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Building Dreams at the Rancher's Retreat
Even heroes need healing, and sometimes the hardest battles are of the heart.
After a devastating accident in the Army, Tank Callahan lost his arm but knows God must have a purpose for him. Now, at a veteran’s retreat center, he helps others while still living for the next adventure. But from the moment he meets Megan, his mission he just wants to make her smile.
Megan Shaw is used to managing life on her own. Her dull office job lets her care for her disabled brother, but she barely has time to breathe, let alone find romance. The scars from her past relationship have left her guarded, convinced that God’s plan for her is one of sacrifice, not fulfillment.
As they navigate the retreat’s challenges together, Megan’s careful, structured world clashes with Tank’s wild, spontaneous spirit. As unexpected feelings grow, so do their doubts. Can Megan trust someone as freewheeling as Tank? And can Tank prove that love doesn’t mean giving up on life’s adventures?
After a devastating accident in the Army, Tank Callahan lost his arm but knows God must have a purpose for him. Now, at a veteran’s retreat center, he helps others while still living for the next adventure. But from the moment he meets Megan, his mission he just wants to make her smile.
Megan Shaw is used to managing life on her own. Her dull office job lets her care for her disabled brother, but she barely has time to breathe, let alone find romance. The scars from her past relationship have left her guarded, convinced that God’s plan for her is one of sacrifice, not fulfillment.
As they navigate the retreat’s challenges together, Megan’s careful, structured world clashes with Tank’s wild, spontaneous spirit. As unexpected feelings grow, so do their doubts. Can Megan trust someone as freewheeling as Tank? And can Tank prove that love doesn’t mean giving up on life’s adventures?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 4, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
I just finished Tank/ Megan's story. This was a great read. Usually I read romance novels to get lost in someone else's life/ story. This time I related to the characters in a way I rarely do with any type of fiction. Tank was introduced in the last book as the brother to Riley in "Rescuing the Rancher". Tank and Megan aren't biologically members of the Black family that this series is about. However, they like each of the characters in the books has found "home" at the ranch as well as love, because this is a romance book of course. Both Tank and Megan however, have had hardship in their past that has shaped who they are and the lives they are leading that have eventually brought them to the ranch. Megan is the sole caretaker for a brother with a TBI resulting from his time in the military. Tank is veteran who is still learning to navigate life as a result of an accident that left him alive, but missing an arm. The veteran's retreat at Black Rock Ranch becomes the catalyst that brings them together, but will their experiences and insecurities bring them closer together or limit their ability to connect? Jen does a fantastic job helping the reader to feel and experience where both of them are coming from. I felt like I could relate so much personally with Megan. Although I am not currently the sole caretaker for a brother with special needs, I expect to be. I also have only one sibling, an older brother with Cerebral Palsy, and I have felt like many of my plans for life need to be done with him in mind. Eventually my parents will not be here and when I dated I needed to know that the man I was with was going to be as accepting of having my brother part of his life as our future children. It's nice to read a romance that can address the needs that Megan had for a support system in her and her brother's life, as well as a relationship that could be about their relationship, but also incorporate a dynamic that also included her brother. I love the fact that the story helps both Tank and Megan as individuals because of the support of the friendships and "family" relationships they develop at Black Rock Ranch. Even if their relationship didn't ultimately progress, they both would have been stronger people and more content with life just because of the relationship between them and the rest of the characters at Black Rock Ranch. Do they both still have insecurities? You betcha, but they have a support system that is helping them to grow despite them. I'm trying really hard to not have any spoilers so I'm going to end my comment here, but I'll just say that it's nice to read a story that goes a little deeper than your typical romance. In addition to having a Christian theme it also has the protagonists searching for answers in their own life with relatable characters that aren't just living a perfect life with no significant trials other than still waiting for Mr. Right.
