Starting Over in Montana: Evanston Book 1

by Ann Dunbar

Ivy Rose is a 45-year-old curvy, beautiful woman with long red hair and freckles. She seems to have a perfect life, but the unthinkable her husband dies in a car accident. After two years of feeling lost and alone, Ivy starts over. She applies and gets a job as a housekeeper at Hawthorn's Hope Ranch in Montana. She may not have much experience as a housekeeper or working on a ranch, but she has enough determination to make up for it!With his piercing blue eyes, tanned skin, sexy voice, and cowboy charm, Gabriel Hawthorn is a woman's fantasy that comes to life. The 37-year-old divorcee has two children and needs a housekeeper fast. His house is a mess. He can't cook, and he spends his time avoiding the sexual advances of his children's nanny, Tiffany.When Ivy and Gabriel meet for the first time, sparks fly, and she literally falls into Gabriel's arms!Will Ivy overcome her fear of going against society and dating a younger man? Or will she walk away from her second chance at love?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

About the author

Ann Dunbar is a romantic suspense author and a 2025 Chanticleer International Book Awards Finalist (CHATELAINE – Romance & Women’s Fiction) for Áine’s Salvation.

She writes emotionally charged romances where love isn’t always safe, but it is always worth the risk. Her stories explore survival, second chances, and the kind of connection that is fought for and earned.

Set against the rugged beauty of Montana, Ann’s books blend small-town warmth with high-stakes tension, danger, and deeply emotional romance.

Her novels include Starting Over in Montana, Áine’s Salvation, and Bet’s Christmas Gamble, with more stories on the way.

When she’s not immersed in fiction, Ann can usually be found with a cup of coffee nearby, dreaming up new stories of love, resilience, and redemption.

Readers can stay connected through Ann’s newsletter for sneak peeks, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes updates:

https://anndunbarauthor.ec.page/jj1nr

Reviews

[Marianne Antonichuk]

This was the first book by this author and wow I had a hard time putting this book down now there was a very sad scene at the beginning but it makes up for the love she ends up with there was also a character I wasn’t to fond of she was mean but it made the story as you had to read what she was gonna do as she was mad fantastic cowboy romance I have read now I need more

[Gillian]

This is a book I devoured in a couple of days.

Ivy's journey is one that many readers will relate to for different reasons. The emotionally charged beginning is heartfelt and sad, as Ivy is still coming to terms with the grief of loosing her husband. There is also a change of life and situation for Ivy as she takes on the job of housekeeper for the Hawthorns' of Evanston.

What I loved about Ivy's story, was that it was heartfelt, relatable and often times bringing in elements of humour. The instant attraction for feels for her new employer Gabe Hawthorn surprises her and the things she says in her awkwardness will make you laugh out loud.

The romance is sweet and tender. Ivy's feelings of self worth and confidence as well as her feelings on age difference are very well discussed and remedied on their own as Ivy's self worth and confidence grows throughout the story.

If you are looking for a relatable female main character, starting afresh with tender, sweet romance, finding oneself and learning to love again, this wonderful story is definitely for you. Thank you Ann, for another great story. On to Aine's story next!

[Sharli Kaltenbach]

After her husband passes, Ivy goes outside her comfort zone and takes a job as a housekeeper to a rancher in Montana. She doesn't know if her decision will be a good one or a bad one, but she is doing it anyway. Her new boss is smoking hot, his children are adorable, and his nanny is a nightmare. Ivy doesn't understand why the tall, slim, gorgeous nanny hates her or treats her like she is a threat. Ivy is a few years older than Gabe, her boss, and is a bit heavy, surely not his type. This is a sweet story and shows that beauty is in the eyes of 5he beholder and personality has a lot to do with beautyIvy goes outside her comfort zone and takes a job as housekeeper to a rancher in Montana. She doesn't know if her decision will be a good one or a bad one, but she is doing it anyway. Her new boss is smoking hot, his children are adorable, and his nanny is a nightmare. Ivy doesn't understand why the tall, slim, gorgeous nanny hates her or treats her like she is a threat. Ivy is a few years older than Gabe, her boss, and is a bit heavy, surely not his type. This is a sweet story and shows that beauty is in the eyes of 5he beholder and personality has a lot to do with beauty

[Jessica Snoke]

After losing her husband two years ago, Ivy is ready to move on with her life. After taking a job as a housekeeper on a ranch in Montana, the last thing she expected was for her boss to be the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes on.

I was excited at the premise of this book, and in the beginning I felt hopeful. But unfortunately it ended up falling a bit short for me. I would have enjoyed it if there was more of a slow burn. Reading the first few chapters had me hoping that Gabe would be pursuing Ivy and she would be putting up more of a fight.

Once their relationship kicked off, the majority of the book focused solely on their blissful relationship. While I liked how sweet and easy their connection was, the overall story was lacking a story line that kept me interested. While there was a few plots that stirred up some conflict, it took a while to get there and they were pretty anticlimactic.

I also felt that the characters often spoke a bit too proper, especially Gabe and the other characters who lived in Montana on a ranch. I often felt as thought they were from England instead. There were also several dialogues missing quotation marks, which sometimes made it difficult to follow.

I did like that Ivy was a curvier woman and that the book promoted body positivity. I loved how Gabe recognized Ivy’s lack of confidence, and made it a point to tell her how beautiful she was. Gabe was devoted to her from the beginning, and wasn’t afraid to make their relationship known to everyone, even though he was a well-known figure in his town.

Overall I think this book had great potential, but the execution just didn’t meet my expectations, unfortunately.

[Missile Dude]

This is a great Second Chance story, with deep characters who need to have someone to overcome their flags that the dating Society reject them for; He is a divorcee with 2 kids, she is a broken widow who wears clothes that on in the other size departments, not where the dating set go to shop. How their lifestyles come together, and bring us to a happy ever after is a sweet, pleasant tale.

This copy was provided by Story Origin and I volunteer this review.

[Tracey-Ann Beckett]

A feelgood romance

This lovely story had me hooked from the beginning. The main character, Ivy, is incredibly likeable and I was with her all the way, following her struggles and doubts over her relationship with Gabe, a man so gorgeous it's impossible not to fall head over heels. The scenes as their affair unfolds are both heartwarming and thrilling. I nearly finished it in one session!

[Mia MP]

Starting Over in Montana is a heartfelt small-town romance that captures the courage it takes to begin again after loss. Ivy Rose, a 45-year-old widow, once had a perfect life until tragedy shattered it. Two years later, she’s ready to rebuild, trading city comfort for the rugged simplicity of Montana ranch life. When she accepts a housekeeping job at Hawthorn’s Hope Ranch, she expects hard work and dusty rooms, but not the chaos, warmth, and the rugged charm of Gabriel Hawthorn. Ivy is a strong FMC who’s taking the reins of her life with determination.

Her new employer, Gabriel Hawthorn, is a 37-year-old single father juggling two kids, a chaotic household, and a stubborn heart. With his quiet strength, and genuine kindness, he’s everything Ivy never thought she’d find again. But between a jealous nanny, small-town gossip (Small town, big hell). However, Ivy has not only to face external barriers, but her own fears about dating a younger man. She must decide whether she’s brave enough to follow her heart.

The twits and turn are a rollercoaster of emotions in the sweeping beauty of Montana’s ranch country. This novel amazingly explores grief, healing, and second chances. Ivy’s journey from heartbreak to hope feels deeply real, and her growing bond with Gabriel is both heartwarming and believable. The chemistry between Ivy and Gabriel feels authentic, built not just on attraction, but on shared vulnerability. The story radiates small-town charm, humor, and slow-burning romance, reminding readers that it’s never too late to love again.

This book feels like watching a Hallmark movie: vivid characters, emotional depth, and a setting that feels alive. Starting Over in Montana delivers a satisfying blend of romance and resilience. Ann Dunbar brings a profound message about finding beauty in imperfection, courage in vulnerability, and passion where you least expect it.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys heartfelt contemporary romance with cinematic style and stories of rediscovery.

[Skye Daniels]

After losing her husband, Ivy takes a leap outside her comfort zone and accepts a housekeeping job on a Montana ranch. She’s unsure if it’s the right decision, but she’s ready for a fresh start. Her new boss, Gabe, is incredibly handsome, his children are adorable, and the nanny clearly sees Ivy as a threat for reasons Ivy can’t quite understand.

I really loved that this story featured an older FMC. It felt refreshing and added so much depth to Ivy’s journey. Watching her slowly open herself up to love again after losing her husband was beautiful and emotional. I also adored seeing her step into a caring, motherly role with Gabe’s children and the bond that grew between them.

This was such a heartfelt story about healing, family, and finding a second chance at love when you least expect it.

[Kay Ni C]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s light‑hearted, romantic, and genuinely funny in parts. I loved the main characters, and the antagonist is exactly the kind of woman most of us have unfortunately met in real life — which made her very easy to dislike.

I was so drawn in that I ended up reading it in a single day. You feel connected to Ivy and her struggles with self‑confidence, and it’s lovely watching her relationship with her new love interest grow. It’s a sweet, engaging story that leaves you smiling.
Highly recommended if you love cowboys and romance and need a feel good story.

[Kaylyn✮]

I loved this book! It was such a cute idea and I love how Ivy broke sterotype's and stayed true to herself! Gabe was such a sweetheart, treated Ivy with care and devotion, and never made her feel like she wasn't good enough for him because of her age. Ivy's character was so fun and lively and I loved reading from her point of view!

Overall this book is such a fun read and definitely recommend!

[Natasha Morris]

Excellent! I LOVE second chance romance.
Ivy lost her 1st husband to a car accident. She is a full figured woman and thought he was her only chance at love until she moves to Montana to become a live in housekeeper and cook for Gabe.
Gabe is a handsome cowboy with a 6 pack and its attraction at 1st site!
I loved how he talks to Ivy, treats her, makes her feel beautiful and not self conscious about her weight.
I can’t wait to get into Book 2 to learn about Ivy’s best friend Áime.

[Alana B]

This book is better than I expected it to be. I expected more predictability and for it to be less interesting than what it actually is, so it was a pleasant surprise! I wanted to cheer on the romance and happiness of the characters and find out what happens for them. I received a free copy of this book to review, but my review is genuine. I am glad to have read it!

[Tracy Williston]

So romantic

This is the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last.
This book embodies what a true romance book should be!

[T Pulling]

I truly enjoyed Ann Dunbar's Evanston series. Wonderful romance stories in the heart of Montana with cowboys and lots of coffee and action. Highly recommend.

[Tracy Booktalk]

What a wonderful, beautiful, romantic story. If you love romance this is the book for you. This is the first book I have read by this author and I have downloaded Aines Salvation already to enjoy!
True love fills the pages of STARTING OVER IN MONTANA! I definitely recommend this book!