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Martin's Crossing #4
The Rancher's First Love
Second-Chance Cowboy Remington Jenkins is back and Martin's Crossing will never be the same. At least not for Samantha Martin. Her teenage crush is all grown-up, and she's realizing the full-time rancher, part-time preacher, still holds her heart. Back then, Rem planned to marry her—until her overprotective brothers sent her away. If he can brave her formidable family, Rem's finally got a shot with the pretty nurse. But first, Sam has a secret that she must share before they can turn their summer romance into a winter wedding…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 16, 2016
37 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
114 books213 followersBrenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2019
For what is supposed to be a "clean romance" line, it was a bit of a surprise to find that Samantha was pregnant when she was sent away by her brothers. There was a slight hint of that earlier in the novel but it wasn't something I expected to be revealed.
Samantha seems to be shutting herself off to avoid the pain of loss. Her mother walked out on the family when Samantha was a baby. It seems that Samantha felt no one really loved her for herself when young. Her father died. Her older sister had some vague problems that aren't discussed in this book. Her three brothers and Remington's grandfather, Gus, made the decision to send the pregnant Samantha away to her Aunt Mavis Remington was sent back to his parents in a big city not knowing about the pregnancy. Aunt Mavis appears to have been more of a condemnation sort than a forgiving sort which probably means Samantha didn't feel much love from her. Samantha's daughter was taken from her shortly after birth and adopted. Quite a bit of loss leading up to her teen years. I don't find it hard to believe that she has trouble letting people in--which surprises me that she became a nurse and feels so deeply for the children--she seems to let the children in to her heart but distrusts the adults.
At one point Samantha comments that Remington sees the possibilities (the positives/optimism) where she tends to see the what ifs (the negatives/cynicism or pessimism).
I like that Remington doesn't give up on her--though sometimes it does seem like he's forcing his way in (even though he keeps saying he's not trying to do that).
Samantha seems to be shutting herself off to avoid the pain of loss. Her mother walked out on the family when Samantha was a baby. It seems that Samantha felt no one really loved her for herself when young. Her father died. Her older sister had some vague problems that aren't discussed in this book. Her three brothers and Remington's grandfather, Gus, made the decision to send the pregnant Samantha away to her Aunt Mavis Remington was sent back to his parents in a big city not knowing about the pregnancy. Aunt Mavis appears to have been more of a condemnation sort than a forgiving sort which probably means Samantha didn't feel much love from her. Samantha's daughter was taken from her shortly after birth and adopted. Quite a bit of loss leading up to her teen years. I don't find it hard to believe that she has trouble letting people in--which surprises me that she became a nurse and feels so deeply for the children--she seems to let the children in to her heart but distrusts the adults.
At one point Samantha comments that Remington sees the possibilities (the positives/optimism) where she tends to see the what ifs (the negatives/cynicism or pessimism).
I like that Remington doesn't give up on her--though sometimes it does seem like he's forcing his way in (even though he keeps saying he's not trying to do that).
June 25, 2018
This series, for some reason, pulls my emotions through the ringer. Each of the books so far, run the gamut of emotions. From laughter to sadness, from love to hate, from family to being alone. These books have it all!
March 22, 2019
Slow
This story had great potential but the continued reference to the main characters pasts hindered development of their present relationship. The support characters were well knitted and the reader could easily visualize them as a family.
This story had great potential but the continued reference to the main characters pasts hindered development of their present relationship. The support characters were well knitted and the reader could easily visualize them as a family.
March 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this second chance love story. This book had been sitting in my TBR for some time and I'm glad I finally got to it. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, but it didn't stop me enjoying this one at all.
(4.5 stars)
(4.5 stars)
October 12, 2018
Wow know how that feels
October 16, 2019
It was cool reading a book were I recognized characters from previous books!
April 30, 2020
Loved the story. Each book is so unique, but blends right in with the series.
August 1, 2020
I loved it the author did awesome job with the book I loved the characters and she did it awesome job at describing stuff
September 18, 2021
Not great...but not terrible. This is my least favorite Brenda Minton book I've read so far.
May 30, 2024
Such a sweet story. Definitely one of my favorit reads this year
October 12, 2024
great
This is the fourth in this series. I’m loving this series I’m glad I’ve waited to read the in order all at once. Now on to the next one.
This is the fourth in this series. I’m loving this series I’m glad I’ve waited to read the in order all at once. Now on to the next one.
April 15, 2016
3 1/2
Samantha Martin and Remington Jenkins have a history together. A summer romance as teenagers that was serious enough for her brothers to send Remington packing and Sam off to her aunts. Now she’s all grown up and working as a Nurse back in Martin’s Crossing and fixing up a place of her own, she thinks life is pretty good. That is until Remington walks back into her life. He now runs the ranch with his grandfather and is also a part-time preacher at their local church. Rem loved Samantha and wanted to marry her until her brothers sent her away. Now he has a second chance with her and nothing is going to stop him, especially not her overprotective brothers. Sam still feels a connection with Rem but is afraid to open her heart again and what will happen when she shares the secret she’s kept from him all these years?
This was a good addition to the Martin’s Crossing series. I enjoyed seeing all the familiar folks and catching up with how they’re doing. I liked Samantha but I didn’t really connect with her as a character. You could understand why she felt the way she did but I kinda felt like she blamed Remington for something that wasn’t really his fault. Remington was a sweetheart of a guy. Someone you could easily lose your heart to. The connection between Remington and Sam was definitely there but I just felt something was lacking. I appreciated Rem’s strong faith and the difference it made in those around him. It seemed like there was still tension between him and Sam’s brothers which I didn’t really understand. Overall this was a good story of putting your past where it belongs; in the past. It’s part of what shapes who you are but it doesn’t define your future. That’s a great thing to remember. You could read this as a stand alone although it does have family from previous books, but I don’t think you’d feel lost. I’m now looking forward to Kayla’s story.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Some favorite parts:
“I know who I am, Rem. I’m broken. I’m flawed. I couldn’t stand next to you and pretend I’m anything more than a person who has made mistakes. “We’re all broken and flawed, Sam. That’s the beauty of it. We don’t have to be perfect.”
“Church is hard, isn’t it?” Grace said in sympathy. “It’s the place where we should be loved, forgiven, nurtured. It’s a place of mercy. But sometimes it isn’t. We just have to remember that people are human and they bring all of their human frailties with them to church.”
“I’d like to not live in the past,” he ventured with some caution. “The past is always with us. It shapes us.” “Yes, it shapes us. It’s doesn’t have to hold us prisoner.”
Samantha Martin and Remington Jenkins have a history together. A summer romance as teenagers that was serious enough for her brothers to send Remington packing and Sam off to her aunts. Now she’s all grown up and working as a Nurse back in Martin’s Crossing and fixing up a place of her own, she thinks life is pretty good. That is until Remington walks back into her life. He now runs the ranch with his grandfather and is also a part-time preacher at their local church. Rem loved Samantha and wanted to marry her until her brothers sent her away. Now he has a second chance with her and nothing is going to stop him, especially not her overprotective brothers. Sam still feels a connection with Rem but is afraid to open her heart again and what will happen when she shares the secret she’s kept from him all these years?
This was a good addition to the Martin’s Crossing series. I enjoyed seeing all the familiar folks and catching up with how they’re doing. I liked Samantha but I didn’t really connect with her as a character. You could understand why she felt the way she did but I kinda felt like she blamed Remington for something that wasn’t really his fault. Remington was a sweetheart of a guy. Someone you could easily lose your heart to. The connection between Remington and Sam was definitely there but I just felt something was lacking. I appreciated Rem’s strong faith and the difference it made in those around him. It seemed like there was still tension between him and Sam’s brothers which I didn’t really understand. Overall this was a good story of putting your past where it belongs; in the past. It’s part of what shapes who you are but it doesn’t define your future. That’s a great thing to remember. You could read this as a stand alone although it does have family from previous books, but I don’t think you’d feel lost. I’m now looking forward to Kayla’s story.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Some favorite parts:
“I know who I am, Rem. I’m broken. I’m flawed. I couldn’t stand next to you and pretend I’m anything more than a person who has made mistakes. “We’re all broken and flawed, Sam. That’s the beauty of it. We don’t have to be perfect.”
“Church is hard, isn’t it?” Grace said in sympathy. “It’s the place where we should be loved, forgiven, nurtured. It’s a place of mercy. But sometimes it isn’t. We just have to remember that people are human and they bring all of their human frailties with them to church.”
“I’d like to not live in the past,” he ventured with some caution. “The past is always with us. It shapes us.” “Yes, it shapes us. It’s doesn’t have to hold us prisoner.”
March 22, 2016
Samantha still holds some anger and resentment towards her family and Remington for what happened to her when she was a teenager. Caught with Remington her brothers sent her away to live with her aunt. Now Samantha is back in Martin's Crossing working as a nurse. But she can't get over the feelings of rejection when she was sent away and the anger at Remington for not coming to rescue her. And now he's back and wanting to get to know her again. But Samantha just can't reconcile the boy she knew so long ago, with the preacher/rancher he has become. With a faith that is rocky and some trust issues she can't seem to shake, Remington realizes he may never be able to cross that friend zone she's put him in.
This was a very emotion driven plot. There wasn't a lot of movement in the story since it was wrapped around the reunion and how or if the couple would be able to resume their relationship. The book would work as a stand-alone, but with so many unfamiliar characters and their stories being referenced, it would make more sense to have read the previous books first. The author did a great job of infusing faith into the story without it coming across as preachy. I enjoyed the writing style and several of the secondary characters were intriguing. But I'm not fond of an angsty story and saw the one "surprise" coming at the beginning of the book. Overall, this is a story that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotional plots and lots of feelings. The writing is well done and the characters are engaging, but the story line just wasn't my personal preference.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very emotion driven plot. There wasn't a lot of movement in the story since it was wrapped around the reunion and how or if the couple would be able to resume their relationship. The book would work as a stand-alone, but with so many unfamiliar characters and their stories being referenced, it would make more sense to have read the previous books first. The author did a great job of infusing faith into the story without it coming across as preachy. I enjoyed the writing style and several of the secondary characters were intriguing. But I'm not fond of an angsty story and saw the one "surprise" coming at the beginning of the book. Overall, this is a story that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotional plots and lots of feelings. The writing is well done and the characters are engaging, but the story line just wasn't my personal preference.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2016
A heartfelt story about faith, hope, love, and forgiveness.
There's so much sorrow, anger, disappointment and loneliness in Sam. She has felt her whole life, that people leave, or sent her away, they are not there to stay, to love, to be trusted. And for good reasons.
Remington only really loved one girl, but her family, brothers, made sure they didn't have a future together. Now, ten years later, if they can forgive each other, their families, and leave the past behind, will they really have a second chance at the forever kind of love?
So much heart, love, and trust is needed, to open up your mind, trust again after your heart has been shattered, and to forgive. Sam is struggling to find her place with her family, to see if she could finally fit in.
Remington is willing to do anything to have Sam in his life again, more as a friend.
And if the heart break between Remington and Sam doesn't bring you to tears, their efforts to help the little kids at the hospital surely will.
The story isn't just about pain, hurt, love, and forgiveness, meddling brothers, and teenage crushes turning into love. It is also about hope for a better tomorrow, and about faith that God will guide you through anything, and trust that it will happen.
~ Four Spoons
There's so much sorrow, anger, disappointment and loneliness in Sam. She has felt her whole life, that people leave, or sent her away, they are not there to stay, to love, to be trusted. And for good reasons.
Remington only really loved one girl, but her family, brothers, made sure they didn't have a future together. Now, ten years later, if they can forgive each other, their families, and leave the past behind, will they really have a second chance at the forever kind of love?
So much heart, love, and trust is needed, to open up your mind, trust again after your heart has been shattered, and to forgive. Sam is struggling to find her place with her family, to see if she could finally fit in.
Remington is willing to do anything to have Sam in his life again, more as a friend.
And if the heart break between Remington and Sam doesn't bring you to tears, their efforts to help the little kids at the hospital surely will.
The story isn't just about pain, hurt, love, and forgiveness, meddling brothers, and teenage crushes turning into love. It is also about hope for a better tomorrow, and about faith that God will guide you through anything, and trust that it will happen.
~ Four Spoons
March 12, 2016
4 STARS
I have enjoyed reading this series Martin's Crossing. The Rancher's First Love is book #4. It is a emotional story. We meet Samantha Martin.
Sam is back home. Her brothers sent her away when she was a teenager. They did what they thought was right. Sam has a hard trusting that people will not leave her. She is a nurse working with children.
Remington Jenkins was the ranch hand that Sam was in love with that her brothers caught them together. Remington was kicked off their ranch and sent back to his parents. Remington has moved back to Martin's Crossing to help his family. I love his horse John Wayne.
Sam and Remington have to forgive each other and their families.
You meet some new characters and see a bunch from the first 3 books back.
This is a Christian romance. A lot about prayer that fits so well in the story considering Remington is the new pastor.
The characters felt real. They had weakness and strong characters. They cared for those around them.
I have enjoyed reading the first 5 books of this series this week and look forward to reading more books by Brenda Minton in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Rancher's First Love.
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March 19, 2016THE RANCHER’S FIRST LOVE by BRENDA MINTON:
Remington Jenkins is back in Martin’s Crossing, and has his eye on Samantha Martin. He may be able to preach a good sermon on Sunday morning, but convincing Sam she should give them a second chance is proving to be a challenge.
Sam Martin is shocked to see the handsome cowboy she fell in love with nearly a decade ago, walk into the hospital she works at. Rem seems to be a changed man, but can she ever trust the man with her heart again?
I have written many reviews for books by BRENDA MINTON. For THE RANCHER’S FIRST LOVE I will write a list of pros and cons.
PROS:
Amazing writing.
Three dimensional characters that you will fall in love with.
A great storyline. Love how MS MINTON handled it.
Unique and amazing lines that will have you in awe.
A beginning that will grab your attention.
An ending that will leave you satisfied - aside from not wanting it to end.
CONS:
Zero
That pretty much sums up THE RANCHER’S FIRST LOVE.
Can’t wait for the next.
Remington Jenkins is back in Martin’s Crossing, and has his eye on Samantha Martin. He may be able to preach a good sermon on Sunday morning, but convincing Sam she should give them a second chance is proving to be a challenge.
Sam Martin is shocked to see the handsome cowboy she fell in love with nearly a decade ago, walk into the hospital she works at. Rem seems to be a changed man, but can she ever trust the man with her heart again?
I have written many reviews for books by BRENDA MINTON. For THE RANCHER’S FIRST LOVE I will write a list of pros and cons.
PROS:
Amazing writing.
Three dimensional characters that you will fall in love with.
A great storyline. Love how MS MINTON handled it.
Unique and amazing lines that will have you in awe.
A beginning that will grab your attention.
An ending that will leave you satisfied - aside from not wanting it to end.
CONS:
Zero
That pretty much sums up THE RANCHER’S FIRST LOVE.
Can’t wait for the next.
July 11, 2016
Avis, Central patron, July 2016, 4 stars:
The Rancher's First Love by Brenda Minton was a great story about coming to terms with the relationships and mistakes of the past. Samantha and Remington had a summer fling that ended in heartache when her brothers sent her away. When both move back to the same town, they experience God's forgiveness for the things of the past, and also have a chance to rekindle their love.
This was a very sweet story about first love. Both of the main characters struggled with feelings of abandonment and rejection. In the end, they both found their worth and healing though Christ's love.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, and would recommend this book to those who want a good, clean romance.
The Rancher's First Love by Brenda Minton was a great story about coming to terms with the relationships and mistakes of the past. Samantha and Remington had a summer fling that ended in heartache when her brothers sent her away. When both move back to the same town, they experience God's forgiveness for the things of the past, and also have a chance to rekindle their love.
This was a very sweet story about first love. Both of the main characters struggled with feelings of abandonment and rejection. In the end, they both found their worth and healing though Christ's love.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, and would recommend this book to those who want a good, clean romance.
March 26, 2016
Brenda Minton wrings every drop of emotion out of this story of lost and found love. This is the 4th book in her Martin's Crossing series and it tells the love story of youngest Martin sister, Samantha. Sam fell in love with Remington Jenkins at the age of 15. Sent away by her brothers at16, she's grown up, be one a nurse and moved back to Martin's Crossing. She may be back but she still has trouble believing that she is wanted by her family. Remington is back, too, running his grandfather's ranch and, wonder of wonders, pastoring a church. He never understood why she left. Can he make her see that their love is worth everything?
I can't recommend this highly enough. It was that good!
I can't recommend this highly enough. It was that good!
April 13, 2016
The Rancher's First Love by Brenda Minton a Martin's Crossing series. Remington Jenkins is back in town. He is now a preacher in Martin's Crossing. Samantha Martin is not happy to see him. They were an item when they were in high school. Because of certain things they both left town and went different ways. Samantha was pregnant when she left town. Her family said she was to young to care for a baby and had her put it up for adoption. Now nine years later she has to tell Remington about his daughter that she gave up for adoption. It's a story of love and trust and hurt feelings. A good read.
February 27, 2016
This is book 4 in Brenda Minton's Martin's Crossing.This story deals with Samantha Martin and a second chance with Remington Jenkins who was her first love. Her overprotective brothers sent them both away in different directions. Trusting is an issue for Samantha and second chances are wonderful but hard. Brenda Milton has written a great addition to the series and keeps us updated on the happenings at Martin's Crossing, There is adventure,a little mystery as well as a big dose on second chances. Very enjoyable and a good reminder that second chances are important.
January 18, 2016
This book so good. Remington Jenkins was a bad boy and now he is a preacher. Samantha Martin is home for the first time in several years, She's not sure were she fits into the family - her borthers sent her away when they found her with Remington. I enjoyed this book, it had some unexpected surprises and I can't wait until the next book in this series.
August 10, 2022
I liked it. Wasn't too keen on Samantha's big brothers past actions. Some might say they meant well but still it just wasn't right no matter how good intentioned they were. However, years later Remington and Samantha had the 'talk' they should have had and made peace with family members and their own pain. Amazing what having an actual conversation can do to a relationship!
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March 10, 2016"There is a small bit of mystery involved in this sweet yet sometimes sad Martin’s Crossing tale. Realistic struggles and tough issues are handled with strength and gentleness" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Martin's Crossing
Miniseries: Martin's Crossing
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March 6, 2016love this story about sam and remington. about not letting the past control ur future, of closing out people to prevent hurt n going after ones u love n never giving up on them
would love to read kayla n brodie's stories
would love to read kayla n brodie's stories
December 13, 2016
I enjoyed this story from start to finish!
It's one that will pull on your heartstrings. It talks about faith, hope, love and forgiveness.
If you love those types of meaningful moments in a story you'll enjoy this read!!
It's one that will pull on your heartstrings. It talks about faith, hope, love and forgiveness.
If you love those types of meaningful moments in a story you'll enjoy this read!!
January 3, 2016
This is a pretty good book. I liked it very much.I am happy that Sam and Rem found happiness again.
March 5, 2016
Loved it.
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March 1, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Martin's Crossing
Miniseries: Martin's Crossing
April 1, 2016
I've yet to read a Brenda Minton book that I didn't like!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews