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Ransom Canyon #1
Ransom Canyon
From New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas comes the first book in a compelling, emotionally resonant series set in a remote west Texas town—where family can be made by blood or by choice…
Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendent of Ransom Canyon's founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O'Grady… or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.
Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined.
Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn't plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just long enough to learn the town's weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car's pedals, isn't prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.
Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendent of Ransom Canyon's founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O'Grady… or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.
Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined.
Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn't plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just long enough to learn the town's weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car's pedals, isn't prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
2714 people are currently reading
16951 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
128 books2,498 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
October 13, 2021
Staten Kirkland is the successful owner of Double K Ranch in Ransom County, land first settled by his great grandfather. He’s the last in the line since he lost his only child five years ago, soon after his wife had died. He’s a hard man who closed his heart after so much tragedy but has secretly found solace in the arms of Quinn O’Grady, a life long friend of his own who was also his wife’s best friend. She’s shy and reticent but is evolving, just as Staten is, which has them both looking at their relationship much differently.
Lucas Reyes is very much focused on his long term goals, the immediate being to graduate and get accepted into college. He’s working as a ranch hand for Staten when several events reshape his direction, including his developing friendship with the Sheriff’s daughter, Lauren Brigman.
Yancy Grey lands in the town of Crossroads, his first stop off the bus following a stint in prison. He’s been in reform school or jail since he was 15-years old and now has to learn how to live normally. Yancy immediately ends up helping someone from the retirement community, only intending to stay there for a few hours but somehow he keeps extending the time.
Welcome to Ransom Canyon and Crossroads, the first occupied by two major ranches and the other a small adjacent town with minimal resources. Everyone knows each other, including their business, but also look out for one another. It’s a life of hard work and community and few leave but when they do, they end up returning at some point. I enjoyed the introduction of the residents, the town and the focus on five principal characters. Staten and Quinn are unique with an unusual friendship that was destined to shift and it got complicated when it did. I really liked Lucas who has a strong sense of self and is clearly destined for success. Yancy was my surprise, a character I initially thought was a user until it became clear who he really was and the blank canvas he represented. It’s a slow moving story but very much character driven. The writing is a bit different but there’s an air of authenticity about it that fits the setting. I’m definitely continuing the series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Lucas Reyes is very much focused on his long term goals, the immediate being to graduate and get accepted into college. He’s working as a ranch hand for Staten when several events reshape his direction, including his developing friendship with the Sheriff’s daughter, Lauren Brigman.
Yancy Grey lands in the town of Crossroads, his first stop off the bus following a stint in prison. He’s been in reform school or jail since he was 15-years old and now has to learn how to live normally. Yancy immediately ends up helping someone from the retirement community, only intending to stay there for a few hours but somehow he keeps extending the time.
Welcome to Ransom Canyon and Crossroads, the first occupied by two major ranches and the other a small adjacent town with minimal resources. Everyone knows each other, including their business, but also look out for one another. It’s a life of hard work and community and few leave but when they do, they end up returning at some point. I enjoyed the introduction of the residents, the town and the focus on five principal characters. Staten and Quinn are unique with an unusual friendship that was destined to shift and it got complicated when it did. I really liked Lucas who has a strong sense of self and is clearly destined for success. Yancy was my surprise, a character I initially thought was a user until it became clear who he really was and the blank canvas he represented. It’s a slow moving story but very much character driven. The writing is a bit different but there’s an air of authenticity about it that fits the setting. I’m definitely continuing the series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 8, 2025
Originally I was planning on getting through this whole series, but now I'm considering stopping here.
Because the first prequel was okay, the second (which came out this year) good, and then this main book went back to being okay again. I'm scared the rest of the series will never live up to Silverleaf Rapids, because Thomas clearly evolved as an author since these were written.
It wasn't bad, but I couldn't connect to the characters the same way as in her newest book. Even with Quinn and Staten, who I liked and wanted to see together, they were so different here, and it felt like the sparks they had when they were younger fizzled out (despite them sleeping together as adults).
