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Pine River #2
Return to Homecoming Ranch
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia London delivers another standalone, heartwarming love story in her Pine River series.
Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”
Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.
Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts?
Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”
Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.
Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2014
373 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,137 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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August 2, 2017
חייה של ליבי נמצאים בכאוס: החבר שלה ב 4 שנים האחרונות, ראיין ספרנגלר נוטש אותה לאחר שבגד בה עם אישתו לשעבר, גוון. הוא מוציא אותה מביתו ומנתק אותה מהילדים שלו שאותם גידלה ב 4 שנים האחרונות.
ליבי, חווה התמוטטות נפשית והזעם מוביל אותה להרוס את המכונית שלו בעזרת מחבט בייסבול.
כשהיא חוזרת מאישפוז, היא ללא עבודה וללא בית ויש לה רק את החווה שאביה הוריש לה ולאחיותיה. ליבי, עדין רותחת. הגעגועים ךילדים מכרסמים בה וצו ההרחקה שהוציא ראיין לא עוזר.
ברקע נמצא הסייר הבודד סם. הוא מגיע בכל פעם שליבי מפשלת ונתפסת בקירבת ראיין. ליבי תופסת את המציאות בצורה קצת עקומה והפגיעות שלה לא מאפשרת לה לראות שראיין רק ניצל אותה וזרק אותה כנעל שחוקה. סם, שבסתר ליבו מאוהב בליבי, מנסה לעזור לה להתמודד ולהרחיק אותה מצרות ואט ואט ליבי מבחינה בגבר הבודד.
גם חייו של סם היו כאוטים. כאלכוהליסט לשעבר הוא איבד את עבודתו במשטרה וכשחזר מהגמילה הוא מתחיל לעבוד כסייר בודד בהרים. הדבר האחרון שהוא צריך היא אישה הפכפכה שתבלגן את חייו. אבל סם מוצא את עצמו מתקשה להתרחק מליבי ומהאור שהנוכחות שלה מביאה לחייו.
ליבי חייבת למצוא את המרכז שלה ולשחרר את האהבה שלה לילדים של ראיין. סם חייב להשתחרר מהפחדים והשדים שרודפים אותו לאחר נישואים כושלים. היחסים בינהם הם מתכון לאסון.
הדמויות של ליבי וסם כל כך מקסימות. שניהם מלאים ברצון טוב ובנדיבות כלפי אחרים. שניהם ביקורתיים כלפי עצמם וחשדנים כלפי החיים. יש משהו מאוד אנושי בסיפור הזה ולמרות שהוא בהחלט מעצבן בהיבטים של היחסים של ליבי עם ראיין, סם בחור כל כך מתוק וליבי היא התגלמות טוב הלב והחיוביות למרות הקושי שלה להתגבר על המשבר בחיים שלה, שבאמת מגיע להם סוף טוב.
גם בספר הזה הדמות של ליאו, אחיו החולה של לוק, מאירה בתובנות משעשעות את הסצנות. לצערי, ובגלל זה הורדתי את הניקוד לספר, הדמויות של לוק ומדליין לא מופיעות ומתפתות בספר הזה. אם הסופרת היתה מעמיקה את היחסים של לוק ומדליין, ואת היחסים בין האחיות זה יכל להיות ספר מושלם.
ליבי, חווה התמוטטות נפשית והזעם מוביל אותה להרוס את המכונית שלו בעזרת מחבט בייסבול.
כשהיא חוזרת מאישפוז, היא ללא עבודה וללא בית ויש לה רק את החווה שאביה הוריש לה ולאחיותיה. ליבי, עדין רותחת. הגעגועים ךילדים מכרסמים בה וצו ההרחקה שהוציא ראיין לא עוזר.
ברקע נמצא הסייר הבודד סם. הוא מגיע בכל פעם שליבי מפשלת ונתפסת בקירבת ראיין. ליבי תופסת את המציאות בצורה קצת עקומה והפגיעות שלה לא מאפשרת לה לראות שראיין רק ניצל אותה וזרק אותה כנעל שחוקה. סם, שבסתר ליבו מאוהב בליבי, מנסה לעזור לה להתמודד ולהרחיק אותה מצרות ואט ואט ליבי מבחינה בגבר הבודד.
גם חייו של סם היו כאוטים. כאלכוהליסט לשעבר הוא איבד את עבודתו במשטרה וכשחזר מהגמילה הוא מתחיל לעבוד כסייר בודד בהרים. הדבר האחרון שהוא צריך היא אישה הפכפכה שתבלגן את חייו. אבל סם מוצא את עצמו מתקשה להתרחק מליבי ומהאור שהנוכחות שלה מביאה לחייו.
ליבי חייבת למצוא את המרכז שלה ולשחרר את האהבה שלה לילדים של ראיין. סם חייב להשתחרר מהפחדים והשדים שרודפים אותו לאחר נישואים כושלים. היחסים בינהם הם מתכון לאסון.
הדמויות של ליבי וסם כל כך מקסימות. שניהם מלאים ברצון טוב ובנדיבות כלפי אחרים. שניהם ביקורתיים כלפי עצמם וחשדנים כלפי החיים. יש משהו מאוד אנושי בסיפור הזה ולמרות שהוא בהחלט מעצבן בהיבטים של היחסים של ליבי עם ראיין, סם בחור כל כך מתוק וליבי היא התגלמות טוב הלב והחיוביות למרות הקושי שלה להתגבר על המשבר בחיים שלה, שבאמת מגיע להם סוף טוב.
גם בספר הזה הדמות של ליאו, אחיו החולה של לוק, מאירה בתובנות משעשעות את הסצנות. לצערי, ובגלל זה הורדתי את הניקוד לספר, הדמויות של לוק ומדליין לא מופיעות ומתפתות בספר הזה. אם הסופרת היתה מעמיקה את היחסים של לוק ומדליין, ואת היחסים בין האחיות זה יכל להיות ספר מושלם.
October 10, 2015
Waffled between 2.5 & 3 stars. Decided on three, because again, the narrator sells the story.
Second in the trilogy about three sisters who inherit a ranch from their father. This one features Libby, only daughter of three who had any sort of relationship with the now deceased father. This book had the same strengths and weaknesses of the first book. Namely, character actions/reactions seems more plot driven than anything else. It just felt like the author had a specific way she needed her characters to act in order to serve plot, but honestly the book doesn't give people enough credit. For instance, the heroine Libby is treated a crazy super violent person who will attack at the drop of a pin by people who have known her all her life because she bashed in the windows of her cheating boyfriend's car once she found out he was cheating on her. The plot needs Libby to be made a bit of an outcast and this was the method the author used. Except this doesn't hold water with me because who wouldn't understand why she did that? especially since most people in the town knew he was cheating on her.
Anyway, the high point still remains Leo a small supporting character with a degenerative nerve disease who is given several POV chapters and who uses them to make smart observations about people and to try to cajole people into fundraising for a new van so he can go see a NFL game in person before he dies.
There is a third book featuring the third sister but I have no desire to read (or listen to it) as her appearance in this book and the previous one has made her to be one of the least sympathetic characters in the series and I have no desire to read about her.
Second in the trilogy about three sisters who inherit a ranch from their father. This one features Libby, only daughter of three who had any sort of relationship with the now deceased father. This book had the same strengths and weaknesses of the first book. Namely, character actions/reactions seems more plot driven than anything else. It just felt like the author had a specific way she needed her characters to act in order to serve plot, but honestly the book doesn't give people enough credit. For instance, the heroine Libby is treated a crazy super violent person who will attack at the drop of a pin by people who have known her all her life because she bashed in the windows of her cheating boyfriend's car once she found out he was cheating on her. The plot needs Libby to be made a bit of an outcast and this was the method the author used. Except this doesn't hold water with me because who wouldn't understand why she did that? especially since most people in the town knew he was cheating on her.
Anyway, the high point still remains Leo a small supporting character with a degenerative nerve disease who is given several POV chapters and who uses them to make smart observations about people and to try to cajole people into fundraising for a new van so he can go see a NFL game in person before he dies.
There is a third book featuring the third sister but I have no desire to read (or listen to it) as her appearance in this book and the previous one has made her to be one of the least sympathetic characters in the series and I have no desire to read about her.
July 28, 2014
This is book 2 in the Pine River series and I didn’t read the first. This book felt like a standalone, so I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. It is possible that the readers of Pine River #1 were able to become more emotionally connected to the characters, though.
This was a very different kind of romance than I generally read and I struggled at times. Libby is our main character, but she is going through a difficult time. She’s spend the last four years living with her boyfriend, Ryan, and raising his 2 kids. They act in every way like a family and she adores the kids. Everything changes when Ryan tells her that it’s over and she needs to move out….immediately. When she finds out that he’s been cheating on her with his ex-wife, she loses it and attacks his truck with a golf club.
They now have a restraining order against Libby. While Libby wants Ryan to come crawling back to her, the biggest problem is her love and devotion to the kids. She can’t let them go. She loves them and they love her. Even more, who will take care of them if Libby isn’t around?
Libby has repeatedly violated her restraining order and Sam, the town sheriff, is the one that puts her in her place. Sam has known Libby for years and what he remembers most is her smile and kindness. Sam is a recovering alcoholic. He’s sober, but he still takes life one day at a time and avoids drama at all costs. He’s doing everything he can to keep the peace and help others. He’s been trying to help Libby ever since her life spiralled out of control. He remembers her as one of the few people who always brought light to his day.
That’s not the Libby we see in this story. She drives by Ryan’s house and watches the kids at school. I felt both horrified and sad for Libby. The entire situation was villanous. Ryan was a terrible person and being ripped out of the children’s lives was horrible. The way that Libby responded was just as bad. I visibly winced several times reading this. I can’t sympathize with the stalker persona. Since we got Libby’s POV, her thoughts were provided. When this is the case, I can typically understand a person’s actions. That wasn’t the case here. I was so confused at times. For example, when Ryan catches Libby sitting in her car across the street from his house, she drives away and he follows her to confront her. After the confrontation, Ryan tells Libby he’s sorry. I understood that he meant he was sorry for screwing her over and causing her all of this pain. She understood that he was sorry for leaving her and wanted her back. WHAT??? I wish I could understand the appeal of the situation from Sam’s perspective. Libby is full of drama and obviously not over Ryan. When Libby got involved in the town charity projects and basically gave the other church ladies the finger, I was able to feel more connected to her character. She made a point to harp on how she couldn’t let the anger go and I am not sure if she ever did. Sam pushes Libby away at the end and Libby responds in a pretty healthy way. I guess that is the character progression we get for Libby, but I wanted to be able to tie back to the girl Sam remembered…the happy girl that always smiled.
Sam is pretty great, but he isn’t your typical book hero. He takes care of the people in town to the best of his ability (even when they don’t want it). He’s been in a bad place and he doesn’t hide from that. Without even realizing it, he gives new life to Homecoming Ranch. When Sam feels like Libby is causing his life too much drama and pulling him away from his purpose, he pulls away. Can Libby make Sam realize that he’s been avoiding more than drama in life? Like opening himself up and love? Can Libby get over her feelings for Ryan and the kids?
Reviewing on behalf of The Book Reading Gals Blog – check us out at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
This was a very different kind of romance than I generally read and I struggled at times. Libby is our main character, but she is going through a difficult time. She’s spend the last four years living with her boyfriend, Ryan, and raising his 2 kids. They act in every way like a family and she adores the kids. Everything changes when Ryan tells her that it’s over and she needs to move out….immediately. When she finds out that he’s been cheating on her with his ex-wife, she loses it and attacks his truck with a golf club.
They now have a restraining order against Libby. While Libby wants Ryan to come crawling back to her, the biggest problem is her love and devotion to the kids. She can’t let them go. She loves them and they love her. Even more, who will take care of them if Libby isn’t around?
Libby has repeatedly violated her restraining order and Sam, the town sheriff, is the one that puts her in her place. Sam has known Libby for years and what he remembers most is her smile and kindness. Sam is a recovering alcoholic. He’s sober, but he still takes life one day at a time and avoids drama at all costs. He’s doing everything he can to keep the peace and help others. He’s been trying to help Libby ever since her life spiralled out of control. He remembers her as one of the few people who always brought light to his day.
That’s not the Libby we see in this story. She drives by Ryan’s house and watches the kids at school. I felt both horrified and sad for Libby. The entire situation was villanous. Ryan was a terrible person and being ripped out of the children’s lives was horrible. The way that Libby responded was just as bad. I visibly winced several times reading this. I can’t sympathize with the stalker persona. Since we got Libby’s POV, her thoughts were provided. When this is the case, I can typically understand a person’s actions. That wasn’t the case here. I was so confused at times. For example, when Ryan catches Libby sitting in her car across the street from his house, she drives away and he follows her to confront her. After the confrontation, Ryan tells Libby he’s sorry. I understood that he meant he was sorry for screwing her over and causing her all of this pain. She understood that he was sorry for leaving her and wanted her back. WHAT??? I wish I could understand the appeal of the situation from Sam’s perspective. Libby is full of drama and obviously not over Ryan. When Libby got involved in the town charity projects and basically gave the other church ladies the finger, I was able to feel more connected to her character. She made a point to harp on how she couldn’t let the anger go and I am not sure if she ever did. Sam pushes Libby away at the end and Libby responds in a pretty healthy way. I guess that is the character progression we get for Libby, but I wanted to be able to tie back to the girl Sam remembered…the happy girl that always smiled.
Sam is pretty great, but he isn’t your typical book hero. He takes care of the people in town to the best of his ability (even when they don’t want it). He’s been in a bad place and he doesn’t hide from that. Without even realizing it, he gives new life to Homecoming Ranch. When Sam feels like Libby is causing his life too much drama and pulling him away from his purpose, he pulls away. Can Libby make Sam realize that he’s been avoiding more than drama in life? Like opening himself up and love? Can Libby get over her feelings for Ryan and the kids?
Reviewing on behalf of The Book Reading Gals Blog – check us out at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
August 30, 2015
Once again we have Leo telling us the story, this time its about Libby (and Sam). I just want to know how Leo knows some of the things he does.
Libby had her world turned upside down over the summer, her boyfriend broke up with her then told her that she needed to stay far away from him and the kids. Kids that she had been like a mother to for couple of years, had grown to love like her own, kids that she was with 24/7 except when they were in school. That is a lot for anyone to handle, and the stress of Homecoming Ranch added on top of that would make anyone loose their shit, sorry. And yeah, Libby lost it, everyone in town was calling her crazy.
Enter Sam. Sam is the local sheriff officer, handsome & quiet. Well, Libby apparently can't abide with the restraining order from her ex, and Sam is too lenient with her. Ask me, and he should have put her butt in jail for a night. It might have woken her up a little sooner.
But low and behold, Libby did wake up and figure things out on her own-after getting in trouble more than once and Sam saving her tail.
Sam, he should have either spoke up sooner about his feelings for Libby or completely left crazy chit alone. But he is super kind-hearted, not to mention soft-hearted.
Madeline, she didn't pay much of a role in this book but when she was mentioned she was annoying.
And boom a surprise visit from Emma at the end!
Great book, great story and very well written- as usual from Ms. London!
I hope we get at least one more book- I'd love to hear about Emma, and of course I need to know what happens to Leo!
Libby had her world turned upside down over the summer, her boyfriend broke up with her then told her that she needed to stay far away from him and the kids. Kids that she had been like a mother to for couple of years, had grown to love like her own, kids that she was with 24/7 except when they were in school. That is a lot for anyone to handle, and the stress of Homecoming Ranch added on top of that would make anyone loose their shit, sorry. And yeah, Libby lost it, everyone in town was calling her crazy.
Enter Sam. Sam is the local sheriff officer, handsome & quiet. Well, Libby apparently can't abide with the restraining order from her ex, and Sam is too lenient with her. Ask me, and he should have put her butt in jail for a night. It might have woken her up a little sooner.
But low and behold, Libby did wake up and figure things out on her own-after getting in trouble more than once and Sam saving her tail.
Sam, he should have either spoke up sooner about his feelings for Libby or completely left crazy chit alone. But he is super kind-hearted, not to mention soft-hearted.
Madeline, she didn't pay much of a role in this book but when she was mentioned she was annoying.
And boom a surprise visit from Emma at the end!
Great book, great story and very well written- as usual from Ms. London!
I hope we get at least one more book- I'd love to hear about Emma, and of course I need to know what happens to Leo!
January 9, 2015
Book Two in the Homecoming Ranch Series.
Sam is a recovering alcoholic trying to live a quiet life as a deputy. Libby just had a wake-up call from the man she thought loved her. Both are working through their problems with some successes and other losses. When a snow storm traps them together in Sam's house for a night, the sparks fly.
If you're looking for a story of two imperfect people trying to get their lives back on track, this is the book for you.
Sam is a recovering alcoholic trying to live a quiet life as a deputy. Libby just had a wake-up call from the man she thought loved her. Both are working through their problems with some successes and other losses. When a snow storm traps them together in Sam's house for a night, the sparks fly.
If you're looking for a story of two imperfect people trying to get their lives back on track, this is the book for you.
June 12, 2025
This is the story of Libby, a woman who was broken down so much by her ex using her and then cheating on her with his ex wife that she is instutionized briefly after she smashes up his vehicle. Ryan her ex is a total douche canoe. She was young when they met ( 22) and afyer 4 years she had rose tinted glasses and missed the signs that he was a narcissist and privk that just wanted her to be a babysitter and not his wife. When his ex wife who left him cane hack he dropped her like a sack of potatoes.
Sam, is the Hero who is the sherriff and an ex alcoholic. He cares about Libby but doesn't want to be involved in her drama so keeps her at an arms length away. As he spends more time with Libby he realizes he can let down his guard for her.
I found the story sweet and most things were resolved well. However I was disappointed that Ryan didn't get any karma. There wasnt any resolution at the end ( although there was some resolution with the wife). I never wanted to see them back together but seeing some justice for Libby ( even just a real honest apology and not a surface level one would have sufficed). I resluze the focus is on Sam and Libby but it bothers me when loose ends aren't tied up at the end and Ryan was definitely a loose end.
Sam, is the Hero who is the sherriff and an ex alcoholic. He cares about Libby but doesn't want to be involved in her drama so keeps her at an arms length away. As he spends more time with Libby he realizes he can let down his guard for her.
I found the story sweet and most things were resolved well. However I was disappointed that Ryan didn't get any karma. There wasnt any resolution at the end ( although there was some resolution with the wife). I never wanted to see them back together but seeing some justice for Libby ( even just a real honest apology and not a surface level one would have sufficed). I resluze the focus is on Sam and Libby but it bothers me when loose ends aren't tied up at the end and Ryan was definitely a loose end.
February 11, 2017
Welcome back...
Welcome back to Homecoming Ranch. All the wonderful and relatable characters are back and things have moved forward since book one.
This novel is mainly Libby's story. While the beginning is bit slow and her working through her obsessive behavior seems to drag a bit, there are also great mini plot lines and some twists and turns.
This is a great addition to the Pine River series.
Welcome back to Homecoming Ranch. All the wonderful and relatable characters are back and things have moved forward since book one.
This novel is mainly Libby's story. While the beginning is bit slow and her working through her obsessive behavior seems to drag a bit, there are also great mini plot lines and some twists and turns.
This is a great addition to the Pine River series.
July 15, 2017
My Musings
This is delightful romance with an endearing heroine and a troubled hero. I highly recommend this wonderful story. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This is delightful romance with an endearing heroine and a troubled hero. I highly recommend this wonderful story. Happy ☺reading 📚!
March 6, 2017
Another well written story, loved it!
April 25, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!
I love Julia’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I love Julia’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
July 22, 2014
Once again we visit Pine River and Homecoming Ranch, this time we learn the story of Libby Tyler. She lost herself when her fiancée, Ryan Spangler, broke their engagement with such cruelty. Libby suffered a breakdown. To find herself she needs to turn away from her dreams and from Ryan's two children that she loves with all her heart. That's easier said than done. Sam Winters, a deputy sheriff who she's known for years, tries to help as a recovering alcoholic he understands the obsession. Can they both find peace and a future? Julia London writes with such deep emotion and such realism as she tells the story of Libby and Sam. This story pulls at your heartstrings. The pain, fears and loss pack such a powerful pull that I was unable to put this book down. Return To Homecoming Ranch is filled with stellar characters and a captivating plot. I liked Leo doing the narrative. He's such an amazing character. This book is a keeper. As always this author deals with difficult topics with skill, insight and understanding. Julia London is a must buy for me.
I was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
February 20, 2020
Honest review
I liked the characters and storyline, but the emotional ups and downs got to be a little to much for me in this one. Loved the meat of the story and loved the healing.
I liked the characters and storyline, but the emotional ups and downs got to be a little to much for me in this one. Loved the meat of the story and loved the healing.
August 20, 2014
I really tried to like Libby. But I've just wanted to shake her since the first book. I felt for Sam but couldn't really connect with him. I was an OK story to me.
August 1, 2015
This was probably my favorite of the series. There were some awkward moments which I usually don't like but the story was fun.
September 11, 2019
I’m going to give this book 3 stars mostly because I love Libby and happy endings, but I suspect if I were a woman I might give it more. The book had me confused right from the title. Who returned to Homecoming Ranch other than the readers who read the first book in the series Homecoming Ranch? Then there’s the Gwen/Emma conflict. Gwen leaves her children and her ex-husband for four years while she goes to school to be a dental hygienist First off, I don’t know about Colorado but here in New York where I live it’s a two year degree program, not four. But more importantly Gwen leaves her kids, doesn’t apparently have anything to do with them for four years even though she’s only an hour’s drive away, she comes back, starts screwing around with her ex-husband while he’s living with Libby who has been raising the kids as her own for four years and when Libby loses it and takes a golf club to his truck when she discovers the reason Ryan (Gwen’s ex-husband) tossed her out on her ass with no warning, leaving her homeless and keeping the kids she’d raised for four years away from her everyone is cool with Gwen’s return to town and affair with Ryan and they treat Libby like she’s crazy? They should have been applauding Libby for going all Carrie Underwood on Ryan’s truck. And why doesn’t Ryan the snake ever get his due in this story? Why is Libby on meds? She had a momentary emotional breakdown for good cause. Maybe she needs some therapy to deal with all the disappointments in her life but medication? And while were told that Libby is in therapy and has been helped to understand why the things she did were wrong and why she did them, we’re never really told what her internal motivations were. And seriously, was she really wrong for taking Alice to get her costume? It’s as if everyone including the author agreed that it would have been better for Alice to be late for her dance recital or miss it completely than for Libby to run her home to get it. Call me stupid but I don’t get the logic there. But mostly what had me confused for much of the story was Libby’s thoughts on her relationship with Ryan and the kids. I couldn’t tell if she really did have mental issues and was delusional or she couldn’t accept reality. Which I guess is the same thing.
Then there’s Leo Kendrick. I hate to be negative about a character that has such serious health issues and I liked him in the first book. But in this book he comes across as a self-involved, it’s all about me adolescent rather than a twenty-six year old adult. Really, he’s got the entire town of Pine River jumping through hoops to get him a new van to take him to the Bronco’s game, not because the one he has won’t do the job but because he wants something cool to roll out of. And the entire town is on board with the plan? Between their attitudes regarding Libby and Gwen and donating to get Leo a ride he doesn’t need I’m having serious doubts about the general intelligence of the good citizens of Pine River.
Lastly, while I loved the book from the point Libby finally gets her act together and the light comes on and she tells Sam off, as the story closes she says “Sam and I are taking it slow this time.” Let’s see. The minute she agrees to try again they’re saying I love you and shortly there-after they’re screwing in the back seat of his truck in the high school parking lot. So other than not running off to Las Vegas for a quickie marriage, how exactly are they taking it slow?
Like I said at the start, I loved the Libby character from the first book and was glad to see everything working out for her. There’s definitely some good stuff in this book but I think it could have been better.
Then there’s Leo Kendrick. I hate to be negative about a character that has such serious health issues and I liked him in the first book. But in this book he comes across as a self-involved, it’s all about me adolescent rather than a twenty-six year old adult. Really, he’s got the entire town of Pine River jumping through hoops to get him a new van to take him to the Bronco’s game, not because the one he has won’t do the job but because he wants something cool to roll out of. And the entire town is on board with the plan? Between their attitudes regarding Libby and Gwen and donating to get Leo a ride he doesn’t need I’m having serious doubts about the general intelligence of the good citizens of Pine River.
Lastly, while I loved the book from the point Libby finally gets her act together and the light comes on and she tells Sam off, as the story closes she says “Sam and I are taking it slow this time.” Let’s see. The minute she agrees to try again they’re saying I love you and shortly there-after they’re screwing in the back seat of his truck in the high school parking lot. So other than not running off to Las Vegas for a quickie marriage, how exactly are they taking it slow?
Like I said at the start, I loved the Libby character from the first book and was glad to see everything working out for her. There’s definitely some good stuff in this book but I think it could have been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2017
Julia London continues the saga of Homecoming Ranch with this second book in the series. In this book Libby Tyler (one of the owners)and Sam Winters (local deputy) are two definitely damaged people. Libby had a breakdown after her live in boyfriend tossed her out. She had been raising his kids while he had been fooling around with his ex-wife behind Libby's back. When Libby took a golf club to his truck, she was hospitalized and a restraining order was issued. Sam was the one who kept her out of jail but giving her warnings when she got too close.
Sam is an alcoholic who is managing to stay dry but tries to avoid any drama - Libby is all drama. Still they are drawn together like magnets.
Watching these two struggle with their individual demons makes you want to see them find the happiness they deserve, if they could just get out of their own way. Ms London does a great job a getting to the bottom of their problems and helping them start fresh and find a Happily Ever After.
Sam is an alcoholic who is managing to stay dry but tries to avoid any drama - Libby is all drama. Still they are drawn together like magnets.
Watching these two struggle with their individual demons makes you want to see them find the happiness they deserve, if they could just get out of their own way. Ms London does a great job a getting to the bottom of their problems and helping them start fresh and find a Happily Ever After.
October 20, 2017
I read Pine River #1 some time ago, and it wasn't my favorite Julia London book, so I missed the release of this book. I enjoyed, "Return to Homecoming Ranch," much more than, "Homecoming Ranch." I felt like there was much more depth to this book than the first. Many similar books are very predictable, but I am not ashamed to say that I did not predict most of the twists, turns, and valleys of this one. If I were to list the biggest disappointment of the book, it would be the lack of description for the ***Spoiler Alert*** Turkey Trot. I also missed further development of Marisol's character, but loved the additional insight into Danny.
August 1, 2018
This is my second book in Homecoming Ranch series. If you like a simple romance with some problems then these books are for you. The weakest character for me was Libby. Unfortunately, she’s the main character. I had a hard time relating to the craziness she pulled on her former boyfriend.
The supporting characters saved the book for me. Sam and Leo were people I found myself wanting to succeed. Of course these books always have a happy ending. (I wouldn’t have it any other way.) By the end I had forgiven Libby and wished her the best as well.
The supporting characters saved the book for me. Sam and Leo were people I found myself wanting to succeed. Of course these books always have a happy ending. (I wouldn’t have it any other way.) By the end I had forgiven Libby and wished her the best as well.
November 22, 2017
A Story of Redemption
This story was so realistic. A love story and human interest story. Each character is different with varied personalities living life in a small town, under a microscope. Sam and Libby have lots of issues to overcome and until the very end, it seems like they are going to be too stubborn to reconcile their differences. I love Leo, too; the way he doesn't let his circumstances get him down; his larger than life personality.
This story was so realistic. A love story and human interest story. Each character is different with varied personalities living life in a small town, under a microscope. Sam and Libby have lots of issues to overcome and until the very end, it seems like they are going to be too stubborn to reconcile their differences. I love Leo, too; the way he doesn't let his circumstances get him down; his larger than life personality.
March 25, 2018
I enjoyed book two as much as the first book. Libby and Sam mafe a nice couple but the misunderstandings of Sam's mistrust got a little too out of hand at times. Libby had a witness of why she took the kids back to the house to get the dress for the play. Then when she returns, there are questions around it.
But I am enjoying the series and the path of Homecoming Ranch and look forward to Book 3.
But I am enjoying the series and the path of Homecoming Ranch and look forward to Book 3.
December 22, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book and always looked forward to the times I had to read it. Sometimes I just need a light book, especially at a busy time of year. This is it. I went down half a star simply because I didn’t feel there was as much chemistry in this book as there was between Luke and Madeline in the first book. I had also originally been hoping there would be more of them in this book. They make appearances, but they aren’t the main characters in this one.
I really enjoyed this book and always looked forward to the times I had to read it. Sometimes I just need a light book, especially at a busy time of year. This is it. I went down half a star simply because I didn’t feel there was as much chemistry in this book as there was between Luke and Madeline in the first book. I had also originally been hoping there would be more of them in this book. They make appearances, but they aren’t the main characters in this one.
May 24, 2020
More excitement
I got a kick out of all the things that Libby went through and I felt her frustrations when it seemed that no one understood why she did what she did and why she felt the way she felt. I got her reasons for doing the crazy things and I also understood why they were crazy. I was definitely #TeamLibby the whole time!
I was also happy to read about all of the less than perfect people with very serious issues.
I got a kick out of all the things that Libby went through and I felt her frustrations when it seemed that no one understood why she did what she did and why she felt the way she felt. I got her reasons for doing the crazy things and I also understood why they were crazy. I was definitely #TeamLibby the whole time!
I was also happy to read about all of the less than perfect people with very serious issues.
June 12, 2017
Decent Read
I was disappointed this book was not as good as the first. The book was well written, however the two main characters Libby & Sam had their own issues that were frustrating and seemingly slow going to overcome. I will still read the last book in this series, and I hope that it will be as good as the first.
I was disappointed this book was not as good as the first. The book was well written, however the two main characters Libby & Sam had their own issues that were frustrating and seemingly slow going to overcome. I will still read the last book in this series, and I hope that it will be as good as the first.
July 24, 2019
Whoa and a side of What?
This was an interesting story with many characters. It is about finding love and truth, both personal and the outward type. It is about addition and dysfunction. It touches subjects that are sad and scary and difficult to deal with in the long term. I recommend this story.
This was an interesting story with many characters. It is about finding love and truth, both personal and the outward type. It is about addition and dysfunction. It touches subjects that are sad and scary and difficult to deal with in the long term. I recommend this story.
July 17, 2017
Emotional
Emotional. This book was good but took it out of me. Maybe it hit too close to home with my own family demons but it was a worthwhile read. Cannot say I enjoyed it but it has merit.
Emotional. This book was good but took it out of me. Maybe it hit too close to home with my own family demons but it was a worthwhile read. Cannot say I enjoyed it but it has merit.
August 27, 2017
Book 2
Leo is still my hero. If I was a part of the story, he is my Man. We read these romance books but seem to forget women love with their hearts first. Don't get me wrong, we love to ogle a good looking man. But we love with minds first and foremost.
Leo is still my hero. If I was a part of the story, he is my Man. We read these romance books but seem to forget women love with their hearts first. Don't get me wrong, we love to ogle a good looking man. But we love with minds first and foremost.
October 5, 2017
Libby is an interesting character
...but frustrating to all around her. The book is a good story on people who have demons from the past to overcome and how messy and rewarding it can be. Not as good to me as book 1 in the series but worth reading.
...but frustrating to all around her. The book is a good story on people who have demons from the past to overcome and how messy and rewarding it can be. Not as good to me as book 1 in the series but worth reading.
June 27, 2018
Another great read!
Loved the characters! So much heart to this story. So real in their personal struggles.. Loved the first book. Love this second book and now ill read the last in this series!
Loved the characters! So much heart to this story. So real in their personal struggles.. Loved the first book. Love this second book and now ill read the last in this series!
May 27, 2017
I love this book.
I love this book and the other two books thank you for writing them and I will try your other books
I love this book and the other two books thank you for writing them and I will try your other books
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