If you're starting a thousand mile journey with a single step, you better make sure you're wearing comfy shoes.
Abby Archer's life has rarely been better. As a newlywed, she and Steve have things just as she wants them. But when a big surprise leaves Abby confused, can she trust Steve to do things the way she needs them handled?
Amanda Brooks' business had a rocky start, but she and Mandy are more energized than ever. Eddy's back too, and they're trying to navigate a new way forward. Work and love are both shaping up nicely when disaster strikes. Can the new presence in town wreck all their plans, or will Amanda square her shoulders and persevere?
Donna has finally accepted her feelings for Will, and she's enjoying her job too. But working far from home has its own share of difficulties, and eventually, her current job will end. When the retreat is built, will Donna find that tiny Manila is big enough to fulfill all her dreams?
Return to Birch Creek to see how your favorite friends are navigating career, family life, and love with a little bit of laughter.
Bridget loves her husband (every day) and all five of her kids (most days).
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
This review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.
I enjoyed being back in Birch Creek with these characters and I thought there was some good character growth in this book, especially for Amanda Brooks. I liked the way her story has ended up playing out, bumps and all. I felt for her so much when she was going through her grieving process in this book. I've been there. I loved reading about how she came to realize certain things about herself and wanted to change those things.
I also enjoyed reading about Donna, her struggles, and how things are working out for her. I really wanted to see her ex husband get what he deserved. I loved how Will was such a sweetheart to her, even when Donna was struggling. She also had some great growth in this book as she was able to self-reflect and realize she wasn't seeing some things clearly.
It was fun to see Abby and Steve as newlyweds. I liked the playfulness in their relationship. I missed the day to day stuff about the ranch and the kids in this one, but the focus had to shift to other things at some point. I love the way these women have come to lean on each other through troubled times. And it's always fun to read when Abby goes into lawyer mode to help Donna.
There were some things I wasn't crazy about in this book and they involved Amanda Sadler, Abby's sister, and Abby herself.
First, I thought Amanda Sadler went way too far. I don't want to go into details because of spoilers, but I would have had a much harder time forgiving her than the characters in the book did. It seemed pretty cruel to me, but maybe that's just because of a recent experience of my own that I won't go into here, again because of spoilers.
As for Abby's sister, she is way too over the top for me. I don't particularly enjoy reading about people with loads of money who try to control everyone around them with it. I don't think she's supposed to be a likeable character at this point, but I thought the circus thing was so over the top and didn't fit the tone of the books. The one thing that made me like her a bit, was what she tells Abby about the secret she's keeping, and how she gets her to do something about it. She said everything to Abby that I was thinking the whole time.
Abby herself annoyed me when she kept some things to herself and acted in a completely emotional way instead of using her head. It was basically the trope in romances when people don't talk to each other and just assume. I wasn't completely sold on the way Abby reacted over this thing that happens and everything that happens afterwards, simply because it was something she didn't really want to begin with. It all also happened really fast, and I think I would have liked for things to have progressed at a slower pace.
In the end though, things worked out ok, and just like all the others in the series, I had a hard time putting this book down. So, while this wasn't one of my favorite books in the series, I still thoroughly enjoyed most of it and am looking forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Sometimes I feel like an old record, but I just cannot say it often enough: Thank You Bridget for sharing your gift of writing with the world. When I think a series cannot get any better you manage to do it. First off if you landed here and have not read the beginning of the series stop – turn around and start with ‘The Bequest’ this book is not a standalone book and has to be read in sequence for the characters to be understood – you will thank me later.
Abigail and Steve are a happily married couple now, or are they? Because we all know that Bridget always has some twists and turns in there for us. Just like every couple, Abigail and Steve now must navigate their life together and as both have very demanding jobs, they do not often find time to talk or just be with each other. I can feel the story sizzling and hope you will enjoy what is to come.
Oh, Amanda, what are we going to do with you? I was happy to hear that you and Mandy are so successful with your business but what happened to love? I am not sure if you are team Eddy or think she really should find someone else, but she did tell him in the Retreat that he should be going on that tour. I was excited to find out what mystery it was we needed to unveil to figure out her future. Hold on to your pants because you are in for the ride of your lifetime.
Next up is our wonderful old lady, Mandy. She is still as spunky and witty as ever. Mandy still loves to keep us on our toes and does anything she can to cause a distraction. You just must love her and dream that she could be your grandma because anyone that would meet her would automatically fall in love with her.
Donna has grown up so much from when we were first introduced to her, and having a solid relationship with Will is good for her. I might be a little biased, but I was cheering for Will to break through all her barriers during ‘The Retreat.’ Her job seems to also help her come out of her shell and there is nobody that deserves to be successful and loved more than Donna, so fingers crossed that all happiness is not temporary for Donna, and she can find her happy ever after.
Last, but certainly not least, Helen - big sister of Abigail - is making an appearance again and I must say she is starting to grow on me. Of course, only Bridget could manage to write in a way that the super villain from the prior books can find a spot in my heart.
Well, if you stuck around and read all this, I want to thank you and let you in on a little secret I am ready to count the days until The Setback will be released. The lighthearted way of writing and the wonderful character development as well as the detailed and accurate description of events and settings keep me coming back whenever I see anything released by Bridget Baker.
This book is full of down-home wisdom about family, love, forgiveness, and relationships! I love it!
The Birch Creek Ranch series by B.E. Baker continues with the fifth book, The Reboot. I am simply blown away by how true to life this book series has been. The characters continue to struggle with the ins and outs, ups and downs of everyday life. Just like all of us! Because aren't we all trying to live our best lives despite making stupid mistakes, and miscommunication that lead to disastrous outcomes. Luckily, Baker's characters continue to learn from their errors, find forgiveness, and live happily ever after-- sort of. If we are smart, we would take a page from B. E. Baker's book and learn something from her characters well-meaning, but seriously flawed approach to their problems. I have highlighted pages of Ms. Baker's Hallmark Channel-worthy wisdom about relationships, truth, and forgiveness. I hope that someday I, too, will evolve into a better person and put some of this insight to good use!
I admire how Baker's characters continue to transform and become more defined with each book. Each character has past traumas that cause them to be wary of how their partner is going to react to an issue- unplanned pregnancy, a loss of financial security, or unexpected death. Love, trust, and forgiveness bring them from their lowest point in their life to a new high, which finally allows them to put their past behind them. With new understanding comes compassion for others and the ability to see things from another person's perspective. Then the healing begins.
There are a lot of those "ah! Ha!" moments in The Reboot, which lead to a lot of people apologizing to each other, resulting in life-changing choices. The Reboot has more twists and turns than a mountainous road. Yet, Ms. Baker demonstrates her talent for storytelling by managing all the plot twists and bringing the story to a positive conclusion. Like the previous books, The Reboot is a heartwarming, sweet romance that leaves you feeling all might be right in this world after all.
This ended up being an enjoyable entry into this series about life in a small town in Utah. It follows 2 widowed sister-in-laws and their children after they inherit a ranch. In this book #5, Abbie is enjoying her life as a newlywed and a small-town lawyer and part-time baker. When she is hit with extremely distressing news, she is suddenly very indecisive about what she should do. Amanda is working with her elderly friend, Mandy, to make a new resort a success when tragedy strikes and Amanda retreats within herself. Donna, friend to both Abbie and Amanda, is enjoying her job as a project manager and a new romance with Will, a local rancher. But, when conflict arises between her and he ex over their son, she doesn't know what to do. Also, in this book we meet Abbie's wealthy & overpowering sister, Helen, and begin to know more about her.
The stories were all interesting enough but I am not sure why female authors so often make their female characters into somewhat pathetic women. I did not appreciate how the women (mostly Amanda and Donna) became so juvenile, selfish and helpless when faced with difficulty. That is my main criticism of this series. No sex or profanity but some mild innuendo.
I received this book free to review but all opinions are my own.
I don’t think this book would read well as a stand alone but if you’ve been reading the Birch Creek Ranch series, this is a wonderful continuation of the story. You’ll catch up with old friends, find out what’s happening in their lives now, grieve with them, rejoice with them, get mad at them, and then forgive them for their decisions. By the end, you’ll be satisfied with the way things turned out while still wanting to know what comes next for them! It’s funny, an engaging and quick read, hilariously breaks the 4th wall a few times, and has a great Easter egg at the end if you have read the author’s other books.
If you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, run now to start with book 1 and work your way up to ReBoot. You won’t regret it!
How I love to read about Birch Creek and its characters, and oh my what a ride this book was. We had a funeral, an engagement, family disputes, But most of all we read about love and the importance of family, blood or chosen one. Every one of the characters of this series feel to me like friends and I feel like I'm living their lives together with them. This book has a lot of surprises, and more than one tear. One advice though, this isn't a standalone book, you'll get more out of the book if you read the previous books of the series before you start reading this one, I'm pretty sure you are going to love this series as much as I love it. I can't wait to read the next and last book as the series, but at the same time I'm not, because I don't want to say goodbye to these magnificent group of people.
So, I’m totally binging this series. It’s probably unhealthy but also super amazing at the same time. So, this is book five and I was worried at the beginning that things were going to start dragging a bit and not earn the full 5 stars. I was worried that it would feel too outlandish and that these characters were starting to have an unrealistic story. Now, things do go crazy in this book a little. And, maybe not everything would happen to everyone. But! It also may be. I’ve said so much in the past years “when it rains it pours” and about being “caught in the impact zone.” So, a lot of things happening in life is totally realistic. I’m still loving all the lessons we get. There are issues in families, and health, small town, business, friends, the law, and so much more. These books really cover it all. With some romance, these Women’s fiction books are superb.
This book was a real emotional rollercoaster! I didn’t think you could fit so much drama of all kinds into this size book, but Baker found a way! I found The Reboot to be a quick, but packed read. This is a continuation of the story of the two widowed sisters-in-law, their kids, husbands/ boyfriends/friends/in-laws/families. Lots of little plot twists in this book. Nothing went the way I was expecting it to and of course there were some fun surprises at the end. More learning and stretching for the characters, especially some of the side characters. Another one that leaves you wanting for more, but happy you were along for the adventure. I recommend the entire series, so start with the first one and grab your favorite drink to cozy in for a good read.
The Reboot was filled with so much emotion. I laughed and cried and couldn't put the book down. I just love the small town of Manila and all the drama that comes with it. There are some twists you definitely won't see coming and oh man will they throw you for a loop. This book definitely made me feel all the feels and I loved it. Amanda and Abigail learn some tough life lessons and I hope we get to see some more of Helen in the next book because Helen is already shaking things up in this small town. Bridget has a way of making me love the people I started out hating. Definitely read this next installment of the Birchcreek Ranch series because you won't be disappointed.
Better with every book! I love how the characters really grow in this book, still overcoming issues from their past, as these things aren't one quick fix each! As usual, Bridget's writing kept me on my toes, as I devoured the book quickly, needing to know what happens next. I laughed and cried along with the characters, who feel like friends by now. I look forward to seeing more from Helen's perspective, which is quite unique to the others. Thoroughly recommend people read all these Birch Creek Ranch books in order. I'll hopefully attach a wee screenshot of an example.
I love this series and just can’t put them down once I start a book. Each one seems to get better. I ended up reading this till 2.30 am and I get up at 3.40 am. It’s now the following evening and I’ve finished it so my next stop, Amazon for the next one. It’s rare to find a well written, wholesome book that has many twists in the tale. Even if you can guess who ends up with whom, the journey there keeps the pages turning. A lovely light read you can’t put down.
If you've read any of Bridget's other books, you know she loves plot twists. The Reboot is no different! Be prepared for some crazy new developments and a rollercoaster of emotion. I really enjoyed this new book, it was nice to be back with the characters I've come to love even if it was a rollercoaster. It keeps the same realistic problems and mistakes of the characters, just further along in their story. Can't wait for the next one!
I've read the previous 4 books and continue to be amazed at this great storytelling. The story continues Amanda's journey towards a fulfilling life. It also follows Donna and Will's budding relationship as well as Abby and Steve as newlyweds. For me, the storytelling seems more emotional. I found myself actually crying at specific spoilers (which I won't mention). All in all, I'm invested and delighted by this series.
Life shouldn't continue to be so difficult for Amanda, Abigail and Donna, they have been through so much. The strength that these women have and the closeness that they share is just amazing. The relationship that they have with their men is pretty entertaining too. Wonderful series, I definitely recommend it.
I am Loving the return to Birch Creek! it’s a great chance to catch up with some old friends, see how life is treating them and their ups and downs. It’s a wonderful continuation of a wonderful series and this made me laugh, this had me in tears, it even made me mad in places but all in all it’s a fantastic read, so grab a cuppa, curl up on the sofa and enjoy.
Wow, a lot is happening in this book, but it was amazing to read. Our main characters Abby, Amanda, Mandy, Donna and now Helen are all going through their own issues with life. Come along and catch up on, what's happening on the ranch. This series is great! I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I loved this one and the 4 before it. I found book 1 and decided to try it. Kept telling myself that I would read the first and then get to my backlog on my kindle. 5 books later I am done, but only because book 6 isn't yet available. If you have not read this series, start abot book 1 and be prepared to binge read through 5.
It was great to catch up with old friends. This is a continuation of the Birch Creek Series. There are a lot of surprises in this story. Just when you have recovered from one another one comes. Definitely makes you want to keep reading.
Continuing the adventures at Birch Creek was so fun. I love reading how each person has their own struggles, triumphs, and surprises. You can’t help rooting for everyone along the way! If you’ve been reading this series pick this one up too!
I loved reading The Reboot. So many emotions! Just an overall awesome read. If you have read the rest of The Birch Creek Ranch Series, this is a must read! Can't wait for The Setback!
I felt like some of the plot points were slightly unbelievable and I was able to predict others. I still love these characters and following their life and hope I can finish the rest of the series.
Wow this author knows how to control her readers. There are times I'm upset about how things are going and then she add some twists and she has me back to where I was. She has lots of secrets. This is my favorite book so far. Wonderful job of writing.
Good read. I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. I want to punch Helen though. what a pain in the neck! You can't help but laugh! OMG...and Mandy. That's all I'm saying. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
I love this series by B. E. Baker. In this book, Helen gives Abigail a baby shower, and Amanda gets engaged. She gets a surprise visit during her engagement party. I can't wait to read what happens next.
If you’ve loved this series so far, this one will surely grab you by the heart and gut! So much drama. So many things happening all at once. Prepare yourself to struggle to put it down.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I was riveted by the growth of these characters and the personal trauma each one is experiencing. I can't wait to see how it ends!