Ryan's Hand

by Leila Meacham

A mysterious inheritance takes lovely Cara Martin from Boston to a ranch in West Texas, where she encounters its forceful owner, Jeth Langston

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Roman

204 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1984

About the author

Leila Meacham was a writer and former teacher who lived in San Antonio, Texas.

Reviews

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but was left thoroughly disappointed! From the beginning it was entirely too predictable and I had guessed the whole plot within 25 pages. I thought the characters were terribly boring and incredibly hard to relate to. And to make things worse, the plot dragged on and on and then everything happened in the final 20 pages. This is definitely going into the charity pile, although I feel terrible for possibly subjecting someone else to this drivel.

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard for me to believe this book was written in the 80's and was the authors first book. It rings much like today's contemporary novels, however better in so many ways. I loved this book!!!
The story begins with Cara and Ryan who are close friends having their fairly typical weekend outing, after a trip home to visit his brother in Texas on the family ranch. Cara has noticed lately that Ryan looks wane and pale, she's concerned, he brushes her off. He does, until he can no longer hide from her that he is gravely ill. She stays with him and cares for him until the end. During this time, these two go through some serious conversation; we get a relatively good look at Cara's backstory, but there are gaps that we will see later filled in. Ryan makes Cara promise him to do something for him after he is gone. She pledges to do so, without knowing what it is. Ryan knowing that Cara's character is upright and would never break her word keeps that promise. Ryan's friend and attorney calls her to read Ryan's will and estate; she is left his half of the ranch, he also hands her a letter written by Ryan detailing what he asked her to promise him. She must spend a year at his brothers ranch in Texas without divulging why she is there. At this same time, his brother Jeth is present during the estate reading with his attorney, absolutely livid. It seems that Ryan has left his share of the ranch to Cara, and after one year she may do with it as she sees fit.
Cara is a strong female character, which I loved. Ryan was so kind to Cara and they had a bond that I could only imagine. She is a librarian, not exactly by choice, plain and what we would call a frump. It is when Ryan is on his death bed, that he forces her to shop, get her hair cut and etc and has made arrangements for her to be tended to. She barely recognizes herself. And that is the woman that Jeth meets at the reading of Ryan's will.
Her brief taste of Jeth and his nasty, ill tempered demeanor was only the tip of the iceberg of what waited for her in Texas. Not breaking the promise, she was determined to keep her word. The bulk of the story takes place on the ranch and encompasses that year and mostly the daily and seasonal workings of the ranch. Ranch makes it sound like a family farm, safe to say Jeth owned a good portion of Texas and was a business man and not a man to be trifled with. He was as comfortable in a business suit as he was in jean, chaps and his Stetson. He is cruel. His personality flips on a dime and he has no patience for anyone who doesn't agree with him and tolerates no conversing about his orders. The man doesn't ask, he commands.
This book is so beautifully written, and will give you all the feels and more. The characters are fully fleshed out, the backstory is intact and the dialogue is perfection. My emotions were all over the place reading this book and the ranch characters were so lovable and kind as their initial misgivings dissolved. Jeth was a real honest to goodness jack hat. He too was written to perfection. Leila writes an incredible book. I felt like I was transported to Texas and could see through Cara's eyes. My own minor complaint was the story wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly. I would love to see a sequel to this story. I will read more of this authors books. I highly recommend this book. They don't get any better than this for a truly well written piece of work.

**reviewer copy provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest opinion**

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you dive into contemporary women’s novel you kind of expect certain things. Especially if you are a voracious reader like myself, you find that stories tend to follow a specific pattern. However, the author broke the pattern in this emotional read. Definitely one to read with the tissues right next to you but one that you certainly do not want to miss.

The author wraps you up and pulls those heartstrings pretty hard and I found myself with tears rolling down my face at random parts during this book.

Written with loads of emotion, she offers in-depth character development and highly descriptive scenery that sweeps you into the depths of the country. You feel like you are right there with them as you get involved personally with the characters. Then she brings you those highs and lows emotionally that make the difference between a so-so read and a wonderful read.

I’ve never read a book by this author before but if this is the style of writing to be expected from her, oh my gosh, I am completely in. A clean read perfect for any age, this romance is one not to be missed! A timeless classic romance that you will fall for. It still makes me sigh…. and wipe a tear or two.

I do not give 5 stars very easily, but this one got to me! :)

[Alex Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I let this sit on my shelf for a year I have no clue. Tell me why this book had me tearing up through most of it. It was such a short read but packed with emotion. I just wanted to smack Jeth and cry for Cara. I 100% am checking out this authors other books and am so surprised this doesn’t have more reads. Totally a hidden gem! All the feels. Almost feels like a spin on beauty and the beast as I got into it. Also loved the writing style. So much though put into the words. And the freaking ending!! Tears!

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! Freaking FANTASTIC book!!! I loved it!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've liked Leila Meacham's sagas but this debut novel of hers is...man...I'm trying to like it...but the abuse and premise are disturbing. The fact that the abuse is it accepted because of the circumstances is no bueno.

I'll come back to that though, let's just start with the MC being the weakest most dainty woman there ever was. We're led to believe that she's tough because she's taken her dead parent's debt on her shoulders to repay as a matter of honor but at every opportunity we're told that she's weak, needs others to look out for her, and can we talk again about how she's a distraction to literally EVERY man because of her looks (but of course she's a virgin (which she is told by the male MC that she'll have to prove at one point...yuck) because duh purity while both of the main male characters a big ole man whores who have extra toothbrushes for their "lady friends" and even in our Romeo's HOUSE a ROOM decorated for WOMEN so they have somewhere to stay). Stereotypical romance trope I suppose that our heroine must be the most completely feminine creature ever created and her romeo (I cannot call him a hero) is constantly being touted as a MAN (grrrrr, insert he-man chest beating here).

Speaking of which, the man we are supposed to like/the MC is supposed to fall for, forces himself on the MC kissing her repeatedly, grabs her face and jaw to force her to look at him, oggles her while she sleeps (creeeeeepeeerrrr), rips open her robe to see her naked and grabs her while pining her arms to her sides. The MC even says this is physical abuse to which he responds, "Nonsense. The denial of what you want is physical abuse. Come here." *Gag* And then he force kisses her before shoving her away and basically calling her a slut when she actually starts to kiss him back. Um....I don't think Ms. Meacham would be comfortable with any children of hers behaving that way; either men acting like this or women tolerating this. Not only should Cara have taken the money with a big FU to Jeth (stupid name) but she should have filed assault charges on him. I get keeping your promise to Ryan but no. She'd only known Ryan a year and the promise did not involve being physically and emotionally accosted for a year at the hands of his brother. Even worse was that she FELL FOR HIM!!! She decides at a little over halfway through that she "loves" him without any plausible reason for this feeling. He is a jackass towards her non-stop but nope she loves him. No, no, no, no, no, no. The more I think about it the more icky it is and the less I like this novel. If this is what "romance" is then you can keep it!

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

So close to being an all-time favorite, but just missed the mark. I couldn't get over the confession at the end. Call me petty but I feel the other party should have had to put their feelings on the floor first and done a little groveling before receiving a love declaration. Yes, I know I should let it go but I cant, so there. Also, it really bothers me when someone pursues one person while being tangled with another. It's a bit hard for me to overcome that. Other than these 2 small fopaux's the book was a delight and highly enjoyable.

[Christina Culebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, the ending was a little silly, I feel like the writing lacked maturity. I did enjoy the book for the most part. I definitely suggest reading this, you'll enjoy it from beginning to end

[Hamisoitil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voilà une histoire toute mignonne qui nous emmène dans les plaines texanes, au milieu des chevaux, des Cowboys et des ranchs. Cara va découvrir tout cela, après la mort de son meilleur ami, Ryan, qui lui a légué son héritage soit la moitié du ranch familial, tandis que l'autre partie est à son frère aîné, Jeith. Cependant, quelques minutes avant son décès, Ryan, lui fait promettre de s'installer là-bas pendant une année et donc vivre sous le même toit que son Cowboy de frère. Cara accepte de le faire en l'honneur de l'homme qu'il était, l'ami de toujours, celui qui a changé sa vie même si elle ne comprend pas cette demande. Hélas, une fois arrivée sur place, l'accueil lui sera glacial et les rumeurs ne seront qu'un bref aperçu de ce que le propriétaire des lieux réserve à cette arriviste, profiteuse, manipulatrice venue de Boston avec la part qui lui est dû. Et c'est vrai que Jeth ne va pas lui faire de cadeau malgré sa beauté sauvage. Il va tout mettre en oeuvre pour la faire craquer, entre humiliations, provocations, espérant bien évidemment qu'elle déguerpisse au plus vite et, surtout, en lui cédant la part qui lui revient, bien évidemment !

A première vue, Cara, parait très fragile, presque apeurée face à cet homme charismatique et autoritaire, j'avais donc du mal à apprécier sa petite personne, dans les débuts. Moi, j'aime les femmes à poigne, qui ne se laisse pas faire, si vous voyez ce que je veux dire, du coup, je ne comprenais pas pourquoi elle ne s'affirmait pas, ne le confrontait pas ou pas assez. D'ailleurs, elle pouvait largement profiter de son nouveau statut, mais non, elle prenait sur elle. C'est d'ailleurs là que lui venait toute sa force et qui déstabilisait le cowboy. Quant à lui, d'ailleurs, hou la la, cet homme est véritablement une tête à claques. Un goujat, qui, sur son territoire est le maître de son royaume, celui que personne n'ose dire non... pourtant, j'ai apprécié l'homme, malgré tout.

Pour ma part, j'ai trouvé le duo assez sympathique à suivre, mais, avec une fin, trop rapide et prévisible dans la conclusion, et même si on sait très bien comment le tout va se terminer, on passe tout de même, un agréable moment avec tous les protagonistes. Je me suis évadée en espace de quelques heures, au Texas, parmi les chevaux et tous ces cowboys. Si c'est votre style, je vous recommande chaudement, ce livre !

[Fabiola Chenet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heureusement que l’auteur prévient qu’il s’agit d’une romance et non l’une de ses sagas publiées récemment. Mais plus qu’une romance, à première vue, Le testament de Ryan est une romance des années 80 avec tous les codes de l’époque : héros hyper dominateur, qui malmène l’héroïne parce qu’il ne supporte pas ses sentiments pour elle, mais qui ne supporte pas non plus qu’un autre l’approche, et qui rejette l’idée qu’elle ait pu avoir d’autres soupirants/amants ; héroïne vierge, naïve, qui se laisse faire par le héros tout en faisant sa fausse rebelle de temps en temps, qui tombe amoureuse de lui mais on ne sait pas vraiment pourquoi (ah si, il a beaucoup de charisme et il est beau). Vous avez l’impression d’avoir lu des choses similaires récemment ? Eh bien, oui je confirme : 50 nuances de Grey d’E.L. James, mais surtout After d’Anna Todd, et toute la mode littéraire qui a suivi ces parutions. LOL La seule différence, c’est que Le testament de Ryan est une vraie romance de l’époque. Et à ce titre, je trouve que l’histoire se lit vite et bien. Comme d’habitude, j’ai eu envie de secouer tour à tour le héros et l’héroïne, mais au final, j’ai lu le livre d’une traite. A ne pas mettre entre les mains de tout le monde. LOL

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

Ryan’s Hand held my interest from the first page to the last. I read it in less than twelve hours. I couldn’t put it down since I wanted to see what would happen next and how else Jeth and Cara would get under each other’s skin! It was an emotional read that had tears running down my face almost from the start.

Ryan and Cara are friends and always spend Sundays together. He’s from a wealthy ranching family in Texas but lives and works in Boston after going to Harvard. His brother and he share ownership of the ranch since their parents died in a plane crash. She came from wealth that is now gone since her parents lived beyond their means and she’s doing the best she can to pay off their debts and live within her meager means after their death. When she makes Ryan a deathbed promise will it be one she regrets or will it change her life forever?

Jeth and Cara dislike each other from the moment they meet since he fears she has a hidden agenda after deciding to spend a year on the ranch she now co owns before selling her share back to him. He’s harsh to her at every turn and no one on the ranch likes her because of who they think she is. Jeth is snarling one minute and nice the next until something sets him off again. He has moments of kindness that are few and far between. No matter what Cara tells him he feels they are all lies. She works herself to the bone without grumbling and manages to do all the chores assigned to her and gains the respect of others but not him. They both have secrets and hold back the truth on so many things saying what they think the other wants to hear, especially Cara.

There are family, the ranch, the animals, the cowboys, never ending tasks, loss, sorrow, anger, fear, hurt, tears, respect, plans made and ultimately love. There is a nice flow to the story and a depth to the characters since neither wanted the other to know what they were feeling or thinking. The descriptions of the home, the ranch, the horses, the roundups and other business on the ranch made me feel that I was there. There is closure but an epilogue would have been nice.

I was surprised to read this was the first book written by Ms. Meacham – on a dare – and first published in the 80’s and republished now without changes. If this is her caliber of writing I’ll definitely be back to read more of her books! This is the first book of her books that I’ve read but I’ve had several on my TBR pile for quite a while. I will be rectifying that shortly.

[Follow the Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronique de Diana :

https://followthereader2016.wordpress...

J’ai adoré cette petite romance. Elle ne sort pas des sentiers battus, ni ne réinvente le genre mais parfois c’est justement dans la routine que l’on prend plaisir à découvrir une histoire.

Cara va se retrouver au milieu d’une succession familiale, en effet son meilleur ami lui demande sur son lit de mort de passer un an sur le domaine et de ne pas toucher mot de cette demande à son frère ainé.

Même si Ryan avant sa mort lui a relaté des souvenirs de son enfance sur les terres arides du Texas, sa rencontre avec Jeth Langston va être une véritable épreuve pour la jeune femme.

Une fois sur place, les relations ne seront pas plus simples et le maitre des lieux est décidé à pousser à bout Cara afin qu’elle lui cède ses parts de la propriété avant le terme des un an.

Cette romance est « old school » ou à l’ancienne si vous préférez et elle joue vraiment sur la tension entre les personnages. J’aurais par moments aimé que les choses soient moins courtes et un peu plus développées ; j’ai trouvé que 240 pages rendaient ce récit trop rapide à lire. C’est aussi un signe que j’ai aimé et que je n’ai pas eu de mal à avancer dans cette histoire.

Une jolie plume et une histoire douce qui ne pousse pas à son extrême les relations entre les personnages. C’est suggéré, les sentiments sont exacerbés mais ça n’est en aucun cas chaud ou démonstratif.

Une jolie lecture, on passe un très bon moment. Les personnages sont attachants bien qu’un peu stéréotypés. Mais au final la magie a opéré et j’ai complètement adhéré.

N’hésitez pas à partir au Texas et à découvrir nos héros.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars....This was the 1st book Leila Meacham wrote and although the "Romance" genre isn't my thing, it was still an enjoyable read. Wish I could write that well for my 1st book! Love her writing style.

[Eloradana Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note 4,5/5

Un roman que j'ai adoré ! Ma chronique à venir !

[Anji · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

16/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

page turner - love story - wow and whew!

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you so very much Smith Publicity for sending me a copy of Ryan's Hand!! I am very honored and grateful!! :)



4.5 Taming Love Stars!!




When I first read the synopsis for this story I knew it would be different in a great way and i couldn't wait to dive into it!! I liked the fact that it took place in a much simpler time and everything wasn't so dramatic. It warmed my heart that writing letters was the norm in this book because putting pen to paper in regard to communication or just to state one's feelings is such a lost art in my opinion. Throughout reading one thing remained the same which was my love for being whisked off to Texas and seeing it so perfectly clear within my mind. Ryan's Hand shows the thin line between love and hate. It's as heartbreaking as it is frustrating. At times I wanted to throw my book across the room due to anger from characters actions but I am so happy when a story can get a rise out of me like this one did. Ms.Meacham created an engrossing tale where emotions run high and attraction gives way to deep-rooted feelings. Even though this was my first time reading her work it won't be my last and I can't wait to pick up more of Ms.Meacham's books!! :)

Cara Martin was a character that loved books just as much as she loved standing her ground. Having gone through so much in her young life she cherished the sense of contentment through her friendship with Ryan Langston. Once he passes away her world changes drastically. I loved how loyal she was to not only those who meant everything to her but to people in general. My heart broke for her many times and I really wished I could have given her a hug. She was determined to prove others wrong. Her work-ethic was admirable. I hoped that in the end she'd be free from harsh words with her heart fully intact.

Jeth Langston was a character that was part owner of his family's ranch called La Tierra Conquistada. When his brother died he didn't just lose a sibling he lost his family. Hatred was an understatement when it came to his feelings towards Cara. Getting back the land that is rightfully his is easier said than done when the woman gets under his skin. I strongly disliked him for quite sometime while reading because of how he acted towards Cara even though his hurt and anger we're understandable. He was quite mysterious at times and I wanted to know what was going on in his head. In the end I hoped he'd change and learn to move forward.

Ryan may have been gone but he was always around in spirit which was quite beautiful. I adored his kind heart and his thoughtfulness. Through his decisions that led to Cara and Jeth meeting I crossed my fingers that everything would turn out how he wanted it to.

I highly reccomend this book to anyone looking for a read that is realistic and a breath of fresh air. It's a rollercoaster ride and I believe that's what makes it so entertaining. I enjoyed the secondary characters almost as much as the main ones. Sometimes it takes losing someone to put things such as life into perspective. Two characters clash and in turn alter each others futures for better or worse its up to you to decide. It's an awesome summer read that makes me want to visit Texas , plant some flowers, write letters, ride horses, and always appreciate the views. If you haven't already One-Clicked Buy it Today!! 4.5 Stars all around!! :)

[East Gwillimbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a lovely romance set in the wild and beautiful state of Texas. How does Ryan`s Hand play an integral part in the lives of Jeth his older brother and Cara his only love.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully old-fashioned...
I couldn’t resist the pull of a paperback novel (paperback!) written in the mid-eighties, re-released thirty plus years later without any modifications. Not one edit. Not one! Debut novels, historically, tend to be a learning ground so I wonder how hard the author had to resist to tweak it, even just a little. And, how would this story stand up given the way the world has changed so much in this time? Surprisingly, pretty darn well…
This ‘throwback’ story reminds me of the clean, almost old-fashioned romances I enjoyed years ago. Cara Martin’s family are long-time Bostonians so that may explain her very proper and precise way of speaking. The rest of the book, however, has no such history yet it follows the same methodical, almost lyrical, manner. The dialogue and the story are laid out with precision and depth while reminding me of a simpler time. Could that have been the eighties? Maybe….
”I hate you so much.”
“I have always suspected it, Miss Martin, even in your friendliest and nicest moments.”

“…her cheeks flaming and awash with loneliness…”
This was a fish out of water as well as an enemies to frenemies to lover story. It was also a story that my heart and my head couldn’t help but read in one heart punching/pummeled sitting. Yes, it was simple and the misunderstandings a bit forced at times but the characters more than filled in any missteps. I couldn’t help but feel for Cara and the impossible situation she found herself in. With loss and grief and anger swirling around all the characters there was drama galore but even the rage seemed to fit easily into the understated telling.
I lean more towards darker novels these days but I couldn’t help from being totally taken in by a story that surprised me from the start. If I wished that Jeth and Cara spent more time in the “I like each other phase” and maybe actually called each other by their first names before the rather quick ending, I still closed the cover completely satisfied.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely blown away by this book. It is powerful and moving on so many levels. It is the first book by Leila that I have read and I look forward to reading more by her in the future. Cara Martin came from a prominent New England family and had lots of stubborn pride. She meets Ryan Langston on a particularly bad day and they begin a wonderful friendship shortly after. He is all she has and cherishes their friendship so much. She is devastated when she finds out that he is dying and blown away when she is told what he left her in his will. She can’t believe he left her his share of the family ranch and what’s more that he wants her to go live there for a year. But, it was his dying wish so she will do it. Jeth Langston isn’t like his brother and doesn’t trust Cara at all. After all she convinced his brother to leave her his half of the ranch and didn’t let him come home to die. Cara knows not to expect a warm welcome but she wasn’t prepared for Jeth in any way. Cara finds herself falling for the untamed land and its people including Jeth. She must protect herself and her promise to Ryan. Will Jeth change his opinion about Cara and see her for who she truly is? At times I hated Jeth and felt so much for Cara. Understanding that Jeth couldn’t assume that Cara hadn’t used her feminine wiles to get Ryan to give her the land I still hated the way he treated Cara sometimes. Sometimes he would treat her so kindly but then just as quick she was like something stuck to the bottom of his shoe. Cara found herself loving the ranch and dreading the time she would have to leave. Fear not this book does have a happy ending. I didn’t want to put this book down once I started it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Brigitte Alouqua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cette romance de Leila Meacham est assez classique, sans forcément tomber dans les trop nombreux clichés (bien que vous en croiserez lors de votre lecture), mais si vous lisez de la romance, vous comprendrez rapidement dans quelle sens nous partons et quelle sera le point d’arrivée final. Cependant, c’est avec ce titre que je découvre la plume de cette auteure, je l’ai trouvée assez entraînante, fluide addictive.

Avant le récit en lui-même, nous avons droit à quelques mots de l’auteure qui nous explique que cette histoire est différente de ses autres écrits. Pour moi, cela ne changeait pas grand chose car je ne l’avais encore jamais lu, mais je trouve que c’est bien de prévenir les lecteurs qui sont habités à un certain style qu’ils vont découvrir un récit d’un autre genre.

Nous voilà donc embarqués dans une romance dépaysante, nous nous retrouvons dans un ranch, et vous savez déjà que j’aime les récits de cow-boys, je ne pouvais donc pas résister à découvrir celui-ci, cela me semble évident. C’est d’ailleurs principalement ce point que j’ai grandement apprécié, le fait de me retrouver loin, très loin…

Une chose appréciable, est que malgré le nombre de page assez peu élevé, la partie romance en elle-même prend son temps, elle n’est pas en place rapidement. Moi en tout cas, j’aime lorsque ce n’est pas trop rapide, lorsque c’est le cas je me demande toujours ce qui va leur tomber dessus pour le restant des pages qu’il me reste à lire. Ici, rien de tout cela, et c’ets très bien comme ça !

En bref, c’est une jolie romance avec, certes, des clichés, mais agréable à découvrir.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Martin and Ryan Langston forged a wonderful friendship that spanned two years. Soon after, Cara learned that Ryan was gravely ill. When Cara learns that Ryan has signed over his share of the family ranch in West Texas she is shocked and puzzled, especially because she must live on the ranch for one year before she can fully inherit his share. Cara agrees to live on the ranch but is unprepared for the intense hostility his older brother Jeth shows from the first day. Both Cara and Jeth are unprepared for the depth of attraction that soon becomes evident to both of them, or the intense grief about Ryan's death. The year passes with many tests for Cara and undeniable love growing between the grieving couple. The ending is poignant and satisfying. A true romance.

Recommended.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryan's Hand was originally written in 1984. It's the first book by this author. Included in the beginning of the book is a story of how this book came to be. As I was reading it, I kept having to remind myself that it was written in the early 80s. A time when men were jerks and women fell in love with them. I think for the time this was written, this is a good clean romance. It's a really good first effort. The author notes that no updates or revisions were made with the re-issue and I was happy to see that. I do want to try to hunt down some of her other works to see how her writing evolved over the years.

That being said, I did ultimately like this one. Out of the two main characters, I liked Cara the most. I loved her conviction to stay true to her promise to her best friend Ryan, no matter what happened to her. She definitely didn't have an easy time at the ranch. Jeth is a major douche to her most of the time, but she still falls for him anyway. The ending was sweet. I only wish that they had spent more time together in the book actually liking each other. There was a serious lack of communication between the couple. I did like that it took place over a full year. I made the HEA more convincing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me bawling my eyes out the whole time. The way Leila Meachan writes is so beautiful. Her words will sweep you off your feet from the first sentence. This book was so beautiful. The characters go through one heck of tragedy and then finds the most wonderful answer, love. You are waiting for every page to turn to see if they both realize it. Can she stay or will she go? Will he let her? Will she realize how wonderful this woman is? It's not until the very end that we find out. But it is so worth the wait. This author has made me cry every time I've read one of her books and they go onto my favorites shelf. I am in love with this book and this story. Five stars for a wonderful writer and a wonderful story.

[Maari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd have not guessed this to be a debut
Ms. Meacham is a new to me Author, whom I look forward to reading more from in the future. Her characters are real, they definitely have their own personalities and she has each of their temperament written perfectly! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There was some harshness to it, but we must remember when this book was written, and how people were.. Plus, take into consideration the characters, how they react, speak, etc. Also, the time frame is perfect for all that happens. Ms. Meacham composes quite an engrossing tale. Recommended to those who enjoy a HEA.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan's Hand is a beautiful, sweet story.

At first glance, this is probably not a book that I would normally pick up, but I found myself drawn to it and intrigued by the blurb. And I have to tell you, I am so glad I took and chance and picked this book up.

Ryan's Hand is well written and is an unforgettable story. It is a beautiful and captivating story of family and friendship. It is a story of finding lasting love in the most unexpected places.

Leila Meacham is a new author to me, and I'm excited about checking out more from her in the future.

* I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via Grand Central Publishing, in exchange for an honest review*

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Leila's disclaimer that she "knew nothing about writing" when she wrote this book. I think she knows plenty about writing. Frankly, I'm enjoying this read without being belabored with the details of the oil industry (Titans). Perhaps I was ready for a good story and I think these characters have me hooked. Thus far, I'm reaching for the book (on Kindle) some afternoons and many evenings.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. ROSES is by far my favorite.

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book for years and years and years. And I just finished it again.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Great Read. Leila Meecham never fails to impress with her books. I am looking forward to reading the next two.