A Wife for the Rancher

High Country Ranch #3

by Jody Hedlund

In the high country of Colorado, hardships are a given, but love has a way of overcoming all the losses.

Millionaire heiress, Genevieve Hollis, has everything she wants except one thing, freedom, because her guardian stepmother insists on overseeing every move she makes. When Genevieve sees a newspaper advertisement from a rancher seeking a mother for his baby, she jumps at the chance to escape, even if that means hiding her true identity.

Ryder Oakley has suffered the repeated misfortune of losing the people he loves most, so now that he’s a single father with a newborn baby, he’s determined not to lose his son. When a woman shows up in answer to his advertisement, he quickly forms a marriage of convenience—one without all the entanglements of a real relationship.

Attraction starts to grow between the newly married couple, but the secrets of their pasts threaten to catch up to them. Ryder finds himself in a custody battle over his baby, and Genevieve struggles to outwit her stepmother. Will they be able to overcome the odds and find a way to be together before it’s too late?

Wealthy heiress
Single dad
Mail-order bride
Marriage of convenience
Hidden identity
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
*All of the books in the High Country Ranch series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and the romance is the main focus of the books.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Westerns, Historical, Christian Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Christian

292 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Reviews

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this free on KU and I enjoyed a few of Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series so I thought why not? However, it wasn't the sweet romance I remember that previous series being. This entire relationship between Genevieve and Ryder was built on lust. It's romance with a heavy focus on lust, thoughts, desires, etc and it's more like closed door romance than Christian. Would not recommend to the younger audience (which, in CF, I feel like is the most likely to pick up this series. I mean, cowboys, the west, ??).

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience stories are so much fun. In this one a millionaire heiress is on the run from a fairytale like wicked stepmother. Genevive, and I love her name knows her stepmother does not have her best interest at heart after her loving papa dies. She must get away and to make things even more complicated she's hiding a few secrets from her husband to be.
He's looking for a mother for his baby, his wife didn't want the responsibility of a child, and he knows his son will be better off having both parents raise him. He's not looking for romance just a helpmate and to have his son taken care of with a woman's influence.
This rancher and his brother had been adopted as young children and they really don't remember their early childhood. It was interesting seeing the research they are doing to try to dive into their past. They just want answers and to feel like they belong.
Sweet, romantic and the strength of existing and newfound family. I loved everything about this book

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

.

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this mail order bride story with a twist! Hedlund takes a wealthy heiress stuck in a horrible situation and matches her with a single father in the wilds of Colorado. Except she’s not the mail order bride he’s expecting and what she expected to be a business arrangement is far more complicated due to her handsome husband and his adorable son. There were several great moments where someone didn’t react in a predictable way to a certain situation, and I so enjoyed that about the story. There’s so much good stuff in this book! As much as I want to tell you all about it, I don’t want to spoil anything, because you’re going to want to take this ride for yourself.

Just leaving it at that because I want to go and a start the next one! Really looking forward to finding out what happens to Tanner and finding some answers about his and Ryder’s past.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are completely my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! I love how the characters evolved throughout the story. In particular, Ryder has a tough exterior and to see his character change throughout the story was sweet to witness. Genevieve also changed throughout the story and gained strength and independence. I wanted to snuggle up with little Boone ;)

Thanks to Bookfunnel and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience/mail order bride… cowboy… a baby…

This one had all my favorites, plus it’s written by one of my favorite authors!

I had Cinderella vibes instantly, and of course thought of one of my favorite MOC couples, Dylan and Catherine (Last Chance Cowboy) — also written by Jody 🫠😍

Genevieve had such strength and I loved the plan that she and Constance came up with for Genevieve to have her freedom. Ryder … a loving, hard working father… what more could you ask for in an MMC!? He’s a total cinnamon roll, but he’s got a bit of golden retriever in him too.

This story is a short and sweet read, and you’ll definitely need to read books 1 and 2 in the High Country Ranch series first so you know all the Oakley family characters.

Thank you Jody for the chance to read and review early!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I saw this every time I read a Jody Hedlund book, but it's true, I think this is my new favorite in this series!!! Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite tropes and Jody Hedlund can write one like nobody else! Bring on all of the chemistry and sweet and clean romance between the characters and you'll be putty!

The author has written main characters with backstories that create a connection between them and the reader. We feel for them and can't help but cheer for them and hope they will have a happily ever after! And I promise, you'll love every moment of Ryder and Genevieve's story!

Ryder is a gentleman, through and through. His goodness makes it easy for Genevieve to trust him and know that she is safe and would be able to find true joy building a life with him. But she's just biding her time until she can safely return home. She'll help Ryder and be able to walk away after a while. Right? Maybe? Her heart won't even know it when she leaves. Or so she thought!

There's some drama and suspense and characters that you'll just want to tell them to go take a hike! Unfortunately, that doesn't quite work out. But you can definitely think it or talk to your book and tell the characters what you think of them. Lol. They just won't really be able to hear you or respond back.

Enjoy this sweet love story and be prepared to fall for the sweet baby and Ryder and Genevieve as they fall for each other!

I can't wait to read the next book soon! I love that these are being released close together. Great that we're able to get to know these characters and then be able to read all of their stories without long stretches in between! If you haven't read the previous books in this series, it's ok, but I do recommend reading them all as they're all wonderful stories!!!

Content: Clean. This is a marriage of convenience and the characters share a home and bed. There are some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this mail-order bride story! Add a sweet single dad, and a rich heiress on the run, and you have a story that was hard to put down.

Ryder, a rancher and single father, is looking for a loving mother for his baby boy, so he places a matrimonial advertisement in the paper. After his first wife left him and the baby, he’s not looking for anything more than that.

Genevieve is an heiress who has been struggling with growing restraints placed on her by her controlling stepmother. When her friend shares Ryder’s ad with her, she decides this is her means to freedom and independence, so she leaves NYC and goes to Colorado.

This was a lovely and heartwarming story, with a bit of angst as the first wife wants her baby back, and as Genevieve’s stepmom and lawyer are trying to find her. There are some unexpected twists which kept things interesting, and some side characters that I’d love to see more of.

I loved Ryder and Genevieve! Their mutual admiration for each other, the chemistry and growing connection between them, and how deeply they fell in love with one another, was done so well.

I loved how sweet Genevieve was, and that she discovered her inner strength. I loved Ryder’s vulnerability and his healing from the trauma of his youth and first marriage.

This was a quickly paced love story that immediately draws you in, and wraps things up with a very satisfying ending.

It’s book 3 in the High Country Ranch Series, but can be read as a standalone.

Many thanks to the author for a copy!

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I feel like a broken record. I give praises to Jody Hedlund for her wonderful stories. And here I am again saying what a wonderful story this is! All of her books are engaging, intriguing, witty, and heartfelt. They are closed door romance with swoony kisses. I really enjoyed the story of Genevieve and Ridley. Genevieve answered a mail order bride advertisement to escape from her overbearing stepmother. Ridley was left to raise his infant son on his own after his wife abandoned him right after marriage. She brought baby Boone to him right after he was born to raise. And he needed someone to help raise this baby. The characters were so delightful and their instant caring of each other and the baby was sweet, but of course there were interfering circumstances which made for a charming story. I can’t wait for the next installment of the Oakley family. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ayla Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just might be one of my favourite mail order bride stories ever!

What you can expect:
⭐️Hidden identity
⭐️Opposites attract
⭐️Marriage of convenience
⭐️Single dad
⭐️Mail order bride
⭐️Heiress on the run
⭐️Closed door romance

Ryder doesn't want another wife, not really. He does, however, need a mother for his infant son, Boone, now that his wife has abandoned them both and moved onto the next shiny thing. A mail order bride should be just the thing. After all, he has zero intention of falling in love, regardless of who answers his ad. Genevieve has struggled against the increasingly tightening reins her stepmother has put on her since her father died and left her heiress to his fortune. As luck (or is it God?) would have it, her friend has received not one, but two proposals as a mail order bride. What harm could come from Genevieve accepting one in her place? It isn't like this is a real marriage that has to last forever, with a groom who isn't looking for love and only wants a mother for his child, right? But neither Genevieve or Ryder could have imagined how the events over the next few months would change things so drastically for both of them.

I absolutely loved this story! Ryder is definitely a cinnamon roll MMC, but he has a protective streak that comes out when the people he loves are threatened. Genevieve was so perfect for him and they brought out each other's good qualities so well. The chemistry between the two of them was so fun to "watch". And Boone. I just wanted to snuggle this little guy. It was easy to see why Genevieve fell in love with these two so quickly. There was the perfect amount of romance paired with faith and suspense in every chapter and I can't wait to see where this series takes the rest of the family.

If you love a good mail order bride/marriage of convenience story or just a good historical western romance, you won't want to miss A Wife for the Rancher or any of the other books in the High Country Ranch series!

*I received a complimentary copy of A Wife for the Rancher through the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

[Carolyn R · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong with a Jody Hedlund western! A Wife For The Rancher is no exception. Loved reading more about the Oakley family, and this time Ryder’s story. Hedlund does a wonderful job making Ryder and Genevieve relatable characters that readers will root for. I appreciated that Genevieve, despite being an heiress, was not a wilting wallflower, but had backbone and determination.

And if you’re like me and enjoy romance, then you’ll LOVE this book! Plenty of sweet spice. Jody once again comes through for her readers!

Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes clean historical fiction.

Received this book as an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great romance from Jody Hedlund! A Wife for the Rancher has so many tropes I enjoy, but one that will always get me is mail-order bride. There’s something so interesting and unique about that historical factoid, and I love seeing it in fiction. I liked both Genevieve and Ryder, and I’m super excited for Tanner’s book. I’ll read anything Hedlund writes! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wife for the Rancher by Jody Hedlund is an exquisite tale of love set in the Colorado high mountains. Ryder needs a wife for his new son and Genevieve answers his add. This is not your everyday mail order bride story though. Genevieve comes with her own secrets and a heart heavily guarded. She was not prepared for little Boone or how wonderful Ryder would be and such a perfect match. Ryder and Genevieve have instant attraction and develop a friendship that makes it very difficult to keep their initial boundaries in place. While she’s desperate for freedom, experiencing the love of a good man and settling down is showing her how much better things could be. When the past comes calling, a reckoning is required, and I love how these two stand for what is important. Despite all their differences, they are so perfect together and their ending is exactly what I would have wanted for Ryder. The kisses are smoldering while remaining clean and the story just draws you in. Prepare for some unexpected turns and hold your seat for this quickly paced love story. I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wife for the Rancher is the third installment in the captivating High Country Ranch series continuing the saga of the Summit County, Colorado, Oakley siblings—Maverick, Clarabelle, Ryder, Tanner, and Clementine. This is Ryder’s story. The cleverly plotted, well-paced story flows smoothly with twists and surprises along the way. The cast of expertly crafted and easy to connect with characters features heroine Genevieve, a wealthy heiress on the run to find freedom from her domineering stepmother and hero Ryder, a single dad in need of a mother for his infant son. Genevieve and Ryder are an endearing, engaging couple, and I love the way they connect emotionally and grow individually and as a couple through their marriage of convenience despite all the challenges they face. I love this touching, entertaining story and the series and highly recommend both! I can’t wait to read Tanner’s story. NOTE: Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read easily as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail order bride, Snow White vibes, hidden identity, close proximity, a sweet baby, & a marriage of convenience, this book had it all! Jody Hedlund knows how to write swoony, memorable romances, and this third installment in the High Country Ranch series definitely exemplifies that. I loved Genevieve & Ryder! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I raced through this story.

Genevieve Hollis is a wealthy heiress who’s under the thumb of her stepmother. As one by one her activities are curtailed & her last suitor’s reputation was destroyed, Genevieve decides to run away posing as her friend who has two mail order bride proposals. While her friend answers one proposal, Genevieve chooses the man in Colorado who needs a mother for his infant son & offers a marriage of convenience. This is the perfect solution for Genevieve who has a year before her 21st birthday & her freedom.

Ryder Oakley’s used to losing the ones he loves, first his parents, now his ex-wife. The only family he has left are his brother, adopted siblings, & his baby son. Needing someone to care for his infant son, he places an ad in the newspaper for a mail order bride. Genevieve’s not the plain bride he expected. Though the attraction is strong, he vows to keep their marriage strictly platonic no matter how tempting. Her soothing presence calms his troubled heart as he struggles to remember what happened to his parents all those years ago. But, when rumors start about her identity, will he lose the woman he’s come to love too?

I loved this story! There was so much depth, heart, & sizzling romance all wrapped up in an inspirational package. Ryder’s had so many difficult things in his life & I loved that Genevieve was able to offer true comfort & understanding. Genevieve has her own battles and her step mother truly is diabolical. The ending had me on pins and needles to see how everything would play out.

Highly recommend this amazing Western romance! Though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it’s better if you’ve read the previous books in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this third book in Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, New York heiress Genevieve is looking for an escape - a way out of her devious guardian’s ever-tightening grasp - until she turns 21 and has the freedom to live her own life the way she wants. An opportunity falls into her lap one day when her friend shows her an offer for a mail order bride. Burnt out on love after his wife leaves him, Ryder only wants a good ma for his baby; he’s certainly not interested in love. Genevieve decides she can help for a year, annul the marriage, hire a nanny for the baby, and be on her way with her inheritance after her 21st birthday - surely Ryder can’t object to that, right?

There’s certainly plenty of sizzle in this closed-door romance, and the characters are sweet and easy to like. I loved the mix of settings from high-end brownstones in New York to a log cabin in a tumbleweed town in Colorado. The story also weaves in a secondary plot that will keep readers guessing about the details of Ryder’s background and adds an element of mystery and intrigue. Also, readers who have enjoyed the previous books in the High Country Ranch series will get a glimpse and an update of sorts on the characters from the first two books in the series.

While I loved the instant attraction between the characters and the overall story, if there was one thing the book was missing, it was the greater overarching theme of Christ and salvation that so many of Hedlund’s books typically contain. This one falls more under the umbrella of clean historical romance than Christian romance. Regardless, it was still a great book and well worth the read for Christians and non-Christians alike, and I can’t wait to read Tanner’s story next! Keep an eye out for my upcoming review of the next book in the series, Wrangling the Wandering Rancher!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I found out that I got to read Ryder’s story in A Wife for the Rancher! Ryder is far from perfect, but he always means well. Placing a mail-order bride ad in the paper is not something he would normally do, but with a newborn baby to raise by himself, he feels like he has no other choice. A marriage of convenience seems perfect, especially since his heart has taken a beating a time or two. Little does he know, the woman he chose might be keeping a few things from him herself.

Genevieve feels trapped. And a trapped woman can do some desperate things for a little bit of freedom. Being a mail-order bride was never on her radar, but she does love caring for little ones. When Ryder’s ad comes across her path, there’s something tugging on her to go. A trip out west for a while seems like a perfect idea. She didn’t count on Ryder being so amazing, and his heart connecting with hers. Her head might be saying one thing, but with their growing feelings her heart might be saying another. With battles coming from both sides, and secrets left untold, can love overcome all?

I could not put this book down. Ryder and Genevieve come from such different worlds, and yet are somehow perfect for each other. They couldn’t help but fall in love with each other. Loving someone means putting them first, and Ryder and Genevieve are amazing examples of that. Hedlund is a master when it comes to Historical Romance, and I am so excited to continue reading the High Country Ranch Series. If you haven’t picked up the other books in this series, no worries, this book would be great as a stand alone as well! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Historical Romance with the perfect amount of suspense mixed in. I adored spending time with Ryder, baby Boone, and Genevieve. Their story is one for the books. I’m can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryder and Genevieve are brought together through a twisty set of circumstances. Genevieve is an heiress whose guardian is so controlling that she is slowly chipping away at Genevieve’s life. Ryder is trying to find a mother and caretaker for his son after his ex-wife decided she didn’t want to be a mother. Genevieve’s friend passes along Ryder’s matrimonial advertisement to her, and Genevieve takes her chance to escape. Through the story Ryder finds that he doesn’t have to judge all women against the selfish actions of his first wife, and Genevieve discovers that she does have the strength to go after what she wants and be free. The story had a nice mix of city and country life. There was great romantic tension between Ryder and Genevieve. The ending had a lot of exciting elements, like tracking down people, custody battles, lawyers uncovering the truth, a possible annulment, and all the little nuances that go with them. Additionally, the angst between Tanner and Ryder made for a great springboard into the next story. It was sad to see Ryder still suffering from nightmares from his experiences as a child, but it was good to see him get to help Tanner move toward uncovering their past. I do wish Genevieve had told Ryder the details of her circumstances right from the start. It is easy to appreciate her reasons for hiding her full identity, but it would be nice to see characters work through these struggles together instead of lying. There were many kind people throughout the tale. Sometimes books get bogged down with people you can’t trust. It gave me great joy to see kindness and friendship portrayed as Genevieve worked through the challenges set before her. It was another great trip to the Colorado High Country. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always wait eagerly for a new Jody Hedlund book. I appreciate the extra spark in the relationships but also the fact that they are still clean and closed-door. This book was no exception. In A Wife for the Rancher a marriage of convenience provides the setting for Ryder’s and Genevieve’s story. Ryder is a rancher in the high country of Colorado. His wife left him with an infant son to raise on his own, so he advertises for a mother for his son. Genevieve is a millionaire heiress from New York City who is controlled by her stepmother after her father’s death. She learns of Ryder’s advertisement from a friend who has chosen to accept another offer. Genevieve decides this is exactly the right opportunity to escape from her stepmother’s grasp until she reaches her birthday, so she adopts her friend’s identity and heads for Colorado.
I appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to wait until the book was more than halfway through before their relationship began to blossom. I loved their warmth and caring for each other even as they both tried to hold true to their plan. Their attraction has just enough sizzle to keep things exciting. I have to confess that I was irritated with Genevieve. She went into the relationship with no plans to keep her word or worry about how her decision would affect Ryder and his son, Boone. Because of that, I struggled a bit with liking her as well as I did Ryder, but the resolution of their relationship provided a perfect ending.
I highly recommend A Wife for the Rancher for anyone who loves historical romance with a little bit of spice. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first book. The ending of this book sets the stage for the next book in the series. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly waiting for Ryder’s book and it was so cute! I adore this series so I knew that it was going to be good. A Wife for the Rancher is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series.
Ryder and Genevieve were both hurting in different ways. They had struggles that they were facing and it was cool to read about them overcoming them and coming together. I loved the growth of the characters and getting to read about their journeys. They were relatable and easy to read about.
Ryder was a sweetheart and I loved how much he cared for Boone. He was trying to be a good father but things kept on happening. It was sweet to read about him falling for Genevieve. He fell hard and he was so kind with her. Genevieve was also fun. I loved how strong she was as she sought to find her independence. However Ryder and Boone upset her plans as she found herself falling for her new family.
The romance was sweet as Ryder and Geneiveve learned to care for each other and overcome the obstacles that stood in their way. Their pasts were trying to pull them apart as they tried to make their marriage work. I was really engaged in the story and the plot was interesting. I didn’t know how Ryder and Geneiveve were going to work out their differences.
I loved A Wife for the Rancher! I would totally recommend it. It was also fun to see some old characters. I am super excited for the next book. A Wife for the Rancher is a closed door historical romance.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories about mail-order brides and marriages of convenience are often quite entertaining, although I am sure many sad and difficult situations unfolded back in the era when they were more prevalent. I enjoyed this story about a wealthy young heiress who was not seeking to be a mail-order bride, but she was suddenly faced with the opportunity and she took the leap to get out of a miserable situation at home. Genevieve was becoming more miserable every day as she struggled to even get a minute of reprieve from her step-mother’s control. Moving to the High Country of Colorado sounded like a great way to find the freedom and independence she so desperately craved. The letter from the rancher to her friend said he was looking for a mother for his baby son with no expectations of anything else. Genevieve could hardly wait to get on the train, leaving New York City behind. I appreciated how kind and concerned the rancher was for her welfare and the way he immediately trusted her with his baby son. Just as in real life, all was not peaches and cream. Hardships and difficulties lurked around every corner. The book had an equal share of action and tension, plus a growing awareness between Genevieve and the rancher of the good qualities found in the other. Life was certainly not without challenges, but their faith and commitment to do the right thing helped stay the course for an unexpected outcome. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Sara Cardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful escape! Genevieve is a graceful, wealthy heiress who needs to escape from a conniving stepmother. Ryder is a quiet, wounded new rancher and a single father who needs a mother for his baby.

In a desperate (and courageous) move to escape her stepmother's machinations, Genevieve answers her friend's unwanted mail-bride offer. When she arrives in Colorado, she is immediately smitten with Ryder's baby, Boone.

I love seeing Ryder evaluate Genevieve (she's not what he expected) and how Genevieve adapts to humble living conditions and unfamiliar chores. These two develop a good working partnership from the start, though Ryder keeps worrying Genevieve will leave like his first wife. He deals with the heartache of being abandoned from a past that haunts him.

Genevieve and Ryder grow to rely on and care for each other. Everything would work out for a happily ever after if Genevieve was who Ryder thought she was. When Genevieve is discovered, things get topsy-turvy with revelations, who to trust, and what is true and what is a lie.

Their moment--where all seems forever over and lost--was believable and heartbreaking. I didn't know how they could fix everything. But Jody Hedlund came through with a beautiful ending for their story that left me cheering and satisfied! Genevieve and Ryder, though they don't seem like they would work together, make a fantastic couple! This was an engaging story with all the feels!

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy. :)

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever needed temporary relief from all of the tragedy, sorrow, and downright ugliness that seems to be ever-present in our world today? I have the solution for you! Find a copy of A Wife for a Rancher and settle in for a take-me-away reading fest with author Jody Hedlund! This is the third book in the High Country Ranch series so you know that there are cowboys and horses, but this story has so much more! There's sweet but sizzling romance, characters that you either love or detest, and the drama and adventure that's customary in a Western story. One-time ladies' man Ryder Oakley is now dedicated to finding a mother for his baby boy and millionaire heiress Genevieve Hollis longs for freedom from her domineering stepmother. Could this Colorado rancher and New York heiress be the answer to each other's prayers...or is there a disaster waiting to happen?

I loved this marriage-of-convenience story that began with a mail-order bride scenario but soon evolved into an honest-to-goodness love match. But wait...it couldn't be that easy, so Hedlund added misunderstandings, attempted murder, and even a custody battle. Whew, or should I say Whoo-ee? I certainly wasn't bored, and I hated to see their story end! Grab a copy of this book if you enjoy chemistry-laden but clean Western romance.

I received a complimentary e-copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and heartfelt marriage of convenience story! I really liked both main characters so much! Ryder was a man who loved his son completely. He carried some guilt about his actions and the marriage he jumped into because a baby was coming. He also now carried the stigma of being a divorced man. However, he didn’t regret his child and wanted to do what was best for him. I also appreciated the way he treated Genevieve. He respected her, treated her well, and even began to fall for her as they got to know each other.

Genevieve carried guilt due to the lies she had to tell in order to escape the clutches of her stepmother. Yet, I liked that Genevieve did her best to be her true self as much as possible. She worked hard and cared for sweet baby Boone. She also was tender and compassionate with Ryder when he faced some difficult times with his brother and battled nightmares from his traumatic childhood.

These two were so sweet together. They got to know each other through early morning talks that helped them to connect and begin to fall for each other. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and eagerly look forward to the next one.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Bailey (Phillipians 4:8) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with plot twists I was not expecting! As always, Jody Hedlund writes a multi-layered story with real-to-life characters. Expect to fall deeply in love with the wee Boone, while being frustrated with and then cheering on Ryder and Genevieve by turns! I really like how skillfully Ryder and Tanner were portrayed and developed, and how their history affected them so differently. A good reminder that everyone can be impacted so deeply in different ways by the same event, and it will shape the the way they view the rest of their lives. And yet, both tried filling the gaps with similar studies and hobbies--Ryder and his love for history, and Tanner's quest to find their own missing history.
The only personal drawback for me, and the reason I am giving it four stars rather than five, is the emphasis on the physical aspect of the relationship, and Ryder's past with women. Overall, I really enjoyed the plot and story, but the heavy emphasis on the physical isn't quite my cup of tea. It was a lovely story otherwise.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was in no way required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sabrina Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first mail-order bride story and I absolutely loved it. I’m not sure how, as an avid romance reader, this is the first time I’ve read this trope, but it was so fun.
Jody Hedlund is a genuine gem! Her books are some of my favorite and she writes beautifully. Each and every story I’ve read by her is a wonderful combination of history, romance, a great plot, and lovable characters. I have yet to read a book by Jody that I haven’t absolutely loved.
Ryder and Genevieve were a delight to have as main characters. Each of their pasts have shaped them and also made them a little weary and hesitant to go after what they want. Seeing their strength and determination develop throughout the story was fantastic. And while they come from completely different backgrounds they are such a good match, a true example of soulmates.
I cannot wait to read Tanner’s story and find out more about his and Ryder’s past.
This third book in the High Country Ranch series is incredible and I highly recommend reading diving into these stories.






I received an eARC from the author. A positive review was not required but happily given.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder drew me in immediately with his kind spirit and loving care of his baby boy who
had been abandoned by his first wife. I wasn’t that drawn to Genevieve in the beginning because of her backstory and her deception as a mail order bride.
But her resolve to do her best to care for both Ryder and his baby and her eventual love and protection for baby Boone was endearing. Genevieve respected Ryder from the beginning and those feelings just grew into compassion and love for Ryder which startled her. Ryder didn’t have far to go to fall in love with Genevieve. He was pretty well smitten in the beginning.
Jody used their diverse backgrounds to weave an impossible story of overcoming all odds for the heiress and the rancher to choose to be together. I never saw the ending coming.
Ryder rebuilding his relationship with his brother, Tanner, added more insight into their lives as orphans before they were adopted by the Oakley’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will look forward to reading Tanner’s story next.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

A Wife for the Rancher






Ryder was in a terrible predicament.   He needed a mother for his young son, Boone.  His only choice was to write to a mail order bride.

Genevieve needed to get away and she needed to do it fast.  She escaped to Colorado and married Ryder under false pretenses.  

Both needed to keep a physical and emotional distance from each other.  Genevieve felt this was a temporary situation.  Ryder was burned before and was waiting for it to happen again.

I really enjoyed the story.  It was a delight to see how their expectations of each other changed and how their relationship developed.

Close to the end of the book two characters were introduced.  Mr. Abercrombie is the least person you would expect to be a lawyer.  But wow, he was good and honest with his advice.  Emmitt was hired to bring Genevieve back to Colorado against her wishes.  He turned out to be one of her biggest protectors.   She couldn't go wrong with them and Ryder by her side.

[Jimnlori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wife for the Rancher by Jody Hedlund is the third book in the High Country Ranch series and a definite must read if you love sweet inspirational historical romances.
Ryder Oakley has suffered many losses when it comes to the people he loves so finding himself a single father to a newborn baby, he's determined to do everything possible to not lose his son and that includes finding a mother for his son.
Millionaire heiress, Genevieve Hollis sets out to find freedom from her overbearing stepmother and in doing so she answers an advertisement to be a mother for a newborn baby, but with that comes a marriage of convenience also. When attraction starts growing between them Ryder must let his guard down and Genevieve must be willing to share her true identity.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in the series in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a boy, Ryder, along with his brother Tanner, was taken in by the Oakleys along the Oregon Trail and adopted into the family when they reached Colorado. Now, a grown man with a ranch of his own, he is a divorced father of a newborn.

Genevieve Hollis is a wealthy heiress from New York City. Tired of her overbearing stepmother while she waits on her inheritance, Genevieve longs for freedom and independence.

A newspaper advertisement for a mail-order bride brings Ryder and Genevieve together. He is seeking a mother for his baby, and she is looking for a place to hide.

A Wife For The Rancher is the third book in the High Country Ranch series by Jody Hedlund. I liked Ryder and Genevieve and his love for Boone. I did hate to see them move away from the Oakleys, however. I loved Ryder and Tanner's devotion to each other. I'm excited for his story next.

I purchased a paperback copy of this book. 

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wife for the Rancher presents as the classic mail order bride / marriage of convenience story with a twist. Secrets of a hidden past, personal mistakes, close proximity, reconciliation, and uncovering the past all before the happily ever after.
Jody Hedlund takes two people who think they want a partnership and cause them to grow into two people who would cross the continent for the person they love.
I enjoyed reading A Wife for the Rancher and other books in the High Country Ranch series because they take you on a journey with the characters as they discover how their past may have shaped who they are today, but they can still form the future for who they want to become.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest option.