I just finished Tank/ Megan's story. This was a great read. Usually I read romance novels to get lost in someone else's life/ story. This time I related to the characters in a way I rarely do with any type of fiction. Tank was introduced in the last book as the brother to Riley in "Rescuing the Rancher". Tank and Megan aren't biologically members of the Black family that this series is about. However, they like each of the characters in the books has found "home" at the ranch as well as love, because this is a romance book of course. Both Tank and Megan however, have had hardship in their past that has shaped who they are and the lives they are leading that have eventually brought them to the ranch. Megan is the sole caretaker for a brother with a TBI resulting from his time in the military. Tank is veteran who is still learning to navigate life as a result of an accident that left him alive, but missing an arm. The veteran's retreat at Black Rock Ranch becomes the catalyst that brings them together, but will their experiences and insecurities bring them closer together or limit their ability to connect? Jen does a fantastic job helping the reader to feel and experience where both of them are coming from. I felt like I could relate so much personally with Megan. Although I am not currently the sole caretaker for a brother with special needs, I expect to be. I also have only one sibling, an older brother with Cerebral Palsy, and I have felt like many of my plans for life need to be done with him in mind. Eventually my parents will not be here and when I dated I needed to know that the man I was with was going to be as accepting of having my brother part of his life as our future children. It's nice to read a romance that can address the needs that Megan had for a support system in her and her brother's life, as well as a relationship that could be about their relationship, but also incorporate a dynamic that also included her brother. I love the fact that the story helps both Tank and Megan as individuals because of the support of the friendships and "family" relationships they develop at Black Rock Ranch. Even if their relationship didn't ultimately progress, they both would have been stronger people and more content with life just because of the relationship between them and the rest of the characters at Black Rock Ranch. Do they both still have insecurities? You betcha, but they have a support system that is helping them to grow despite them. I'm trying really hard to not have any spoilers so I'm going to end my comment here, but I'll just say that it's nice to read a story that goes a little deeper than your typical romance. In addition to having a Christian theme it also has the protagonists searching for answers in their own life with relatable characters that aren't just living a perfect life with no significant trials other than still waiting for Mr. Right.
October 31, 2024
This is a beautiful story of love, healing and learning that unless you try you do not know what you can and can't do. If you are injured or lose a limb you still can do things but you may have to adapt to a new way to do the same old things you have always done. If you trust in the Lord and believe in yourself you might even find new things that you can do. Just remember if you do not try you can not succeed.
In the beginning of this story we join the crew in building the Veteran's Retreat Center and getting everything ready for a group to come and stay for the week just to check it out. This is out first test group to tell us what we are doing right or what needs to be changed or adapted differently. Oh my name is Tank Callahan and I have been out of the service for three years and my arm had to be amputated almost up to the shoulder because of damage.
The retreat center has been started and will be ran by my brother in arms Seth and his wife Riley, my sister. They met a while back when Riley and I came up to stay with Seth and learn how to use our new arms. We had to learn it all so we could pass our knowledge on to the Veterans coming to the retreat center. And now Seth and Riley have asked me to help with day to day running of the facility. We have discovered that this is the plan that God has for me.
When I first got back at the retreat center we have a young man Kenny, that loves the horses. He will brush Magpie, his favorite horse, for hours and be very happy. This time he is helping with the construction too, hammering things and holding boards until they are ready to be used. He was injured during the war and will never be the same, here he is learning to do things he enjoys. His sister Megan is his caretaker as their parents have passed. She is a very loving person and spends her days at a boring job that she hates just because they do not complain when she has to take time off for Kenny. She has a lot on her shoulders as she helps Kenny with his therapy, manages the household. works at least 40 hours a week and I have noticed that she never seems to smile. So I have made it my personal mission to bring back her smile and make Megan happy again.
So check out this wonderful book and see how God helps us help others and sometimes teach others to smile again. That you never have to carry your load alone as the Lord is always with you.
In the beginning of this story we join the crew in building the Veteran's Retreat Center and getting everything ready for a group to come and stay for the week just to check it out. This is out first test group to tell us what we are doing right or what needs to be changed or adapted differently. Oh my name is Tank Callahan and I have been out of the service for three years and my arm had to be amputated almost up to the shoulder because of damage.
The retreat center has been started and will be ran by my brother in arms Seth and his wife Riley, my sister. They met a while back when Riley and I came up to stay with Seth and learn how to use our new arms. We had to learn it all so we could pass our knowledge on to the Veterans coming to the retreat center. And now Seth and Riley have asked me to help with day to day running of the facility. We have discovered that this is the plan that God has for me.
When I first got back at the retreat center we have a young man Kenny, that loves the horses. He will brush Magpie, his favorite horse, for hours and be very happy. This time he is helping with the construction too, hammering things and holding boards until they are ready to be used. He was injured during the war and will never be the same, here he is learning to do things he enjoys. His sister Megan is his caretaker as their parents have passed. She is a very loving person and spends her days at a boring job that she hates just because they do not complain when she has to take time off for Kenny. She has a lot on her shoulders as she helps Kenny with his therapy, manages the household. works at least 40 hours a week and I have noticed that she never seems to smile. So I have made it my personal mission to bring back her smile and make Megan happy again.
So check out this wonderful book and see how God helps us help others and sometimes teach others to smile again. That you never have to carry your load alone as the Lord is always with you.
November 6, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Even heroes need healing, and sometimes the hardest battles are of the heart.
After a devastating accident in the Army, Tank Callahan lost his arm but knows God must have a purpose for him. Now, at a veteran’s retreat center, he helps others while still living for the next adventure. But from the moment he meets Megan, his mission changes: he just wants to make her smile.
Megan Shaw is used to managing life on her own. Her dull office job lets her care for her disabled brother, but she barely has time to breathe, let alone find romance. The scars from her past relationship have left her guarded, convinced that God’s plan for her is one of sacrifice, not fulfillment.
As they navigate the retreat’s challenges together, Megan’s careful, structured world clashes with Tank’s wild, spontaneous spirit. As unexpected feelings grow, so do their doubts. Can Megan trust someone as freewheeling as Tank? And can Tank prove that love doesn’t mean giving up on life’s adventures?
MY TAKE
We met Tank in Seth's book (#4 in the series). He's a great guy and was a good support for Seth as he was making his new life after losing a hand. Tank, however, lost most of his arm, and he's one of the most determined people for refusing to let it keep him down. In the beginning we see him trying out different jobs to replace the office job he'd been doing in Seth's book. Tank is an active and adventurous person who loves being outdoors.
He takes the time between jobs to come back to the retreat to help with their test retreat. He's seen (and been attracted to) Megan when she brings her adult brother to be around the Black Rock Ranch horses. He suffered brain trauma, and she is his only family. Like Tank, she's stuck in a job that she doesn't LOVE but provides her with flexibility to get her brother to his different appointments.
When she's asked to come help with the practice retreat too, she jumps on it. What follows are several learning curves. For the retreat runners, the retreat attendees, Tank and Megan. There's a lot going on in this sweet, Christian story, including a swoony romance. They all have a lot of learning to do.
Another excellent addition to the series!
Even heroes need healing, and sometimes the hardest battles are of the heart.
After a devastating accident in the Army, Tank Callahan lost his arm but knows God must have a purpose for him. Now, at a veteran’s retreat center, he helps others while still living for the next adventure. But from the moment he meets Megan, his mission changes: he just wants to make her smile.
Megan Shaw is used to managing life on her own. Her dull office job lets her care for her disabled brother, but she barely has time to breathe, let alone find romance. The scars from her past relationship have left her guarded, convinced that God’s plan for her is one of sacrifice, not fulfillment.
As they navigate the retreat’s challenges together, Megan’s careful, structured world clashes with Tank’s wild, spontaneous spirit. As unexpected feelings grow, so do their doubts. Can Megan trust someone as freewheeling as Tank? And can Tank prove that love doesn’t mean giving up on life’s adventures?
MY TAKE
We met Tank in Seth's book (#4 in the series). He's a great guy and was a good support for Seth as he was making his new life after losing a hand. Tank, however, lost most of his arm, and he's one of the most determined people for refusing to let it keep him down. In the beginning we see him trying out different jobs to replace the office job he'd been doing in Seth's book. Tank is an active and adventurous person who loves being outdoors.
He takes the time between jobs to come back to the retreat to help with their test retreat. He's seen (and been attracted to) Megan when she brings her adult brother to be around the Black Rock Ranch horses. He suffered brain trauma, and she is his only family. Like Tank, she's stuck in a job that she doesn't LOVE but provides her with flexibility to get her brother to his different appointments.
When she's asked to come help with the practice retreat too, she jumps on it. What follows are several learning curves. For the retreat runners, the retreat attendees, Tank and Megan. There's a lot going on in this sweet, Christian story, including a swoony romance. They all have a lot of learning to do.
Another excellent addition to the series!
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading this Christian book because the characters relied on their faith to help them through good times and challenging times. There was something about the characters that pulled me in and made me see things from their perspective. I really liked Tank and how he grew in the story after he met Megan and her brother Kenny. He still had some healing to do mentally and emotionally after he had lost his arm in the Army three years ago, but with God, Megan, his sister, and his friends at Black Rock Ranch he was on the right path. The path God wanted him to take.
I enjoyed learning about the veterans retreat center and how that gave a purpose to Tank's life that was missing since his accident. I liked the challenges they faced with their center and the many interesting people who came to stay there during their trial week. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I enjoyed learning about the veterans retreat center and how that gave a purpose to Tank's life that was missing since his accident. I liked the challenges they faced with their center and the many interesting people who came to stay there during their trial week. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 1, 2024
Author Jen Peters has written a romance with great characters that made me think some about the purpose of life, which is not something that I expect from a romance! Tank Callahan and Megan Shaw are well-developed and very likeable characters that have a lot to overcome to be ready for a romantic relationship. This is a clean romance with swoony kisses and a fantastic HEA. Building Dreams at the Rancher's Retreat is enjoyable reading as this author has a writing style that flows well and knows how to write natural-sounding dialogue. I would definitely read more of the Black Rock Ranch series and more of other works by Peters.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written and entertaining romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written and entertaining romance.
February 14, 2025
Jen Peters Nailed This Great Series!
Jen Peters Nailed This Great Series!
I enjoyed every book in the series and I look forward to reading about Lacey’s adventures in the Culinary Arts world!
The storylines are great and the happy ever afters do not jump out immediately. Jen Peters coaxed each character through the development process in a very realistic way. Her writing style has you rooting for each individual as they struggled to accept whatever dilemma or circumstance came their way.
The sweet love stories really developed sweetly and were perfect per each book in the series. Jen provided just enough intrigue to keep the reader interested and engaged. I highly recommend this Christian related romance series!
Jen Peters Nailed This Great Series!
I enjoyed every book in the series and I look forward to reading about Lacey’s adventures in the Culinary Arts world!
The storylines are great and the happy ever afters do not jump out immediately. Jen Peters coaxed each character through the development process in a very realistic way. Her writing style has you rooting for each individual as they struggled to accept whatever dilemma or circumstance came their way.
The sweet love stories really developed sweetly and were perfect per each book in the series. Jen provided just enough intrigue to keep the reader interested and engaged. I highly recommend this Christian related romance series!
November 2, 2024
Wonderful story. Megan and Tank are an inspiration. They both have preconceived ideas about what they are capable of in their lives. Tank keeps trying to prove himself after losing his arm, but has to learn to not jump into things without thinking. Megan believes she just can’t have a life of her own because of her responsibilities towards her brother. This story absolutely held my interest from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
November 3, 2024
Building Dreams at the Rancher's Retreat is a Christian, inspirational romance. I really enjoyed learning more about Tank and Megan. I appreciated Megan’s care for her brother Kenny. This series focuses on wounds - both physical and emotional - that our veterans experience. I love the idea of Seth and Riley’s vision for Freedom Lodge. This well written book reminded me that you cannot know what you can do until you try. I love that these characters rely on God’s help in all things. I could not put the book down!
November 13, 2024
Building Dreams
Tank and Megan have a marvelous as well as inspirational story. Tank has had a hard time determining what his life would look like after becoming an amputee in the service. He is an outdoor type of guy and most of the jobs he has tried are not good fits for him until his sister and her fiancé brings him to work at their retreat. There he meets Megan. She works hard to care for her brother who is a veteran with a traumatic brain injury. Tank and Megan have a connection quickly. This book is definitely worth the read.
Tank and Megan have a marvelous as well as inspirational story. Tank has had a hard time determining what his life would look like after becoming an amputee in the service. He is an outdoor type of guy and most of the jobs he has tried are not good fits for him until his sister and her fiancé brings him to work at their retreat. There he meets Megan. She works hard to care for her brother who is a veteran with a traumatic brain injury. Tank and Megan have a connection quickly. This book is definitely worth the read.
November 1, 2024
This is a heartwarming story of healing and romance. The Retreat is being set up by Seth and Riley (the former a comrade and in arms and his wife Riley who is Tank’s sister). Tank is at a career crossroads and comes to help work on the Retreat where he gets to know Megan, whose brother needs special help – the kind the Retreat is being formed to assist. Tank and Megan’s journey to HEA is not easy but the storyline is hopeful, and romantic.
November 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this story! There are multiple different disabilities that are handled beautifully, as well as letting the reader know the difficulties they put on the caregiver. Megan has willingly given up her own wants to care for her brother. Tank seems to generally be doing fine, but is he really? A wonderful story that I highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 18, 2024
Amazing continuation of the Black Rock Ranch series!
I love that Tank found his soul mate after helping Seth overcome his disability. The founding of Freedom Lodge and how it helps heal veterans, including Kenny, was also a bonus. I love the way this book shows how Christians can pray and trust in God to help and guide them. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family!
I love that Tank found his soul mate after helping Seth overcome his disability. The founding of Freedom Lodge and how it helps heal veterans, including Kenny, was also a bonus. I love the way this book shows how Christians can pray and trust in God to help and guide them. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family!
November 17, 2024
Building Dreams at the Ranchers Retreat
A perfect title and great characters, especially Tank and Megan, with Kenny to bring them together, Tanks gentle caring nature with both Megan and Kenny and his struggles with accepting his not having to be better than everyone to prove his worth in his own eyes.
A perfect title and great characters, especially Tank and Megan, with Kenny to bring them together, Tanks gentle caring nature with both Megan and Kenny and his struggles with accepting his not having to be better than everyone to prove his worth in his own eyes.
November 6, 2024
An absolutely beautiful story! I just wish the author would not say the characters were cursing when they are supposed to be Christians. I think it only happened once in this book but did happen multiple times in the book before this one. If not for this I would have given five stars.
November 2, 2024
Great READ
A very enjoyable reading experience Interesting characters in one of my favorite settings Looking forward to reading more about them
A very enjoyable reading experience Interesting characters in one of my favorite settings Looking forward to reading more about them
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews