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The Brides of Purple Heart Ranch #1
On His Bended Knee
She needed a place to stay. He needed to save his ranch. Together they just might make a home.
Sgt. Dylan Banks lost more than just his leg in the war. His fiancée and family turned their backs on him as well. Now, he’s determined to create a safe place where wounded warriors like himself can heal. But a hidden zoning law requires all residents of the Purple Heart Ranch to be married. To save his dream, Dylan and his men will have to tie the knot—but can a man with such deep scars inside and out believe in love again?
Maggie Shaw lost both her job as a veterinary technician and her apartment on the same day. Who knew her unreasonable landlord would kick her out for being four dogs over the one pet limit? Now, she and her gang of special-needs dogs are in trouble. Fate puts her in Dylan’s path with a proposal that seems too good to be true—but can her heart bear a loveless marriage of convenience?
Dylan yearns to reach out for Maggie’s healing touch, but he keeps his distance, convinced his wounds are too deep for her embrace. Maggie sees past Dylan’s injuries, but if she fails to capture his heart they both could lose it all: her beloved animals, his ranch, and each other.
Find out if love can truly heal all wounds in this light-hearted, sweet romance of convenient arrangements that unfold into lasting love. On His Bended Knee is the first in a series of marriage of convenience tales featuring Wounded Warriors who are healed with the power of love.
Sgt. Dylan Banks lost more than just his leg in the war. His fiancée and family turned their backs on him as well. Now, he’s determined to create a safe place where wounded warriors like himself can heal. But a hidden zoning law requires all residents of the Purple Heart Ranch to be married. To save his dream, Dylan and his men will have to tie the knot—but can a man with such deep scars inside and out believe in love again?
Maggie Shaw lost both her job as a veterinary technician and her apartment on the same day. Who knew her unreasonable landlord would kick her out for being four dogs over the one pet limit? Now, she and her gang of special-needs dogs are in trouble. Fate puts her in Dylan’s path with a proposal that seems too good to be true—but can her heart bear a loveless marriage of convenience?
Dylan yearns to reach out for Maggie’s healing touch, but he keeps his distance, convinced his wounds are too deep for her embrace. Maggie sees past Dylan’s injuries, but if she fails to capture his heart they both could lose it all: her beloved animals, his ranch, and each other.
Find out if love can truly heal all wounds in this light-hearted, sweet romance of convenient arrangements that unfold into lasting love. On His Bended Knee is the first in a series of marriage of convenience tales featuring Wounded Warriors who are healed with the power of love.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2018
4416 people are currently reading
2412 people want to read
About the author
Shanae Johnson
99 books152 followersShanae Johnson was raised by Saturday Morning cartoons and Afterschool Specials. She still doesn’t understand why there isn’t a life lesson that ties the issues of the day together just before bedtime. While she’s still waiting for the meaning of it all, she writes stories to try and figure it all out.
And by the way, the E elongates the A. So it’s pronounced Shan-aaaaaaaa. Perfect for a hero to call out across the moors, or up to a balcony. If you hear him calling her name, please send him her way!
And by the way, the E elongates the A. So it’s pronounced Shan-aaaaaaaa. Perfect for a hero to call out across the moors, or up to a balcony. If you hear him calling her name, please send him her way!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
March 25, 2020
DNF at 7%
Too many things didn't make sense to me:
Dylan wears a prosthetic leg - I'm assuming it's an 'above the knee' one. At one point he has to 'reconnect' the socket and we are told that the prosthetic leg gave him an extra inch.
How? I mean -surely an extra inch on one side would mean he walked with a limp, wouldn't it? Or does he have a built-up shoe on the other leg? It made no sense to me, particularly as he would need to be sure-footed and well-balanced.
And then we have Maggie who is just about to either remove both hind legs of a dog who was found bleeding on the doorstep of the veterinary clinic in the morning. The dog would lose both of its hind legs.
She is in the operating theatre (blade in hand? Should that be a scalpel?) - so where is her assistant? Surely she can't be thinking of removing a dog's legs without anyone supervising the anaesthetic or helping her with the operation??
Has the author ever seen a dog under anaesthetic?
And then it seems that she isn't removing the legs and she is going to put the dog down instead. The phenobarbital would be a mercy to the poor creature. - So clearly this dog is really suffering
And then (and for the life of me I do not understand this) She bandaged the dog. The damage had been done long before she'd gotten to him and healing had already begun.
NO IT HADN'T! The dog was still bleeding when it turned up on the doorstep and she had scooped it up and set down to work so it wouldn't have had TIME to start healing!!
You were about to remove its back legs! You were going to put it out of its misery! It should still be sedated!!! WHERE IS THE VETERINARY NURSE?? (I was screaming at my Kindle at this point!)
And THEN she wraps it in a blanket and carries it out (presumably to her car) !!! WTF?????
I can only take so much stupidity.
Too many things didn't make sense to me:
Dylan wears a prosthetic leg - I'm assuming it's an 'above the knee' one. At one point he has to 'reconnect' the socket and we are told that the prosthetic leg gave him an extra inch.
How? I mean -surely an extra inch on one side would mean he walked with a limp, wouldn't it? Or does he have a built-up shoe on the other leg? It made no sense to me, particularly as he would need to be sure-footed and well-balanced.
And then we have Maggie who is just about to either remove both hind legs of a dog who was found bleeding on the doorstep of the veterinary clinic in the morning. The dog would lose both of its hind legs.
She is in the operating theatre (blade in hand? Should that be a scalpel?) - so where is her assistant? Surely she can't be thinking of removing a dog's legs without anyone supervising the anaesthetic or helping her with the operation??
Has the author ever seen a dog under anaesthetic?
And then it seems that she isn't removing the legs and she is going to put the dog down instead. The phenobarbital would be a mercy to the poor creature. - So clearly this dog is really suffering
And then (and for the life of me I do not understand this) She bandaged the dog. The damage had been done long before she'd gotten to him and healing had already begun.
NO IT HADN'T! The dog was still bleeding when it turned up on the doorstep and she had scooped it up and set down to work so it wouldn't have had TIME to start healing!!
You were about to remove its back legs! You were going to put it out of its misery! It should still be sedated!!! WHERE IS THE VETERINARY NURSE?? (I was screaming at my Kindle at this point!)
And THEN she wraps it in a blanket and carries it out (presumably to her car) !!! WTF?????
I can only take so much stupidity.
August 5, 2020
I legitimately do not know where to begin. There was just so much to unpack in this book. I don't even know why I finished it, except in the same way you have to watch a train crash.
(Obviously, spoilers to follow)
1. I am so confused by this vet's office where Maggie works. First of all, Maggie, as a vet tech, is performing what I assume is fairly intense surgery by herself?? (On the subject, why is the vet leaving her alone in the building in the middle of a surgery?) Second of all, why does the boss vet get so upset that she is taking an injured animal home? That has nothing to do with him and her personal life is her personal life -- he has no control over that. Also, at a vet's office I highly doubt that taking an injured animal home is a fireable offense.
2. I don't know how it works in Montanan specifically, but how is her landlord allowed to evict her with twenty minutes notice? That must be illegal.
3. How could Dr. Patel be both a therapist AND a pastor? That seems like too many jobs.
4. Very unclear who owns this ranch. Dylan is trying to buy it, but from WHOM? Also, who is paying Dr. Patel and for the upkeep of the horses. Is it Dylan?
5. Skipping ahead, I know very little about amputated limbs, but I'd have to imagine that a well-healed amputated limb wouldn't get infected from one dip in a pond.
6. THIS JUST ISN'T HOW ZONING WORKS. NO PROPERTY EVER HAS BEEN ZONED FOR MARRIED PEOPLE ONLY. Also, I would have to imagine that Dylan as a rich person could afford a lawyer who could make the case that a group of veterans is a *family*. The whole zoning premise makes less than zero sense. It makes NEGATIVE sense. Finally, why is the planning officer checking up on them so much? He must have better things to do.
7. An arranged marriage does not help Maggie with her problem that she is unemployed. Unless we are accepting "housewife to a group of veterans on a horse ranch" as a career, but it does not come with financial compensation.
8. I'm sorry but I cannot suspend enough disbelief to accept that two strangers would agree to marry each other twenty minutes after their first meeting. In this day and age? In Montana? Without coercion? I think not.
In conclusion: the entire premise of this book is based on nonsense, the plot as it continues is nonsense, the "romance" was not compelling, and even the addition of dogs and horses could not save this book from being one of the most poorly written things I've ever read. However -- that being said -- I have recounted the plot of this book to several friends and family members and we laughed so hard we cried. Therefore, as a serious work of fiction this is atrocious, but as a work of ironic comedy it is unparalleled.
(Obviously, spoilers to follow)
1. I am so confused by this vet's office where Maggie works. First of all, Maggie, as a vet tech, is performing what I assume is fairly intense surgery by herself?? (On the subject, why is the vet leaving her alone in the building in the middle of a surgery?) Second of all, why does the boss vet get so upset that she is taking an injured animal home? That has nothing to do with him and her personal life is her personal life -- he has no control over that. Also, at a vet's office I highly doubt that taking an injured animal home is a fireable offense.
2. I don't know how it works in Montanan specifically, but how is her landlord allowed to evict her with twenty minutes notice? That must be illegal.
3. How could Dr. Patel be both a therapist AND a pastor? That seems like too many jobs.
4. Very unclear who owns this ranch. Dylan is trying to buy it, but from WHOM? Also, who is paying Dr. Patel and for the upkeep of the horses. Is it Dylan?
5. Skipping ahead, I know very little about amputated limbs, but I'd have to imagine that a well-healed amputated limb wouldn't get infected from one dip in a pond.
6. THIS JUST ISN'T HOW ZONING WORKS. NO PROPERTY EVER HAS BEEN ZONED FOR MARRIED PEOPLE ONLY. Also, I would have to imagine that Dylan as a rich person could afford a lawyer who could make the case that a group of veterans is a *family*. The whole zoning premise makes less than zero sense. It makes NEGATIVE sense. Finally, why is the planning officer checking up on them so much? He must have better things to do.
7. An arranged marriage does not help Maggie with her problem that she is unemployed. Unless we are accepting "housewife to a group of veterans on a horse ranch" as a career, but it does not come with financial compensation.
8. I'm sorry but I cannot suspend enough disbelief to accept that two strangers would agree to marry each other twenty minutes after their first meeting. In this day and age? In Montana? Without coercion? I think not.
In conclusion: the entire premise of this book is based on nonsense, the plot as it continues is nonsense, the "romance" was not compelling, and even the addition of dogs and horses could not save this book from being one of the most poorly written things I've ever read. However -- that being said -- I have recounted the plot of this book to several friends and family members and we laughed so hard we cried. Therefore, as a serious work of fiction this is atrocious, but as a work of ironic comedy it is unparalleled.
October 11, 2023
A nice, clean romance, m/f. A small group of wounded warriors are rebuilding their lives on a ranch that is being coveted by local land speculators. There are legal strings attached to the lease that families must live on the land, and all of the vets are single. Dylan, the de facto leader of the group, is put together with a young vet tech who has lost her job by saving too many dogs that were supposed to be put down. Her Simon Legree veterinarian boss was startling in his callousness towards the injured animals. I liked little Spin who has lost his back legs and wheels around on his apparatus. He was a sweet doggie. They all were. Maggie was a lovely young lady who had never had family or love. Dylan’s offer of a marriage of convenience and a place for her and the dogs to live was heaven sent. There were immediate sparks between hesitant Dylan and shy Maggie. The other men at the ranch were amusing in their slight push to get this couple together. The drama came from Dylan not wanting Maggie to see his amputated leg and not accepting help, and Maggie feeling pushed away.
The writing was clear and the story was pleasant.
I don’t think I’ve read an m/f romance with just a kiss since Beverly Cleary!
The writing was clear and the story was pleasant.
I don’t think I’ve read an m/f romance with just a kiss since Beverly Cleary!
August 22, 2025
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/on-h...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/on-h...
March 28, 2020
DNF. The whole premise that these men had to get married based on some zoning ordinance just put me over the edge. There had been other intentionally over-sentimental details in the story that I kept overlooking but that finished me off.
November 30, 2020
DNF. To many wrong things from the start. How is a vet tech doing a double amputation on a dog with no assistant for tracking anesthesia, bleeding, etc... also, no way she was evicted with 20 minutes notice.
Someone needs to do their research...
Someone needs to do their research...
April 23, 2023
דילן בנקס הוא סרג'נט לשעבר בצבא, שנפצע במהלך שירותו הצבאי ורגלו נקטעה. ארוסתו והוריו הפנו לו עורף בעודו בשיקום בבית החולים. דילן, שבא ממשפחה עשירה, משתמש בכספי קרן הנאמנות שלו כדי לשכור שטח חווה שתשמש כמקום לשיקום חיילים פצועים כמוהו.
מגי היא עוזרת וטרינר, שהוריה נטשו אותה כשהיתה ילדה, והיא גדלה בבית יתומים ובמשפחות אומנה. מגי מצילה כלבים פגועים מהמתת חסד ומאמצת אותם. לאחר שסירבה להרדים כלב שנפצע ונקטעו רגליו, היא מפוטרת מעבודתה. במקביל, בעל הבית של הדירה שבה היא גרה, דורש ממנה להיפטר מהכלבים או להתפנות מהמקום.
דילן מקבל צו פינוי מהחווה, כי מסתבר שהשטח מיועד למגורי משפחה, ואף אחד משוכני החווה אינו נשוי. הפסיכולוג של דילן, שהוא גם כומר ומכר של מגי, מציע שהשניים יתחתנו "על הנייר", וכך דילן יוכל לשמור על החווה ולמגי יהיה איפה לגור ולעבוד. מגי עוברת לגור בביתו של דילן בחווה. בהתחלה הוא שומר ממנה מרחק, אך ההמשך ברור.
הספר מרגש וממש אהבתי אותו אבל.... הוא נגמר ממש ממש מהר, ומגי ודילן עוברים תוך כמה ימים מסטטוס של זרים לסטטוס של מאוהבים מעל הראש , מה שלא היה ממש הגיוני. הספר "נקי" כך שהם בקושי מתנשקים אפילו. מה עם לפנק את הקוראות עם איזו סצנת סקס? או סתם להרחיב על נושא הצלקות החיצוניות והפנימיות של דילן וההתמודדות שלו עם החשיפה מול מגי? הבסיס של הסיפור נוגע ללב אבל היה יותר מתאים אם הספר היה יותר ארוך ויותר slow-burn. די התבאסתי בגלל זה, אז הורדתי כוכב.
הספר הוא חלק מסדרה שכל אחד מספריה מספר על חייל לשעבר אחר שחי בחווה, אבל אני לא יודעת אם אמשיך הלאה מחשש שגם הם יהיו קצרים ובלתי מספקים כאלו...
מגי היא עוזרת וטרינר, שהוריה נטשו אותה כשהיתה ילדה, והיא גדלה בבית יתומים ובמשפחות אומנה. מגי מצילה כלבים פגועים מהמתת חסד ומאמצת אותם. לאחר שסירבה להרדים כלב שנפצע ונקטעו רגליו, היא מפוטרת מעבודתה. במקביל, בעל הבית של הדירה שבה היא גרה, דורש ממנה להיפטר מהכלבים או להתפנות מהמקום.
דילן מקבל צו פינוי מהחווה, כי מסתבר שהשטח מיועד למגורי משפחה, ואף אחד משוכני החווה אינו נשוי. הפסיכולוג של דילן, שהוא גם כומר ומכר של מגי, מציע שהשניים יתחתנו "על הנייר", וכך דילן יוכל לשמור על החווה ולמגי יהיה איפה לגור ולעבוד. מגי עוברת לגור בביתו של דילן בחווה. בהתחלה הוא שומר ממנה מרחק, אך ההמשך ברור.
הספר מרגש וממש אהבתי אותו אבל.... הוא נגמר ממש ממש מהר, ומגי ודילן עוברים תוך כמה ימים מסטטוס של זרים לסטטוס של מאוהבים מעל הראש , מה שלא היה ממש הגיוני. הספר "נקי" כך שהם בקושי מתנשקים אפילו. מה עם לפנק את הקוראות עם איזו סצנת סקס? או סתם להרחיב על נושא הצלקות החיצוניות והפנימיות של דילן וההתמודדות שלו עם החשיפה מול מגי? הבסיס של הסיפור נוגע ללב אבל היה יותר מתאים אם הספר היה יותר ארוך ויותר slow-burn. די התבאסתי בגלל זה, אז הורדתי כוכב.
הספר הוא חלק מסדרה שכל אחד מספריה מספר על חייל לשעבר אחר שחי בחווה, אבל אני לא יודעת אם אמשיך הלאה מחשש שגם הם יהיו קצרים ובלתי מספקים כאלו...
April 25, 2020
It’s basically a love at first sight story, all emotion and physical attraction and very little substance. I thought the author would play out the marriage of convenience with character development through adversity and truth-discovery, since she made such a big deal about church and her characters needing to overcome deep seated emotional trauma. Instead, they wore rose colored glasses with all these hopes about how things could work out perfectly as a couple. Meanwhile, all I could see were flashing warning signs of major looming conflict and division which could easily tear them down and tear them apart. It was like watching a train heading for a cliff with no bridge. Then the story ends abruptly before it’s even begun and the epilogue is the intro to a new character for the next book. What was meant to be a sweet romantic spring into true happiness and love was instead the catalogue of a disaster waiting to happen.
The writing itself also left much to be desired. Most of the description was an emotional thought process. Example: we get a play by play of Dylan’s feelings as he gazes longingly at Maggie while Dylan’s friends are telling Maggie funny stories about him at their wedding reception. Why not add dialogue or a memory recall of a few of those funny stories? It would develop his character for the reader and give Maggie insight into and deeper appreciation of his personality. Unfortunately, I didn’t relate to the characters enough to feel the feels with them, so the whole story fell flat.
The writing itself also left much to be desired. Most of the description was an emotional thought process. Example: we get a play by play of Dylan’s feelings as he gazes longingly at Maggie while Dylan’s friends are telling Maggie funny stories about him at their wedding reception. Why not add dialogue or a memory recall of a few of those funny stories? It would develop his character for the reader and give Maggie insight into and deeper appreciation of his personality. Unfortunately, I didn’t relate to the characters enough to feel the feels with them, so the whole story fell flat.
August 12, 2020
What a waste of time! At least it wasn't much time since it is such a short book. I read through several 1 star reviews and agreed with most of what was said. This story is just so unbelievable! I mean, seriously! The wounded warriors were about to be evicted from their ranch because it was zoned for married people only!!! What??? No problem. Dylan and Maggie had just met, but that didn't matter. The ranch must be saved at all cost! They got married the next day. I only started reading it because I was in a mood and just wanted something light-hearted to read. Well I definitely got light hearted! It was total fluff! I rarely read the first book in a series without wanting to read the next one. Not so with this series! I didn't even read the preview of the second book at the back of this book! Pass!
September 19, 2021
This unusual clean romance by Shana Johnson had a premise of a ranch where injured veterans come together to support each other as they heal the emotional and physical scars of war is a fantastic backdrop for this story. But there are to many things that were not believable. The idea that the residents of the ranch are required to be married to keep the land adds an unusual but unbelievable twist to the story. The total idea of the Veterinary hospital, Maggie as a Vet Tech doing surgery unassisted is unbelievable even for me. I am sorry to give such a low score for this review, but I believe a little more research would have made a big difference in the writing of this story.
May 13, 2020
Clean & Sweet, but Lackluster
This story & all the other related stories have the potential to be great & it falls far short of that goal. The storyline is a great subject. It's just that the story telling by the author is pedestrian at best. A 'sweet' story doesn't have to be so lacking. Think of all the wonderful literature that preceded this era of 'anything goes'. I wasn't swept along with the story, there was nothing to spark my interest. I was never invested in any of the characters. Disappointing.
This story & all the other related stories have the potential to be great & it falls far short of that goal. The storyline is a great subject. It's just that the story telling by the author is pedestrian at best. A 'sweet' story doesn't have to be so lacking. Think of all the wonderful literature that preceded this era of 'anything goes'. I wasn't swept along with the story, there was nothing to spark my interest. I was never invested in any of the characters. Disappointing.
February 21, 2020
Oh, dear. This is not readable. I guess that’s why it was free.
October 5, 2019
I enjoyed this little book from start to finish. Maggie is a kind hearted vet technician who can’t put down dogs who still have a good life ahead of them. Dylan lives on a ranch devoted to fellow veterans who also have good lives ahead of them. They both have hurts buried deep within, after Maggie loses her job and apartment for rescuing one more dog instead putting it down she is trouble.
Dylan’s ranch lease might be canceled if they don’t become married men at the ranch. Lol so Dylan and Maggie are setup as a trial marriage. Can it work?
Try this book I think you’ll love it as much as I did no steamy scenes just sweet story
I received a free e-copy if this book from the author but this in no way affected my review. I am very impartial on reviews if I hate the book or love it that’s how the review goes.
Dylan’s ranch lease might be canceled if they don’t become married men at the ranch. Lol so Dylan and Maggie are setup as a trial marriage. Can it work?
Try this book I think you’ll love it as much as I did no steamy scenes just sweet story
I received a free e-copy if this book from the author but this in no way affected my review. I am very impartial on reviews if I hate the book or love it that’s how the review goes.
August 17, 2020
There may be much to recommend this unusual clean romance by Shana Johnson, but believability is not one of them. A ranch where injured veterans come together to support each other as they heal the emotional and physical scars of war is a fantastic backdrop for this story. However, the premise that the residents of the ranch are required to be married adds an unusual and unbelievable twist to the story. Unfortunately, the entire story falls apart without this unbelievable twist. As a romantic, I understand the concept of love at first sight. But marriage, at first sight, is adding one unbelievable concept to another unbelievable premise. Three-Stars.
May 29, 2021
This was a ridiculously unbelievable story. The "marriage of convenience" trope simply does not work in modern times!!!
December 3, 2024
A short, sweet story about an unlikely couple who are arranged to marry for their convenience, but find themselves inextricably attracted.
Dylan Banks, veteran, amputee, needs to marry to keep living on the ranch he maintains to help wounded soldiers. Maggie Shaw, soft-hearted, suddenly former veterinary technician, is evicted for having too many dogs, which she rescued from euthanasia for losing health or limbs. The two are brought together by their counselor/pastor.
It’s surprising when a romance story doesn’t have premarital kissing at all, but they did get married on the fourth day after meeting each other!
Clean.
Contains: Lustful thoughts, mentions of PTSD, physical scars, amputations.
Several editing issues, some small, some confusing:
“It had no one to stick up for him and now it would be put down permanently.” Gender fluid dog, perhaps?
“The sunglasses cast the dark man on the steed in a full shadow.” I’m trying to figure out if he’s of African origin, and exactly how large these sunglasses are.
“One by one, Maggie piled the dogs into the back of her truck. She had to put the dogs in crates while she drove so that they wouldn't injure themselves any further. Soldier, the Chihuahua, Star, the Pug, and Spin went into the back. Spin was not at all happy about being confined and immediately began to cry. Maggie took a moment to soothe him with a chew toy, then she piled Sugar, the retriever, into the back front seat and guided Stevie, her partially blind Rottweiler, into the back. With the gang all loaded up, she started the car and headed to the only place she could think of.” Ok, three crates in the bed of a truck… or, wait, no, it’s a car… or maybe an SUV? What’s a “back front seat?” It seems Maggie would be more careful than to “pile” the retriever in a seat.
“Spin came up to her leg, wheel coming to a halt…” What about the other wheel?
“…two wheels acted as legs that the little dog used to propel himself onward.” The wheels in dog wheelchairs are not used for propulsion.
“…per say,” Per se, perhaps?
“…a divorced kid…” Is that what they’re calling kids of divorced parents these days?
“the Patels were very happy [in their arranged marriage], with a large family of adult children—some of whom were matched in the same light.” Light?
“He pulled out a pan from the cupboard, sprayed, and laid out the food.” Sprayed what, now?
“We were all a part of that mission. The entire squad didn't make it. Those of us that did … we all lost something that day.” If the entire squad didn’t make it, how are they still here?
“The paper crumpled from his hand.” As if his hand was keeping the paper flat?
“Sean slid into the door.” With a bang?
“The men made simpering sounds…” A simper is a kind of coy smile. It doesn’t seem it would have a sound.
“He knew the dog couldn't swim with the apparatus on its leg.” Dog wheelchairs do not go on a leg.
“the tiny Chihuahua, Soldier, who’d lost his front left arm,” Front left arm? Not a back arm?
Dylan Banks, veteran, amputee, needs to marry to keep living on the ranch he maintains to help wounded soldiers. Maggie Shaw, soft-hearted, suddenly former veterinary technician, is evicted for having too many dogs, which she rescued from euthanasia for losing health or limbs. The two are brought together by their counselor/pastor.
It’s surprising when a romance story doesn’t have premarital kissing at all, but they did get married on the fourth day after meeting each other!
Clean.
Contains: Lustful thoughts, mentions of PTSD, physical scars, amputations.
Several editing issues, some small, some confusing:
“It had no one to stick up for him and now it would be put down permanently.” Gender fluid dog, perhaps?
“The sunglasses cast the dark man on the steed in a full shadow.” I’m trying to figure out if he’s of African origin, and exactly how large these sunglasses are.
“One by one, Maggie piled the dogs into the back of her truck. She had to put the dogs in crates while she drove so that they wouldn't injure themselves any further. Soldier, the Chihuahua, Star, the Pug, and Spin went into the back. Spin was not at all happy about being confined and immediately began to cry. Maggie took a moment to soothe him with a chew toy, then she piled Sugar, the retriever, into the back front seat and guided Stevie, her partially blind Rottweiler, into the back. With the gang all loaded up, she started the car and headed to the only place she could think of.” Ok, three crates in the bed of a truck… or, wait, no, it’s a car… or maybe an SUV? What’s a “back front seat?” It seems Maggie would be more careful than to “pile” the retriever in a seat.
“Spin came up to her leg, wheel coming to a halt…” What about the other wheel?
“…two wheels acted as legs that the little dog used to propel himself onward.” The wheels in dog wheelchairs are not used for propulsion.
“…per say,” Per se, perhaps?
“…a divorced kid…” Is that what they’re calling kids of divorced parents these days?
“the Patels were very happy [in their arranged marriage], with a large family of adult children—some of whom were matched in the same light.” Light?
“He pulled out a pan from the cupboard, sprayed, and laid out the food.” Sprayed what, now?
“We were all a part of that mission. The entire squad didn't make it. Those of us that did … we all lost something that day.” If the entire squad didn’t make it, how are they still here?
“The paper crumpled from his hand.” As if his hand was keeping the paper flat?
“Sean slid into the door.” With a bang?
“The men made simpering sounds…” A simper is a kind of coy smile. It doesn’t seem it would have a sound.
“He knew the dog couldn't swim with the apparatus on its leg.” Dog wheelchairs do not go on a leg.
“the tiny Chihuahua, Soldier, who’d lost his front left arm,” Front left arm? Not a back arm?
March 7, 2020
Finding a place to call home.
A totally different read for me. But the message delivered within was heartfelt and inspirational.
When Dylan returns from Afghanistan wounded and his career over his only thought is family. But when his family and his fiancée turn their backs on him he’s left broken mentally.
Escaping he decides to settle on a ranch, one where wounded service men can find a place to belong, and one where they can recover. But when it’s threatened and the only way to fix it is marriage it’ll take a miracle to find a woman who’d settle down here.
Maggie has always been on the outside looking in. Abandoned and brought up in foster care she’s never known love. All she has is her dogs. Dogs that no one else has wanted. The wounded, the elderly the lost causes.
A chance to start anew, a place for all of them is like a dream come true. Meeting her handsome intended is a bonus.
A drama free read. It’s sweet and moving. Slow build, engaging characters and a contemporary read. Strictly vanilla in theme but it didn’t detract from the story.
A totally different read for me. But the message delivered within was heartfelt and inspirational.
When Dylan returns from Afghanistan wounded and his career over his only thought is family. But when his family and his fiancée turn their backs on him he’s left broken mentally.
Escaping he decides to settle on a ranch, one where wounded service men can find a place to belong, and one where they can recover. But when it’s threatened and the only way to fix it is marriage it’ll take a miracle to find a woman who’d settle down here.
Maggie has always been on the outside looking in. Abandoned and brought up in foster care she’s never known love. All she has is her dogs. Dogs that no one else has wanted. The wounded, the elderly the lost causes.
A chance to start anew, a place for all of them is like a dream come true. Meeting her handsome intended is a bonus.
A drama free read. It’s sweet and moving. Slow build, engaging characters and a contemporary read. Strictly vanilla in theme but it didn’t detract from the story.
October 28, 2023
The couple: Dylan and Maggie
Romance trope: arranged marriage (of convenience); clean romance
Series: The Brides of Purple Heart Ranch
Length: 160 pages
Plot: Dylan doesn't believe that love is in the cards for him, not after losing his leg in the war. But in order to keep his ranch going, he'll have to marry, and so many vets depend on his ranch that he knows he'll do it even if he isn't in love. Maggie has just lost her job and her home because of her rescue dogs. A local pastor/therapist proposes that Maggie and Dylan help each other; they get married and Dylan can keep his ranch and Maggie will have a place to live and work (and the dogs will come with her, of course!). But maybe their arrangement will grow into something a little more than just business.
Commentary: Clean romance, Christian undertones. Dylan believes he isn't good enough, a feeling reinforced by his ex-fiancee and his family. Maggie's never had love after a life as a foster kid. They're both such good-hearted people though. The story wasn't extremely exciting but did have a satisfying ending.
Next book in the series: Hand Over His Heart
Romance trope: arranged marriage (of convenience); clean romance
Series: The Brides of Purple Heart Ranch
Length: 160 pages
Plot: Dylan doesn't believe that love is in the cards for him, not after losing his leg in the war. But in order to keep his ranch going, he'll have to marry, and so many vets depend on his ranch that he knows he'll do it even if he isn't in love. Maggie has just lost her job and her home because of her rescue dogs. A local pastor/therapist proposes that Maggie and Dylan help each other; they get married and Dylan can keep his ranch and Maggie will have a place to live and work (and the dogs will come with her, of course!). But maybe their arrangement will grow into something a little more than just business.
Commentary: Clean romance, Christian undertones. Dylan believes he isn't good enough, a feeling reinforced by his ex-fiancee and his family. Maggie's never had love after a life as a foster kid. They're both such good-hearted people though. The story wasn't extremely exciting but did have a satisfying ending.
Next book in the series: Hand Over His Heart
February 24, 2020
On His Bended Knee ~ The Brides of. Purple Heart Ranch ~ Book 1
Dylan, a wounded warrior goes down 'On His Bended Knee' although it is both painful and difficult to Maggie and her dogs. Ryan and his fellow wounded warriors are living on a special ranch to help them recover. Maggie comes to the ranch looking for a job and a place to stay with her five wounded dogs. She finds that and so much more with Dylan. This is a sweet clean romance.
Dylan, a wounded warrior goes down 'On His Bended Knee' although it is both painful and difficult to Maggie and her dogs. Ryan and his fellow wounded warriors are living on a special ranch to help them recover. Maggie comes to the ranch looking for a job and a place to stay with her five wounded dogs. She finds that and so much more with Dylan. This is a sweet clean romance.
March 24, 2019
This starts with a sympathetic vet assistant. She loses her job and home because of taking too many dogs home with her. To save herself and the therapy ranch for disabled veterans, she enters into a marriage of convenience.
November 18, 2018
On His Bended Knee by Shanae Johnson is a 4 star read.
Dylan Banks is a war veteran, when he came home injured his fiancée and his parents turned their back on him as he now didn’t fit into their “ideal” world. Moving to the Purple Heart Ranch along with other wounded vets, who he now classes as his family, he’s happy with his life or is he?? When he’s told that the grounds he want to buy have been set out for families Dylan knows he needs to do what he can to keep the Ranch for his new family.
Maggie Shaw has been abandoned by people all her life, from the parents who left when she was at school to the foster parents who only used her for money and free childcare, so working as a vet tech she can’t help but rescue the injured dogs who would be put to sleep and takes them home with her, but it’s the injured dogs that makes her lose her job and home all at the same time. When the chance comes up the go to the Purple Heart Ranch Maggie’s life night just change.
This was such a great story of two wounded people with the ability to heal each other.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book and would highly recommend it.
Dylan Banks is a war veteran, when he came home injured his fiancée and his parents turned their back on him as he now didn’t fit into their “ideal” world. Moving to the Purple Heart Ranch along with other wounded vets, who he now classes as his family, he’s happy with his life or is he?? When he’s told that the grounds he want to buy have been set out for families Dylan knows he needs to do what he can to keep the Ranch for his new family.
Maggie Shaw has been abandoned by people all her life, from the parents who left when she was at school to the foster parents who only used her for money and free childcare, so working as a vet tech she can’t help but rescue the injured dogs who would be put to sleep and takes them home with her, but it’s the injured dogs that makes her lose her job and home all at the same time. When the chance comes up the go to the Purple Heart Ranch Maggie’s life night just change.
This was such a great story of two wounded people with the ability to heal each other.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book and would highly recommend it.
November 10, 2018
Okay so, first of all stories like this normally aren't my cup of tea. But this one touched my heart a little. Currently I am studying to be a Vet Tech so I was able to strongly relate Maggie. I also worked with horses for a good amount of time. So this story really piqued my interest. I also come from a military family! So it was almost like I was supposed to come across this book!
I enjoyed the story, it was short, sweet and was able to keep my attention. I wouldn't say I would seek out the rest of the series, but I might. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, and I did for this. While I wouldn't say I would read more books like this, I am glad I was asked to review this one. The author is very good at painting pictures in your mind and helping you imagine the experience the situation. I really enjoy authors that can explain without over explaining and this is a good example of that, at least in my opinion. (I'm probably not very good at that!)
So all in all, would I suggest this book? Yes, if you like sappy and romantic novels this is right up your alley! I also really enjoy the writing style in this, so it is a nice book to sit and relax with or read on a flight. Also, hot guy, what more could you want?
I enjoyed the story, it was short, sweet and was able to keep my attention. I wouldn't say I would seek out the rest of the series, but I might. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, and I did for this. While I wouldn't say I would read more books like this, I am glad I was asked to review this one. The author is very good at painting pictures in your mind and helping you imagine the experience the situation. I really enjoy authors that can explain without over explaining and this is a good example of that, at least in my opinion. (I'm probably not very good at that!)
So all in all, would I suggest this book? Yes, if you like sappy and romantic novels this is right up your alley! I also really enjoy the writing style in this, so it is a nice book to sit and relax with or read on a flight. Also, hot guy, what more could you want?
March 31, 2022
RECENSIONE DI ELY
Il Purple Heart Ranch. Un ranch adibito alla riabilitazione di soldati reduci con ferite da guerra fa da sfondo a tutto il romanzo.
Dylan è uno dei soldati che ha fatto del ranch il suo rifugio definitivo: non è più interessato a nulla, nemmeno nell'amore. Rifiutato dalla sua famiglia proprio a causa dell'amputazione , preferisce non mettersi più in gioco e vivere la sua vita in mezzo alla pace che solo il ranch può dargli.
“ Quel posto era diventato un rifugio per i feriti. Un posto dove non avrebbero avuto bisogno di nascondersi dai propri incubi nel sonno o ad occhi aperti.”
Trascorre le giornate cercando di mandare avanti il ranch con gli altri uomini e facendo della riabilitazione, grazie alla terapia con i cavalli.
E' proprio quando tutto sembra scorrere su un binario perfetto, che il destino beffardo ci mette lo zampino e il ranch rischia di essere venduto a causa di una clausola nel piano regolatore che dice che la terra deve essere utilizzata da un'unità familiare.
Alla sola idea di trovare una moglie su due piedi lo terrorizza e lo manda in crisi.
Quando le ultime speranze stanno per morire, arriva all'improvviso una donna che cambia tutto quanto, anche ogni tipo di prospettiva di Dylan.
Maggie è una giovane donna che sta attraversando un periodo della vita non propriamente facile: è un tecnico veterinario che perde il lavoro dopo aver disubbidito, per l'ennesima volta, all'ordine del capo di togliere la vita ad un cagnolino menomato.
Si ritrova sia senza lavoro che senza casa e al seguito ben cinque cani e la proposta di un amico di un lavoro ed un alloggio in un ranch le cambia tutto.
Un cambiamento che nasconde una strana e bizzarra proposta riguardante uno degli uomini che abita il ranch.
Un colpo di fulmine l'attraversa non appena si ritrova vicino a quell'uomo ai suoi occhi bellissimo e carismatico.
Maggie è abituata a venire scartata da tutti, è stata abbandonata dai suoi genitori naturali e non sa cosa voglia dire una famiglia.
Accettare quell'assurda proposta è quasi naturale per lei , è attratta con la stessa potenza di una calamita verso Dylan.
Non sarà facile , soprattutto per Dylan, lasciarsi andare e permettere a quella donna di fare breccia all'interno del suo cuore che credeva ormai chiuso in modo definitivo.
Forse avrei preferito maggiormente che la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti venisse sviluppata in modo più graduale e non passare quasi subito all'innamoramento.
Un romance leggero che tratta temi importanti in modo molto delicato.
La scrittura l'ho trovata fluida e lineare, una storia che si legge facilmente.
Il Purple Heart Ranch. Un ranch adibito alla riabilitazione di soldati reduci con ferite da guerra fa da sfondo a tutto il romanzo.
Dylan è uno dei soldati che ha fatto del ranch il suo rifugio definitivo: non è più interessato a nulla, nemmeno nell'amore. Rifiutato dalla sua famiglia proprio a causa dell'amputazione , preferisce non mettersi più in gioco e vivere la sua vita in mezzo alla pace che solo il ranch può dargli.
“ Quel posto era diventato un rifugio per i feriti. Un posto dove non avrebbero avuto bisogno di nascondersi dai propri incubi nel sonno o ad occhi aperti.”
Trascorre le giornate cercando di mandare avanti il ranch con gli altri uomini e facendo della riabilitazione, grazie alla terapia con i cavalli.
E' proprio quando tutto sembra scorrere su un binario perfetto, che il destino beffardo ci mette lo zampino e il ranch rischia di essere venduto a causa di una clausola nel piano regolatore che dice che la terra deve essere utilizzata da un'unità familiare.
Alla sola idea di trovare una moglie su due piedi lo terrorizza e lo manda in crisi.
Quando le ultime speranze stanno per morire, arriva all'improvviso una donna che cambia tutto quanto, anche ogni tipo di prospettiva di Dylan.
Maggie è una giovane donna che sta attraversando un periodo della vita non propriamente facile: è un tecnico veterinario che perde il lavoro dopo aver disubbidito, per l'ennesima volta, all'ordine del capo di togliere la vita ad un cagnolino menomato.
Si ritrova sia senza lavoro che senza casa e al seguito ben cinque cani e la proposta di un amico di un lavoro ed un alloggio in un ranch le cambia tutto.
Un cambiamento che nasconde una strana e bizzarra proposta riguardante uno degli uomini che abita il ranch.
Un colpo di fulmine l'attraversa non appena si ritrova vicino a quell'uomo ai suoi occhi bellissimo e carismatico.
Maggie è abituata a venire scartata da tutti, è stata abbandonata dai suoi genitori naturali e non sa cosa voglia dire una famiglia.
Accettare quell'assurda proposta è quasi naturale per lei , è attratta con la stessa potenza di una calamita verso Dylan.
Non sarà facile , soprattutto per Dylan, lasciarsi andare e permettere a quella donna di fare breccia all'interno del suo cuore che credeva ormai chiuso in modo definitivo.
Forse avrei preferito maggiormente che la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti venisse sviluppata in modo più graduale e non passare quasi subito all'innamoramento.
Un romance leggero che tratta temi importanti in modo molto delicato.
La scrittura l'ho trovata fluida e lineare, una storia che si legge facilmente.
April 10, 2024
On His Bended Knee by Shanae Johnson is a Sweet and Clean, quick reading Military Western romance that left me with a smile. It features doggies and individuals fighting for a future with hope and purpose. OHBK has a few subtle inspirational inferences. An enjoyable reread.
I don’t tend to read many Westerns but I do enjoy military novels and the “blurb” intrigued me. OHBK (On His Bended Knees) was a novel that drew me in and kept my attention. I liked the main characters - Sgt. Dylan Banks/MMC, a man with plans to create a ranch where wounded military veterans like himself could heal and possibly make a home and tender-hearted veterinary technician Maggie Shaw/FMC. Maggie lost on the same day her job and her apartment, both due to her unwillingness to forfeit the lives of the animals she treats. The characters had endured difficult pasts and were both hoping for a future where they might contribute to a good purpose, if not find actual happiness for themselves. An unusual proposal creates the opportunity for Maggie and Dylan to perhaps have it all.
I enjoyed and recommend OHBK/book #1 to readers who are looking for a Clean romance, who enjoy the Marriage of Convenience trope or stories with animals/dogs, busy readers who prefer easily read or quick reading novels, and/or those who simply like Westerns and Sweet Romances with HEAs. On His Bended Knee is book #1 in The Brides of Purple Heart Ranch series and can be read either as a standalone novel or as the first book in the series. I haven’t read the other books yet but several others have caught my attention. Readers who enjoy this series might want to check out another Cowboy/Military series by Johnson - The Rangers of Purple Heart Ranch. The Ranger series is somewhat connected to the Purple Heart series and was published afterward.
Reader Cautions -
Violence - minimal. G/PG Western movie level (or think Bonanza television program).
Profanity- none.
Sexual situations - none. Brief hugs and kisses.
I recommend and find OHBK suitable for all ages - 14 and up.
I don’t tend to read many Westerns but I do enjoy military novels and the “blurb” intrigued me. OHBK (On His Bended Knees) was a novel that drew me in and kept my attention. I liked the main characters - Sgt. Dylan Banks/MMC, a man with plans to create a ranch where wounded military veterans like himself could heal and possibly make a home and tender-hearted veterinary technician Maggie Shaw/FMC. Maggie lost on the same day her job and her apartment, both due to her unwillingness to forfeit the lives of the animals she treats. The characters had endured difficult pasts and were both hoping for a future where they might contribute to a good purpose, if not find actual happiness for themselves. An unusual proposal creates the opportunity for Maggie and Dylan to perhaps have it all.
I enjoyed and recommend OHBK/book #1 to readers who are looking for a Clean romance, who enjoy the Marriage of Convenience trope or stories with animals/dogs, busy readers who prefer easily read or quick reading novels, and/or those who simply like Westerns and Sweet Romances with HEAs. On His Bended Knee is book #1 in The Brides of Purple Heart Ranch series and can be read either as a standalone novel or as the first book in the series. I haven’t read the other books yet but several others have caught my attention. Readers who enjoy this series might want to check out another Cowboy/Military series by Johnson - The Rangers of Purple Heart Ranch. The Ranger series is somewhat connected to the Purple Heart series and was published afterward.
Reader Cautions -
Violence - minimal. G/PG Western movie level (or think Bonanza television program).
Profanity- none.
Sexual situations - none. Brief hugs and kisses.
I recommend and find OHBK suitable for all ages - 14 and up.
July 4, 2023
Clean but oh so very dull...
I'll grant an extra star for this story being a safe, quick, and easy read that does not venture into x-rated territory. While I do prefer LOTS more meat to my stories than what this bare-boned thing provided to me, it's still great when they're not trashy sex-romps, which is even worse. This story was ridiculously tame and mildly charming, albeit woefully cheesy and unrealistic. If you want something that gets right to the point without much substance or a careful crafting of character development, then this should suit you just fine.
But if you want a more meaningful, thought-provoking story, something that truly stirs your heart strings with drama or emotion or depth, then you'll likely be super disappointed as I was. The premise was mildly intriguing, true, but poorly executed and unembellished. At a mere 160 pages long, this was a very, very short story that requires little to no effort to get through. Sadly, this was mostly achieved by stripping the characters of anything that can make them interesting. They were set to bare minimum standards, armed only with clichéd dialogue and bland, pliable, and faux personalities.
At any rate, I'm glad this was a simple read, given how dull it was. But it doesn't mean I don't wish this could have been a longer book with more work put into it. I was very interested in this entire series, especially since it involves war vets and horses, but...I don't think I want to put up with more of this same "mehness." I guess this will have to be goodbye. I'll carry on to something else.
I'll grant an extra star for this story being a safe, quick, and easy read that does not venture into x-rated territory. While I do prefer LOTS more meat to my stories than what this bare-boned thing provided to me, it's still great when they're not trashy sex-romps, which is even worse. This story was ridiculously tame and mildly charming, albeit woefully cheesy and unrealistic. If you want something that gets right to the point without much substance or a careful crafting of character development, then this should suit you just fine.
But if you want a more meaningful, thought-provoking story, something that truly stirs your heart strings with drama or emotion or depth, then you'll likely be super disappointed as I was. The premise was mildly intriguing, true, but poorly executed and unembellished. At a mere 160 pages long, this was a very, very short story that requires little to no effort to get through. Sadly, this was mostly achieved by stripping the characters of anything that can make them interesting. They were set to bare minimum standards, armed only with clichéd dialogue and bland, pliable, and faux personalities.
At any rate, I'm glad this was a simple read, given how dull it was. But it doesn't mean I don't wish this could have been a longer book with more work put into it. I was very interested in this entire series, especially since it involves war vets and horses, but...I don't think I want to put up with more of this same "mehness." I guess this will have to be goodbye. I'll carry on to something else.
October 18, 2022
I am a fast reader, and this took me about an hour and a half tops to read. Overall, it was a fun book to read. A few things felt a bit farfetched, and the story wasn't fully developed. I feel like a lot of the issues could have been resolved with a bit more research and by adding to the story. I think it should have been about 50-75 pages longer to allow for some character development. I would have liked to have known more of both main characters' backstories as well as seen their relationship develop more.
The characters, both dogs and humans, were so likable, that although part of me wants to give this book only 3 stars because of the lack of depth, I've upped it to 4 stars simply based on the potential of this book. This book is overall a clean read. There are a few swear words (maybe 3-5), and there's some innocent teasing from Dylan's friends concerning the couple consummating their marriage, but that's mild PG at worst.
The characters, both dogs and humans, were so likable, that although part of me wants to give this book only 3 stars because of the lack of depth, I've upped it to 4 stars simply based on the potential of this book. This book is overall a clean read. There are a few swear words (maybe 3-5), and there's some innocent teasing from Dylan's friends concerning the couple consummating their marriage, but that's mild PG at worst.
November 17, 2019
Another Romance Series involving recovering Vets. Dylan is coping with a prosthetic leg and the rejection of his bride to be and his family. Fortunately for him he has a substantial trust fund that enables him to run Purple Hearts Ranch for injured Vets. Maggie is down on her luck kicked out of her apartment due to her now 5 wounded dogs and her job for failing to euthanize yet one more stray. This being a romance the principals have been set, now how will they make a match? In what has to be a first in my experience the two have an arranged marriage and share their first kiss at their wedding. We have, of course encountered mail order brides.
The book needs a good editor but otherwise the characters are likable and the story moves along. The title seems odd since a man with a prosthetic leg has trouble kneeling.
The book needs a good editor but otherwise the characters are likable and the story moves along. The title seems odd since a man with a prosthetic leg has trouble kneeling.
July 3, 2020
Maggie goes from broken dogs to broken men in this very sweet (almost too sweet) story. Dylan has to marry to keep the ranch, for reasons that are never made clear. What is clear is that he doesn’t want Maggie to see his prosthetic leg, or see him struggle as an amputee. They try to keep their feelings for each other to a “business arrangement” but of course that doesn’t work for either of them. But when Maggie sees him in a vulnerable moment, Dylan lashes out and pushes her away. She falls into a dangerous situation, and he gets to be the hero. As sweet as it was, the character’s interaction with each other didn’t have time to feel fully developed, they didn’t really know each other and couldn’t fully give their hearts in such a short time, and the ending felt abrupt and somewhat incomplete.
April 4, 2021
I don't believe I have read any other books by this author. I actually liked the book for the most part and planned to rate it higher, but looking at other reviewers comments has me questioning that.
WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW. READ MORE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
*****
Likes:
*I like the idea of a ranch designed to help injured veterans (and I think injured non-veterans also).
*I like that the ranch gave Dylan a purpose as well as a place to do his rehab. I like that it also gave other veterans a place to call home.
*I like Maggie's empathy to hurting creatures (animal and human) and her willingness to try to help the dogs she takes in to have better lives. (I didn't notice until later that some of the dogs's injuries paralleled those of the veterans who call the ranch home.)
*I like that the characters are not perfect. They have flaws and insecurities to overcome. Not all of them do in the pages of this book, but some do and if the series continues, I suspect we will see others do so as well.
*the dogs!! (As I said above, it took me a while to realize that the dogs's injuries often matched those of one of the veterans who lived on the ranch. I do wonder if that dog (or another animal) will be instrumental in the healing for that person.
Dislikes:
*I'm not sure I agree with Pastor Patel's idea of arranged marriages. Yes, if it works as this book claims--that you are close enough with your parents that they know what you want in a spouse--then it might, but I am not sure that all arranged marriages work out that way.
*I understand the idea of a marriage of convenience. But Biblically, marriage is a covenant. I'd have to consider if this arrangement met the idea of that covenant--of course this is fiction, and they grow to truly love each other--but real life isn't fiction and in real life, things don't always work out in the way that they do when a writer directs the flow of the story. I'd hate someone to think this is how all marriages of convenience work.
Things that didn't seem to make sense:
*Maggie is a vet tech. When we first meet her, she is doing surgery on a dog. First the dog needs amputations, then it's going to be put down, then she just wraps it up and carries it out to her car to take home. Can a vet tech do surgery? It seems the doctor of the clinic is present--and is the one pushing for putting the dog to sleep--so why is he not doing the surgery? How can he be seeing a client's cat and be all smiles while his vet tech is doing a serious surgery on a dog--a surgery of which he apparently doesn't approve? Also, the dog seems to wake up rather quickly from the anesthesia if it's woofing as she's carrying it out to her car.
*The zoning of the ranch area seems to come up late in the process. (and at a rather convenient time). Didn't they know what the ranch land was zoned prior to this point? Who is making the big stink about it being zoned for family not commercial use? Is it the owners? Do they not want to sell? Is it the neighbors doing a NIMBY? To my mind, there should be other ways out of the problem than one of the veteran's needing to get married in a hurry. In this day and age, family gets interpreted in ways other than married with kids, so this shouldn't have been an issue and it seems a bit contrived to get the main characters together.
*How does Dylan end up with an infection from diving into the water and the dog (who was in the water longer) doesn't? Also, Dylan loses his prosthesis in the water. Does he just leave it there an get another one? Does someone else try to fish it out of the water for him to see if it can be saved? How does Dylan get back to the house with only one leg?
WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW. READ MORE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
*****
Likes:
*I like the idea of a ranch designed to help injured veterans (and I think injured non-veterans also).
*I like that the ranch gave Dylan a purpose as well as a place to do his rehab. I like that it also gave other veterans a place to call home.
*I like Maggie's empathy to hurting creatures (animal and human) and her willingness to try to help the dogs she takes in to have better lives. (I didn't notice until later that some of the dogs's injuries paralleled those of the veterans who call the ranch home.)
*I like that the characters are not perfect. They have flaws and insecurities to overcome. Not all of them do in the pages of this book, but some do and if the series continues, I suspect we will see others do so as well.
*the dogs!! (As I said above, it took me a while to realize that the dogs's injuries often matched those of one of the veterans who lived on the ranch. I do wonder if that dog (or another animal) will be instrumental in the healing for that person.
Dislikes:
*I'm not sure I agree with Pastor Patel's idea of arranged marriages. Yes, if it works as this book claims--that you are close enough with your parents that they know what you want in a spouse--then it might, but I am not sure that all arranged marriages work out that way.
*I understand the idea of a marriage of convenience. But Biblically, marriage is a covenant. I'd have to consider if this arrangement met the idea of that covenant--of course this is fiction, and they grow to truly love each other--but real life isn't fiction and in real life, things don't always work out in the way that they do when a writer directs the flow of the story. I'd hate someone to think this is how all marriages of convenience work.
Things that didn't seem to make sense:
*Maggie is a vet tech. When we first meet her, she is doing surgery on a dog. First the dog needs amputations, then it's going to be put down, then she just wraps it up and carries it out to her car to take home. Can a vet tech do surgery? It seems the doctor of the clinic is present--and is the one pushing for putting the dog to sleep--so why is he not doing the surgery? How can he be seeing a client's cat and be all smiles while his vet tech is doing a serious surgery on a dog--a surgery of which he apparently doesn't approve? Also, the dog seems to wake up rather quickly from the anesthesia if it's woofing as she's carrying it out to her car.
*The zoning of the ranch area seems to come up late in the process. (and at a rather convenient time). Didn't they know what the ranch land was zoned prior to this point? Who is making the big stink about it being zoned for family not commercial use? Is it the owners? Do they not want to sell? Is it the neighbors doing a NIMBY? To my mind, there should be other ways out of the problem than one of the veteran's needing to get married in a hurry. In this day and age, family gets interpreted in ways other than married with kids, so this shouldn't have been an issue and it seems a bit contrived to get the main characters together.
*How does Dylan end up with an infection from diving into the water and the dog (who was in the water longer) doesn't? Also, Dylan loses his prosthesis in the water. Does he just leave it there an get another one? Does someone else try to fish it out of the water for him to see if it can be saved? How does Dylan get back to the house with only one leg?
July 17, 2022
HO-LEE CRAP I loved this book.
I have started reading this
Brides of Purple Heart Ranch
book series this month and I’m hooked.
“On His Bended Knee” is my favorite so far.
My father, grandfather, two of my grandmothers, and a few friends of mine have been in the US Air Force.. so veterans are always close to my heart and on my mind. I really appreciate the mature way JOHNSON writes about veterans.
I like the way she writes about their physical and/or emotional trouble. Their circumstances feel so real and not fake or quickly patched up. JOHNSON treats these veterans like they are: real, important people.
I’m also a Christian and so it’s so nice to be able to enjoy a good romance book that is also clean!
UGH, I just loved everything in and about this book. I loved how Maggie was a huge dog rescuer and how one of her dogs was missing it’s legs. It was just like Dylan and it showed Dylan how much Maggie really cared for the injured, but didn’t pity them like most people. She accepts them as real dogs and people.
The wedding scenes were written SO WELL. How Maggie danced with all his friends and then he finally found the courage to dance with her dispite his hesitation and leg injury. And I loved the scene where they went to the house but parted before going to bed. They both really wanted to stay with each other but it was too soon and they both had doubts.
Also, the book mentions that Maggie’s first kiss was her wedding kiss.. and that resonated with me because I’ve never had my first kiss. Hearing Maggie’s thoughts after her kiss were so pure and sweet. I felt I could relate to how she felt! Also, it’s not uncommon at all for a woman Maggie’s age to have not kissed anyone yet, but it’s rarely mentioned.
There’s something so precious about Dylan. He’s a 100% manly man, a tough male, a great, overall strong guy. He’s served his country and is helping his fellow veterans by starting this ranch. But he also was vulnerable at times and Seeing Dylan get jealous over Maggie and seeing his heart soften and accept her in his life was a great experience.
Dylan and Maggie had such a mature love story and, I while I don’t want to sound dramatic, I seriously cried at certain parts of this book. Partly because of how sweet their words to each other were, and also just because of Dylan’s lines. His words. And how he struggled with letting Maggie into his life and learn about his physical injury. Dylan really just was amazing to me.
I love that he was such a strong person in every way, but he felt the need to hide his physical injuries from people. (I am NOT saying that he’s broken or that’s like a weak man)... I’m saying
While reading this book I thought about if I could love a wounded veteran in my real life and while I always thought I could, reading about these good women who fall in love with the veterans, I now 100% KNOW I could. JOHNSON’S books and the way she writes in the female lead characters restores my hope that there are still good people in the world🥰💚
The ending where Dylan saves Maggie and Spin from drowning was beautifully written. It didn’t feel fake at all and Dylan even risked an infection on his leg stump to rescue her!! (He ended up getting an infection and having to fix it up)
I love the cover on this book and my only sadness is that this book wasn’t longer. OMG, I could’ve read 500 pages more of this story.
💚💚💚💚Dylan + Maggie💚💚💚💚
I want to re-read this book! Maybe in a few weeks or months? Yeah, It’s THAT good.♥️
I have started reading this
Brides of Purple Heart Ranch
book series this month and I’m hooked.
“On His Bended Knee” is my favorite so far.
My father, grandfather, two of my grandmothers, and a few friends of mine have been in the US Air Force.. so veterans are always close to my heart and on my mind. I really appreciate the mature way JOHNSON writes about veterans.
I like the way she writes about their physical and/or emotional trouble. Their circumstances feel so real and not fake or quickly patched up. JOHNSON treats these veterans like they are: real, important people.
I’m also a Christian and so it’s so nice to be able to enjoy a good romance book that is also clean!
UGH, I just loved everything in and about this book. I loved how Maggie was a huge dog rescuer and how one of her dogs was missing it’s legs. It was just like Dylan and it showed Dylan how much Maggie really cared for the injured, but didn’t pity them like most people. She accepts them as real dogs and people.
The wedding scenes were written SO WELL. How Maggie danced with all his friends and then he finally found the courage to dance with her dispite his hesitation and leg injury. And I loved the scene where they went to the house but parted before going to bed. They both really wanted to stay with each other but it was too soon and they both had doubts.
Also, the book mentions that Maggie’s first kiss was her wedding kiss.. and that resonated with me because I’ve never had my first kiss. Hearing Maggie’s thoughts after her kiss were so pure and sweet. I felt I could relate to how she felt! Also, it’s not uncommon at all for a woman Maggie’s age to have not kissed anyone yet, but it’s rarely mentioned.
There’s something so precious about Dylan. He’s a 100% manly man, a tough male, a great, overall strong guy. He’s served his country and is helping his fellow veterans by starting this ranch. But he also was vulnerable at times and Seeing Dylan get jealous over Maggie and seeing his heart soften and accept her in his life was a great experience.
Dylan and Maggie had such a mature love story and, I while I don’t want to sound dramatic, I seriously cried at certain parts of this book. Partly because of how sweet their words to each other were, and also just because of Dylan’s lines. His words. And how he struggled with letting Maggie into his life and learn about his physical injury. Dylan really just was amazing to me.
I love that he was such a strong person in every way, but he felt the need to hide his physical injuries from people. (I am NOT saying that he’s broken or that’s like a weak man)... I’m saying
While reading this book I thought about if I could love a wounded veteran in my real life and while I always thought I could, reading about these good women who fall in love with the veterans, I now 100% KNOW I could. JOHNSON’S books and the way she writes in the female lead characters restores my hope that there are still good people in the world🥰💚
The ending where Dylan saves Maggie and Spin from drowning was beautifully written. It didn’t feel fake at all and Dylan even risked an infection on his leg stump to rescue her!! (He ended up getting an infection and having to fix it up)
I love the cover on this book and my only sadness is that this book wasn’t longer. OMG, I could’ve read 500 pages more of this story.
💚💚💚💚Dylan + Maggie💚💚💚💚
I want to re-read this book! Maybe in a few weeks or months? Yeah, It’s THAT good.♥️
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