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The Birch Creek Ranch #7
The Setback
Amanda Brooks has made a new home for herself in Birch Creek, and she's finally learning to love the right way. But our past always catches up to us, and when her family surprises her with a visit, it slams into her plans like a bowling ball, knocking pins in every direction.
Donna Ellingson has a new job and a fresh resolve to embrace happiness with both hands. But every big change has its difficulties, and she’s not sure whether she made the right choice. It’s hard to move ahead when you keep looking back.
Helen Fisher has never deviated from her life plan. When things go wrong, she handles them, one way or another. When her family in Birch Creek needs a little of her attention, she resolves to deal with it quickly and get right back on track.
Can these three women navigate their respective setbacks and move forward with grace and hope? Or will these life changes alter their futures forever?
Donna Ellingson has a new job and a fresh resolve to embrace happiness with both hands. But every big change has its difficulties, and she’s not sure whether she made the right choice. It’s hard to move ahead when you keep looking back.
Helen Fisher has never deviated from her life plan. When things go wrong, she handles them, one way or another. When her family in Birch Creek needs a little of her attention, she resolves to deal with it quickly and get right back on track.
Can these three women navigate their respective setbacks and move forward with grace and hope? Or will these life changes alter their futures forever?
410 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2023
128 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
B.E. Baker
47 books160 followersBridget loves her husband (every day) and all five of her kids (most days).
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 21, 2023
4.5 stars.
When I saw Helen was going to be a big part of this book, all I could think was, "Oh boy! How is Bridget going to make me like Helen?" Helen comes across as a snooty, cold person who throws money at everything to 'make it better'. She's so full of herself. I like the way Abby described her sister as lost. However, I knew that since Helen played a big part in this book, she would have growth and change. I had a hard time seeing how she would have enough growth and change for my liking, but I also knew that this author could pull it off, and for the most part, she did. It was a little hard to give Helen the amount of growth she needed because she enters the series at such a late stage, but it was adequate and with one more book to come, maybe we will see even more growth and change. I liked the way the romance played out for Helen in this book, and the guy she ends up with is just perfect for her.
I enjoyed the other parts of the book about Donna and Will, Amanda and Eddie, and Beth and Ethan. Amanda has finally grown and become what I knew she could be, and it was great seeing that. Some of those scenes with Amanda and Helen were priceless! They deserved to have to deal with each other. I was so happy for how things ended up for Donna, and the solution Beth came up with was one I had thought of and was happy to see in the book. I did think things may have been a bit too neatly tied up, but this is a feel good series and so I'm not surprised that it's ending with everyone feeling good and in a happy place. I liked the way things have ended up for everyone. I'm looking forward to reading the last book and finding out more about the other Amanda's (Amanda Saddler) time away, and how that plays into her future.
If you enjoyed Virgin River, Cedar Cove, Sweet Magnolias, or Heartland, than you might like this series. I happened to like this series better than all those.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
When I saw Helen was going to be a big part of this book, all I could think was, "Oh boy! How is Bridget going to make me like Helen?" Helen comes across as a snooty, cold person who throws money at everything to 'make it better'. She's so full of herself. I like the way Abby described her sister as lost. However, I knew that since Helen played a big part in this book, she would have growth and change. I had a hard time seeing how she would have enough growth and change for my liking, but I also knew that this author could pull it off, and for the most part, she did. It was a little hard to give Helen the amount of growth she needed because she enters the series at such a late stage, but it was adequate and with one more book to come, maybe we will see even more growth and change. I liked the way the romance played out for Helen in this book, and the guy she ends up with is just perfect for her.
I enjoyed the other parts of the book about Donna and Will, Amanda and Eddie, and Beth and Ethan. Amanda has finally grown and become what I knew she could be, and it was great seeing that. Some of those scenes with Amanda and Helen were priceless! They deserved to have to deal with each other. I was so happy for how things ended up for Donna, and the solution Beth came up with was one I had thought of and was happy to see in the book. I did think things may have been a bit too neatly tied up, but this is a feel good series and so I'm not surprised that it's ending with everyone feeling good and in a happy place. I liked the way things have ended up for everyone. I'm looking forward to reading the last book and finding out more about the other Amanda's (Amanda Saddler) time away, and how that plays into her future.
If you enjoyed Virgin River, Cedar Cove, Sweet Magnolias, or Heartland, than you might like this series. I happened to like this series better than all those.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
January 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this installment of one of my favorite series. Who would have thought that two sisters-in-law who lost their husbands and relocated to Utah to claim an inherited ranch would be so immersive and entertaining. As the series grew, we came to love their children and other characters within the community. I love the depth of these characters and the portrayal of ranch life. This installment delves into Helen, the sister to Abby, the main character. However, the story is still an ensemble with each of the female leading characters narrating their own chapters and points of view. Thoroughly delightful! 4.5☆
December 31, 2024
I was thinking I wouldn't enjoy this book because it took you back to a review a bit but with different characters stories. It may be my fav so far in this series though.
August 16, 2023
This book was supposed to be number six on the series, but Miss Baker surprised us with The Surprise (no pun intended), you should read that one before starting reading The Setback, as a matter of fact, as a recommendation read them all in other since all the characters are connected throughout the books and the stories continue book after book.
Now to The Setback, I love being back reading about this women who by now feel more as friends than characters in a book, each one of them have their own story and background, what surprised me the most was that I liked Helen so much after I got to know her better on this book.
More than a series about finding love, this is a series about finding yourself and growing as a person no matter the circumstances you find yourself in, is a series about family, friendship, second chances and resilience.
As much as I want to read the next book on the series at the same time I sad that it will be the last one since I am not ready to say goodbye to any of this ladies that by now feel more as friends than just names on a book.
Now to The Setback, I love being back reading about this women who by now feel more as friends than characters in a book, each one of them have their own story and background, what surprised me the most was that I liked Helen so much after I got to know her better on this book.
More than a series about finding love, this is a series about finding yourself and growing as a person no matter the circumstances you find yourself in, is a series about family, friendship, second chances and resilience.
As much as I want to read the next book on the series at the same time I sad that it will be the last one since I am not ready to say goodbye to any of this ladies that by now feel more as friends than just names on a book.
August 16, 2023
I don't think any individual review could do this whole series justice. I loved every one of them. They pulled my emotions all over the spectrum, laughing one moment and crying the next. Romance isn't the focus, but personal growth comes with romance for all of the women. Women who are put together (Abigail and Helen) and women who are just trying to survive (Donna and Amanda) and then there's the "barely a woman but having to make huge life decisions" (Beth). Watching them ALL grow and change was such a wonderful gift. This is easily one of my favorite series of of the hundreds of books I've read over the past couple years. If you are disappointed it isn't because of the writing, check yourself and read it again😉
What you'll find inside:
♥️ Continued saga, must be read in order
♥️ Clean women's fiction with romance
♥️ 4 points of view
♥️ Large family chaos
♥️ Humor
Things I loved:
♥️ Donna's HEA: "Forget a bad boy who rides a Harley or a Casanova who unclasps a bra by glancing at it. I’ve found myself a man who takes horrible days and makes them sunny. That’s what I really needed in my life. And now that’s what I’ll have forever."
♥️ Abigail "if you’ve learned anything about our family yet, you should know that when something seems hard, we just double down and make it harder.”😂😂
♥️"Crumb Crushers"
♥️ The "Business consultation"
♥️ David almighty Park
♥️ Surprise Thanksgiving guest
♥️ The cherries 😂😂
♥️“Is it safe for me to release you yet?” ... “Or will you fall back into panic mode?” That’s why I love him. When I’m frantic, he calms me down.
♥️ Dolores Jenkins is such a sweet side character
♥️ Helen's personal growth. "Could doing grunt work really be the key to effectively caring for someone? It seems insane. Crazy enough to be right."
♥️“Now I wake up every day and look for a box that I can tape you into.”
♥️“I’m going to buy that horse and sell him to the glue factory,”
♥️"Small boys are the dumbest members of the entire human population, I’m absolutely convinced."
♥️"Love is messy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful."
What you'll find inside:
♥️ Continued saga, must be read in order
♥️ Clean women's fiction with romance
♥️ 4 points of view
♥️ Large family chaos
♥️ Humor
Things I loved:
♥️ Donna's HEA: "Forget a bad boy who rides a Harley or a Casanova who unclasps a bra by glancing at it. I’ve found myself a man who takes horrible days and makes them sunny. That’s what I really needed in my life. And now that’s what I’ll have forever."
♥️ Abigail "if you’ve learned anything about our family yet, you should know that when something seems hard, we just double down and make it harder.”😂😂
♥️"Crumb Crushers"
♥️ The "Business consultation"
♥️ David almighty Park
♥️ Surprise Thanksgiving guest
♥️ The cherries 😂😂
♥️“Is it safe for me to release you yet?” ... “Or will you fall back into panic mode?” That’s why I love him. When I’m frantic, he calms me down.
♥️ Dolores Jenkins is such a sweet side character
♥️ Helen's personal growth. "Could doing grunt work really be the key to effectively caring for someone? It seems insane. Crazy enough to be right."
♥️“Now I wake up every day and look for a box that I can tape you into.”
♥️“I’m going to buy that horse and sell him to the glue factory,”
♥️"Small boys are the dumbest members of the entire human population, I’m absolutely convinced."
♥️"Love is messy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful."
August 18, 2023
FIRST, make sure you have read The Surprise! Go back and find it if you missed it.
So, I was not a Helen fan before. Snooty, uptight, rich, fell off her high horse and landed bum-first on a log, etc. Which actually, she DID have a big fall when her ex wouldn’t pitch her million dollar idea to his father and then stole the idea months later. That kind of explains a bit of her intense drive and refusal to rely on anyone else. It turns out the ice queen actually has a heart in there. Enough that she might actually learn to be a decent person. Wouldn’t that be a miracle?!?
This book did have a lot of Helen in it, but also had pretty major events for all the main ladies in Birch Creek Ranch, and their love interests. Weddings, horses, kids, hospitals, mud, snow, hay, twists and turns, all kinds of mess. For everything good, something else popped up to derail the joy. NOT a boring book by any means! That last little bit will have your eyebrows jumping off your face and ready for the last book!
So, I was not a Helen fan before. Snooty, uptight, rich, fell off her high horse and landed bum-first on a log, etc. Which actually, she DID have a big fall when her ex wouldn’t pitch her million dollar idea to his father and then stole the idea months later. That kind of explains a bit of her intense drive and refusal to rely on anyone else. It turns out the ice queen actually has a heart in there. Enough that she might actually learn to be a decent person. Wouldn’t that be a miracle?!?
This book did have a lot of Helen in it, but also had pretty major events for all the main ladies in Birch Creek Ranch, and their love interests. Weddings, horses, kids, hospitals, mud, snow, hay, twists and turns, all kinds of mess. For everything good, something else popped up to derail the joy. NOT a boring book by any means! That last little bit will have your eyebrows jumping off your face and ready for the last book!
August 19, 2023
I do love a visit to Birch Creek. You get to catch up with some old friends and find out how they are doing and also along the way make some new ones. Their journeys have been and continue to be remarkable as we have seen them grow, seen them lose but also we have seen what they have achieved and the love they have found. If you haven’t read the previous books, well you are definitely missing out as the author does an incredible job weaving her magic and bringing these fantastic characters to life for us. We do get some answers to questions from previous books and we also get to know Helen a bit better as life throws obstacles in her path. I love seeing the friendship and the family as they all come together to help each other and stand by each other no matter what despite the drama, the ups and downs and the twists and turns. I look forward to visiting again!
August 16, 2023
This series has come to feel like catching up with old friends every time I read one! And Helen really surprised me in this book, becoming a new friend whose life I’m now invested in.
Along those lines, if you haven’t read the first six books, definitely start with the first. This story builds upon itself in a beautiful way but you aren’t likely to enjoy it as much if you jump into the middle of it.
The humor is spot on in this book. It’s fast paced. There’s a lot going on but not to the point that it’s difficult to follow. None of the characters are perfect but they are all like-able and relatable (well, the main characters at least).
I cannot wait for the seventh book and, if the blurb plays out how it sounds, a love story I did *not* expect us to get!
Along those lines, if you haven’t read the first six books, definitely start with the first. This story builds upon itself in a beautiful way but you aren’t likely to enjoy it as much if you jump into the middle of it.
The humor is spot on in this book. It’s fast paced. There’s a lot going on but not to the point that it’s difficult to follow. None of the characters are perfect but they are all like-able and relatable (well, the main characters at least).
I cannot wait for the seventh book and, if the blurb plays out how it sounds, a love story I did *not* expect us to get!
February 21, 2024
This series is interesting enough but many of the characters are irritating. Abigail is the exception. She is intelligent, wise, loving, caring and a wonderful person. Her children are also ones you would want to be around. The other women - not so much. Amanda, the social media diva, is selfish and immature and that shows in her daughters. Donna is probably the worst - immature, overly-emotional and someone who doesn't seem totally stable. Helen is made out to be the worst of the bunch but underneath the harsh exterior, there is actually a caring person that is revealed in the book. Despite not liking some of the women, I will read the next book when it comes out. No sex or profanity.
August 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book. If you've read the other Birch Creek Ranch books, read on, I'm sure you'll love this too!
Helen is so different from the others that I found her hard to deal with at first, but she really grows on you. I also enjoy seeing how much Amanda has grown and I love her kids.
I appreciate in this book how actions have consequences, like real life, and some big thinking is involved in some decisions.
But most of all, I love Mandy's take on Thanksgiving! That (and 'love is messy') are great things to take from this book.
Helen is so different from the others that I found her hard to deal with at first, but she really grows on you. I also enjoy seeing how much Amanda has grown and I love her kids.
I appreciate in this book how actions have consequences, like real life, and some big thinking is involved in some decisions.
But most of all, I love Mandy's take on Thanksgiving! That (and 'love is messy') are great things to take from this book.
August 26, 2023
Buckle up buttercup because The Setback is exploding with so much heart and raw emotion. This book made me laugh and then cry. I cried so many tears of joy though. I love Helen's story and how we got to follow along with Amanda, Beth and Donna too. I love how we get to follow all of these women and we get to see them overcome their insecurities and fears. Bridget has a way of making the characters you thought you hated be the ones you love the most, enter: Helen and Amanda Brooks. My favorite line from this book and now for my own life is: Love is messy. ❤❤
December 1, 2023
life
In this book, I read about how love is messy and also how life is messy! I love how the people are so real, so honest, and so flawed that I can relate to them even when I haven’t gone through the same troubles as they have. I love that this is a clean, uplifting story where I don’t have to worry about the content and can just live in the world that exists in this book.
It’s also super fun to see the author as a person mentioned in her own story, even just in passing. Pretty ingenious!
In this book, I read about how love is messy and also how life is messy! I love how the people are so real, so honest, and so flawed that I can relate to them even when I haven’t gone through the same troubles as they have. I love that this is a clean, uplifting story where I don’t have to worry about the content and can just live in the world that exists in this book.
It’s also super fun to see the author as a person mentioned in her own story, even just in passing. Pretty ingenious!
September 4, 2023
Bridget E. Baker (B. E. Baker) is an amazing writer! I love her books! If you haven't read any yet, please do. You will be amazed. You will be sucked in and feel like your are a part of the story. This series is best read in order. So, come and join us. You just might end up with a new favorite author.
April 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The characters feel real, with real struggles. Characters endure trials and come out better for them.
I love the adoption story. it touches on all the real life struggles in volved in this situation. I love the way it ends.
So many lessons to learn from this book.
Clean. little to no language
I love the adoption story. it touches on all the real life struggles in volved in this situation. I love the way it ends.
So many lessons to learn from this book.
Clean. little to no language
January 8, 2025
I’m really enjoying this Women’s fiction with romance saga series. I never knew we’d get so deep and add more women than the original two. We see all of the stages of life in these pages and I’m just loving it. Wonderful choices and mistakes and so much more. I adore all these characters and I’ll be sad when this series ends. I’m really enjoying the time I’m spending in this small town in Utah.
August 18, 2023
This series is great! I love catching up with everyone. This one has some ups and downs, babies & weddings, you never know what is going to happen! It makes you want to keep turning the pages so you can see what happens.
August 21, 2023
Just when you think, you have the characters all figured out and think you know what will happen next. Surprise! Loving the series and all the stories to be told. A must read series.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
August 22, 2023
I love seeing Helen interact within the friends and family group. I enjoyed her story. I love how Ethan & Beth work out their story. I feel like all the loose ends are being tied up. Can't wait to read Mandy's book and connect with all the characters again!
August 23, 2023
I’ve liked this series as a whole. It’s not my usual go to genre, but I’ve enjoyed them all. This one has to be my favorite out of the series so far though. I found it to be cuter, funnier, sweeter, and it pulled on my heart strings more than I remember the others doing. Great job Mrs. Baker!
September 1, 2023
Great storyline!! Loved all these characters. I know we have one more book coming out but maybe Bridget could find one or two more stories. I can see several unanswered storylines. I have read all of this series and is probably my favorite. Great job Bridget.
September 14, 2023
A great book
This author is really a great writer and she has written another fantastic book. This series has be perfect. I'm Just upset that the next book in the series is not available yet and I have a long wait.
This author is really a great writer and she has written another fantastic book. This series has be perfect. I'm Just upset that the next book in the series is not available yet and I have a long wait.
October 4, 2023
More Surprises than The Surprise
The Setback is full of surprises. Helen turns out to be more human than even she thought possible. As with all B.E Baker books, family and love are at the center of everything. Great read. I am looking forward to the final Birch Creek book.
The Setback is full of surprises. Helen turns out to be more human than even she thought possible. As with all B.E Baker books, family and love are at the center of everything. Great read. I am looking forward to the final Birch Creek book.
December 31, 2025
Incredible
I devoured this one. Each character has been so real I find myself thinking about them while doing my daily life.
Like friends, I wonder what they are doing. I've enjoyed all 7 of them. After I finish #8, where will I go next?
I devoured this one. Each character has been so real I find myself thinking about them while doing my daily life.
Like friends, I wonder what they are doing. I've enjoyed all 7 of them. After I finish #8, where will I go next?
August 15, 2023
This is probably my favorite of the series so far! So much character growth for everyone and of course all the feels!
August 16, 2023
I heard an encore is coming, but this was still a lovely close to the story. Every character gets a conclusion, which always makes me happy.
October 25, 2023
This is a great series about many different people at different stages in their lives.
November 9, 2023
A fun continuation to the story. Some unexpected surprises and good teasers for the next book
November 20, 2023
This was a really great read. Just like all the other books by Baker they never disapoint. She is such a great story teller and her books show that. I can’t wait to read Mandy’s story.
March 31, 2024
3.5 stars
April 9, 2024
Outstanding addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews