What do you think?
Rugged Cross Ranch #1
Julie's Joy
Finding Joy . . . Julie Peterson had been born into a family of faith and privilege, but when her dad decides to move his family West to homestead near his sister's ranch in northeastern Oklahoma, disaster strikes, leaving Julie a nine-year-old orphan. Rescued and cared for by a migrating Indian village until her uncle found her years later, Julie has learned to find joy even when life turns out differently than she hoped. Meet her now as a young woman, returning home to the Rugged Cross Ranch. Though she has faced many hardships in her young life, Julie spreads joy to all around her. When the biggest tragedy of all strikes, will her joy be extinguished forever? Buck Matthews, the second oldest brother on the ranch, has given up dreams of a family, knowing no woman would accept his heritage. When Julie arrives on the ranch, their friendship reveals they have a great deal in common. Would Julie be willing to accept his love? Follow God's sovereign hand through this story of faith, family, and redeeming love. Be inspired to trust the One who loves us all unconditionally.
262 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2017
About the author
Jill Dewhurst
5 books45 followersA Selah Award Bronze Medalist, Christian Author Award Winner, Will Rogers Medallion Award Winner, and bestselling author of historical Christian fiction, Jill's writing engages the heart of her readers and leaves them empowered to fulfill God's plan for their lives. Jill's novels seamlessly weave a page-turning story with the truth of God's unconditional love.
With her varied experience as an RN, a musician, and a homeschool mom, Jill creatively weaves a part of herself into each story. What sets her books apart is the way the characters point the reader to the truth of God's love.
When she can find some free time, she enjoys playing her flute, piano, and cello and thanking God for the hubby who lassoed her heart for keeps. She and her family love their church in Florida and serve in the music and children's ministries there.
Jill has had a secret wish for many years to write a story that would inspire readers by reminding them of a God who loves them unconditionally and longs to have a personal relationship with them. Publishing her Rugged Cross Ranch novels has been a dream come true.
With her varied experience as an RN, a musician, and a homeschool mom, Jill creatively weaves a part of herself into each story. What sets her books apart is the way the characters point the reader to the truth of God's love.
When she can find some free time, she enjoys playing her flute, piano, and cello and thanking God for the hubby who lassoed her heart for keeps. She and her family love their church in Florida and serve in the music and children's ministries there.
Jill has had a secret wish for many years to write a story that would inspire readers by reminding them of a God who loves them unconditionally and longs to have a personal relationship with them. Publishing her Rugged Cross Ranch novels has been a dream come true.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read this book before and Loved it! Reading it again made me realize how much I had forgotten about that happened so made me look forward to it! I had forgotten about what happened to Buck!😢 but it did all come back to me once I started reading how it all happened! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this for the second time!🤗 if I could find more books that was written as well as this one I would be one happy person! It is so hard to find good close door or Christian romance books that are not badly written or very bad editing and can’t keep their facts together! But Jill Dewhurst nailed it all the way!🤗
I have read this book before and Loved it! Reading it again made me realize how much I had forgotten about that happened so made me look forward to it! I had forgotten about what happened to Buck!😢 but it did all come back to me once I started reading how it all happened! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this for the second time!🤗 if I could find more books that was written as well as this one I would be one happy person! It is so hard to find good close door or Christian romance books that are not badly written or very bad editing and can’t keep their facts together! But Jill Dewhurst nailed it all the way!🤗
December 23, 2025
Good
This is an amazing story of things going "wrong", being redeemed; of highs and lows with unexpected outcomes. An engrossing tale with gains and losses strewn within it. Realistic characters that draw you into the story. An inspiring faith walk tale. Very well done.
This is an amazing story of things going "wrong", being redeemed; of highs and lows with unexpected outcomes. An engrossing tale with gains and losses strewn within it. Realistic characters that draw you into the story. An inspiring faith walk tale. Very well done.
December 28, 2025
A beautiful story!
Have the tissues ready! This is an amazing story of unconditional love, wrapped in grief and joy. The thread of God's foreknowledge and provision make this extra special.
Have the tissues ready! This is an amazing story of unconditional love, wrapped in grief and joy. The thread of God's foreknowledge and provision make this extra special.
January 31, 2026
Very moving story
Written story of love, compassion, family working together, supporting each other. Insight into understanding some of Indian culture and mores. Love continues thru difficult and challenging events.
Written story of love, compassion, family working together, supporting each other. Insight into understanding some of Indian culture and mores. Love continues thru difficult and challenging events.
April 10, 2025
joy through the trials
I so enjoyed this story! Yes, Julie had joy no matter what because her strength comes from the Lord. Very well done!
I so enjoyed this story! Yes, Julie had joy no matter what because her strength comes from the Lord. Very well done!
January 22, 2026
story of faith
What a love story that illustrates Christ’s love and his love for humanity. The author portrays the white man accurately in the 19th century.
What a love story that illustrates Christ’s love and his love for humanity. The author portrays the white man accurately in the 19th century.
February 11, 2026
Second love
This is an excellent story of life on the open range near Native villages. Telling the different customs and joining together in love and death.
This is an excellent story of life on the open range near Native villages. Telling the different customs and joining together in love and death.
February 25, 2026
I enjoy reading books from this time period and Julie's Joy is a good read! God's hand in Julie's life is revealed throughout the story. I'm on to read the next Rugged Cross Ranch book.
July 26, 2026
A Must Read
I’m not good at reviews, but this book is one of the best I have read. I couldn’t put it down.
I’m not good at reviews, but this book is one of the best I have read. I couldn’t put it down.
March 31, 2026
This one was a nice story but a little too sad for my liking, especially how some of the events turned out. I felt some of the “plot twists” were a little forced so didn’t connect with them emotionally. But if you like a story with strong faith threads don’t let my review deter you from reading this one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews