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Cowboys looking for a second chance at life, love, and happiness.

Nathaniel Mulbury is released early from his six-year term in prison to care for his brother's four-year-old son. Dealing with grief over his brother's death and continued guilt for his role in the embezzlement scheme that landed him in jail, Nate has one more problem. He's never been a father and has no idea how to take care of Connor.

Make that two problems: He's released, but only to the care of Hope Eternal Ranch, a work-parole ranch run by the beautiful and smart Ginger Talbot. He's never been a cowboy, and he's got no room in his life for a woman.

Ginger has dealt with plenty of men like Nate, even if the sparks between them don't just come from his background. She's not falling for a handsome face and a nice pair of biceps again. After all, most prisoners have plenty of time to work out.

But there's something different about Nate that calls to her softer side, if only she'd let him in. If only she knew how to let anyone in... But Ginger is jaded for good reason, and she's not going to risk losing Hope Eternal Ranch—or her heart—again.

Can Ginger and Nate find their happily-ever-after, keep up their duties on the ranch, and build a family? Or will the risk be too great for them both?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2020

2166 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read

About the author

Elana Johnson

178 books2,085 followers
3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

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5 stars
1,502 (55%)
4 stars
760 (27%)
3 stars
342 (12%)
2 stars
85 (3%)
1 star
30 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
59 reviews
September 18, 2020
Loved it!

First book by Elana Johnson, she writes such beautifully. This is a great story about love, acceptance and forgiveness. Couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more from her:)
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,888 followers
April 30, 2020
Loved that the hero had an unusual start and the unique characteristic of being a convict.
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,083 reviews19 followers
May 12, 2020
This is one series you will want to put on your list to read.

It’s a slightly different story than I am used to but the storyline was brilliant. It’s a working ranch that takes on prisoner nearing the end of their sentence. It’s were they get to learn to live on the outside again, to do a job and to find their place again.

Nate is being let out early for 2 reasons. 1 he was an impeccable inmate who was well liked and got his time served reduced because of this. 2 his brother died and left him his 4yr old son to care for, which he can’t do behind bars. So while he learns the ropes at the ranch he is also learning to be a father to a little boy.

Little did he know that the woman, Ginger who runs the ranch, would also steal his heart. Does this reformed man stand a chance on the outside? Will he find love or will he lose it all?

Loved this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,547 reviews29 followers
May 7, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars Hopeful Cowboy is book 1 in the Hope Eternal series by Elana Johnson and what an emotional read!

Nathaniel Mulbury is in jail for 6 years for embezzlement but when his brother dies he is released early to Hope Eternal a work parole ranch and where he and his brother’s son, Connor will live until he serves the last 6 months of his term and becomes a free man except he has some unfinished business before that can happen...

Ginger Talbot runs Hope Eternal Ranch and has had other parolees work the ranch and fell for one and almost lost her ranch. Now she is skeptical to bring another to the ranch but there’s something different about Nate...

Can these two find their second chance at love, life and HEA or will Nate’s unfinished business destroy it all?
1,265 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2020
I love Ginger and Nate and Connor. Ginger runs a ranch and sometimes take inmates from the low security prison when they are eligible to be placed in her reentry program. Nate is placed there because his older brother died and left Nate as legal guardian of Connor and told to adopt him as soon as he could. There are so many complications of Ginger and Nate falling for each other and acting on those feelings. Ginger isn't very trusting because of a past relationship with an ex-con who she had taken into her program. Nate isn't sure how to act outside of prison and has no clue how to raise Connor. Will is past come between then and cause him to lose Connor and Ginger? Will Ginger be able to forgive him? There are so many feels in this books and I teared up a couple times.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,696 reviews74 followers
June 16, 2020
I’ve read under the other name Johnson writes under and I always adore those stories. I was a tad apprehensive that writing under this name wouldn’t be a clean romance, but it was. This was a romance unlike any I’ve read. Taking an ex-con through a reintegration program and throwing in a child and building a romance through it all? Plus, getting us to really understand and be on the side of the inmates? Phenomenal. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, in fact, I’m starting it immediately.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
June 17, 2020
This book starts out on a series of tragic events. I’d almost think that if it weren’t for bad luck Nate Mulbury would have no luck at all. Five years ago, his world changed forever. And it’s about to change again, but maybe not all for the bad this time. This book almost had me in tears right from the very beginning. There are a lot of scenes that tug hard at the heartstrings. I really loved getting to know Nate and Ginger and thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Hope Eternal Ranch.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Tara.
1,194 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2020
Once again, Elana Johnson delivers a spellbinding story full of hope. I rooted for Ginger & Nate (and Connor.) I swear I hardly blinked while reading because I didn’t want to miss a thing. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the Hope Eternal Ranch series.
Profile Image for Tammy Sandeen.
137 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2020
A good read

Ignoring any missed editing, I enjoyed the story. A bit slow in places but nothing that can’t be read past.
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
448 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book way more than I though I would and I loved the main characters. Nate had to deal with so much in a short period of time and my heart went out to him. But he was such a hopeful cowboy 🤠. He did right by his brother & nephew, looked on the bright side and tried to be the best person he could be.

Ginger had been duped before and while she was determined to never repeat past mistakes I liked that she didn’t become bitter. She was cheerful, positive and was willing to open up her heart to love again. I loved how her relationship with Nate progressed naturally. They took it nice and slow and it made their romance believable.

I absolutely adored Connor. I was gushing at every scene he was in. Nate loved him with all his heart and it was easy to see with their interactions. They really had a great relationship. I also loved how sweet Ginger was to Connor. They all made the perfect little family.

There was a bit of suspense and I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. With all that Nate & Ginger had already endured I really didn’t want them to have to deal with something else. But, alas, it had to be done. I will say that the conflict was very well done. That too made my heart ache but it was realistic and it was nicely resolved.

Overall, lovely story. Can’t wait to read more in this series.

Content: Clean, Kissing
Profile Image for James a Schmidt.
305 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2020
“Hopeful Cowboy:A Mulbury Boys Novel”(Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Book 1)

Such a good book! One of those you just have to finish before going to bed.A ranch that takes convicts who have a short time left on their sentence and gives them a home and work experience so they can be outside the prison walls and learn anew how to exist in the outside world.A convict,his four year old nephew he ends up with after his brother dies,his lady boss and all the other people living on the ranch come together to make this the great read it is.He has six months left of his prison sentence when he moves to the ranch with his nephew and it becomes more than just a place to live for him .From the relatable people to the story as a whole,you have my word you will enjoy it.With it’s twists and turns I hope you’ll read it and like it as much as I .
Profile Image for JoAnn.
140 reviews
September 27, 2020
Nate has been in prison for an embezzlement scheme he got caught up in. He has been a model prisoner and only has a few months to go before he is released. His older brother Ward suddenly dies and Nate is named as guardian to his 4 year old son, Connor.
He is released to a ranch program, owned by Ginger, where he can live with Conner and work until time for his release.
This story has many twists and turns and a really good story line. I know you will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,499 reviews52 followers
March 19, 2022
Not a Christian book, but completely clean and inspirational. Loved the book and characters and plot. Definitely interested in reading more in the series
Profile Image for Mallory.
95 reviews
April 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ i listened to this as an audiobook and genuinely liked it. which is saying something since i can never seem to get invested in audiobooks. it was soft and slow and i liked both the main characters equally.

i’ll definitely read this in the future to see if it bumps up my rating
850 reviews
October 18, 2020
Ginger and Nate

Elena Johson has written another great book. Loved the interaction between all of the characters. A second chance at life and a little boy who needs a family.
1,460 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2020
Fantastic Clean Romance

I loved this book by Elana Johnson so much that I read it in one day. This is a fantastic clean romance between Nate and Ginger. Ginger owns and runs Hope Eternal Ranch where prisoners nearing their releases from a minimum security prison finish their sentences at the ranch. There are rules they have to obey, and they have to work on the ranch as cowboys. They receive pay for their hours worked and a room to stay in. Nate is released to the ranch the day he finds out that his brother died and left all he owned to Nate including being the guardian for his four-year old son, Connor. Nate had never worked as a cowboy but learned to love the ranch and all the people who lived and worked at the ranch especially Ginger. Did Nate complete his sentence and did he, Connor, and Ginger become a family? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this must read book. It is a standalone book even though it is the start of a series.
1,348 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
An enjoyable story

I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job of writing a story that could be real life. A great job of writing.
32 reviews
September 23, 2020
Terrific and moving story

I cried and I laughed and the two were not related. The story will move you. It might make you angry (why keep secrets?). Overall a great story.
2,649 reviews10 followers
September 8, 2020
Uplifting

Had me from the get go, I didn't put it down. It's fascinating to read about inmates making an exit and hopefully a successful life, although that's extremely difficult. This ranch is something else, it is hope and new beginnings.
334 reviews
August 26, 2020
Enjoyed

This was a heartwarming and at times a tear jerker. Nate ends up getting released from prison to special ranch where he can finish his time and keep his nephew with him. Ginger, the head person at the ranch, find herself ring pulled to Nate. There is suspense, distrust, and romance that keeps the pages turning. The characters that live on this ranch give off warm vibes. It was a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
July 31, 2020
My review today is on the Romance , Hopeful Cowboy: A Mulbury Boys Novel. This is book one in the Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Series. I enjoyed this book. I have never read any of Elana's work before but I really liked this one and look forward to reading more of her books. The story is well written and heartwarming. I know you are going to love it.
Nathaniel Mulbury is in prison on a white collar crime. He has done everything he can to not cause trouble so he can get out as soon as possible. One day he is called into the office and his whole world is turned upside down. He is told his beloved brother has died and has left him everything including his four year old son. They are giving him an early release but he must go to a ranch that will be a halfway house for him and the child. Nate doesn't know how to be a cowboy or a father but he is willing to learn. His only concern is the beautiful woman that will be in charge of him. He has no time for a woman in his life.
Ginger Talbot had taken convicts before, one turned out to steal her money and almost got the ranch. She's not sure what to do about the attraction she feels for Nate. She will not be hurt again. There is something different about Nate though and who could help but fall for that adorable little boy.
A great journey of second chances. God has a plan for these three; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Make Him Lord in your life and He will get you through these trying times.
Profile Image for Carol.
838 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2020
Hopeful Cowboy

Nate is in minimal security prison for white collar crime when his personal world spins off it's axis. He is out into a reentry program on Hope Eternal Ranch that is owned and operated by Ginger. When he arrived with his nephew he hasn't a clue as to how to work and live on a ranch or how to care for small child.
Ginger and her BFF Emma get everything set up so Nate can do his cowboy work and Connor is cared for while Nate is working. He and Ginger are attracted to one another but can anything come of it since technically he is still in prison, especially when the a tions of Nate bring trouble to Hope Eternal Ranch.
There were a few areas that I thought should have been more informative but overall a good book.
Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2020
Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson was a different type of story than I am used to but it kept my interest until the end. Nate was in prison on investment fraud and wasn’t to be released for another 6 months of his seven-year sentence. Ginger owned and ran Hope Eternal Ranch that was a Residential Reentry Center where the inmates learned how to adjust to life outside of the prison. When Nate’s brother, Ward, died unexpectedly and he was named guardian of his four-year-old nephew, Connor. Nate was released to Ginger and the Hope Eternal Ranch to take care of Connor and serve the last six months of his sentence. Can Ginger help Nate find himself again and prepare him for what lies ahead of him with his release and caring for his nephew? Will Nate feel he deserves to live again and raise Connor? Can Ginger and Nate overcome the emotional and physical draw toward each other to make the transition easy for everyone? These are questions that will make you keep reading to find out.
Profile Image for Elaina.
86 reviews
December 4, 2021
The author at one point forgot the name of the child's mom, which was Jane, and called her Jill, which was a different character. That was confusing.
The fact the MC was a convict was interesting. The relationship came together very quickly, rather suddenly and there was no sex which I found disappointing.
It's not a difficult read, but it's certainly not one that will stick in my head or that I'll want to re-read ever again.
Like always, I don't regret reading it, but I never recommend it to anyone.
I also didn't like that Connor started calling Nate Dad/Daddy. I thought that was incredibly weird. I understand the boy was adopted and legally he would be his dad, but to call him that especially so soon after his real dad died made me uncomfortable. It felt like they were betraying the brother.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
August 9, 2020
Second Chances at life

Nate got caught up with some trouble with his job and was sentenced to Federal prison, it was close to his home, so his older would visit and bring his son Conner. He talked to his parents and sister also. But when he is getting ready for release he has to adjust to an earlier release, New plans and his nephew. His brother does and gives custody to Nate. Ginger runs the reentry through her ranch. Can he do it.
4,936 reviews31 followers
June 19, 2020
Wonderful story with Nate and Ginger who meet when he is almost at the end of his incarceration when his brother dies and leaves his son to him. Nate goes to live the last six months of his time at the ranch that Ginger owns. At Hope Eternal Ranch he and Ginger grow closer even when she does not want to get involved with him because she did in the past and it caused her so much trouble but she can see the good in Nate. Loved the story line and the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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