Something was missing from their story, and a big chunk of that had to do with adult Staten being so self-absorbed that he treated Quinn as less than she deserved. There were parts where I wanted Quinn to find someone else, but of course that didn't happen.
The two other stories were better in the grand scheme of things, but I'm not sure if they'll push me to pick up the second book or not. Especially since one of them (judging by the blurbs) won't be completed until book four.
I've seen so many people saying the show is better, and that they changed a lot, I'm now inclined to say that it's a good thing they did. Because as is, it just wouldn't be that entertaining. I hope I'll like it when I watch it.
Because the first prequel was okay, the second (which came out this year) good, and then this main book went back to being okay again. I'm scared the rest of the series will never live up to Silverleaf Rapids, because Thomas clearly evolved as an author since these were written.
It wasn't bad, but I couldn't connect to the characters the same way as in her newest book. Even with Quinn and Staten, who I liked and wanted to see together, they were so different here, and it felt like the sparks they had when they were younger fizzled out (despite them sleeping together as adults).
Something was missing from their story, and a big chunk of that had to do with adult Staten being so self-absorbed that he treated Quinn as less than she deserved. There were parts where I wanted Quinn to find someone else, but of course that didn't happen.
The two other stories were better in the grand scheme of things, but I'm not sure if they'll push me to pick up the second book or not. Especially since one of them (judging by the blurbs) won't be completed until book four.
I've seen so many people saying the show is better, and that they changed a lot, I'm now inclined to say that it's a good thing they did. Because as is, it just wouldn't be that entertaining. I hope I'll like it when I watch it.
November 5, 2015
Well, what do you expect when you pick up a book by Jodi Thomas? Excellent writing! And that is precisely what I found between the covers of Ransom Canyon by this author. A long-time Harmony addict, it was difficult for me to leave those characters behind--for, oh, maybe two minutes. She quickly hooked me, and I fell in love with her new characters. I enjoyed the different threads in this book and couldn't wait to see what happened to those characters next. I highly recommend this book to you.
Catherine Anderson
Author of NEW LEAF
Release date: January 5, 2016
Catherine Anderson
Author of NEW LEAF
Release date: January 5, 2016
December 14, 2021
Always happy when a book surprises me and Ransom Canyon did! Having read the prequel, I had the history of this family adding to my enjoyment of this contemporary western. Staten is a damaged man having lost his wife and later son - his reasons for living. He goes through the motions of running the ranch doing all the day to day things and once in awhile he visits Quinn. Quinn was his wife's best friend and is the only person he could turn to when he lost everything. Comforting each other became what they did including time in the bedroom. Quinn knows it'll be never be anything more because Staten no longer has a heart so she convinces herself and him that's she's happy just being friends even though she's silently loved him all her life. Until something changes things. It will either bring them together or end things for good.
I loved the depth of plot and character development in Ransom Canyon! The main plot line of Staten and Quinn is fantastic, but there are a couple of other side plots featuring some intriguing characters going on at the same time. By the end, they all weave together to bring one story home and set up a couple more for what I hope are future stories. Great characters, great story, fantastic writing! I loved this book and will continue the series.
I loved the depth of plot and character development in Ransom Canyon! The main plot line of Staten and Quinn is fantastic, but there are a couple of other side plots featuring some intriguing characters going on at the same time. By the end, they all weave together to bring one story home and set up a couple more for what I hope are future stories. Great characters, great story, fantastic writing! I loved this book and will continue the series.
May 9, 2025
Ik hoop dat de serie beter is. 🫢
May 27, 2025
A sweet story of romance, community, and second chances. Now to watch the Netflix series.
February 24, 2016
4/5; 4 stars A-
I knew, when I read the prequel to this series, Winter's Camp, that I would fall under the spell of another of Jodi Thomas' Texas locales, and I was right. While Winter Camp is set in the time of the settlers, Ransom Canyon is a modern day story. Thomas does the small town things really well and she also is skilled at following several different characters in distinct "stories with the story". This series, in the same style as the Harmony series, follows several characters from the founding settlers of an area.
I knew, when I read the prequel to this series, Winter's Camp, that I would fall under the spell of another of Jodi Thomas' Texas locales, and I was right. While Winter Camp is set in the time of the settlers, Ransom Canyon is a modern day story. Thomas does the small town things really well and she also is skilled at following several different characters in distinct "stories with the story". This series, in the same style as the Harmony series, follows several characters from the founding settlers of an area.
May 6, 2025
This book is bad and I don’t know why it has more than a couple stars.
If this is someone’s idea of a cowboy romance, that’s just sad. There are so many good cowboy romances out there but this is annoying.
The writing is as if a teenager wrote it and was trying to make certain word count lol. The dialogue is bland and uninteresting. The characters are boring and cliche. I also found it to be sexist and had lots of mention of the female character’s weight, with skinny being good, anything more than skinny bad. Male characters pointing out the female character’s weight more than once.
This was a lot of telling not showing, and confirmed I’ll not read anymore by this author.
So thankful for Elsie Silver 🙏
If this is someone’s idea of a cowboy romance, that’s just sad. There are so many good cowboy romances out there but this is annoying.
The writing is as if a teenager wrote it and was trying to make certain word count lol. The dialogue is bland and uninteresting. The characters are boring and cliche. I also found it to be sexist and had lots of mention of the female character’s weight, with skinny being good, anything more than skinny bad. Male characters pointing out the female character’s weight more than once.
This was a lot of telling not showing, and confirmed I’ll not read anymore by this author.
So thankful for Elsie Silver 🙏
April 17, 2025
Finished just in time to watch the series tonight! This was such a good story and I’m super invested in the characters. Quinn and Staten have stolen my heart with their 40+ romance. Definitely love that!!! Come on Ransom Canyon!!
June 4, 2025
Tropes
- Cowboy romance
- Multiple POV
- Third person POV
- Small town
Like everyone, I watched Ransom Canyon on Netflix and fell in love with the characters, the chemistry and the story. I wanted to read the book to see if it gave off similar vibes. Unfortunately it didn’t.
This book is written in a very safe, romantic way. The way where you could recommend this to your grandmother and not be embarrassed in any way. It’s gentle, it’s soft and it doesn’t follow the same story line as the tv show. The characters are very different and so is the main story and relationships. Major events from the show aren’t in the book and vice versa. I found it hard to connect to the characters and if I didn’t already have an idea in my mind from the show, I would really struggle. They aren’t exactly likeable. I’d like to read the rest of the series eventually but I have other books I would like to read first.
Also the way this author writes about people’s weight makes me uncomfortable. Just something to be aware of
- Cowboy romance
- Multiple POV
- Third person POV
- Small town
Like everyone, I watched Ransom Canyon on Netflix and fell in love with the characters, the chemistry and the story. I wanted to read the book to see if it gave off similar vibes. Unfortunately it didn’t.
This book is written in a very safe, romantic way. The way where you could recommend this to your grandmother and not be embarrassed in any way. It’s gentle, it’s soft and it doesn’t follow the same story line as the tv show. The characters are very different and so is the main story and relationships. Major events from the show aren’t in the book and vice versa. I found it hard to connect to the characters and if I didn’t already have an idea in my mind from the show, I would really struggle. They aren’t exactly likeable. I’d like to read the rest of the series eventually but I have other books I would like to read first.
Also the way this author writes about people’s weight makes me uncomfortable. Just something to be aware of
August 1, 2015
I am a fan of Jodi Thomas. I have enjoyed reading many of her books from her Harmony series. So when I saw her coming out with a new book from a new series, I was excited. Ransom Canyon is the first book in the Ransom Canyon series.
While I did like this book and thought it was a nice start to this new series, I cannot rightfully say that I am in love with the characters at this moment. Thus I cannot remember all of the details of each story line. Although the location that this new series centers around is nice. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and getting to know more people of Ransom Canyon.
While I did like this book and thought it was a nice start to this new series, I cannot rightfully say that I am in love with the characters at this moment. Thus I cannot remember all of the details of each story line. Although the location that this new series centers around is nice. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and getting to know more people of Ransom Canyon.
September 8, 2021
Major Character - Quinn O'Grady.
Uncomplicated feel good romance. Perfect for reading in these times of covid lockdown blues.
Uncomplicated feel good romance. Perfect for reading in these times of covid lockdown blues.
April 29, 2025
Omgggggg this book is a Cowboy Romance and Small Town Romance dream come TRUEEEEE! I think I’m in love with Staten Kirkland, and the town of Ransom Canyon.
Ahhhh I’m so happy I read the book before watching the show! I binged this in a couple sittings bc I could not put it down! I can totally see how it was made into a show, because that’s how it read.
I’m normally not a third POV fan, but for this it was done perfectly! I love how you slowly get introduced to everyone in town, and then get to follow everyone’s story, and to some degree everyone’s story is interconnected.
And I just saw there are several more books in the series, and now I’m going to derail my entire TBR to read them all, bc I’m obsessed!
Ahhhh I’m so happy I read the book before watching the show! I binged this in a couple sittings bc I could not put it down! I can totally see how it was made into a show, because that’s how it read.
I’m normally not a third POV fan, but for this it was done perfectly! I love how you slowly get introduced to everyone in town, and then get to follow everyone’s story, and to some degree everyone’s story is interconnected.
And I just saw there are several more books in the series, and now I’m going to derail my entire TBR to read them all, bc I’m obsessed!
Read
July 22, 2025Yup dit is echt een DNF geworden.. kwam er gewoon niet doorheen en heb het opgegeven 😅
April 4, 2016
This may just be my favourite read of the summer. It was a fantastic start to Thomas’ latest series. She combines the best of small town life with the realities of everything that could be faced. Her vivid descriptions paint this town and its people in a way that allowed me into their lives. The intricate & intimate plot captured my imagination and my heart. I really enjoyed the intertwining stories with the main characters. Their lives were all so different yet crossed so many times. Thomas gave me a phenomenal perspective. I loved the dash of suspense that runs through the story, especially with Yancy. I loved trying to puzzle out what he would do and how things would turn out.
Thomas has created a very well rounded cast. I love the different ages and demographics of the major characters. Not only was I intrigued by Yancy’s past and new perspective on life, but his approach to it left me smiling. Quinn and Staten’s relationship was so emotional for me, and at the same time, completely superficial in some ways. The dichotomy that Thomas created made it oh so very real. But most of all I fell in love with Lucas and Laura. I do hope to see this pair grow up in future novels.
This was definitely the perfect start to the Ransom Canyon series. Thomas’ mellow yet inviting writing made this a story that I couldn’t put down. It definitely lead to one very sleepless night. I definitely can’t wait for more from this author & this series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Thomas has created a very well rounded cast. I love the different ages and demographics of the major characters. Not only was I intrigued by Yancy’s past and new perspective on life, but his approach to it left me smiling. Quinn and Staten’s relationship was so emotional for me, and at the same time, completely superficial in some ways. The dichotomy that Thomas created made it oh so very real. But most of all I fell in love with Lucas and Laura. I do hope to see this pair grow up in future novels.
This was definitely the perfect start to the Ransom Canyon series. Thomas’ mellow yet inviting writing made this a story that I couldn’t put down. It definitely lead to one very sleepless night. I definitely can’t wait for more from this author & this series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2015
As Texan as Bluebonnets, Longhorns, and Cowboys, our own Texan, Jodi Thomas has written her best book to date. Ransom Canyon has it all, suspense, family, & redemption. Beautiful tale of a West Texas town everyone will want to be a part of after reading this 1st book in this new series, where family can be made by blood or by choice. 5 stars and deserves more!!!!!!
April 20, 2025
Rating: 3 stars
This is the first book I've read by Jodi Thomas. I picked this up because of the advertisements for the new Netflix series and the alluded to comparisons to the TV series Yellowstone.
SUMMARY: In the remote west Texas town of Ransom Canyon, family can be made by blood or by choice. Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendant of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady…or that she has her own secret that no one living knows. Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined. Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just stay long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.
Ransom Canyon series:
Book 1: Ransom Canyon
Book 2: Rustler's Moon
Book 3: Lone Heart Pass
Book 4: Sunrise Crossing
Book 5: Wild Horse Springs
Book 6: Indigo Lake
Book 7: Mistletoe Miracles
Book 8: Christmas in Winter Valley
This is the first book I've read by Jodi Thomas. I picked this up because of the advertisements for the new Netflix series and the alluded to comparisons to the TV series Yellowstone.
SUMMARY: In the remote west Texas town of Ransom Canyon, family can be made by blood or by choice. Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendant of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady…or that she has her own secret that no one living knows. Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined. Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just stay long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.
Ransom Canyon series:
Book 1: Ransom Canyon
Book 2: Rustler's Moon
Book 3: Lone Heart Pass
Book 4: Sunrise Crossing
Book 5: Wild Horse Springs
Book 6: Indigo Lake
Book 7: Mistletoe Miracles
Book 8: Christmas in Winter Valley
April 27, 2025
This one was a bit different than what I usually read but with the Netflix show out I just had to see how it compares to the book. Cliff notes: it’s quite different but I expected as much lol. Staten is still a bit of an idiot in both (ugh) but has more character growth in the book which I think is more fitting for his character than his tv version. Yancy was still the bad boy exterior with a good heart underneath which I enjoyed. I’m always rooting for the best in everyone lol. I liked how it felt like Quinn was a strong lead character in the film versus here she still has her independent moments, but it feels more like she’s “the girl Staten is chasing” than how the film portrayed her. I liked their book storyline better (less questionable cheating/long-term pining lol) and wish we got more of that in the show. I’m curious to see if they’ll revisit certain plot points from the book if they get a second season. Also the way Ellie was described in the book was a little questionable, but she honestly wasn’t really around much so I didn’t put too much critical thinking into it. Ultimately, I think if this was solely Quinn and Staten’s book I would have enjoyed it more, but I knew what I was getting into and that’s just the hopeless romantic in me wanting to see their whole love story unfold haha. 3.5 stars seems appropriate but I’ll be generous and round it up!
August 15, 2025
Nostalgia drove me to give this one more star that it probably deserves (in my opinion). The characters were fun to follow for the most part, but the writing felt so incredibly juvenile. The entire book was telling not showing, unless it was telling AND showing. I don't really want to read more of the series, but I might skim to see what ends up happening with Yancy.
April 24, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
Okay so this was my first cowboy romance book and unfortunately it didn’t hit for me, though I’m currently watching the Netflix series that’s based off of the book and I’m FLOORED by how good it is!! So judging by that I’m assuming maybe this one wasn’t for me and I should consider giving cowboy romances another go🙃
Okay so this was my first cowboy romance book and unfortunately it didn’t hit for me, though I’m currently watching the Netflix series that’s based off of the book and I’m FLOORED by how good it is!! So judging by that I’m assuming maybe this one wasn’t for me and I should consider giving cowboy romances another go🙃
Read
December 20, 2025DNF, for some reason I thought this book was clean, it's not.
April 28, 2025
Can't wait to watch the Netflix series!!!
June 3, 2025
Ransom Canyon #1
4✨
presently surprised by this book. I thought it would be a classic cowboy romance novel. but wow this book is something else. It gave me Virgin River/Thunder Point vibes!
4✨
presently surprised by this book. I thought it would be a classic cowboy romance novel. but wow this book is something else. It gave me Virgin River/Thunder Point vibes!
May 21, 2025
Just watch the show. DNF at 100 pages. Snooze. I can see why they basically changed the story and characters for the show completely.
May 8, 2022
Ransom Canyon
5 Stars
In this first book of the series, Jodi Thomas skillfully meshes several intertwining plotlines. The first revolves around Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher who lost his wife and son one after the other. Staten finds solace in the arms of Quinn O'Grady, his late wife's reclusive best friend, but isn't looking for anything more until circumstances force him to face his feelings.
The second thread focuses on Lucas Reyes, the son of a local ranch-hand, who has his future all planned out. Then one dubious decision changes everything and opens his mind and heart to possibilities he had never thought of.
The final storyline centers on Yancy Grey, a newly released petty thief, looking for a quick score. However, fate and the residents of the local retirement village have other plans for Yancy, and soon he finds himself facing a choice that will change his life one way or another.
Like the prequel novella, this book is an absolute delight. Thomas's characterization is top-notch for both primary and secondary cast, protagonists and antagonists, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Each one comes alive on the pages and it is easy to become immersed in the town, its inhabitants and their individual stories.
The plot is presented via the POVs of multiple characters. At first glance, each thread appears to be separate, but they all ultimately converge as the characters become more and more involved in each other's lives. While some of the storylines are completed in this installment, it is clear that others will be ongoing.
In terms of the audiobook narration, Julia Gibson does a fantastic job and there are instances of laugh-out-loud hilarity together with tender moments that warm the heart. Overall, this is a wonderful beginning to the series and I look forward to finding out more about these characters and meeting new ones.
5 Stars
In this first book of the series, Jodi Thomas skillfully meshes several intertwining plotlines. The first revolves around Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher who lost his wife and son one after the other. Staten finds solace in the arms of Quinn O'Grady, his late wife's reclusive best friend, but isn't looking for anything more until circumstances force him to face his feelings.
The second thread focuses on Lucas Reyes, the son of a local ranch-hand, who has his future all planned out. Then one dubious decision changes everything and opens his mind and heart to possibilities he had never thought of.
The final storyline centers on Yancy Grey, a newly released petty thief, looking for a quick score. However, fate and the residents of the local retirement village have other plans for Yancy, and soon he finds himself facing a choice that will change his life one way or another.
Like the prequel novella, this book is an absolute delight. Thomas's characterization is top-notch for both primary and secondary cast, protagonists and antagonists, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Each one comes alive on the pages and it is easy to become immersed in the town, its inhabitants and their individual stories.
The plot is presented via the POVs of multiple characters. At first glance, each thread appears to be separate, but they all ultimately converge as the characters become more and more involved in each other's lives. While some of the storylines are completed in this installment, it is clear that others will be ongoing.
In terms of the audiobook narration, Julia Gibson does a fantastic job and there are instances of laugh-out-loud hilarity together with tender moments that warm the heart. Overall, this is a wonderful beginning to the series and I look forward to finding out more about these characters and meeting new ones.
June 16, 2015
Just okay.
May 18, 2025
Rarely do I say this- but the TV series is actually better
October 13, 2025
3 / 5 ⭐️
Teksas wzywa
Największą zaletą tej książki jest jej klimat. Przepełnia ją ranczerska atmosfera, którą możecie sobie wyobrazić z typowych filmów, seriali czy książek z kowbojami. Zwłaszcza takich, które rozgrywały się z dwie, a nawet trzy dekady temu. Dodaję to niesamowitego uroku i gdy tylko usłyszałam o tej książce, to właśnie w ten sposób sobie ją wyobrażałam. Małomiasteczkowy klimat dodatkowo to wszystko podsyca i stwarza uczucie przytulności i wspólnoty.
Książka na jeden wieczór
Styl autorki jest bardzo przyziemny i lekki. Pisze ona prosto bez zbędnego owijania w bawełnę, przez co czyta się to bardzo szybko. Budowa historii rownież jest bardzo prosta, bo trudno doszukać się w niej emocjonującej fabuły pełnej zwrotów akcji. Książka skupia się w dużej mierze na emocjach bohaterów, ich relacjach i wewnętrznych rozterkach.
Warstwa emocjonalna = lody waniliowe
Teraz się pewnie zastanawiacie: Wiktoria, o czym ty gadasz? Ale spokojnie śpieszę już z wyjaśnieniem. Lody waniliowe są najbardziej neutralnym, podstawowym smakiem jaki istnieje. Są bezpieczną opcją, zdecydowana większość je lubi - ogólnie nie są złe, ale spośród tylu dostępnych opcji są po prostu nudne. I tak jest z tą książką. Ona nie jest zła, ale nie jest to też najlepszy tytuł jaki czytałam. Brakuję mi w niej głębi, większej emocjonalności, akcji. Przez to, że ta książka jest tak mało emocjonująca wydaje się płaska i nudnawa, dokładnie jak lody waniliowe.
Na podstawie tej książki powstał serial, którego jeszcze nie oglądałam, ale teraz nawet jestem go jeszcze bardziej ciekawa, ponieważ zastanawia mnie jak w nim zostali przedstawieni bohaterowie i te wątki. Raczej słyszałam pozytywne opinie, więc istnieje szansa, że będzie lepszy od książki.
Nie jestem wam w stanie jednoznacznie polecić tej książki, bo uważam, że brakuję jej paru rzeczy, ale jednocześnie była to przyjemna lektura i fajnie spędziłam z nią czas. Jednak jeśli mam ją porównać do innych kowbojskich romansów, które czytałam to wypada przy nich słabo.
Teksas wzywa
Największą zaletą tej książki jest jej klimat. Przepełnia ją ranczerska atmosfera, którą możecie sobie wyobrazić z typowych filmów, seriali czy książek z kowbojami. Zwłaszcza takich, które rozgrywały się z dwie, a nawet trzy dekady temu. Dodaję to niesamowitego uroku i gdy tylko usłyszałam o tej książce, to właśnie w ten sposób sobie ją wyobrażałam. Małomiasteczkowy klimat dodatkowo to wszystko podsyca i stwarza uczucie przytulności i wspólnoty.
Książka na jeden wieczór
Styl autorki jest bardzo przyziemny i lekki. Pisze ona prosto bez zbędnego owijania w bawełnę, przez co czyta się to bardzo szybko. Budowa historii rownież jest bardzo prosta, bo trudno doszukać się w niej emocjonującej fabuły pełnej zwrotów akcji. Książka skupia się w dużej mierze na emocjach bohaterów, ich relacjach i wewnętrznych rozterkach.
Warstwa emocjonalna = lody waniliowe
Teraz się pewnie zastanawiacie: Wiktoria, o czym ty gadasz? Ale spokojnie śpieszę już z wyjaśnieniem. Lody waniliowe są najbardziej neutralnym, podstawowym smakiem jaki istnieje. Są bezpieczną opcją, zdecydowana większość je lubi - ogólnie nie są złe, ale spośród tylu dostępnych opcji są po prostu nudne. I tak jest z tą książką. Ona nie jest zła, ale nie jest to też najlepszy tytuł jaki czytałam. Brakuję mi w niej głębi, większej emocjonalności, akcji. Przez to, że ta książka jest tak mało emocjonująca wydaje się płaska i nudnawa, dokładnie jak lody waniliowe.
Na podstawie tej książki powstał serial, którego jeszcze nie oglądałam, ale teraz nawet jestem go jeszcze bardziej ciekawa, ponieważ zastanawia mnie jak w nim zostali przedstawieni bohaterowie i te wątki. Raczej słyszałam pozytywne opinie, więc istnieje szansa, że będzie lepszy od książki.
Nie jestem wam w stanie jednoznacznie polecić tej książki, bo uważam, że brakuję jej paru rzeczy, ale jednocześnie była to przyjemna lektura i fajnie spędziłam z nią czas. Jednak jeśli mam ją porównać do innych kowbojskich romansów, które czytałam to wypada przy nich słabo.
August 21, 2025
La serie di libri ha un eta' , ha uno stile epopea e sai che dovrai leggere tutti i libri per incastrare le trame che di loro non sono il massimo . Diciamo che si vede che è perfetta da guardare ma meno da leggere . Diciamo che i personaggi sono inscatolati in un format che funziona in video meno nella lettura e non perché è del 2015 , ma perché fa parte di quel filone alla Virgin river , magnolia e company .
February 26, 2025
There are a lot of characters and storylines, but I managed. Will continue the series to try and finish before the Netflix release
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