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Blue Thorn Ranch #4
The Bull Rider's Homecoming
Healing the Cowboy's Heart
When Luke Buckton left Blue Thorn Ranch, he'd hoped to return in a blaze of rodeo glory; instead, he's limping home with a busted leg. To get back on the circuit he'll need physical therapist Ruby Sheldon's help. Six years ago, he left Ruby behind, convinced she was too innocent for such a public life. Now his high school sweetheart is stronger, tougher and even more captivating. A high-profile success story like this could make Ruby's career. All she has to do is rein in Luke's bullheadedness, heal his injuries—and hope his reckless charm doesn't trample her heart again…
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
21 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
121 books615 followersAn avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 23, 2017
Allie Pleiter does it again! I really enjoyed this book to the point of reading it in one day. Luke and Ruby were a great couple and I really liked the plotline of her helping him recover from his rodeo accident. This is a slow burn, but Luke had to a lot to make up for. Ruby's mom was a little overly hysterical towards the end. A great page turning contemporary romance.
March 2, 2017
I loved the whole story. I didn't want to put the book down I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out I love all of Allie's stories and I'm sure everyone who reads them will love them also
May 1, 2018
A return to the Blue Thorn Ranch--this time with Luke Buckton at the center. Luke left to join the rodeo circuit and left Ruby behind. After many years, Luke's returned home with a major injury and he wants Ruby to be his physical therapist and help him return to riding bulls.
Though this book does have the two main characters having a history and a bit of Luke thinking Ruby wouldn't take him back after how he left her, the plot doesn't dwell overlong on those and focuses more on Luke's rehab and his desire to return to rodeoing to show that he's leaving on his own terms and not being forced to by injury. I gave it four stars for not falling into that common plot extending technique so common to the genre.
I liked the thought expressed of finding out who your true friends are in times of hardship.
Though this book does have the two main characters having a history and a bit of Luke thinking Ruby wouldn't take him back after how he left her, the plot doesn't dwell overlong on those and focuses more on Luke's rehab and his desire to return to rodeoing to show that he's leaving on his own terms and not being forced to by injury. I gave it four stars for not falling into that common plot extending technique so common to the genre.
I liked the thought expressed of finding out who your true friends are in times of hardship.
May 24, 2017
When I saw the cover of this book I was immediately drawn to it. This is the 4th book in the series and I had no problems keeping up, so I would classify this as a stand alone. The setting is Martin's Gap, Texas, but primarily takes place on the Blue Thorn Ranch. I really liked Ruby and desire to help others. She shows her strength of character when she agrees to help Luke with his recovery. I love how she's not afraid to show her faith or beliefs. This story has a sweet lot and engaging characters.
February 6, 2025
A very good story! I had a slight aggravation at first with the writing style but pushed past it to become inspired by the story itself. This story does a great job of showing that life/God may have something in store for you that you couldn't even see. And that life can be that much better when you just stop and listen to what it is God has planned for you.
Don't fight it, just do what feels right as it comes to you with an open mind.
Don't fight it, just do what feels right as it comes to you with an open mind.
April 1, 2024
A fun Love Inspired Romance about a stubborn injured cowboy wanting to bull ride again, and a kindhearted therapist willing to help her ex-boyfriend out. A story about second chances, and learning to start a new chapter in life.
August 6, 2017
A clean read that is both uplifting and optimistic.
September 29, 2017
A WELL-DESERVED FIVE STARS!
Love the premise of this story!
Love the premise of this story!
October 29, 2017
I loved Luke's and Ruby's story!! I cried when Luke rode JetPak again for the first time. I love the books that leave you all warm and fuzzy on the inside when you're done reading them.
October 20, 2024
Luke Buckton, a bull rider, has returned home after six years to try to regain the use of his left leg after being thrown during a rodeo. He knows the only person who can help him is his high school girlfriend, Ruby Sheldon.
Ruby, now a physical therapist, became Luke's algebra tutor during their senior year of high school, and they fell in love. Rather than take her with him after graduation, Luke broke Ruby's heart, believing she was too sweet and innocent to handle rodeo life.
Luke needs Ruby to be able to make a comeback. Ruby's new clinic can benefit from the exposure of treating a celebrity. Reluctantly, she agrees to do so.
The Bull Rider's Homecoming was my first book in Allie Pleiter's Blue Thorn Ranch series. I liked this story. While more details about the other family members would have been welcome, this was no fault of the author since I had not read the three previous ones.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Ruby, now a physical therapist, became Luke's algebra tutor during their senior year of high school, and they fell in love. Rather than take her with him after graduation, Luke broke Ruby's heart, believing she was too sweet and innocent to handle rodeo life.
Luke needs Ruby to be able to make a comeback. Ruby's new clinic can benefit from the exposure of treating a celebrity. Reluctantly, she agrees to do so.
The Bull Rider's Homecoming was my first book in Allie Pleiter's Blue Thorn Ranch series. I liked this story. While more details about the other family members would have been welcome, this was no fault of the author since I had not read the three previous ones.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
May 6, 2017
Yet another wonderful Christian romance by Allie. I have not yet found a book by her that I have not thoroughly enjoyed! My own battle with numbness is not physical but emotional but could take parallels along his battle to feel again with my own that I went through not long ago where I shut down emotionally. Even when you can't say you went through the same issue as her characters you can still often draw parallels which is what makes these books so helpful on top of being enjoyable.
May 25, 2022
interesting reading so much about PT
May 23, 2017
Enjoyed this trip back to Blue Thorn Ranch! I felt sorry for Luke at the beginning. I admired Ruby for accepting and sticking by her difficult patient. By the end, I liked how the story turned out.
I received an advance eBook from the author. The review is entirely my own. Can't wait for the print version to come out so I can add this book to my library.
I received an advance eBook from the author. The review is entirely my own. Can't wait for the print version to come out so I can add this book to my library.
April 18, 2017
The Bull Rider's Homecoming was my first Allie Pleiter book and even though it's book four in the Blue Thorn Ranch series, I was not lost at all. It can totally standalone.
Luke's rather surly after reluctantly coming back home after suffering a bad injury. He's bristly and has a bad temper, but hiding behind that facade are his fears and insecurities. I didn't know what to think about Luke. He's not super likable in the beginning, but I did completely understand his frustration with his current situation. Ruby's a strong woman. I admired her ability to stand up to Luke when he was being a bit of a jerk. They were high school sweethearts until he abruptly left town and left her behind. So, you could say they have a complicated history, but their chemistry was still great. I really liked the whole Buckton clan and am really interested in reading the first three books in this series.
I absolutely loved this book! I read it as fast as I could and didn't want to put it down. I was instantly sucked into these character's lives and sad to leave them behind when I finished. I'm definitely going to be checking out Allie Pleiter's other books! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves swoonworthy romances!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
Luke's rather surly after reluctantly coming back home after suffering a bad injury. He's bristly and has a bad temper, but hiding behind that facade are his fears and insecurities. I didn't know what to think about Luke. He's not super likable in the beginning, but I did completely understand his frustration with his current situation. Ruby's a strong woman. I admired her ability to stand up to Luke when he was being a bit of a jerk. They were high school sweethearts until he abruptly left town and left her behind. So, you could say they have a complicated history, but their chemistry was still great. I really liked the whole Buckton clan and am really interested in reading the first three books in this series.
I absolutely loved this book! I read it as fast as I could and didn't want to put it down. I was instantly sucked into these character's lives and sad to leave them behind when I finished. I'm definitely going to be checking out Allie Pleiter's other books! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves swoonworthy romances!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
April 20, 2017
I love this book. Such a well written romance and a good clean read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. This is my unbiased review.
April 23, 2017
The Bull Rider's Homecoming is a book that really highlights how a person can change their perspective on what they want. Sometimes it takes an event to put things into proper perspective. That is exactly what has happened to Luke Buckton. He has returned home to his family ranch after sustaining an injury when he was thrown off of a bull he was riding. Luke left his hometown behind six years ago so he could chase his dream of becoming a professional bull rider. He achieved that goal. He lived the fast life with fame and lots of ladies. But now he is back home and he is recovering from an injury. He needs physical therapy and the physical therapist he gets is his ex girlfriend, Ruby Sheldon. She is the only woman he has ever loved and ever trusted.
Ruby thinks that working with Luke will help her get closure after he broke her heart by leaving her behind to seek his bull riding career. She is also hoping that by helping high profile Luke Buckton, she will gain more business and make a name for herself. As Ruby and Luke begin to work together they are able to form a friendly relationship. Luke is able to convince Ruby that she is his key to returning to the bull riding circuit. He feels that without her, he cannot get back on the bull that threw him. As they continue to pursue Luke's dream, Luke finds that the things he used to want is not what he wants now. He also begins to imagine a life with Ruby. He knows that she is the only person that really cares for the real him. As Ruby and Luke try to make a go of their relationship they face obstacles that they have to overcome. Once Luke returns to the circuit, will the roar of the crowd cloud his judgement and change his plans with Ruby?
The book is so well written that you really begin to pull for the characters and hope that God will make their paths clear. I really enjoyed the book and found it to be just as delightful as all of Allie Pleiter's books are.
Ruby thinks that working with Luke will help her get closure after he broke her heart by leaving her behind to seek his bull riding career. She is also hoping that by helping high profile Luke Buckton, she will gain more business and make a name for herself. As Ruby and Luke begin to work together they are able to form a friendly relationship. Luke is able to convince Ruby that she is his key to returning to the bull riding circuit. He feels that without her, he cannot get back on the bull that threw him. As they continue to pursue Luke's dream, Luke finds that the things he used to want is not what he wants now. He also begins to imagine a life with Ruby. He knows that she is the only person that really cares for the real him. As Ruby and Luke try to make a go of their relationship they face obstacles that they have to overcome. Once Luke returns to the circuit, will the roar of the crowd cloud his judgement and change his plans with Ruby?
The book is so well written that you really begin to pull for the characters and hope that God will make their paths clear. I really enjoyed the book and found it to be just as delightful as all of Allie Pleiter's books are.
April 24, 2017
The Bull Riders homecoming
Luke is home recovering from being thrown by a bull, his ex that he left heartbroken seems to be the only one that can be his physical therapist. Love the stubborn characters of both Luke and Ruby. The book was very good and definitely kept my attention from start to finish.
Luke is home recovering from being thrown by a bull, his ex that he left heartbroken seems to be the only one that can be his physical therapist. Love the stubborn characters of both Luke and Ruby. The book was very good and definitely kept my attention from start to finish.
April 24, 2017
Luke is a bull rider and nothing will stop him from getting back on the bull. He has come home to heal and he gets the last person who wants to help him to try and help him. Ruby was left six years ago by her high school sweetheart and now he's back in town and he wants her help. She needs this as boost for her business but will they be able to keep things professional or will he push her for more?
I really super enjoyed this book. I loved this fun read. I had a completely love hate relationship with Luke in the beginning I wanted to choke him. Luke and Ruby through out the whole book were determined to fight for what they wanted and to help bring closure to a relationship that needed it. I love this cowboy, small town everyone in your business but everyone loves you no matter what, feel too in this book. I really enjoyed the back in forth but also how important no matter what Ruby held family and God and the center. This is a clean romance and you can't go wrong with this book.
I really super enjoyed this book. I loved this fun read. I had a completely love hate relationship with Luke in the beginning I wanted to choke him. Luke and Ruby through out the whole book were determined to fight for what they wanted and to help bring closure to a relationship that needed it. I love this cowboy, small town everyone in your business but everyone loves you no matter what, feel too in this book. I really enjoyed the back in forth but also how important no matter what Ruby held family and God and the center. This is a clean romance and you can't go wrong with this book.
April 24, 2017
Author Allie Pleiter makes her characters come to life in this enjoyable, charming story about overcoming adversity in a small western town. You’ll enjoy watching Ruby become a strong woman in the Lord, while Luke learns that God has a different plan for him as he grows spiritually. The sparring between these two is quite entertaining as you wonder who will come out on top. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it as a clean, entertaining romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
April 24, 2017
Such a fun read!
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May 2, 2017Miniseries: Blue Thorn Ranch
Read
May 2, 2017Miniseries: Blue Thorn Ranch
May 3, 2017
Loved this story.This book shows that what you want to happen and what really does happen may not be the same but also not the end of the world.Also you can go home again and fix what went wrong.I received this book free as part of goodreads giveaways.
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August 16, 2017I'm going to shelf this one. It just isn't holding my interest, there hasn't been a single moment that gives my tummy a flip, no "pang", no spark.
DNF @ 55%
DNF @ 55%
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews