A Family for the Rugged Rancher

The Cowboy Collection

by Donna Alward

Instant family…just add one father!

Gruff rancher Luke Evans's new live-in housekeeper comes with an unexpected addition…a small son. Emily may be pretty—and even Luke has to grudgingly admit little Sam's quite cute—but a family is not on this die-hard bachelor's wish list. Luke's plan? To spend as much time away from the house as possible. But, slowly charmed by Emily's sunny smile and Sam's infectious giggle, Luke begins to wonder if there might be room on his ranch, and in his heart, for a family after all.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin Romance, Fiction, Adult Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com

Reviews

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily was running out of options when she was finally hired for a housekeeping position at a ranch. Her ex husband had left her was a five year old she needed to provide for. Her ex husband stopped paying child support and he was the only one with a job when he packed up and abandoned her for British Columbia.

When Emily arrived at the ranch with her son Sam, she was shocked by the beauty of the place. Not to mention Luke Evans, the gruff ranch owner. Immediately Luke felt something twist inside him when he met Emily and her son. He tried to separate himself from them but was unable to.

Eventually Emily finds out Luke's story and that his Dad has alzheimer's disease and has been in a care facility ever since. Luke is terrified he will get alzheimer's, that's why he has notes for himself and order everywhere. It's also why he refuses to commit to any woman.

Finally Emily and Sam worm themselves inside Luke's heart and he is ready to give in and live life to the fullest.

The book was quite elegant overall. It was informative and the characters were on par with where they needed to be. It was one of the most touching books I've ever had the joy of reading.

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a copy of Donna Alward’s ‘A Family for the Rugged Rancher’ not only because I enjoy Donna’s writing, but because 50% of the proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
This short, but enjoyable happily ever after had many of the qualities I enjoy in a romance, the handsome but hard-working rancher, a single Mom who is trying to build a new life, a lovely old ranch, and a cute, but smart kid. An added bonus was the addition of a dog rescue, all of which made for a lovely afternoon read.
"Sometimes life throws you one hell of a monkey wrench and all you can do is deal. Put one foot in front of the other." pg 57

[Sara Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book. The characters are so down-to-earth and believable and so are their challenges. Few books succeed in pulling me in so tightly that I am able to be brought to tears. Donna did it to me twice in this book. She's does it in all of her books, actually.

The thing about romance is that you know things will turn out okay. The girl gets the guy in the end every single time, but still, I couldn't put it down. I had to know how exactly HOW it ended. In a world filled with constant stress and limited time for one's self, this book presents a wonderful escape. I highly recommend this book and all of her others.

[Wendy Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually prefer stories with lots of hot sex... but in my opinion, this amazing love story didn't need it.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY DAY WITH FAMILY IS A GIFT

The story is part of the Cowboy Collection but will read as a stand-alone. It is two people, both needing help---for Luke, it is with the household, and for Emily, it is a place to stay with her son. The entire arrangement is temporary, and what neither Luke nor Emily expected was to develop feelings for one another.

Emily Northcott and her five-year-old son, Sam, start over after her husband, Rob, decides he is through, moves away, and abandons his wife and son. Things are tough; she has been out of the workforce for over five years and struggling to find a job until she goes through Maid on Demand, an agency that helps her with a temporary assignment working for Luke Evans.

Luke Evans is a man who had plans for his life that all came crashing down when he was only nineteen. His mother died suddenly, and his father’s health started declining shortly afterward. Luke became the guardian caring for his two younger sisters and managing the family farm. His sisters help hire a housekeeper. Cait and Liz are married, but Luke is still dealing with the farm and there are never enough hours in a day.

The story’s plot will have Emily and Sam showing up at the Evans farm, and Luke isn’t happy to learn that she has a son and that they will need to stay at the farm. These two will have several situations pop up during her tenure at the farm. Luke has his secrets and burdens and wears them like a chip on his shoulder. Reluctantly, he acquiesces to the situation, but he isn’t friendly about it either. This wasn’t the life he had envisioned, but it is what it is.

“You’re a fortress. And you’re the gatekeeper too. You decide who is allowed in, and you only show bits of yourself when you want.”

The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride for both Emily and Luke. She had lost her self-confidence when Rob decided he was ready for greener pastures. But, he didn’t just abandon her; he walked away from his son too. Luke lives with a ticking time bomb that he fears will eventually explode. So rather than living life, he is dreading ‘what could happen’ and cheating himself out of everything.

Emily: Don’t you understand? You are so afraid of dying that you stopped living. You’re already second-guessing everything and missing out on what might be the happiest time of your life. Love, Luke. A wife and children. Laughter and happiness. You have given your family all of yourself. What is left for you?
Luke: It occurs to me that in less than an hour from now, I’m going to bury my father. And if I continue the way I’m going, I’m going to bury myself right with him, aren’t I?
Emily: When you love someone, you love all of them. Even the bits that aren’t perfect. You know that, Luke. You knew it when you took in Homer. When you took in two lost strays like Sam and me.
Luke: Suddenly, I had more to gain than I had to lose.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read as son, Luke Evans was forced to grow up fast after his mother past and then shortly afterwards it was discovered his father had early onset Alzheimer's. Luke had power of attorney and guardianship over his two younger sisters, Cait and Liz leaving Luke to make some really hard decisions alone. Watching his father deteriorate from this terrible disease over the last decade had been crushing, and he had promised himself, he would never do it to a family of his own. His sisters had been worried about him, and Cait was having a baby so she could not help him with his housework and meals which meant he needed a housekeeper. The only one that applied was Emily Northcott, and Luke knew he was in trouble the second he saw her. She was way to attractive and she had a son, Sam but there was no good reason not to hire her. Emily did everything to impress Luke so he would like her as she liked him. She knew nothing about his dad or promise to himself. She was only supposed to be there for three months. They both kept sending mixed messages one minute it was hot then the next a blue northern would blow in. Would they get it together or would Luke's worry get the best of him? This story was so realistic that if you do not know anything about the pain of divorce or being a family member of an Alzheimer's patient you could feel their pain, and Luke started dealing with it at age twenty.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Family for the Rugged Rancher was a quick, clean read with some romance thrown in. Emily is down on her luck after her husband decided he no longer wanted to be a husband or father. She applies to be a housekeeper on a ranch and things don't initially go well when she and her young son Sam meet with the rancher. He gives her a chance, she works her magic in the kitchen, on the ranch house and the gardens.

We meet Luke's sisters and their families and watch him and Emily take a few steps forward and many more back. He's used to being the man in the family and holds things close to his heart. Emily manages to be there for him like no one else has in a very long time but is that enough?

There's lots of ranching, chores, cooking and baking, secrets, pride and ultimately love. There's a nice flow to the story and beautiful descriptions of the outdoors as well as the house. There are a few unexpected twists as the story unfolds. There is some closure with a happily ever after in the offing but the story ended abruptly. An epilogue would have been nice.

Ms. Alward is an author whose books I enjoy. I have a few more on my TBR pile and I look forward to reading them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and Love are Worth It All . . .

Two people are at the point where they need help for their own reasons. No one was looking for romance, just survival. Emily Northcott and her 5-year-old son, Sam, were abandoned by her husband and she needs a job and a place to live. An agency sends her to Luke Evans who lost his mom, his dad fell sick with Alzheimer’s and had to go into a care facility, he took over care for his sisters and the ranch, and now is running everything alone. He definitely needs help.

So when Emily and Sam arrive at the Evans farm, Luke is upset that they expect to stay there. He finally agrees but they don’t feel very welcomed. She works hard to support herself and her son, even tending a garden, and he starts to respect that. But for Luke, he feels he cannot have his own family. He fears that the genetic predisposition might have passed to him and he cannot risk committing to anyone. Will Emily show him that fear is holding him back from living? Will he realize that he is missing so much by holding back what’s important to his happiness?

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A quick read for me, a nice afternoon escape to the ranch. Emily is looking for a change, her money is running out and she needs a job. She needs to support herself and her son.

Luke runs his family ranch and has no time to run the house. So his sister organizes the ad for a housekeeper and hires Emily through an agency.

If you like insta-love, not enough pages for character development, this is a great book for you. A sweet story of starting over, with lots of feels. Two people who need to help each other.

Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story in the cowboy collection. Emily and Luke both are having a tough time but can they help each other? A very emotional romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters who help each other out in tough times. It's an insta love romance with all the feels as they both are struggling with their own issues. I loved the characters and reading their story. The scenes are painted perfectly and the story moves quickly and smoothly. It's an enjoyable short story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Cowboy Collection series. Emily with her son Sam answer Luke's ad for a housekeeper. The story is well written with a good storyline that held my interest. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charland Garvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute book, with lots going on. Interesting aspect for a rancher and a woman and her son. Ranch stories are always interesting.

[Holly Doyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Although this was a quick book to read, it was enjoyable. Since it took less than two hours to read the entire book, it is hard to get too deep into the characters. As long as you understand that you just have to take the narrator's word for some of the book (since it can't be proven due to the shortness) and as long as you can believe in InstaLove, then you will enjoy this book. I would actually like to see a full length book made around the same characters as they were very likable people.

This book deals with a lot of issues - the main character (Luke) is a 30 year old rancher who has had to raise his two younger sisters after his mom died and his dad fell victim to Alzheimers. His younger sisters were able to have a normal life (get married, have kids, etc.), but Luke's life was put on hold when he was 20 and he never really got it back. Now the sole responsibility of the family ranch is square on his shoulders as is the care of his father (even though he is now in an elderly care facility). Luke carries a lot of guilt, apprehension, fear with him every day. After his sister went into the hospital to have another baby, they all realized he needed someone to at least do housekeeping chores for him - enter Emily and her 5 year old son, Sam. Emily is hurting also, but for different reasons. Can Luke & Emily both let go of their stubborn ways and trust each other for healing?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually fall in love with the male characters in my books, but I fell into serious like with Luke. He's still a young man, but he had to grow up too soon. At age 20, he became responsible for his sisters and the family farm. It's about 10 years later, the sisters are grown and are parents themselves, but he still feels responsible for everything and everyone. Then his sister hires a housekeeper cook for him and he's maybe more than smitten with the housekeeper, but he's resolved never to marry.

I just opened the book late in the evening, not planning to start reading, but I was sucked in immediately and I read the first 3 chapters, before reluctantly going to bed. It's written that well. The characters are well drawn, the writing style is excellent and so is the story telling. Conversations sound natural.

This book can be read by young adult and up to any age. I was provided with an Advance Reader Copy and this is my honest review.

Well done, Donna Alward.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review: I have had this book sitting on my shelf for a while now and thought it would be a nice easy read for a busy month. It was pretty enjoyable, I did end up listening to some of the audio book and I liked the male narration for a change. It was pretty predictable but I kind of expected it. I did really like the influence and roll that disease played in this one, it really took on its own character as it does in real life and I liked that element of reality. It was just what I had been looking for and expected, an easy read with likable characters and a happy ending.

[Gerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Got this as a Goodreads giveaway*

A cozy read.
Nice short novel that gives you exactly what you expect to get. Not much surprises to it and at other times the perfect family tune it plays might have grated on me, but sometimes all you want to read about is two people finding together, and for those it's perfect.

My only small niggle with it was a bit of head hopping going on in a few chapters. But overall I enjoyed reading it a lot.

[T😁 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - quick read - single cowboy with no baggage except for his possible inheritable mental condition and the huge ranch that he's running and in need of a housekeeper for the house. Then came along single mum with her kid - deserted by a husband who shrugged off his responsibility as a father and husband. Sparks flew when the H/H met and then comes HEA. Short quick read!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. When I started it, I thought it was just another story about a silent, moody cowboy but there was much more depth to the main characters and to the story line. Great writing style - the story just flew along. I've only read a few of Alward's books but this is sure to remain a favourite.

[Phylisha Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical harlequin romance. Single mom determined to make it on her own with her 5yr old son after her husband decides he no longer wants to be in a relationship with them. She accepts a job as housekeeper/cook on a ranch. The ranch is run by 30's outdoors man who fears a relationship with anyone because of family health issues. The writing was well done.

2nd read

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Great story!

This one had my sobbing! Donna Alward did such a great job fully describing the situation that Emily's pain and Luke's fear were experienced not simply read about.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this, but it turned out to be pretty good.

I liked Luke and Sam they were both sweet and the heroine sounded like a lovely woman. There was no drama from the ex husband which was nice to read to be honest.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had my sobbing! Donna Alward did such a great job fully describing the situation that Emily's pain and Luke's fear were experienced not simply read about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Shirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had great romance and emotion. The subject of Alzheimer’s in the plot was not only unique but added a lot to depth to the story as well.

[Courtney Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick and enjoyable read! Before I knew what had happened, I was sucked in and couldn't put it down. A sweet tale of romance with a great ending.

[Marran · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very sweet and cute read but not sugare sweet just the right amount..The hero has some fears that make sense and it was sweet watching him work thru them

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern day Canadian western romance. I really enjoyed it, but the explanation at the end drug on and this is the only reason I have a low rating for this quick read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story and a quick read. A single mother trying to start over again and a rancher who does not want a family. See how that works out.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with great characters and a story that makes me ready to visit Canada

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read surrounding broken hearts and fear of possible hereditary issues. Throw in a cute 5 yr old and it's a lovely way to spend a few hours.