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Bluebonnet Springs #3
The Rancher's Secret Child
Can he cowboy up for fatherhood?
He had no room for love…until now.
After meeting the son he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo’s simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart, the boy’s lovely guardian. She’ll help him become a parent—but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?
He had no room for love…until now.
After meeting the son he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo’s simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart, the boy’s lovely guardian. She’ll help him become a parent—but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 17, 2018
45 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
116 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
June 9, 2018
The Rancher's Secret Child was an okay read. I really liked the characters, but I felt that with a certain aspect of the story they seemed to go back-and-forth on it. Wasn't a big deal, but it did frustrate me a little.
I loved the little boy. He was adorable and the way that he eavesdropped on conversations was cute. ;)
I thought the ending was great and I enjoyed the read overall.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion-which I've done. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I loved the little boy. He was adorable and the way that he eavesdropped on conversations was cute. ;)
I thought the ending was great and I enjoyed the read overall.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion-which I've done. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
May 9, 2018
The Rancher’s Secret Child was a really good book. It dealt with some very serious issues, from growing up as a foster child, to drug and alcohol addiction, and even touched on the topic of abuse. All of these issues were handled extremely well and served to provide life lessons that the characters had learned.
Both Marcus and Lissa had overcome a lot. I felt for them. It was so touching to see Marcus learning to be a dad. He had a lot of learning to do, especially in how to be affectionate to his son. But it was a joy to watch that relationship develop along with an attraction that grew between the main characters. There were plenty of bumps along the way and situations to overcome for these two people.
The Rancher’s Secret Child is the third in a series, however, it stood alone fine. It now makes me want to read the first two books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Both Marcus and Lissa had overcome a lot. I felt for them. It was so touching to see Marcus learning to be a dad. He had a lot of learning to do, especially in how to be affectionate to his son. But it was a joy to watch that relationship develop along with an attraction that grew between the main characters. There were plenty of bumps along the way and situations to overcome for these two people.
The Rancher’s Secret Child is the third in a series, however, it stood alone fine. It now makes me want to read the first two books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 25, 2018
THE RANCHER'S SECRET CHILD is a twist on the old "he had a child and had no clue he's a father" standby that seems to be so popular as a story plot. In this case, clueless dad is a cowboy/bull-rider, an ex-drunk, and so wounded even his girlfriend didn't want him around. He kept going on and on about how he didn't want to procreate (I guess he had trouble keeping his pants zipped though).
The mom of the child died so the aunt is the one approaching "dad" with the "bad" news. And dad kicks her to the curb multiple times before he finally steps up to the plate (and only then because his aunt made him.)
I loved hero's aunt and a host of secondary characters who added humor to the story, but I didn't connect with either the hero or the heroine. There is a faith message, which I liked.
This book wasn't for me, but if you love the plot line about parents not knowing they are parents and dealing with all that angst, then you will likely love THE RANCHER'S SECRET CHILD. A clean, sweet read that will appeal to readers who love cowboys.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
The mom of the child died so the aunt is the one approaching "dad" with the "bad" news. And dad kicks her to the curb multiple times before he finally steps up to the plate (and only then because his aunt made him.)
I loved hero's aunt and a host of secondary characters who added humor to the story, but I didn't connect with either the hero or the heroine. There is a faith message, which I liked.
This book wasn't for me, but if you love the plot line about parents not knowing they are parents and dealing with all that angst, then you will likely love THE RANCHER'S SECRET CHILD. A clean, sweet read that will appeal to readers who love cowboys.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2018
There's something about a cowboy hero, isn't there? And when he happens to be a surly loner like Marcus - well, I settled in for a a gnarly good read.
What a conflicted hero! He has raised himself far above his traumatic childhood and wild rodeo circuit ways but he's still punishing himself. He's certain that he is meant to live alone the rest of his life because he's broken. This kind of character can be tricky because the author has to find a way for her readers to relate to him without becoming frustrated by him. Minton has managed to find the perfect balance. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to purse whomp a certain stubborn cowboy, but I really felt for him too and I could totally understand his flawed reasoning.
Marcus is stoic, sometimes coming across as harsh but it's not that he doesn't want to be a father -- it's that he wants to protect his son more. Which, honestly, makes him perfect father material if only he could see that. Lissa doesn't think so at first either, but the more she gets to know Marcus, the more she recognizes the exceptional man he is.
What a complicated love story backed by a caring community in the midst of a crisis. Lots of fodder for everyone to show what they are made of. This the the third book in the Brenda Minton's Blubonnet Springs series so readers familiar with the first two stories will be thrilled at the page time the Palermos get in this one. The Rancher's Secret Child reads really well as a standalone, though, so don't let not being familiar with the series stop you from scooping up this one.
Book provided courtesy of Love Inspired.
What a conflicted hero! He has raised himself far above his traumatic childhood and wild rodeo circuit ways but he's still punishing himself. He's certain that he is meant to live alone the rest of his life because he's broken. This kind of character can be tricky because the author has to find a way for her readers to relate to him without becoming frustrated by him. Minton has managed to find the perfect balance. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to purse whomp a certain stubborn cowboy, but I really felt for him too and I could totally understand his flawed reasoning.
Marcus is stoic, sometimes coming across as harsh but it's not that he doesn't want to be a father -- it's that he wants to protect his son more. Which, honestly, makes him perfect father material if only he could see that. Lissa doesn't think so at first either, but the more she gets to know Marcus, the more she recognizes the exceptional man he is.
What a complicated love story backed by a caring community in the midst of a crisis. Lots of fodder for everyone to show what they are made of. This the the third book in the Brenda Minton's Blubonnet Springs series so readers familiar with the first two stories will be thrilled at the page time the Palermos get in this one. The Rancher's Secret Child reads really well as a standalone, though, so don't let not being familiar with the series stop you from scooping up this one.
Book provided courtesy of Love Inspired.
May 18, 2018
THE RANCHER'S SECRET CHILD is about a man with a troubled past and the woman who surprises him with a son he wasn't aware of. Full of heart, family, and small-town charm, this book will warm and inspire readers.
This is honestly my first foray into this line of books. I have read a Love Inspired Historical, but nothing from the other two lines. It was a short and sweet story. The characters definitely had some issues from their past and some things they needed to work through, but the story was fairly light. I really liked the characters and felt Oliver added a lot to this story with his little-boy charm. I felt some chemistry between Lissa and Marcus, but would have liked more. I also would have liked more development or depth in places where I didn't feel as emotionally involved in the story. The inspirational elements were light, but still woven throughout.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, an enjoyable story. Some areas could have used more depth and development, but otherwise this was short and sweet.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
This is honestly my first foray into this line of books. I have read a Love Inspired Historical, but nothing from the other two lines. It was a short and sweet story. The characters definitely had some issues from their past and some things they needed to work through, but the story was fairly light. I really liked the characters and felt Oliver added a lot to this story with his little-boy charm. I felt some chemistry between Lissa and Marcus, but would have liked more. I also would have liked more development or depth in places where I didn't feel as emotionally involved in the story. The inspirational elements were light, but still woven throughout.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, an enjoyable story. Some areas could have used more depth and development, but otherwise this was short and sweet.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
April 17, 2018
The Rancher's Secret Child is a good read by Brenda Minton. Who would not want to read a story with a handsome cowboy as the main character? Marcus and Lissa are true to life characters with true to life issues.
I give The Rancher's Secret Child 4 stars. Though predictable, it is still a book not to be missed. A good, clean and heartwarming contemporary romance. I look forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give The Rancher's Secret Child 4 stars. Though predictable, it is still a book not to be missed. A good, clean and heartwarming contemporary romance. I look forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 19, 2018
This was the first book that I have read by Minton.
It will NOT be my last. I really enjoyed this story and I hated for it to come to an end.
I plan to read more of her books and that fact that there was a cowboy and a happy ending did not hurt me one bit.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
It will NOT be my last. I really enjoyed this story and I hated for it to come to an end.
I plan to read more of her books and that fact that there was a cowboy and a happy ending did not hurt me one bit.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
May 18, 2018
The Rancher’s Secret Child is a story about broken people living in a broken world but who love fiercely. Rancher and once upon a time bull rider Marcus has just received the shock of a lifetime, he has a 5 year old son that he was unaware of. To say he is angry, elated, and fearful are just a few of the adjectives that could describe his feelings. His ex has passed away and so he gets this news from Lissa her foster sister.
Lissa who has been really the one, who has raised Oliver, has waited a year to fulfill her late sister’s wishes. She needs to make sure that Marcus has changed and is nothing like his now deceased cult leader father. Talk about a history.
I have read plenty of Love Inspired books, mystery, historical, and contemporary, and some have really been such deep resonating stories. This is one of those and I enjoyed getting to know this hurting group of people and watching them as they dealt with their pasts to embrace their futures and become a family.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Lissa who has been really the one, who has raised Oliver, has waited a year to fulfill her late sister’s wishes. She needs to make sure that Marcus has changed and is nothing like his now deceased cult leader father. Talk about a history.
I have read plenty of Love Inspired books, mystery, historical, and contemporary, and some have really been such deep resonating stories. This is one of those and I enjoyed getting to know this hurting group of people and watching them as they dealt with their pasts to embrace their futures and become a family.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
May 14, 2018
If ever a man needed to let go of his past, it’s Marcus Palmero. Haunted by his upbringing and ashamed of some of his past choices, Marcus is content to live out his life on his ranch.
Marcus is a good guy who cares for his community and family, but his fear of turning out like his father has him paralyzed from reaching for his own happiness. So, when a woman shows up at his property with a little boy she claims is his son, Marcus is ready to send them back to San Antonio.
As Marcus fights his feelings for Lissa, believing he’s not worthy of her she has her own demons from her past to fight. And of course, the residents of Bluebonnet Springs all have (and share) their opinions about Marcus, Lissa, and little Oliver.
I wanted to hug Marcus at times while at others I was ready to shake some sense into him. Brenda Minton’s characterization is spot on. A story of healing, family, and love, The Rancher’s Secret Child offers hope when all seems hopeless, of the strength and encouragement of family, and of reaching for new dreams even when it scares you.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Marcus is a good guy who cares for his community and family, but his fear of turning out like his father has him paralyzed from reaching for his own happiness. So, when a woman shows up at his property with a little boy she claims is his son, Marcus is ready to send them back to San Antonio.
As Marcus fights his feelings for Lissa, believing he’s not worthy of her she has her own demons from her past to fight. And of course, the residents of Bluebonnet Springs all have (and share) their opinions about Marcus, Lissa, and little Oliver.
I wanted to hug Marcus at times while at others I was ready to shake some sense into him. Brenda Minton’s characterization is spot on. A story of healing, family, and love, The Rancher’s Secret Child offers hope when all seems hopeless, of the strength and encouragement of family, and of reaching for new dreams even when it scares you.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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May 28, 2018If you were to follow my readings you would come to realize I am a HUGE BRENDA MINTON fan. I am always anxiously awaiting her next book, knowing I will be wisp away in yet another great cowboy romance. Love her writing! Love her storylines! Love her characters! Lot the wit and shivery. THE RANCHER’S SECRET CHILD (BLUEBONNET SPRINGS) is everything I hoped for and more. Bring on the next.
From the back cover:
After meeting the son he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo’s simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart, the boy’s lovely guardian. She’ll help him become a parent—but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?
From the back cover:
After meeting the son he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo’s simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart, the boy’s lovely guardian. She’ll help him become a parent—but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?
January 9, 2019
The story seems to be one often used in this genre. Boy and girl have sex; girl gets pregnant but doesn't tell the boy about the pregnancy or the baby. Several years later the boy finds out he's a father.
In this case, it is the girl's foster sister, Lissa, who brings the young boy to meet his father because she promised his mother she would. (The boy's mother died after a car accident.)
I was a little confused about what the letter to Marcus said. When he first read it, it made it sound like Lissa had all the power to decide if Marcus got to see his son. Later in the story, it was made to sound like the letter gave Marcus the power to decide with whom Oliver would live.
The characters grew on me. I was a bit confused about Marcus's history, which is laced with abuse. Several aunts are mentioned in this story, yet none seemed to try to save the children from the abuse when they were younger. In fact, Marcus gives more credit to the Browns than he does to his relatives. Marcus also seems to be the only one who hasn't yet come to terms with his past. The others seem to be married or almost married--none of them seem to be worried about being bad parents or repeating the pattern of abuse they grew up with. That only seems to be Marcus. And yes, while many times there is a cycle of abuse, I have the idea that someone who is going to be an abuser isn't going to be the one who's vowing to never put someone else through what he/she went through. But . . . that could be wrong.
In this case, it is the girl's foster sister, Lissa, who brings the young boy to meet his father because she promised his mother she would. (The boy's mother died after a car accident.)
I was a little confused about what the letter to Marcus said. When he first read it, it made it sound like Lissa had all the power to decide if Marcus got to see his son. Later in the story, it was made to sound like the letter gave Marcus the power to decide with whom Oliver would live.
The characters grew on me. I was a bit confused about Marcus's history, which is laced with abuse. Several aunts are mentioned in this story, yet none seemed to try to save the children from the abuse when they were younger. In fact, Marcus gives more credit to the Browns than he does to his relatives. Marcus also seems to be the only one who hasn't yet come to terms with his past. The others seem to be married or almost married--none of them seem to be worried about being bad parents or repeating the pattern of abuse they grew up with. That only seems to be Marcus. And yes, while many times there is a cycle of abuse, I have the idea that someone who is going to be an abuser isn't going to be the one who's vowing to never put someone else through what he/she went through. But . . . that could be wrong.
October 12, 2018
Can he cowboy up for fatherhood? He had no room for love…until now. Never thought he was worthy having had a cult leader for a father who beat and scarred him for life and ruined his larynx. After meeting the son Oliver, he never knew he had, Marcus Palermo’s simple life turns upside down. Complicating things further is Lissa Hart (nurse), the boy’s lovely guardian and his ex’s foster sister. Summer his ex, asked her sister to take the boy to Marcus and make sure the recovering alcoholic was fit to be a father. She’ll help him become a parent—but falling for a gruff cowboy is not in her plans. Will she realize her future lies in Bluebonnet Springs with the rugged rancher?
April 14, 2018
Author Brenda Minton has done a good job of making her characters seem true to life. They face tough situations that don’t have easy answers. We see that the things we do affect those around us, as truly “no man is an island”. But acceptance, grace, and forgiveness are threaded all the way through story.
A good, clean book with surprises and light romance, this book is an enjoyable read for a relaxing weekend. I recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
A good, clean book with surprises and light romance, this book is an enjoyable read for a relaxing weekend. I recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
April 28, 2018
Brendo Minton did a fantastic job of writing a clean, great book! I loved this quick novella and the characters were very real to me. I love the message of grace and forgiveness embedded throughout this wonderful little book. While the plot was a little predictable, I still enjoyed it. Overall, if you are looking for an enjoyable read, that is a heartwarming contemporary romance with a cowboy, you'll enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. I give this book 4/5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. I give this book 4/5 stars.
May 7, 2018
The Rancher’s secret child
It aways enjoyable to have a child in a book and also makes it good with animals. This book has both. Marcus finds out he has a five year son. Definitely a surprise. He has a twin that seems like the book before was about so definitely need to read more of the bluebonnet springs series. There is excitement in the book when the flood happens. This was one of those books that was hard to put down. I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher.
It aways enjoyable to have a child in a book and also makes it good with animals. This book has both. Marcus finds out he has a five year son. Definitely a surprise. He has a twin that seems like the book before was about so definitely need to read more of the bluebonnet springs series. There is excitement in the book when the flood happens. This was one of those books that was hard to put down. I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher.
October 8, 2018
Brenda Minton has done it again -
To reach a standard as HIGH as the one I've set with her hero she set in COOPER CREEK BOOK #3 - she has to pull out all the stops -
SHE IS NEARLY THERE WITH MARCUS PALERMO -
I love the heart-tugging emotion in these stories - could use less redundancy - but the fact she writes such GREAT characterizations, plot, setting, etc - she's put this one into the 5 star category
A MUST READ and DEFINITELY ON MY KEEPER SHELVES!
To reach a standard as HIGH as the one I've set with her hero she set in COOPER CREEK BOOK #3 - she has to pull out all the stops -
SHE IS NEARLY THERE WITH MARCUS PALERMO -
I love the heart-tugging emotion in these stories - could use less redundancy - but the fact she writes such GREAT characterizations, plot, setting, etc - she's put this one into the 5 star category
A MUST READ and DEFINITELY ON MY KEEPER SHELVES!
May 11, 2018
The Rancher's Secret Child by Brenda Minton. Marcus Palermo has had a rough life growing up. Lissa Hart shows up in town with Marcus son, whom Marcus didn't know he had. The son's mother passed away and she told Lissa to find Marcus and see if he has turned his life around. Marcus can't help but love the little boy. Romance happens. A very good read.
March 6, 2018
I enjoyed this whole story about a man with problems and a lady with problems who unite because of a child and learn to love the child and each other.
May 18, 2018
Adorable story. Full review coming soon.
November 2, 2018
Ok quick read but too predictable.
December 4, 2018
A FANTASTIC book! Very surprising twists in it. Excellent plot!
January 31, 2020
I loved this whole series. This book certainly did not disappoint...it was great!
August 16, 2020
This was a pretty good book. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐️
December 20, 2020
This book was a love inspired romance that was really moving. I enjoyed the book from the first page. Brenda hit an inside the park home run!
November 9, 2022
The secret baby trope isn't my favorite because I get really sad at the thought of the baby stages and childhood years missed by the father. I think there is real grief for him to go through at missing that special growing up time. Marcus comes from a dysfunctional family with an abusive and tyrannical father, so I can see how scared he would be to give fatherhood a try. Lissa wants to make sure he really is ready and able to be present in the life of Oliver, and even though Marcus can take Oliver away from her, they realize how important it is for them both to be in his life. I was happy with the healing that took place and look forward to more from the Palermo family.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 15, 2025
Just read this for at least the third time. And what an awesome read
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May 1, 2018Miniseries: Bluebonnet Springs
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May 1, 2018Miniseries: Bluebonnet Springs
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews