Stephen

Triple Creek Ranch #4

by Rebekah A. Morris, Nikola Belley (Illustrations)

Norman Mavrich has no need for another hired hand, but when a young boy shows up asking for work, he can't turn him away. But where did the boy come from and what really brought him to the Triple Creek Ranch? The search for answers sends Bruce on an investigation and brings and unexpected conflict to the ranch family. Join the Mavriches, Mrs. O'Connor and the ranch hands for an eventful summer of hard work, fun and excitement.

Genres: Christian, Westerns, Historical Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

Rebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn't until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can't write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first book, "Home Fires of the Great War," a 500+ page, historical fiction about home life in the United States and Canada during the First World War. Since then, she has been an avid writer and always has more than one story going on at once because only one story at a time got tiring and dull.

Get a free collection of stories here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3ezo5k

Reviews

[Mikayla]

As always, I loved seeing the next installment in the series. Stephen was a very lovable kid and I loved getting to know him in this book.

The only thing I didn't like was Janelle is always just said to "care for Marian's needs." It sounded really detached and formal to me. Yes, I get trying to be historically sensitive and not mention what they would mention, but as a modern reader, I found it mildly annoying.

[Lydia Willcock]

Aww... I loved this next installment of the Triple Creek Ranch series! Even though I didn't think it would be at first, this is rapidly becoming a favourite series with me. Particularly Rustlers and this one, I think, although I don't know what makes them stand out more than the first two.
Anyway, I was super excited for this one and have been for a long time, so I'm so glad I was finally able to read it! I definitely left it too long, and had to reread parts of all three previous books, especially the last one - but I didn't mind that! :D
I loved Stephen the character so so much. And his relationship with Norman especially, but really all the Mavriches, was just so heartwarming and I loved it. I also liked the other characters in this - especially seeing more of Bruce. Also Ky - I'm rooting so hard for him to come out his shell! And I'm really enjoying the storyline with Elvira.
Stephen's story was soo good. I was so worried about how it would end! I loved Norman's (and all the family and the ranch hands') determination to keep him and to give him a home. And I loved his arc. My heart went out to Stephen so much.
My one complaint is that I really feel that Orlena acts too young for her age in those times (she's 13 in this book, and she felt more like she was 10 or 11 at most to me.) I've noticed it in the other books, but since she was still settling in and still very much growing in character, I thought it might right itself, and also it was somehow just more noticeable in this book. I felt like Stephen (the character) was accurately portrayed, though, especially for a boy with his upbringing.
I also really liked how Orlena continued to grow in this book, especially on certain things that were natural and realistic, and that the focus didn't shift completely to a new character! I loved all the old characters - really, Norman's wonderful. <3 And Jenelle is the sweetest wife, sister, and mother imaginable. <3 And Lloyd is still one of my favourites... I always want to see more of him like we did in the first book! :D In fact, I'd love a whole book about him...
I love all the ranch hands, though, and I love the ranching itself and also the exciting mysteries and family themes. Of all of them, this book felt the most like the Woodbreak series by the same author, which is a high compliment with me :D I don't know whether I preferred it to Rustlers or not - I don't think so, but I'd probably have to reread them one after the other. :D And I can hardly wait to start Set Free! Especially now that I know who it's primarily about...

[Angie Thompson]

Well, I certainly didn't realize it was going to take me this long to make it back around to the ranch. Now that I'm back, though, I don't intend to leave again anytime soon. :)

I feel like my reviews are at risk for becoming repetitive as the series goes along because the characters are my favorite part, and they're pretty much the same wonderful people they've been all along. (Except Orlena, who's wonderfully improved from her previous self, of course! :D) Stephen is a great addition to the ranch circle--my heart went out to him so much! I felt conflicted along with the Mavriches at times, loving his quiet, hardworking personality but wanting to see him loosen up and be a regular little boy, too. I loved the way Norman especially worked to balance his job and his pride with the care and love he so desperately needed. Jenelle wouldn't have been Jenelle if she hadn't just wanted to scoop him up and take him into her heart immediately. And I got a kick out of the contrast between Stephen's quietness and Orlena's chattiness. The times she tried to carry on a conversation with just the two of them were hilarious!

Also as usual, I loved the ranch hands--especially the way they accepted and protected Stephen. I don't know every single one of them yet, but so far I'm deeply in love with Lloyd, absolutely adore Bruce, and am really developing a soft spot for Ky. <3 I can't wait to see what adventures they'll all have next! (Hey, and are we ever going to get the real story of the fiddle?!? :D)

Next, please!

Content--a few incidents of hitting/slapping; mentions of a child being mistreated; people threatened; dangerous situations with a wild horse; mention of corporal punishment

[Bethany M. Griggs]

Another lovely book in the TCR series! Stephen is a wonderful addition to the family, and I look forward to getting to know him more in the next 2 books. It was so fun watching him become part of the family and realize that he was accepted and wanted. I also like the excitement that they had trying to keep him away from his relative. Another fun and cozy read in this heartwarming series!

[Bekah]

This is the fifth book in the Triple Creek Ranch Series and I do believe that this book is one of my favorite in this series. As always, Rebekah A. Morris has done an excellent job with this story and it was a joy for me to read another of her delightful, clean, God-honoring books! Well done, Rebekah!

I enjoyed reading of the lessons the characters learned along the way and how they worked together. I felt for Orlena as she had to swallow her pride and forgive a friend who had been mean to her and I enjoyed reading of Stephen learn to trust Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich and observe their relationships with the Lord. That being a Christian is more than just going to church; it's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Hannah E. Griggs]

Another great book in the TCR series! They just keep getting better and better! I enjoyed the addition of Stephen in this book, and I'm glad he gets to stay on at the ranch. I appreciate how the characters aren't perfect, because none of us are. This book had a good amount of conflict, humor, fun, and excitement. I can't wait to start the next book in the series!

[Avery]

This was probably the best book so far in the TCR series! I don’t know where begin! There’s soooooo much I love about this book! One of the bigger things in this book for me was how I can relate to how Orlena cleaned up he room! I used to do the same thing when I was little! 😂 It’s probably my favorite part in the book! Also, Lloyd just keeps getting more and more sisters! So far we’re at 4 so I can’t wait to read the next two books and see if he has any more!
Now onto the more serious stuff. I knew Orlena was going to end up getting jealous of Stephen. And I just knew that something bad was going to happen whenever Norman bought the crazy horse, Whiplash! Not gonna spoil any more there! I enjoy books with good endings and this one definitely has a good one! I almost cried right along with Stephen! I get so into the book and characters that whenever something, whether good or bad, happens to them I laugh or cry or just whatever right along with them!
I’m gonna stop spoiling things now and go start the next book!

[Blessing Counter]

Another great book! My sister also just finished reading it and we're both eager to read TCR-5; Set Free! :D

Stephen (I'm wondering, do you pronounce it with an "f" or a "v"?) is a very interesting character and I found myself wondering about his background throughout the whole story. It was hard remembering that he was only 9, most of the time, he acted so much older! I wasn't able to put the book down and it was way past midnight by the time I finished. I'll admit, I was in tears near the end. It wasn't a bad ending, no, not at all! It was happy, but so emotional too! :)

[Gera Wilkins]

Ok. Just finished, and wow! Has to be my favorite in the series so far! Little Stephen just tugged at my mama heart strings! I enjoyed watching Orlena work through some struggles as a young Christian. Very well written and looking forward to beginning book 5!

[Hailey Rose]

The best one yet! I love all of these books. This one is my favorite, though. :)

[Sarah]

I enjoyed getting back to this series again after letting it sit on my audiobook shelf for far too long, unread. This series is sweet, simple, and faith-centered. Perfect for a family read-aloud or all-ages reading.

Content notes: A married couple kisses a few times (not detailed), and some references are made to a boy being treated badly. A couple of unsavory people are mentioned. All of this was clean and appropriate even for young children (who I hope have seen their parents kissing and love each other)

[Kate Willis]

It's pretty hard to decide which of the books in this series is my favorite, but this one probably comes the closest. ; )

The Setting:
The story is, of course, set on the fabulous Triple Creek Ranch during summer. Awesome descriptions of the season and ranch life (including how to fix a fence, though I still don’t think I’ll ever be able to do it since I’m not strong enough). ; ) Probably my favorite part of the whole setting is the horses especially since there are a few new ones added in this book.

The Storyline:
The storyline was really amazing! Although the book is mainly about Stephen, the author didn’t drop the continued story of Orlena’s growing in Christ. I loved the lessons on reaching out to other and loving them especially the part where Norman says, “God made love to grow, if we share it. We can’t use it up.” Once again, the love of Christ really shone through the characters, and I loved the story of how they cared for Stephen.

The Characters:
The characters were delightful (and I almost have the ranch hands’ names down!) as always. The Mavrichs are just the cutest ever, and I love watching their family grow. Lloyd, Ky, Stephen, and Orlena rank next in my favorites; but I enjoy just about every character there is. (Nice detective work, Bruce! Thumbs up!)

The Concerns:
Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some schoolgirl spats including calling another girl a liar. (Resolved, of course.) Also, the marriage relationship in this is very sweet and godly, but some parents may not want younger children to read this because there is a lot of married kissing throughout the book. : ) My main concern however would be SPOILER ALERT!!! an evil, distant relative that has mistreated the boy and is coming to take him back.

I was very excited to read this book and bought it ASAP! I’m sorry if this review is a little sketchy since I usually like to write them directly after I read the book the first time, and this is written from a re-read.

[Rebekah Morris]

Rereading this book makes me smile as I had no plans for Stephen until he suddenly appeared in the TCR lane before I'd even finished writing Book 3. It turns out Stephen was a perfect addition to the cast. I enjoyed all my old friends and the story.