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Refuge Ranch #3
The Cowboy's Homecoming
The Cowboy's Reunion
Seeking redemption from his troubled past, cowboy Lee Bannister returns to his Montana hometown. He's not looking for love—just to prove he's not the same reckless guy who broke Abby Newton's heart and destroyed her family. But when Abby, a magazine photographer, is assigned to cover the story of his family ranch's 150th anniversary, old feelings start to resurface. He knows Abby will never forgive him. But as they spend more time together, they begin to discover the lies that kept them apart…and that some reunions are meant to last forever.
Seeking redemption from his troubled past, cowboy Lee Bannister returns to his Montana hometown. He's not looking for love—just to prove he's not the same reckless guy who broke Abby Newton's heart and destroyed her family. But when Abby, a magazine photographer, is assigned to cover the story of his family ranch's 150th anniversary, old feelings start to resurface. He knows Abby will never forgive him. But as they spend more time together, they begin to discover the lies that kept them apart…and that some reunions are meant to last forever.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
463 books736 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 13, 2022
Holy moly, what complicated dynamics! The theme of forgiveness is strong in the story and handled realistically and with grace. Lee allowed himself to be influenced by bad friends in high school and as a young adult, even when his parents urged him to stop. He paid a steep price for his rebellion, yet his humbling circumstances brought him back to the Lord. Abby's life has never been the same since the accident, and she is tired of the bitterness she can't seem to let go of. I loved the healing that took place as she and Lee are reunited, feelings and secrets were slowly revealed, and the truth brought everything full circle for their two families. An amazing story with great characters, romantic chemistry, and some twists thrown in to an interesting plot.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
September 1, 2015
I have more books then I will ever have time to read, even if I live to be 100. Unless that is all I do night and day. I have several favorite authors that keep my “books to read” pile ever growing. I read one of CAROLYNE AARSEN’S books in the past. It was good enough that her names stuck with me all these years, so when I saw THE COWBOY’S HOMECOMING at the store, I couldn’t resist.
Aside from having a cowboy as the main character, and the setting on a ranch, what captured my attention was the hero had been in prison. I have been involved in prison ministry for years. I was anxious to see where MS AARSEN took the plot.
Lee Bannister has a past. One that he is not proud of. His sister’s weddings, and the anniversary of the family ranch, has him coming home to a community he is unsure he will be welcomed back into.
Abby Newton’s heart is no longer in her job. Tired of traveling, she heads back home. While there, she is given a job, and faced with a man she once loved.
MS AARSEN is a wonderful writer, hitting the key elements needed to create a great story. Though I would love to see deeper POV to better connect with the characters. I love the plot, which brought out originality. She has some great lines. I don’t recall a Love Inspired book in the past that was written in such a way that I just had to get the previous book in the series. MS AARSEN alluded to the plot of the hero’s sister and her soon to be husbands in such a way I just have to fill that curiosity and read their story in, Her Cowboy Hero (Refuge Ranch).
Aside from having a cowboy as the main character, and the setting on a ranch, what captured my attention was the hero had been in prison. I have been involved in prison ministry for years. I was anxious to see where MS AARSEN took the plot.
Lee Bannister has a past. One that he is not proud of. His sister’s weddings, and the anniversary of the family ranch, has him coming home to a community he is unsure he will be welcomed back into.
Abby Newton’s heart is no longer in her job. Tired of traveling, she heads back home. While there, she is given a job, and faced with a man she once loved.
MS AARSEN is a wonderful writer, hitting the key elements needed to create a great story. Though I would love to see deeper POV to better connect with the characters. I love the plot, which brought out originality. She has some great lines. I don’t recall a Love Inspired book in the past that was written in such a way that I just had to get the previous book in the series. MS AARSEN alluded to the plot of the hero’s sister and her soon to be husbands in such a way I just have to fill that curiosity and read their story in, Her Cowboy Hero (Refuge Ranch).
June 8, 2015
I enjoyed this tale of a man returning to a small town where he is not well regarded. Our hero caused a car accident some years ago while drunk, and went to jail, then came out and worked elsewhere to help repay his parents for the compensation they paid an injured man.
I was actually puzzled by this aspect because in Ireland we have driver insurance for accidents. Maybe the insurers would not pay out because of drunk illegal driving? Then there's a bare minimum compensation board. Nobody ever mentions insurance, losing a driving licence or anything else, which would be standard points of discussion here. I expect America is different.
The heroine is also now working elsewhere but has returned to cover a wedding as a photojournalist. The hero is here for that family wedding and an anniversary occasion. When they meet, it's awkward because the heroine's father was the injured man, who then gambled all his money and divorced. Can they settle their differences? Can they forget that they dated briefly as students before it all went wrong?
The heroine gains no marks from me for being unable even to consider changing a flat tyre. She has another girl with her, they are fit and well, they are on an isolated road. Tyres are not difficult to change and should not be left to men. Nor does she impress anyone by wearing sandals - she must have had other shoes with her - while hiking and climbing a small tree. She sustains two injuries, naturally.
The tale settles down to a spread of attitudes about blame and forgiveness, lies and bitterness. At the end it does feel rather preachy with us being told to forgive everyone and we'll feel much better. I would say it depends on the circumstances. However I like the author's style and there are nice outdoor landscape scenes. There are also characters from earlier books in this series; those of us who have not read earlier books tend to gloss over all the introductions and follow the main thread of the tale.
I was actually puzzled by this aspect because in Ireland we have driver insurance for accidents. Maybe the insurers would not pay out because of drunk illegal driving? Then there's a bare minimum compensation board. Nobody ever mentions insurance, losing a driving licence or anything else, which would be standard points of discussion here. I expect America is different.
The heroine is also now working elsewhere but has returned to cover a wedding as a photojournalist. The hero is here for that family wedding and an anniversary occasion. When they meet, it's awkward because the heroine's father was the injured man, who then gambled all his money and divorced. Can they settle their differences? Can they forget that they dated briefly as students before it all went wrong?
The heroine gains no marks from me for being unable even to consider changing a flat tyre. She has another girl with her, they are fit and well, they are on an isolated road. Tyres are not difficult to change and should not be left to men. Nor does she impress anyone by wearing sandals - she must have had other shoes with her - while hiking and climbing a small tree. She sustains two injuries, naturally.
The tale settles down to a spread of attitudes about blame and forgiveness, lies and bitterness. At the end it does feel rather preachy with us being told to forgive everyone and we'll feel much better. I would say it depends on the circumstances. However I like the author's style and there are nice outdoor landscape scenes. There are also characters from earlier books in this series; those of us who have not read earlier books tend to gloss over all the introductions and follow the main thread of the tale.
March 16, 2015
4 STARS
The Cowboy's Reunion is the third book in the Refuge Ranch. It deals with Lee Bannister and his past. It also deals a lot with the concept of forgiveness. How God forgives us and asks us to forgive.
If you don't forgive it hurts you and makes you bitter and angry.
Abby Newton has come home to spend time with her mother and deal with burnout. While she is there she is asked by her boss to go to Refuge Ranch and do a story on the 150th anniversary. Abby figures that she might be able to forgive Lee and deal with her angry feelings.
Lots of drama, romance, familiar characters and new ones. Not afraid to mention God. Does not preach but gives realistic examples of people forgiving and those who don't forgive. It is also a clean read.
I liked the scenes especially of Lee and Abby on the ranch dealing with the calf. They were charming and fun.
Saddlebank, Montana is the setting.
I have read two books of the Refuge Ranch and would like to read the one book that I have not read yet. I enjoyed Carolyne Aarsen writing style and would look forward to reading more books from her in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of the Cowboy's Homecoming.
The Cowboy's Reunion is the third book in the Refuge Ranch. It deals with Lee Bannister and his past. It also deals a lot with the concept of forgiveness. How God forgives us and asks us to forgive.
If you don't forgive it hurts you and makes you bitter and angry.
Abby Newton has come home to spend time with her mother and deal with burnout. While she is there she is asked by her boss to go to Refuge Ranch and do a story on the 150th anniversary. Abby figures that she might be able to forgive Lee and deal with her angry feelings.
Lots of drama, romance, familiar characters and new ones. Not afraid to mention God. Does not preach but gives realistic examples of people forgiving and those who don't forgive. It is also a clean read.
I liked the scenes especially of Lee and Abby on the ranch dealing with the calf. They were charming and fun.
Saddlebank, Montana is the setting.
I have read two books of the Refuge Ranch and would like to read the one book that I have not read yet. I enjoyed Carolyne Aarsen writing style and would look forward to reading more books from her in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of the Cowboy's Homecoming.
Read
June 1, 2015"The characters highlight the fact that forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting. They recognize, and remind the reader, that we are all sinners in need of grace and forgiveness. The familiar characters and scenery add to this enjoyable tale" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Refuge Ranch
Miniseries: Refuge Ranch
Read
June 1, 2015received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Refuge Ranch
Miniseries: Refuge Ranch
May 30, 2019
I liked this book about star-crossed lovers who finally find love and happiness with each other. The theme of this book is based on the importance of forgiveness and faith. It provides good, safe escape.
June 7, 2020
This was so good! I took away half a point because I totally guessed the twist way before it happened. 4.5 rounded down to 4.
August 11, 2022
This book's storyline was okay. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. Lee's character was okay. Abby's character was okay. The ending was okay.
December 14, 2017
"Wow. Where the rubber meets the road." That's what I thought after reading this story. This isn't your "usual boy meets girl, who fall in love and live happily ever after" romance. This story also includes a STRONG theme of forgiveness in it. I appreciated the wrestling, the struggle the characters went through in order to forgive -- very realistic.
May 25, 2015
A powerful story about forgiveness; receiving forgiveness, and asking for it.
Lee and Abby have one of the most difficult histories between their families. Now, after years of exile, they are both visiting in their hometown, and seeing each other again is unavoidable in the small town.
Both are heavily relying on their faith, they don't take these meetings lightly. I adored and admired the communication between them, they talked about the serious issues between them, they opened up and listened to each other. They find a way, despite all the history between them, to trust and to forgive, and to love. The road is not easy, or automatic. There's a lot of pain, angst, and sorrow they have to get through.
The many family dynamics play into the story. The farm life, and the wonderful heritage they have in the land and traditions. They uncertain future in their chosen professions weigh in as well.
I felt this story to my heart. I don't know anyone who wouldn't benefit from the message of the story, how we all need forgiveness in our imperfections.
My absolute favorite line in the book "Love seems to find its own way through the complications" - what comfort and contentment in that sentence.
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
Lee and Abby have one of the most difficult histories between their families. Now, after years of exile, they are both visiting in their hometown, and seeing each other again is unavoidable in the small town.
Both are heavily relying on their faith, they don't take these meetings lightly. I adored and admired the communication between them, they talked about the serious issues between them, they opened up and listened to each other. They find a way, despite all the history between them, to trust and to forgive, and to love. The road is not easy, or automatic. There's a lot of pain, angst, and sorrow they have to get through.
The many family dynamics play into the story. The farm life, and the wonderful heritage they have in the land and traditions. They uncertain future in their chosen professions weigh in as well.
I felt this story to my heart. I don't know anyone who wouldn't benefit from the message of the story, how we all need forgiveness in our imperfections.
My absolute favorite line in the book "Love seems to find its own way through the complications" - what comfort and contentment in that sentence.
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
December 16, 2014
This is the third and final book about the three children of the Bannister family. Lee's story is a bit difference since he actually spent two years in prison for a DUI where he injured someone - that someone was the father of the woman he liked. This fact adds a rather interesting twist to this story. The resentment is there at the beginning, but as Abby gets to know the new Lee, she just cannot ignore the growing attraction with him. She finds a way to forgive him, but something just may rip their new-found romance apart!
The romance was sweet. I really liked Lee's story, and to see the whole Bannister family together and the way they interact. I really liked the father, Monty, in this story and hole a lot of respect for the man and his strong faith.
I had a bit of a problem with the ending. I can't discuss it without giving away what was happening. I am all about forgiveness and moving on, but no matter how strong in your faith you are, I believe that something should have happened...Wish I could go into more but I can't...
The romance was sweet. I really liked Lee's story, and to see the whole Bannister family together and the way they interact. I really liked the father, Monty, in this story and hole a lot of respect for the man and his strong faith.
I had a bit of a problem with the ending. I can't discuss it without giving away what was happening. I am all about forgiveness and moving on, but no matter how strong in your faith you are, I believe that something should have happened...Wish I could go into more but I can't...
April 30, 2015
My favorite thing about this book was that the H and h communicated. What? Yes, I said communicated. They had intelligent conversations in which they shared their feelings/frustrations. They gave each other space and time to sort through the difficulties that stood in their way. There didn't need to be pouting, etc. They had real conflicts, secrets and family dynamics to overcome. I also liked the interactions with secondary characters.
This is a part of a series. And while it does stand-alone, I kept feeling like it would be much better if I had read the previous books. I feel it would have added more depth to the story. This is also a Christian romance. It is not as heavily addressed as in some books. However, it is definitely present. I almost always enjoy a ranch/farm setting. This book was no exception. I really liked it.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Content: Kissing
Source: Netgalley
This is a part of a series. And while it does stand-alone, I kept feeling like it would be much better if I had read the previous books. I feel it would have added more depth to the story. This is also a Christian romance. It is not as heavily addressed as in some books. However, it is definitely present. I almost always enjoy a ranch/farm setting. This book was no exception. I really liked it.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Content: Kissing
Source: Netgalley
June 28, 2015
The Cowboy's Homecoming is a quick read and a sweet romance. The book is the third Refuge Ranch story that Carolyne Aarsen has written and I have enjoyed them all. The Cowboy's Homecoming takes place in Montana so if you like the country life and handsome cowboys, you will like this book! God has forgiven us so we can do no less than to forgive others as Lee and Abby learn. Sometimes what we consider the "bad" events in life may actually be God protecting us from worse fates. I highly recommend The Cowboy's Homecoming!
I won this autographed copy in a drawing on Soul Inspirationz website.
I won this autographed copy in a drawing on Soul Inspirationz website.
December 7, 2015
A great story. I really liked the characters, and didn't see the twist in the story coming. Though, I think Lee's father really helped him reconcile with it. I also really liked the religious aspect to it. It wasn't overbearing but rather added an element to the story that I feel would have been missing without it. The characters are simple, but complex within the story-line. Good writing, and it kept me engaged.
May 24, 2015
This was a very good book. Lee comes home to redeem himself and Abby his old flame is home also. The books takes a lot of twists and turns before Lee gets the girl and is able to redeem himself. The last one is the most unexpected and hardest to forgive but Lee and Abby are able to do so.
January 17, 2017
Powerful book on forgiveness that had an unexpected twist!
if you are looking for a solid God based series dealing with issues like forgiveness, abuse and rape this is the series for you! Thank you Carolyne for dealing with these problems in such an amazing style!
if you are looking for a solid God based series dealing with issues like forgiveness, abuse and rape this is the series for you! Thank you Carolyne for dealing with these problems in such an amazing style!
May 23, 2015
Wonderful story. Would like more from this author.
September 27, 2015
I did not think I would enjoy this book but I did. It was really good, it even had a twist I would have never guessed. I have to say it was worth the read.
October 17, 2015
short book.
October 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews