What do you think?
Rate this book
Lone Star Cowboy League #6
A Baby for the Rancher
The Cowboy's Unexpected Family
Awakening from a months-long coma, Ben Stillwater is met with a big surprise: the footloose bachelor cowboy is a father! Ben tries to adjust to life with baby Cody and decides what the child really needs is a mom. Sheriff Lucy Benson does not seem a likely candidate—she already has her hands full closing in on the thieves who have been targeting the ranches of Little Horn, Texas. But the closer Ben gets to Lucy—and the closer they get to solving the mystery—the more it seems the free-spirited rancher and the determined officer could be the perfect match.
Awakening from a months-long coma, Ben Stillwater is met with a big surprise: the footloose bachelor cowboy is a father! Ben tries to adjust to life with baby Cody and decides what the child really needs is a mom. Sheriff Lucy Benson does not seem a likely candidate—she already has her hands full closing in on the thieves who have been targeting the ranches of Little Horn, Texas. But the closer Ben gets to Lucy—and the closer they get to solving the mystery—the more it seems the free-spirited rancher and the determined officer could be the perfect match.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 16, 2016
52 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Daley
207 books498 followersMargaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 5, 2016
A Baby for the Rancher was a very good story. It was the last installment in a continuity series (each book was written by a different author). I had not read the other books in the series and did have to sort out who a few people were at the beginning of the book. But, the author did a good job of catching the reader up to what had happened in past stories, making it possible for me to thoroughly enjoy this tale that highlighted forgiveness, learning from past mistakes, and trusting God for the future.
Ben and Lucy were very well written and believable characters. I really liked them a lot and was impressed with the way the author was able to show how much Ben had changed from the ladies man he used to be. There was also great chemistry between these two, even when Lucy was trying to resist that attraction and unsure if she could trust Ben.
This was an enjoyable romance with an interesting mystery thread running though it that I enjoyed from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Ben and Lucy were very well written and believable characters. I really liked them a lot and was impressed with the way the author was able to show how much Ben had changed from the ladies man he used to be. There was also great chemistry between these two, even when Lucy was trying to resist that attraction and unsure if she could trust Ben.
This was an enjoyable romance with an interesting mystery thread running though it that I enjoyed from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 14, 2016
Another great book by Margaret Daley. I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about Lucy who is the sheriff in her hometown. She has issues of cattle rustlers to deal with. One rancher Byron is giving her a hard time about not being able to catch them.
Ben and Lucy have been friends for years. Now they are on committees together and Ben has a son to think about. Will things work out for Ben and Lucy. Will they remain friends or will they become more. Read the story to find out. I think I have found a new book boyfriend.
This story is about Lucy who is the sheriff in her hometown. She has issues of cattle rustlers to deal with. One rancher Byron is giving her a hard time about not being able to catch them.
Ben and Lucy have been friends for years. Now they are on committees together and Ben has a son to think about. Will things work out for Ben and Lucy. Will they remain friends or will they become more. Read the story to find out. I think I have found a new book boyfriend.
May 3, 2023
Oh, I am *DONE*.
DNF @ 34 pages... and good riddance.
Y'know, I'm not even gonna TRY to attempt to keep any of these. Sorry, Plieter - the sum is just too awful. They're ALL going away. And I'm not even shedding a tear.
This is the *SIXTH* and final book in a series called 'Lone Star Cowboy League', which is basically a rich-kid clique for gossipy, snotty, back-biting, TERRIBLE people who don't get anything done, shirk responsibilities they take on, and are overall utterly uninspiring.
The general storyline throughout the series is 1) Rustlers have been targeting rich ranches (aka League ranches) and taking a few head of unmarked cattle, here and there, along with trivial things of sentimental value to the owners.
2) 'Robin Hoods' have been giving gifts to struggling ranches, which of course the sheriff is immediately confiscating with ZERO evidence that the two are related... except at the end of the last book, Kastner threw in that the chickens gifted to the 5yo triplets were stolen from a ranch nearby. Which doesn't jive with *ANY* of the other gifts, some as large as hay binders. Which was a shoddy attempt five books in to justify overstepping by the law. GIVING GIFTS IS NOT A CRIME.
3) Subplot is that Ben (a rich, playboy League member) found a baby on his doorstep with a note ("Your baby, your turn"), and immediately jumps on a horse and falls off, going into a convenient writer's coma (Aarsen tells us in #4 that there are no internal injuries, no brain injuries, no hematomas). Three months later, Vanessa Vane (NOT. KIDDING.) shows up and claims to be the baby's mother and that Ben's identical twin - Grady - is the father. Grady conveniently discharges from the military at the EXACT SAME time (((SIGH))). She runs off when they ask for a DNA test.
THEN Ben wakes up off-series, and Kastner (#5) tells us he has had a mini-stroke (to try to justify the coma too late in the game), and he's recovering. At the EXACT SAME TIME, Olivia (#6) witnesses a young woman drive off a bridge on the way to town and die tragically... her car full of baby items and a sealed note with Ben's name on it. Note that - while the sheriff confiscates everything else in the vicinity of Little Horn, she does NOT take the note as evidence.
Meanwhile, every. single. writer has used their characters to bad-mouth Byron, the only citizen who's actually holding people accountable for 1) things they said they'd do and don't, 2) putting forth effort to find the perps, and 3) stop acting like a clique. So naturally they all hate on him - even the non-members who self-appoint themselves to the books' drama.
Sounds GRRRREAT don't it? Well, I was hoping that Daley would make things better. Give her part more gently, with a little more logic, and better writing.
Boy, I ask for the world.
And of course NEVER get it.
This last book is about the sheriff getting with Ben. Which... okay, whatever. They're both ineffectual, nasty, snobby and arrogant. That works.
Daley *STARTS OFF* her book by sending Sheriff Lucy yet again for coffee. All Lucy has done since book #1 is drink coffee, I swear. The writers tell us she looks 'haggard' and that she's 'so tired', so it must be decaf - a little caffeine might actually spur her to do more than base her perp profiles on bogus notes that may/may not be true.
Then what does Daley do? She DRIVES MY IRE THRU THE ROOF by immediately attacking Byron. My. Biggest. Peeve. No, don't hold back - be a TOTAL harpy right out the gate. She hates on him because he and his brother Mac both inherited money, but while Byron invested, worked his ranch, and was a good steward of what was given to him (Parable of the Good Steward, anyone?), Mac squandered his money, drove his ranch into the ground, took up alcohol, realized he was screwed, went to Byron for a hand-out, and when Byron didn't agree to give up his part of the inheritance to be pissed away in a bottle, Mac died of the drink, miserable, his daughter running away.
OF COURSE this means Byron's a jerk for practicing tough love and not enabling his brother, right? That's how the Parable of the Good Steward goes - the one who wasn't a good steward is given a hand0ut from the one who was, right? Wait, HE WASN'T???? God took everything from him and gave it to the responsible one, and the bad steward was cast out? Well... that's not right! WE WANT ENTITLEMENT! WE WANT ENTITLEMENT!!! MAKE PEOPLE WITH GOOD CREDIT SCORES PAY FOR BANKRUPT PEOPLE'S MORTGAGES!!!
Then Daley goes and makes Byron a red-head. Who. The heck. *ISN'T* a red-head in this dang town?!?!?!?! GAHHHHH!!!! Not only that, but because all of the writers have been instructed to hate on Byron, she now makes him fat, too. Perfect. Way to go, Daley.
Ben's been out of the hospital for 'days', after being comatose for SIX MONTHS, and Daley's already got him runnin' errands in town. That works? Really?? He runs into Sheriff Lucy in town, and tells her Zed and Grady had been running the ranch, but now he's back. Wait... WHO?!?!?!
I've just read all six books, back-to-back. There was no Zed in #2 (takes place at Ben's ranch). There was no Zed in book #4 (takes place at Ben's ranch - the ranch is run by Emilio, Lucas, and Josh, with Emilio acting as the one in charge. Grady had fallen back on Emilio, when he'd needed help. Heck, there's not even a Zed there when Saul - the farrier - is checking over the horses in book #4.) WHO THE HECK IS ZED?! Apparently Daley didn't bother reading the previous books, and pulled people out of her hiney for this?!
He tells Lucy that he'd promised Grandma he wouldn't work the first week - "only 36 hours to go". It's 'a beautiful March afternoon', so... thirty-six hours would be 3 a.m... and I'm NOT kidding. Who is discharged from a hospital at 3 a.m.?! Who WRITES this stuff?!?!
THEN Daley tells us that Ben's riding accident "led to a stroke caused by a head injury". FIRST, Aarsen told us there was no head injury, so... NO. Second, he didn't have a stroke. If he had, he wouldn't be walking out of a hospital mere weeks later with nary a physical impairment - that's what happens with a mini-stroke, not a stroke. WILL SOMEONE GET THESE WRITERS ON THE SAME PAGE?! Or at least show them how to reference prior stories within the series?!?!? GAHHHH!
She writes that Ben feels like "the accident seemed like an eternity ago". If he was in a coma? He didn't notice time passing, hello. Which she apparently already knows, as she write in the SAME paragraph, "He couldn't believe months were taken from him." Sigh. I'm sighing over here. Because she needs to make. up. her. mind.
The writing is abysmal, too. Here's a sentence for you: "I hate inactivity even if I have to work thru pain." WHAT the what?! Every English teacher I've ever had just rolled over in their graves. Even the living ones.
Daley tells us that Ben's been out of his coma for weeks, and Grady *STILL* hasn't given him the letter, because "there hasn't been a good time". Actually? When they brought the baby in and told him what's been going on would've been the good time, because wouldn't Ben be WONDERING who the mother was? Which is the *perfect* opening for giving him the letter? But please. Check your brain at the door.
Apparently "there's more than one woman it could be", Ben admits. Meaning the good chrischun boys going to Little Horn Community Church are gettin' it on with every Joan, Sue and Mary in the county... but they're the *good* guys. Riiiiiiight.
So as Grady's finally giving Ben the letter, he points out that his fiancée isn't gonna be around to watch Ben's baby much longer. After all, she's expecting her own baby, and ON TOP OF THAT, wants to own/operate a Physical Therapy clinic. Meaning she won't be around to take care of *HER* baby, either. In't that nice? I really, really am inspired by these people. No really.
Like everyone else in Little Horn, Texas, Ben's parents are gone. But now Daley tells us that his mother divorced his dad, married richer still, and died skiing on the Alps. Could you MAKE me dislike these materialistic, self-serving people any more?! I'm serious!!!!
And then the note. FINALLY Ben reads the note left by his dead baby's momma. What does it say?
Brace yourself.
Because this DID IT for me.
"I tried being a mother, I just wasn't any good at it. I just want to have fun. You should understand and not condemn me."
WHAT. IS. THAT?!?!?! First, the baby already came with a note, remember? "Your baby, Your turn"? Remember? So what is the point of THIS?!! There's no point to this. More, WHY would she write this stupid thing and bring it with her all the way to Little Horn??? If she's GOING there, couldn't she just SAY that? It. Makes. NO. Sense!!!!!
BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD WRITING!!!!!
Just.... NEVERMIND!!! I'm done!! I'm out!
Only 30-some pages, and it's terrible!!
Forget it! It's not WORTH it.
And I know what they're gonna do, anyhow. It's Byron's sons that did it - it's been set up for a while. Because we *MUST* punish the one person that was responsible, accountable, and free of gossip and maliciousness in this whole, unhappy WRECK of a series.
SKIP. IT. ALL. Please.
It should not ever have been published.
DNF @ 34 pages... and good riddance.
Y'know, I'm not even gonna TRY to attempt to keep any of these. Sorry, Plieter - the sum is just too awful. They're ALL going away. And I'm not even shedding a tear.
This is the *SIXTH* and final book in a series called 'Lone Star Cowboy League', which is basically a rich-kid clique for gossipy, snotty, back-biting, TERRIBLE people who don't get anything done, shirk responsibilities they take on, and are overall utterly uninspiring.
The general storyline throughout the series is 1) Rustlers have been targeting rich ranches (aka League ranches) and taking a few head of unmarked cattle, here and there, along with trivial things of sentimental value to the owners.
2) 'Robin Hoods' have been giving gifts to struggling ranches, which of course the sheriff is immediately confiscating with ZERO evidence that the two are related... except at the end of the last book, Kastner threw in that the chickens gifted to the 5yo triplets were stolen from a ranch nearby. Which doesn't jive with *ANY* of the other gifts, some as large as hay binders. Which was a shoddy attempt five books in to justify overstepping by the law. GIVING GIFTS IS NOT A CRIME.
3) Subplot is that Ben (a rich, playboy League member) found a baby on his doorstep with a note ("Your baby, your turn"), and immediately jumps on a horse and falls off, going into a convenient writer's coma (Aarsen tells us in #4 that there are no internal injuries, no brain injuries, no hematomas). Three months later, Vanessa Vane (NOT. KIDDING.) shows up and claims to be the baby's mother and that Ben's identical twin - Grady - is the father. Grady conveniently discharges from the military at the EXACT SAME time (((SIGH))). She runs off when they ask for a DNA test.
THEN Ben wakes up off-series, and Kastner (#5) tells us he has had a mini-stroke (to try to justify the coma too late in the game), and he's recovering. At the EXACT SAME TIME, Olivia (#6) witnesses a young woman drive off a bridge on the way to town and die tragically... her car full of baby items and a sealed note with Ben's name on it. Note that - while the sheriff confiscates everything else in the vicinity of Little Horn, she does NOT take the note as evidence.
Meanwhile, every. single. writer has used their characters to bad-mouth Byron, the only citizen who's actually holding people accountable for 1) things they said they'd do and don't, 2) putting forth effort to find the perps, and 3) stop acting like a clique. So naturally they all hate on him - even the non-members who self-appoint themselves to the books' drama.
Sounds GRRRREAT don't it? Well, I was hoping that Daley would make things better. Give her part more gently, with a little more logic, and better writing.
Boy, I ask for the world.
And of course NEVER get it.
This last book is about the sheriff getting with Ben. Which... okay, whatever. They're both ineffectual, nasty, snobby and arrogant. That works.
Daley *STARTS OFF* her book by sending Sheriff Lucy yet again for coffee. All Lucy has done since book #1 is drink coffee, I swear. The writers tell us she looks 'haggard' and that she's 'so tired', so it must be decaf - a little caffeine might actually spur her to do more than base her perp profiles on bogus notes that may/may not be true.
Then what does Daley do? She DRIVES MY IRE THRU THE ROOF by immediately attacking Byron. My. Biggest. Peeve. No, don't hold back - be a TOTAL harpy right out the gate. She hates on him because he and his brother Mac both inherited money, but while Byron invested, worked his ranch, and was a good steward of what was given to him (Parable of the Good Steward, anyone?), Mac squandered his money, drove his ranch into the ground, took up alcohol, realized he was screwed, went to Byron for a hand-out, and when Byron didn't agree to give up his part of the inheritance to be pissed away in a bottle, Mac died of the drink, miserable, his daughter running away.
OF COURSE this means Byron's a jerk for practicing tough love and not enabling his brother, right? That's how the Parable of the Good Steward goes - the one who wasn't a good steward is given a hand0ut from the one who was, right? Wait, HE WASN'T???? God took everything from him and gave it to the responsible one, and the bad steward was cast out? Well... that's not right! WE WANT ENTITLEMENT! WE WANT ENTITLEMENT!!! MAKE PEOPLE WITH GOOD CREDIT SCORES PAY FOR BANKRUPT PEOPLE'S MORTGAGES!!!
Then Daley goes and makes Byron a red-head. Who. The heck. *ISN'T* a red-head in this dang town?!?!?!?! GAHHHHH!!!! Not only that, but because all of the writers have been instructed to hate on Byron, she now makes him fat, too. Perfect. Way to go, Daley.
Ben's been out of the hospital for 'days', after being comatose for SIX MONTHS, and Daley's already got him runnin' errands in town. That works? Really?? He runs into Sheriff Lucy in town, and tells her Zed and Grady had been running the ranch, but now he's back. Wait... WHO?!?!?!
I've just read all six books, back-to-back. There was no Zed in #2 (takes place at Ben's ranch). There was no Zed in book #4 (takes place at Ben's ranch - the ranch is run by Emilio, Lucas, and Josh, with Emilio acting as the one in charge. Grady had fallen back on Emilio, when he'd needed help. Heck, there's not even a Zed there when Saul - the farrier - is checking over the horses in book #4.) WHO THE HECK IS ZED?! Apparently Daley didn't bother reading the previous books, and pulled people out of her hiney for this?!
He tells Lucy that he'd promised Grandma he wouldn't work the first week - "only 36 hours to go". It's 'a beautiful March afternoon', so... thirty-six hours would be 3 a.m... and I'm NOT kidding. Who is discharged from a hospital at 3 a.m.?! Who WRITES this stuff?!?!
THEN Daley tells us that Ben's riding accident "led to a stroke caused by a head injury". FIRST, Aarsen told us there was no head injury, so... NO. Second, he didn't have a stroke. If he had, he wouldn't be walking out of a hospital mere weeks later with nary a physical impairment - that's what happens with a mini-stroke, not a stroke. WILL SOMEONE GET THESE WRITERS ON THE SAME PAGE?! Or at least show them how to reference prior stories within the series?!?!? GAHHHH!
She writes that Ben feels like "the accident seemed like an eternity ago". If he was in a coma? He didn't notice time passing, hello. Which she apparently already knows, as she write in the SAME paragraph, "He couldn't believe months were taken from him." Sigh. I'm sighing over here. Because she needs to make. up. her. mind.
The writing is abysmal, too. Here's a sentence for you: "I hate inactivity even if I have to work thru pain." WHAT the what?! Every English teacher I've ever had just rolled over in their graves. Even the living ones.
Daley tells us that Ben's been out of his coma for weeks, and Grady *STILL* hasn't given him the letter, because "there hasn't been a good time". Actually? When they brought the baby in and told him what's been going on would've been the good time, because wouldn't Ben be WONDERING who the mother was? Which is the *perfect* opening for giving him the letter? But please. Check your brain at the door.
Apparently "there's more than one woman it could be", Ben admits. Meaning the good chrischun boys going to Little Horn Community Church are gettin' it on with every Joan, Sue and Mary in the county... but they're the *good* guys. Riiiiiiight.
So as Grady's finally giving Ben the letter, he points out that his fiancée isn't gonna be around to watch Ben's baby much longer. After all, she's expecting her own baby, and ON TOP OF THAT, wants to own/operate a Physical Therapy clinic. Meaning she won't be around to take care of *HER* baby, either. In't that nice? I really, really am inspired by these people. No really.
Like everyone else in Little Horn, Texas, Ben's parents are gone. But now Daley tells us that his mother divorced his dad, married richer still, and died skiing on the Alps. Could you MAKE me dislike these materialistic, self-serving people any more?! I'm serious!!!!
And then the note. FINALLY Ben reads the note left by his dead baby's momma. What does it say?
Brace yourself.
Because this DID IT for me.
"I tried being a mother, I just wasn't any good at it. I just want to have fun. You should understand and not condemn me."
WHAT. IS. THAT?!?!?! First, the baby already came with a note, remember? "Your baby, Your turn"? Remember? So what is the point of THIS?!! There's no point to this. More, WHY would she write this stupid thing and bring it with her all the way to Little Horn??? If she's GOING there, couldn't she just SAY that? It. Makes. NO. Sense!!!!!
BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD WRITING!!!!!
Just.... NEVERMIND!!! I'm done!! I'm out!
Only 30-some pages, and it's terrible!!
Forget it! It's not WORTH it.
And I know what they're gonna do, anyhow. It's Byron's sons that did it - it's been set up for a while. Because we *MUST* punish the one person that was responsible, accountable, and free of gossip and maliciousness in this whole, unhappy WRECK of a series.
SKIP. IT. ALL. Please.
It should not ever have been published.
February 22, 2016
A Baby for the Rancher is such a sweet read. With a good looking rancher and a baby, who wouldn't love it? It is a beautiful story of letting go of the past and moving n.
I highly recommend this book.
5 stars.
I highly recommend this book.
5 stars.
November 27, 2021
4.5/5 actually
I have to admit that I didn’t think I’d like this book, and the first half seemed a bit slow; but once things began moving, they really moved.
I prefer the Amish books of this line more, but these are a doable second.
I have to admit that I didn’t think I’d like this book, and the first half seemed a bit slow; but once things began moving, they really moved.
I prefer the Amish books of this line more, but these are a doable second.
February 20, 2018
This book was slow and it drug out in some parts. when it did get to the part when they confess their feelings it was too short. literally at the end of the book.
January 9, 2019
Really redundant conversations. Even for this “type” of book. Just boring.
November 1, 2019
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book.
It’s a mixture of a matchmaking grandmother and love story from alone Star Cowboy series.
Would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book.
It’s a mixture of a matchmaking grandmother and love story from alone Star Cowboy series.
Would recommend this book.
February 14, 2020
This was a cute conclusion
July 28, 2020
This whole series was great!
May 20, 2024
great series
Every story is well written with great story line. Great characters Soto a mystery solved and a good live story in the story.
Every story is well written with great story line. Great characters Soto a mystery solved and a good live story in the story.
August 20, 2024
I enjoyed the book enough to share it. But not to save it and re-read.
May 27, 2025
awsome
February 23, 2016
Love Inspired and Margaret Daley release the 6th installment in the Lone Star Cowboy League series. This series is set in the small town of Little Horn, Texas and the stories center around the families that live there.
As the story opens Sheriff Lucy Benson is dealing with trouble in her county. Someone has not only been rustling cattle, but also stealing equipment from local ranchers. The perplexing problem is the thieves are attempting a modern day Robin Hood scenario, stealing from the richer ranches and giving it to the people who need a little help.
Ben Stillwater is a local rancher, but his ranch hasn't been touched. This could be attributed to the fact he has recently been released from the hospital after an accident that put him in a coma for months. This accident was life altering for Ben, but also the fact he just learned he's a father has added to it.
Lucy is following up on leads/clues/suspicions and asks Ben if she he could assist her in the investigation. As the investigation starts to heat up so does the romantic tension between Lucy and Ben.
This story is a clean, feel good romance interlaced with a small town mystery. I loved Lucy and Ben because the characters seemed so real, flaws and all.
The description of Ben reminded me of an old saying my grandmother used, "he's a tall drink of water." In other words a good looking man with a cocky grin and a devil may care attitude. Yes, that would have aptly described Ben until his accident. Oh, still has his good looks and that cocky grin, but he's become more serious and thoughtful since the accident. He's lived his life fast and loose, but finding out he's a father has changed his entire outlook on life.
Lucy has wanted to be a police officer since the day she shadowed her dad (the former sheriff) at work when she was 12. She worked as a police officer in San Antonio for a few years before returning to the safety of Little Horn. Betrayal left many scars on Lucy and she doesn't know if she will ever open herself up again to that kind of hurt. You've heard the old saying, "once burned, twice shy", well that's Lucy.
This is a great story of southern charm, small town mystery and love.
Margaret Daley is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of weaving words together that bring both the characters and setting to life and pulls you into the story. The plot will grab you from page one and keep you turning the pages. The secondary characters are integrated into the story and makes you feel like you are a part of the community of Little Horn. I loved both characters and loved how Ben was very protective over Lucy, but at the same time would step back and let her do her job.
As much as I enjoyed the story there was also a powerful message of forgiveness which we can easily apply to our own lives.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance or just a good read.
*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence as stated above.
As the story opens Sheriff Lucy Benson is dealing with trouble in her county. Someone has not only been rustling cattle, but also stealing equipment from local ranchers. The perplexing problem is the thieves are attempting a modern day Robin Hood scenario, stealing from the richer ranches and giving it to the people who need a little help.
Ben Stillwater is a local rancher, but his ranch hasn't been touched. This could be attributed to the fact he has recently been released from the hospital after an accident that put him in a coma for months. This accident was life altering for Ben, but also the fact he just learned he's a father has added to it.
Lucy is following up on leads/clues/suspicions and asks Ben if she he could assist her in the investigation. As the investigation starts to heat up so does the romantic tension between Lucy and Ben.
This story is a clean, feel good romance interlaced with a small town mystery. I loved Lucy and Ben because the characters seemed so real, flaws and all.
The description of Ben reminded me of an old saying my grandmother used, "he's a tall drink of water." In other words a good looking man with a cocky grin and a devil may care attitude. Yes, that would have aptly described Ben until his accident. Oh, still has his good looks and that cocky grin, but he's become more serious and thoughtful since the accident. He's lived his life fast and loose, but finding out he's a father has changed his entire outlook on life.
Lucy has wanted to be a police officer since the day she shadowed her dad (the former sheriff) at work when she was 12. She worked as a police officer in San Antonio for a few years before returning to the safety of Little Horn. Betrayal left many scars on Lucy and she doesn't know if she will ever open herself up again to that kind of hurt. You've heard the old saying, "once burned, twice shy", well that's Lucy.
This is a great story of southern charm, small town mystery and love.
Margaret Daley is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of weaving words together that bring both the characters and setting to life and pulls you into the story. The plot will grab you from page one and keep you turning the pages. The secondary characters are integrated into the story and makes you feel like you are a part of the community of Little Horn. I loved both characters and loved how Ben was very protective over Lucy, but at the same time would step back and let her do her job.
As much as I enjoyed the story there was also a powerful message of forgiveness which we can easily apply to our own lives.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance or just a good read.
*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence as stated above.
May 19, 2017
This was the final book of this segment of the Cowboy League continuity series. A happy ending for Baby Cody and an interesting relationship between sheriff Lucy and Ben.
As far as the connection between the Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical continuity series, there wasn't a whole lot of connection except that the League stayed together for all those years and there was a name or two to show there was a connection, but no real story line connection. Both were great on their own though.
As far as the connection between the Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical continuity series, there wasn't a whole lot of connection except that the League stayed together for all those years and there was a name or two to show there was a connection, but no real story line connection. Both were great on their own though.
February 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was the last book in the series but you don't have to have read all the earlier books to read this one. The author wraps up everything nicely but you can still follow along easily if you haven't read the other books. The theme of this book is forgiveness and also, the fact that people can change. There are a couple characters in this series that change for the better as the series moves along. It gives you hope as you read it because you know that whatever your circumstances in life, you can change your behavior and outlook. In this final book, Ben (who has been in all the books) has come through a major transformation of character. He used to be a "live for the moment" kind of guy and didn't make commitments to people, especially women. He was just out for a good time, although he wasn't a mean person. However, he has been in a coma for several weeks and upon waking, his life has changed completely - most people would be the same! He finds out he's a father and takes that responsibility seriously. He wants to change his life to become that person who is different than his own father was. Lucy, who is the sheriff, has known him for years, and while she can see the changes in him, doesn't know if the changes will last. She loves Ben's new son, Cody, is half in love with Ben too but doesn't know if she can commit to them because she had a jerk of an ex-boyfriend in the past who was a two-timing her AND she's still trying to wrap up the case of the cattle rustlers! Thankfully, Lucy & Ben work things out and the cattle rustlers from the beginning of the series are finally caught! The epilogue ties everything up with a satisfying conclusion! A wonderful series that I really enjoyed!
February 19, 2016
This is a beautiful story of learning from the past and letting go of it rather than being held captive by it. Ben Stillwater could have continued down the same trail he had followed for years but a baby and a serious accident that could have left him severely handicapped came as a wake-up call. Recovering from the accident and a stroke caused by the accident gave him the time and opportunity to reconsider his life. He had some choices to make. Would he make the right ones? Would he be a better father to his son, Cody, than his father had been to him? Where will he find a nanny or a mother for his son? Sheriff Lucy Benson had known Ben since childhood and had some major reservations about him because of his past and her own bad experiences. How is Lucy going to crack the case of the Robin Hood rustlers? The case seems to be dividing the town but will solving it create an even greater rift between the good folks of Little Horn, Texas? The story is suspenseful but inspiring. Significant lessons about forgiveness are woven into the interactions between the various characters. Because of the interesting story and inspiring lessons, I recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 29, 2016
A Baby for the Rancher is part of the Lone Star Cowboy League series about big-hearted ranchers in small-town Texas. Margaret Daley is an expert story-teller, and her characters are so relatable. Ben Stillwater wakes up from a coma to discover he is a father! Ben has been rebellious and on the wild side his entire life due in part to unresolved anger toward his father. After waking up from his coma he realizes that he has wasted so much of his life and is determined to be a better person and the best dad to baby Cody. Sheriff Lucy Benson has her hands full solving a cattle rustling/robbery case and finds herself spending a lot of time with Ben and Cody. The more time they spend together Lucy sees the changes in Ben but can she believe him? Her past relationship promised changes but it turned out to not be true, and she was betrayed. Can she trust again? Will Ben be able to forgive his father and fulfil his promise to be the best dad to son Cody? This is a sweet story of forgiveness and trust. You’ll definitely want this on your to-be-read pile!
March 11, 2016
A Baby For The Rancher ( Long Star Cowboy League Series )
By: Margaret Daley
A Baby For The Cowboy is the sixth installment in the Long Star Cowboy League series .
Even though it is a series you can read it as a stand-a-lone with no problems. Love Inspired and Margaret Daley you can count on, they do not disappoint me. I loved the story and the characters , both were easy to follow. I was hooked right from the start of A Baby For The Rancher. Ben had an accident and was in a comma for a while. Well , Ben awakening from his comma with a big surprise. Ben’s life changes . He also has some problems at the ranch that will involve the sheriff , Lucy. Will Ben adjust to his new life? He is learning from his past. Will Ben and Lucy solve the problem at the ranch?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review , which I have given.
By: Margaret Daley
A Baby For The Cowboy is the sixth installment in the Long Star Cowboy League series .
Even though it is a series you can read it as a stand-a-lone with no problems. Love Inspired and Margaret Daley you can count on, they do not disappoint me. I loved the story and the characters , both were easy to follow. I was hooked right from the start of A Baby For The Rancher. Ben had an accident and was in a comma for a while. Well , Ben awakening from his comma with a big surprise. Ben’s life changes . He also has some problems at the ranch that will involve the sheriff , Lucy. Will Ben adjust to his new life? He is learning from his past. Will Ben and Lucy solve the problem at the ranch?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review , which I have given.
June 9, 2016
I have enjoyed the whole series about the Lonestar Cowboy League and it's members. Ben Stillwater, introduced in earlier books, has been in a coma due to a stroke brought on by his head injury. When he wakes up he remembers the reason he fell off his horse. He had just discovered that he was a father. Known around town for his love 'em and leave 'em ways, Ben settles into fatherhood like he has always done it.
No one is more sceptical of the change in Ben than Sheriff Lucy Benson. She grew up with Ben and watched him date nearly every girl in town. When he starts helping Lucy with her cattle rustler investigation, she realizes his dedication to his ranch is only exceeded by his love for his son. Could his interest in her be the real deal and could she fit into their family?
No one is more sceptical of the change in Ben than Sheriff Lucy Benson. She grew up with Ben and watched him date nearly every girl in town. When he starts helping Lucy with her cattle rustler investigation, she realizes his dedication to his ranch is only exceeded by his love for his son. Could his interest in her be the real deal and could she fit into their family?
March 9, 2016
A Baby for the Rancher is an entertaining tale of mystery and romance!
Ben and Lucy are great characters, and their story imparts a strong message of forgiveness. Although it is the last installment in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity series, I had no trouble enjoying A Baby for the Rancher as a stand-alone book. Plenty of details are given to enlighten the reader to the thread of mystery that runs through the series.
I enjoyed my first visit to Little Horn, Texas, and am sure those who have followed this series will delight in its satisfying conclusion!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Ben and Lucy are great characters, and their story imparts a strong message of forgiveness. Although it is the last installment in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity series, I had no trouble enjoying A Baby for the Rancher as a stand-alone book. Plenty of details are given to enlighten the reader to the thread of mystery that runs through the series.
I enjoyed my first visit to Little Horn, Texas, and am sure those who have followed this series will delight in its satisfying conclusion!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
July 29, 2016
A sweet Texas tale of love & family...
What a sweet story from a wonderful author. A Baby For The Rancher is more proof that Margaret Daley is a talented author who can do other genres besides suspense. A little mystery and romance surrounded in a tale of family, forgiveness, and starting things anew. From the adorable cover to the lovely story within, Margaret Daley's A Baby For The Rancher is an enjoyable read. Plus you just can't beat a story set in Texas with horses AND cowboys.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
What a sweet story from a wonderful author. A Baby For The Rancher is more proof that Margaret Daley is a talented author who can do other genres besides suspense. A little mystery and romance surrounded in a tale of family, forgiveness, and starting things anew. From the adorable cover to the lovely story within, Margaret Daley's A Baby For The Rancher is an enjoyable read. Plus you just can't beat a story set in Texas with horses AND cowboys.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
March 4, 2016
This is the last book of the series. I wish it wasn`t, you don`t need to read the other books in the series, but you sure would enjoy them. She is such a great author when I see Margaret`s name on a book, I buy it as I know I will enjoy it. The book takes place in a town called Little Horn, Texas. The town has some problems with cattle missing and Lucy tries to find out who did it.
It is a page turner that I know you will enjoy. I didn`t want to put the book down to go to sleep
It is a page turner that I know you will enjoy. I didn`t want to put the book down to go to sleep
March 8, 2016
A beautiful story, with a beautiful ending. Have been getting stronger and stronger thoughts of who the thieves were as reading the other books in the series. I am happy to know I was correct, buy even more, I love how everything was handled with it. I enjoyed this read very much and of course the love story in it. Thank you.
November 3, 2016
I enjoyed this novel. I thought it was well-written. The plot was well-developed, and the characters were personable. This is one of six novels in a series; and, having read one of the others, I was glad to catch up on what the characters from that novel were doing in this one. I enjoy these Love-Inspired books because I can read one in a few hours.
February 14, 2016
A Baby For The Rancher by Margaret Daley. This is the last book in The Lone Star Cowboy League series. We finally find out who the Robin Hood bandit are. The story had some twist in it and of course a romance happened. A good read.
Read
March 10, 2016"...it is wonderful to finally learn the identity of “Robin Hood.” Ben’s transformation is encouraging" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League
April 27, 2016
I enjoyed this part of the Lone Star Cowboy League. I have enjoyed the other books and Margaret Daley does not disappoint in this installment. It was good to see Ben up and working toward his goal. A good read all the way around.
Read
July 12, 2016This was an enjoyable read, with all the twists and turns of the crime affecting friends and neighbors. I liked that the female sheriff held her own even against the ones who thought they knew better. And, of course, there has to be a budding relationship to keep us wanting to read more!
February 1, 2016
Loved the book. I like that it was part of a series and even if you didn't have the other 5 books you could follow along with the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews