What do you think?
Rate this book
Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years #1
Stand-In Rancher Daddy
Suddenly a Father
Rancher CJ Thorn isn't ready to graduate from uncle to brand-new daddy—but he has no choice. After his widowed brother runs off, a pair of adorable twins have no one but CJ…and lovely neighbor Molly Langley. She's helped with the girls for so long that she's almost part of the family. Almost. CJ knows his family isn't good enough for her. Not when his brother's actions have disgraced the Thorn name yet again.
Watching CJ become a devoted father would soften any woman's heart. Yet Molly must remain immune. CJ deserves more than a woman who can't have children. Held back by fear, it'll take a disaster forcing the community together before they're ready to risk a chance on happiness.
Rancher CJ Thorn isn't ready to graduate from uncle to brand-new daddy—but he has no choice. After his widowed brother runs off, a pair of adorable twins have no one but CJ…and lovely neighbor Molly Langley. She's helped with the girls for so long that she's almost part of the family. Almost. CJ knows his family isn't good enough for her. Not when his brother's actions have disgraced the Thorn name yet again.
Watching CJ become a devoted father would soften any woman's heart. Yet Molly must remain immune. CJ deserves more than a woman who can't have children. Held back by fear, it'll take a disaster forcing the community together before they're ready to risk a chance on happiness.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 5, 2016
36 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ryan
62 books709 followersRenee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews
April 17, 2018
Stand-In Rancher Daddy was a super cute read and I really enjoyed reading it! Love Inspired Historical romances have always been hit-or-miss for me, so I wasn't sure if I would like this one when I started it...but, I'm so glad to say that it was wonderful and held my interest throughout.
I liked the characters and felt for the heroine. I mean, she wanted a relationship with the hero but because of something she learned about herself she doesn't want to "burden" him with a marriage to her. I loved seeing their relationship progress and I was wondering how things would turn out in the end.
All in all, Stand-In Rancher Daddy was an enjoyable read. I recommend it if you enjoy historical romances.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I liked the characters and felt for the heroine. I mean, she wanted a relationship with the hero but because of something she learned about herself she doesn't want to "burden" him with a marriage to her. I loved seeing their relationship progress and I was wondering how things would turn out in the end.
All in all, Stand-In Rancher Daddy was an enjoyable read. I recommend it if you enjoy historical romances.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
October 12, 2016
I like historical romances and this is a sweet inspirational read, meaning there are references to church and everyone tries to behave well. A widowed depressed father rides off and leaves his children with his brother, the rancher of the title, and a young woman neighbour who is also widowed has to help him mind the girls.
There is not much more to say about the romance, which is stretched out by the two adults' wish not to get involved for personal reasons. In those days I think town marriages were often arranged by what seemed fitting or needed and personal wishes didn't always count. We see some nice sides of life but I tend to find the scenes with the children a bit tedious. Girls in those days had to do as they were told, and the conversations with adults explaining right and wrong seem too modern. But no doubt many women will enjoy the gentle read.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley and wrote an unbiased review.
There is not much more to say about the romance, which is stretched out by the two adults' wish not to get involved for personal reasons. In those days I think town marriages were often arranged by what seemed fitting or needed and personal wishes didn't always count. We see some nice sides of life but I tend to find the scenes with the children a bit tedious. Girls in those days had to do as they were told, and the conversations with adults explaining right and wrong seem too modern. But no doubt many women will enjoy the gentle read.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley and wrote an unbiased review.
January 8, 2018
"4 out of 5 stars! About 5 years ago, Molly met CJ (Cornelius) and was instantly smitten; however, because she wasn’t sure he returned her affections so she married someone else. Now over a year after her husband passed away, she is back living on her family’s ranch and trying to make the best of things. Molly’s days are consumed by taking care of CJ’s young nieces who are without a mother. Though things get a lot harder when CJ’s brother (and father to the girls) decides on leaving custody of the girls to CJ and takes off to places unknown. In doing so, Molly and CJ become closer and their once chance on love might be able to ignite again … if only Molly could get over her past hurts and open her heart to the possibility of a better future, and if people in town don’t keep them apart for good.
This was a heartwarming tale that reels you in to its characters and its town/series. With an intriguing plotline that holds plenty of character antics, it’ll keep you entertained the whole way through. My only wish was that..."
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2018/01/feasted-on-lone-star-cowboy-league.html
This was a heartwarming tale that reels you in to its characters and its town/series. With an intriguing plotline that holds plenty of character antics, it’ll keep you entertained the whole way through. My only wish was that..."
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2018/01/feasted-on-lone-star-cowboy-league.html
June 10, 2016
CJ is a rancher, not a dad. But when his widowed brother abandons his twins, CJ is left with no choice but to step in and be a father. He's incredibly thankful for the young widow Molly who has been helping out since the death of his sister-in-law. Everyone in town thinks the two should get married. It would solve so many problems. But CJ thinks he isn't worthy of Molly because of his family's past and Molly can't have children and knows that CJ wants a big family. Nothing short of a community tragedy will bring them together.
This was a sweet, fun book to read. The characters were real and likable. The author wove faith, the importance of family, forgiveness, and trust into a clean, romantic story that was both enjoyable and thought provoking. I liked the elements of small-town that the plot was wrapped around. I think the author did a great job with the secondary characters as well and I can see several of them in the next book. Overall, this was a great story that readers of historical fiction or Christian romance will enjoy.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a sweet, fun book to read. The characters were real and likable. The author wove faith, the importance of family, forgiveness, and trust into a clean, romantic story that was both enjoyable and thought provoking. I liked the elements of small-town that the plot was wrapped around. I think the author did a great job with the secondary characters as well and I can see several of them in the next book. Overall, this was a great story that readers of historical fiction or Christian romance will enjoy.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2016
Stand In Rancher Daddy by Renee Ryan is book number one of Lone Star Cowboy League series. Takes place in 1895. CJ Thorn ran a ranch with his brother Ned. Ned's wife died and didn't get over it. Ned just up and left one day leaving his four year old twin girls to CJ. Molly Langley had been taking care of the girls when Ned's wife died. She told CJ she would stay and still care for the girls. Molly was married before but never had children. Her husband died. Molly knows CJ wants a big family and since she can't have children she said no when he ask her to marry him. In the story cattle are being stolen and someone sets a fire to Molly's parents barn. A very good read.
May 14, 2019
The actions of one deeply troubled father set into motion a love story 5 years in the making. When CJ's brother takes off and abandons his twin daughters, CJ turns to Molly the girl he's been secretly in love with for 5 years for help. He doesn't know how to be a dad but with Molly by his side he wants to try. Molly wants nothing more than to be a mom and CJ's wife but with a secret from her first marriage still hanging over her head she won't allow herself. When trouble comes to Little Horn, CJ, Molly and the twins find that families come in all shapes and sizes.
August 2, 2016
Loved it. Can't wait for the next book.
June 7, 2022
Great book! Can't wait to read more in the series!
February 6, 2025
Great read
May 19, 2017
Lone star Cowboy League marathon. Book one of many. I enjoy continuity series and this was a great start to this one. Loved the characters, CJ and Molly. And the kids were something else. So far there are 18 books planned in this series, 6 in the Love Inspired Historical line and 12 in the Love Inspired line. Can't wait to see how this one goes. Renee Ryan is a favorite author and she always does a really amazing job on the continuity books she's written.
July 18, 2016
A story with a great balance of tragedy and triumph, a little suspense, and lots of love. So many moments that made me smile and sigh, take notice, and moments that nearly broke my heart with the sorrow, and feelings of not being enough.
CJ is a great man of faith and dignity, he is kind, caring, and fair-minded, he seeks God's guidance on his actions, and is willing to take responsibility and carry his share of burdens. Yet his family's past has laid a shadow on his life, and he doesn't think he will measure up, be good enough for Molly.
Molly has her own burdens, feelings of inadequacy, not having enough to offer. Her heart desperately loves CJ and his nieces, wants to be a family with them, but the one thing CJ wants, she can't give him.
I loved the patience of CJ, not giving up on Molly, or being a parent to the girls, or the troubled boys in town. His character spoke to me strongly about a man of faith, and how they will be recognized by their actions.
The sadness in Molly is palpable and heartbreaking. I felt the sorrow she had in her heart, and how CJ was able to make her smile despite everything, was beautiful. I wished she would have had the courage to tell him earlier about her doubts, would have saved a lot of heartaches, but on the other hand, fit nicely into the flow of the plot.
The sermons of their preacher shared the message of faith, their life demonstrating it every step of the way. The unity of the small town was commendable and set an example for the younger generation.
And talking about the younger generation, the twins stole my heart completely. Even though their loss and pain were unbearable, I liked that they were not set out to be 'perfect', but instead they were typical four years olds, a handful at times, sweet the other.
A story with a great message of faith and hope, how love can heal the deepest wounds, and give purpose for tomorrows to come.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
CJ is a great man of faith and dignity, he is kind, caring, and fair-minded, he seeks God's guidance on his actions, and is willing to take responsibility and carry his share of burdens. Yet his family's past has laid a shadow on his life, and he doesn't think he will measure up, be good enough for Molly.
Molly has her own burdens, feelings of inadequacy, not having enough to offer. Her heart desperately loves CJ and his nieces, wants to be a family with them, but the one thing CJ wants, she can't give him.
I loved the patience of CJ, not giving up on Molly, or being a parent to the girls, or the troubled boys in town. His character spoke to me strongly about a man of faith, and how they will be recognized by their actions.
The sadness in Molly is palpable and heartbreaking. I felt the sorrow she had in her heart, and how CJ was able to make her smile despite everything, was beautiful. I wished she would have had the courage to tell him earlier about her doubts, would have saved a lot of heartaches, but on the other hand, fit nicely into the flow of the plot.
The sermons of their preacher shared the message of faith, their life demonstrating it every step of the way. The unity of the small town was commendable and set an example for the younger generation.
And talking about the younger generation, the twins stole my heart completely. Even though their loss and pain were unbearable, I liked that they were not set out to be 'perfect', but instead they were typical four years olds, a handful at times, sweet the other.
A story with a great message of faith and hope, how love can heal the deepest wounds, and give purpose for tomorrows to come.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
July 7, 2016
I want more. The characters were ones that were likable, Had real problems. I like the community.
CJ Thorn is a rancher. His family has a past with drinking problems. His sister-in-law died. His brother took off one day with his horse but left his twin daughters behind for him to take care of.
Molly Langley is a widow after two years of marriage. She offers to help her friends husband with the twins for awhile. She agrees to keep helping to take care of them for CJ. Molly has moved back to her family ranch, which is close to CJ place, Molly has secrets about her marriage that leave her sad and not planning to get married again.
Sarah and Anna are cute little girls who have lost their mother and now their father. You just want to hug them.
There is plenty of drama in the story. It does keep a fast pace. It is also a clean read.
The setting is Little Horn, Texas June 1895
I want to read more books in Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years and find out what happens next to the different characters. Like who is stealing cattle and other problems.
I like how Renee Ryan writes her books.
I was given Stand-in Rancher Daddy to read by NetGalley and Harlequin and in return I agreed to give a honest review.
July 17, 2016
This was a good read, with some weaknesses as far as the conflict. I felt for Molly, having issues with getting pregnant myself, but the fact that she blamed herself and refused to talk to ANYONE about it was a little much. I can understand not spreading it around to everyone, but I felt like it didn't fit her personality to not confide in anyone at all.
I think there could have been a little more actual fear that CJ's brother could come back and take back custody of the two children, but that was addressed and dismissed in about two lines towards the end of the book. I still don't understand why there was so much focus on and then it was never resolved.
It was frustrating to me that Molly's thoughts were so repetitious, and that everything would have resolved if she had just shared her worries with someone. CJ was a saving grace for the book; his steadiness, his worry about his family's reputation affecting both Molly and the twins, his desire to rise above his past were all very admirable and made me want things to work out for him so badly.
Out of the three books in this series, I found this one to be the weakest. It's not Renee Ryan's best novel, but it was enjoyable. It can be read as a standalone.
I think there could have been a little more actual fear that CJ's brother could come back and take back custody of the two children, but that was addressed and dismissed in about two lines towards the end of the book. I still don't understand why there was so much focus on and then it was never resolved.
It was frustrating to me that Molly's thoughts were so repetitious, and that everything would have resolved if she had just shared her worries with someone. CJ was a saving grace for the book; his steadiness, his worry about his family's reputation affecting both Molly and the twins, his desire to rise above his past were all very admirable and made me want things to work out for him so badly.
Out of the three books in this series, I found this one to be the weakest. It's not Renee Ryan's best novel, but it was enjoyable. It can be read as a standalone.
May 25, 2016
This is the first book in the Lone Star Cowboy League series, what a great place to start. I look forward to learning more about the lives of those we are introduced to in this novel. It is full of love, forgiveness, difficulties, faith, mystery and cowboys.
CJ Thorn is a handsome determined cowboy who has been thrown into fatherhood over night. Thankful for the help of the beautiful Molly Langley, CJ knows his heart is in trouble. When sparks fly and troubles come from so many different directions will CJ ever find Molly's secret and show her his love?
Molly is determined to keep her secret hidden. While she is struggling to live with her secret, her love for CJ's four year old nieces and for the man himself may be her biggest struggle still. She is a stubborn, loving, christian woman who only wants to help. Will she be able to face the future she seems is her only option or will she be able to see Gods hand in her future instead.
I was given a copy of this novel from net galley for my honest opinion.
CJ Thorn is a handsome determined cowboy who has been thrown into fatherhood over night. Thankful for the help of the beautiful Molly Langley, CJ knows his heart is in trouble. When sparks fly and troubles come from so many different directions will CJ ever find Molly's secret and show her his love?
Molly is determined to keep her secret hidden. While she is struggling to live with her secret, her love for CJ's four year old nieces and for the man himself may be her biggest struggle still. She is a stubborn, loving, christian woman who only wants to help. Will she be able to face the future she seems is her only option or will she be able to see Gods hand in her future instead.
I was given a copy of this novel from net galley for my honest opinion.
December 17, 2016
Stand-In Daddy Rancher is inline with everything that I expect from Harlequin's Love Inspired books. The struggle is hard, the romance is sweet, and I know I'm not giving anything away here by saying the ending is a happy one albeit predictable... But it's romance, right? And it's a beautiful one.
This is my first experience with author Renee Ryan. I have to tell y'all, she's a pleasure. She jumps into the heart of the story and engaged me before I knew it, and she made the book feel like the comfort of home, while delivering a story that was anything but. That's what we want in our Harlequin's, right ladies?
This is my first experience with author Renee Ryan. I have to tell y'all, she's a pleasure. She jumps into the heart of the story and engaged me before I knew it, and she made the book feel like the comfort of home, while delivering a story that was anything but. That's what we want in our Harlequin's, right ladies?
Read
July 20, 2016"Ryan’s Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years opener is a sweet lovestory about two individuals both suffering from insecurities that hold them back and prevent them from taking a leap of faith. This is a well crafted, inspiring, emotional and a commendable start" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years
December 17, 2016
Quick, eady read. I'm a sucker for a man that loves children and isn't afraid to show it. CJ is one of these men. He steps in to take care of his twin nieces ehen their father tskes off. Molly helps him and along the way they fall in love but Molly has a secret that keeps them apart. You'll have to read it g or yourself to find out what the secret is but it's worth the read.
April 26, 2017
I loved this book! Every single word! It has a little mystery that's unsolved in the end. Glad I already have the other books on order!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews