. I’m torn on my rating for this book; if author were to get rid of the drama and rewrite chapter 16, this book would be almost as good as the first (probably about 4.45 stars).
The grandmother in this family is a hoot -- five stars for granny!! (”‘I’m an old lady and I don’t have much to keep me busy. I pray. I meddle. And I’m a mean matchmaker. Now, I’m going to let the two of you think about what I’ve said, but I expect great-grandchildren.’ ‘I’ve done all of this work praying, so please, at least give God a chance.’”
”She knew that God really could take care of things without her help. …. But logic had obviously flown out the window, along with common sense and a few other personal strengths.” <-- Oh, how I can relate!
”Babies were heavy. He hadn’t realized how heavy a twelve-pound bit of fluff and spit-up could be until he’d spent a full day hauling one around.” <-- "fluff and spit-up" - Hah!
”The cowboy Cupid seemed to be on the loose again. She would not get struck by his arrow.” <-- Please! I want to get struck by the cowboy Cupid!!
”She considered kissing him goodbye. And then she didn’t. He was clutter. . . . She enjoyed a neat, orderly life.” <-- “clutter” – Hah!
”Keeton walked up to them, cowboy cute in faded jeans and a short-sleeved button-up shirt. He tipped his hat and nodded at her dad before looking at her.” <-- Aww – “cowboy cute” – I love it!
Author’s note at the end: ”We make plans. We think we have it all figured out. We start filling God in on our plans rather than listening to His. We get sidetracked, a little distracted, we lose focus. Sometimes we lose faith. . . . …..learn that God has a way of changing lives in unexpected ways.” <-- So true!!!!!
This is the second book in a series. The first book, The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing, is great and I highly recommend it. With a rewrite of chapter sixteen this book would be almost equally good. The author’s writing style is sharp, funny and just flows; the dialogue and the characters are “real” and their thoughts seem natural, not “book like”; and there is usually a good faith thread woven throughout the story (somewhat stronger than the typical Love Inspired book). This second book was pretty good all the way up to the second-to-the-last chapter when I seriously wonder if some other author took over – all of a sudden, melodrama and ridiculous, contrived plot ploys began. Chapter sixteen is the point where I felt that the author totally nosedived into the muck of other lesser-talented authors. Chapter sixteen is the point where my rating for this book also nosedived, and I almost didn’t finish reading the one remaining chapter of the book. Prior to chapter sixteen, this second book had some details that didn’t quite fit and slightly more of the typical, silly romance-drama than the first book in the series, but the author is so talented she was able to keep me interested and managed to give reasonable enough explanations that kept my eyes from completely rolling up and getting stuck in my head. There were so many funny and good parts of the story, and the hero is swoony. It’s a shame that it went downhill at the end. I forced myself to read the last chapter (seventeen) and it was cute but cheesy. I’m torn on my rating for this book; if author were to get rid of the drama and rewrite chapter 16, this book would be almost as good as the first (probably about 4.45 stars).
The grandmother in this family is a hoot -- five stars for granny!! (”‘I’m an old lady and I don’t have much to keep me busy. I pray. I meddle. And I’m a mean matchmaker. Now, I’m going to let the two of you think about what I’ve said, but I expect great-grandchildren.’ ‘I’ve done all of this work praying, so please, at least give God a chance.’”
”She knew that God really could take care of things without her help. …. But logic had obviously flown out the window, along with common sense and a few other personal strengths.” <-- Oh, how I can relate!
”Babies were heavy. He hadn’t realized how heavy a twelve-pound bit of fluff and spit-up could be until he’d spent a full day hauling one around.” <-- "fluff and spit-up" - Hah!
”The cowboy Cupid seemed to be on the loose again. She would not get struck by his arrow.” <-- Please! I want to get struck by the cowboy Cupid!!
”She considered kissing him goodbye. And then she didn’t. He was clutter. . . . She enjoyed a neat, orderly life.” <-- “clutter” – Hah!
”Keeton walked up to them, cowboy cute in faded jeans and a short-sleeved button-up shirt. He tipped his hat and nodded at her dad before looking at her.” <-- Aww – “cowboy cute” – I love it!
Author’s note at the end: ”We make plans. We think we have it all figured out. We start filling God in on our plans rather than listening to His. We get sidetracked, a little distracted, we lose focus. Sometimes we lose faith. . . . …..learn that God has a way of changing lives in unexpected ways.” <-- So true!!!!!
January 13, 2013
I knew my streak of reading good books was too good to last. This book was really just okay, if that. I didn't really like it but I didn't really hate it. I'm a sucker for a book with small children in it which is why I picked up the book and kept reading it even after I learned the details of the tragedy that happened in Keeton's and Sophie's past.
This book read like a dark book to me. I liked the parts with Sophie, Keeton, and his daughter, Lucy but the rest was so tragic. I don't mind tragic circumstances but when bad things continue to happen to the main characters and those around them I just lose interest.
I was expecting more focus on Sophie helping Keeton to raise Lucy, not all the other things that occurred. The book just wasn't what I expected.
This book read like a dark book to me. I liked the parts with Sophie, Keeton, and his daughter, Lucy but the rest was so tragic. I don't mind tragic circumstances but when bad things continue to happen to the main characters and those around them I just lose interest.
I was expecting more focus on Sophie helping Keeton to raise Lucy, not all the other things that occurred. The book just wasn't what I expected.
November 3, 2013
"The Bull Rider's Baby" was absolutely fantastic and even better than the first book in the Cooper Creek Series! I completely loved the story line and the characters were amazing as usual. I definitely loved the author's writing style in this book better than the first one, and it was much improved. I love when books have babies in them, especially Christian romance ones. And this novel certainly did not disappoint in any way. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about Sophie and Keeton's story and their journey to find love, family, and forgiveness. I will certainly love and cherish this novel forever, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series, "The Rancher's Secret Wife." "The Bull Rider's Baby" is book 2 in the Cooper Creek Series by Brenda Minton.
March 3, 2017
On principle I always give a book at least two stars but this book could not hold my interest.
December 19, 2019
For being what it is, this was actually a really enjoyable book. The plot wasn't too contrived, the push and pull between the characters was realistic enough, and nothing was so outlandish as to make me roll my eyes. The religious current was there but not overpowering. A solid 3 on the normal-book scale, probably a 4.5 on the Harlequin scale.
May 28, 2023
Keeton is a father, impossible to imagine because he was a bull rider. Ex wife dropped Lucy off so Keeton has to get a new plan where he has a home. Sophie always loved him and now she helps with the baby, one thing leads to another and soon there is love in the air
November 21, 2017
Nice read in a great series.
May 19, 2018
This is the 7th book I read by Brenda Minton. I only enjoyed the scenes with Keeton & Lucy. The rest of the story was boring.
April 14, 2020
Loved the storyline and the characters! Great book!
September 5, 2023
Cute, short read. Not a fan of the man falling for his brother's would-be-widow, but still a decent story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
a great story
I’m enjoying this series the characters are very interesting and the storyline is very interesting. I’m on to the next story in this series.
I’m enjoying this series the characters are very interesting and the storyline is very interesting. I’m on to the next story in this series.
January 8, 2023
well. it’s definitely a book
April 29, 2012
I was truly blessed the day I came across a BRENDA MINTON book. I love what I read and each book after. THE BULL RIDER’S BABY was no exception.
Keeton West is back in his hometown for the first time in years since his family fled after the terrible accident. He’s been handed a baby he didn’t know he had, and reminded of a woman he left behind all those years ago.
Sophie Cooper has sworn off Bull Riders, and with good cause. When Keeton West walks back into her life with a cute bundle in hand, she’s knocked off kilter. No matter her feelings for Keeton – back then or now – she can’t get involved with the handsome bull rider.
Once again MS. MINTON has interrupted my life with her amazing ability to write a page turning book. I’m never in doubt that when I pick up one of her books, I won’t be able to stop until I’ve completed it. She writes the most amazing stories with characters you’ll fall head-over-heels for. Her writing is flawless. The storyline compelling. The characters three dimensional, leaping off the pages.
Writing short stories for LOVE INSPIRED can’t be easy. There are so many out there, it has to be difficult to pull off a story that the readers won’t walk away thinking they’ve heard a million times. What MS MINTON does is create unique lines and characters that will keep you guessing the outcome. Well, maybe not the ultimate outcome, but she throws in a few shockers that will take you by surprise.
I was ecstatic to discover she has another book coming out in August of this year, THE RANCHER’S SECRET WIFE. You can bet I’ll be watching the stores for that one. As far as I’m concerned, she can’t write fast enough.
Keeton West is back in his hometown for the first time in years since his family fled after the terrible accident. He’s been handed a baby he didn’t know he had, and reminded of a woman he left behind all those years ago.
Sophie Cooper has sworn off Bull Riders, and with good cause. When Keeton West walks back into her life with a cute bundle in hand, she’s knocked off kilter. No matter her feelings for Keeton – back then or now – she can’t get involved with the handsome bull rider.
Once again MS. MINTON has interrupted my life with her amazing ability to write a page turning book. I’m never in doubt that when I pick up one of her books, I won’t be able to stop until I’ve completed it. She writes the most amazing stories with characters you’ll fall head-over-heels for. Her writing is flawless. The storyline compelling. The characters three dimensional, leaping off the pages.
Writing short stories for LOVE INSPIRED can’t be easy. There are so many out there, it has to be difficult to pull off a story that the readers won’t walk away thinking they’ve heard a million times. What MS MINTON does is create unique lines and characters that will keep you guessing the outcome. Well, maybe not the ultimate outcome, but she throws in a few shockers that will take you by surprise.
I was ecstatic to discover she has another book coming out in August of this year, THE RANCHER’S SECRET WIFE. You can bet I’ll be watching the stores for that one. As far as I’m concerned, she can’t write fast enough.
April 25, 2012
Cooper Creek’s newest romance is between Keeton West, a bull riding prodigal who has just discovered he is a father, and Sophie Cooper, an old friend and business woman trying to break out of the family mold. Bound by a past tragedy drawing them together but also keeping them apart, their present circumstances lead them to lean on each other as they did long ago. That's where the fun starts.
Brenda Minton delivers her trademark western romance with new twists and turns. She deftly draws the reader into the world of rodeo, gives her characters realistic consequences to life choices, and weaves a tale full of redemption and forgiveness. The Bull Rider’s Baby can be counted on to deliver a sweet romance, a touch of suspense and plenty of romantic tension.
Brenda Minton delivers her trademark western romance with new twists and turns. She deftly draws the reader into the world of rodeo, gives her characters realistic consequences to life choices, and weaves a tale full of redemption and forgiveness. The Bull Rider’s Baby can be counted on to deliver a sweet romance, a touch of suspense and plenty of romantic tension.
March 28, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
1/10/2013-
“This book was a bit different from the other Love Inspired books I've read so far. A lot of kissing and both main characters were basically already in love with each other.”
Main Content-
*A man attacks Sophie (he's chasing her); Mentions of a man growing marijuana.
*Kisses and lots of semi-detailed//detailed kisses; Touches & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); A girl had a baby out of wedlock, but lost the baby in a miscarriage; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
1/10/2013-
“This book was a bit different from the other Love Inspired books I've read so far. A lot of kissing and both main characters were basically already in love with each other.”
Main Content-
*A man attacks Sophie (he's chasing her); Mentions of a man growing marijuana.
*Kisses and lots of semi-detailed//detailed kisses; Touches & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); A girl had a baby out of wedlock, but lost the baby in a miscarriage; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
January 31, 2013
I love the Harlequin Book Club. They send these delightful books right to my front door through the U.S. Mail. Brenda Minton has penned a sweet story about a bachelor who soon finds himself responsible for the fragile well-being of a baby. And for this man, it's no easy task to ask for help from someone else. Especially the woman he cares about most. As she works to help others build homes of their own, they soon learn how to be a family all their own. Delightful read.
March 31, 2012
This book is about Loving what you have while trying to keep your indepence. It also talks about loving and letting go so that you can love again while healing. An amazing book and a reminder of the many times to let the past go and heal so that you can move on to the future.
April 2, 2013
I'm enjoying getting to know the Cooper siblings in this series. This book was about Sophie Cooper, and her childhood friend Keeton. I like how both Sophie and Keeton needed to let go of the past and learn to trust God with their futures in order to find true peace and happiness.
May 29, 2016
Keeton West suddenly finds a daughter his ex-wife dumps on him. Sophie Cooper bumps into Keeton, Kade's older brother as he is learning to take care of little Lucy. Can they both accept that Kade is gone?
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: Cooper Creek
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: Cooper Creek
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
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September 14, 2012 i like the book alot. what is keeton west middle name
March 16, 2014
such a good book
May 25, 2013
cute, very special
May 27, 2013
I'm loving getting to know the siblings of Cooper Creek as well. I loved the Lucky the mule scene. It made me laugh out loud which is a five star rating in my book.
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September 12, 2014Not my favorite of the Cooper family but not bad
September 10, 2016
Entertaining story. Enjoyed it enough to look for other books by this author.
November 18, 2019
Another good one by this author.
February 1, 2018
This was an easy light read and clean.
Sophie and Keeton getting a second chance after many years apart due to tragedy. Allowing God to handle the reins can be so hard, and this journey followed that vein with Sophie being too scared to let go. She wanted to control everything. Keeton, I believe had his epiphany, especially so, when he was handed his 3 month old daughter, Lucy, lol.
Sophie and Keeton getting a second chance after many years apart due to tragedy. Allowing God to handle the reins can be so hard, and this journey followed that vein with Sophie being too scared to let go. She wanted to control everything. Keeton, I believe had his epiphany, especially so, when he was handed his 3 month old daughter, Lucy, lol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews