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Baker Family Adventures #8
Rescue in the Rockies
Fergus didn’t waste a second. He ducked under the horse’s belly and scrambled to mount on the left side, then wound the rope binding his wrists around the saddle-horn for leverage. Bellowing a Yeehaw!, he kicked the big sorrel’s sides. In a burst of speed it took off, yanking the rope out of Kent’s hand.
“Hey!” Kent yelled, mad. “Come back!”
It’s springtime and the Bakers are living the dream. Abby is helping her grandparents set up a guest ranch, Phil is visiting Spain, and Andy and Tom are on the farm entertaining three visitors from Scotland. Mr. Baker suggests a road trip to the guest ranch in Wyoming—what better opportunity for Fergus, Dougal, and Wylie to work hard, meet cowboys, and see the West? The lads are all for it and embrace their new surroundings with gusto, while the Bakers get the chance to re-forge bonds with Grandpa and Grandma Baker.
Mustangs, cattle, and roping lessons fade into the background when Jigson arrives, asking Abby to help identify a woman she met in Iceland once before. Meanwhile, Phil seems to offend Briosa at every turn, and Andy catches sight of Fergus’s growing inner turmoil about where he belongs in the world.
When Fergus feels himself being cornered into a future he doesn’t want, he snaps into the survival instincts he knows so well, seizing the opportunity to live wild in the mountains before anyone can stop him. Unbeknown to him, someone is hunting him down to offer a glimmer of hope that is as appealing as it is dangerous—but will it truly give rest to his soul and end his desperate attempts to be free? Or will it push him farther away from what he yearns for … the only home that can ever satisfy him?
“Hey!” Kent yelled, mad. “Come back!”
It’s springtime and the Bakers are living the dream. Abby is helping her grandparents set up a guest ranch, Phil is visiting Spain, and Andy and Tom are on the farm entertaining three visitors from Scotland. Mr. Baker suggests a road trip to the guest ranch in Wyoming—what better opportunity for Fergus, Dougal, and Wylie to work hard, meet cowboys, and see the West? The lads are all for it and embrace their new surroundings with gusto, while the Bakers get the chance to re-forge bonds with Grandpa and Grandma Baker.
Mustangs, cattle, and roping lessons fade into the background when Jigson arrives, asking Abby to help identify a woman she met in Iceland once before. Meanwhile, Phil seems to offend Briosa at every turn, and Andy catches sight of Fergus’s growing inner turmoil about where he belongs in the world.
When Fergus feels himself being cornered into a future he doesn’t want, he snaps into the survival instincts he knows so well, seizing the opportunity to live wild in the mountains before anyone can stop him. Unbeknown to him, someone is hunting him down to offer a glimmer of hope that is as appealing as it is dangerous—but will it truly give rest to his soul and end his desperate attempts to be free? Or will it push him farther away from what he yearns for … the only home that can ever satisfy him?
- GenresChristian Fiction
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2020
4 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 25, 2022
I've waited a long time for this book, and it was so worth the wait!
Another totally epic and wonderful adventure with the Bakers. I love this family! It's so awesome to see them all growing up. Not-so-young-anymore Tom is still a cutie - and he's getting wiser. I hope to see more prominent roles from him in future books. Phil and Andy were both awesome - I just love all the characters, okay? 🤠
Abby - my favorite of the Bakers- seemed to be the biggest character in this book, though Fergus takes a quick second, and everyone has their own fair share of the spotlight. And yes, as I said, Abby's my favorite. Maybe because she's the only girl in the family? The last couple books she's been right around my age, so I relate to her more. I really admire how she always has an answer to the hope that is in her. She's not ashamed or afraid to share her faith.
We also receive the first hint of a romantic relationship in this one. And I think it was portrayed very nicely. A "phase one" relationship - read the book to understand. And no, sorry, I'm not saying who. It's a pretty minor plot point and if you want a content list - there's one hug and they agree to be friends who are intentionally getting to know one another better.
Fergus. Aye, I love this guy. You may remember him from book seven! His journey is really fleshed out in this book. I think it was a great character arc, though I kind of felt like only some of his questions were answered. I picked up that the big thing He was worried about was being separated from the Freylads, who were basically family to him, and I didn't feel like he was ever given assurance that he wouldn't be. But that's a minor gripe. I really loved getting to meet his family and I hope we get to hear more from him mother and sister in future books.
Rolf. Ja, he's great. Poor guy needs help though. I think maybe the next book is going to be about him. (crosses fingers) I hope!
Briosa! She's so fun and sweet - I loved seeing her growth this book and how she is trying to do the right thing, even though she is mistaken sometimes. And she's a great friend for Abby.
And then there's the bad guys. We get some answers, and we get more questions. 😎
And the greatest for last. Jigson is just awesome. Always is. I'm enjoying learning more about him and seeing his interaction with his sister. 💔 It didn't feel like he played quite as big of a role in this book as some of the others. So that was a little sad.
The setting. was. totally. awesome. Cowboys? A ranch? YES PLEASE! Oh, it would be a dream come true to be a character in this book because where it took place was awesome. The hard work. The horses. The food - ah it just gave me all the farm feels x1000. 🐄
There was plenty of action in this book - some of my favorite scenes were when Joey let Fergus borrow his hat, the little fight between Fergus and Rolf, Abby talking with Fergus about home, Deborah's shock at the way the runaway way boys were being brought home, Fergus at the Rodeo, the discovery of the lookout, and later the grave of a certain someone, the conversation in the plan about querencia, and then the last several scenes which I can't mention for spoilers.
The message in this book kind of ties in with the last book - finding freedom. True freedom. Also, themes of finding home and remembering all the Lord has done for us. 💖
This book was just epic all around. You can never go wrong with a Baker Family Adventure.
Another totally epic and wonderful adventure with the Bakers. I love this family! It's so awesome to see them all growing up. Not-so-young-anymore Tom is still a cutie - and he's getting wiser. I hope to see more prominent roles from him in future books. Phil and Andy were both awesome - I just love all the characters, okay? 🤠
Abby - my favorite of the Bakers- seemed to be the biggest character in this book, though Fergus takes a quick second, and everyone has their own fair share of the spotlight. And yes, as I said, Abby's my favorite. Maybe because she's the only girl in the family? The last couple books she's been right around my age, so I relate to her more. I really admire how she always has an answer to the hope that is in her. She's not ashamed or afraid to share her faith.
We also receive the first hint of a romantic relationship in this one. And I think it was portrayed very nicely. A "phase one" relationship - read the book to understand. And no, sorry, I'm not saying who. It's a pretty minor plot point and if you want a content list - there's one hug and they agree to be friends who are intentionally getting to know one another better.
Fergus. Aye, I love this guy. You may remember him from book seven! His journey is really fleshed out in this book. I think it was a great character arc, though I kind of felt like only some of his questions were answered. I picked up that the big thing He was worried about was being separated from the Freylads, who were basically family to him, and I didn't feel like he was ever given assurance that he wouldn't be. But that's a minor gripe. I really loved getting to meet his family and I hope we get to hear more from him mother and sister in future books.
Rolf. Ja, he's great. Poor guy needs help though. I think maybe the next book is going to be about him. (crosses fingers) I hope!
Briosa! She's so fun and sweet - I loved seeing her growth this book and how she is trying to do the right thing, even though she is mistaken sometimes. And she's a great friend for Abby.
And then there's the bad guys. We get some answers, and we get more questions. 😎
And the greatest for last. Jigson is just awesome. Always is. I'm enjoying learning more about him and seeing his interaction with his sister. 💔 It didn't feel like he played quite as big of a role in this book as some of the others. So that was a little sad.
The setting. was. totally. awesome. Cowboys? A ranch? YES PLEASE! Oh, it would be a dream come true to be a character in this book because where it took place was awesome. The hard work. The horses. The food - ah it just gave me all the farm feels x1000. 🐄
There was plenty of action in this book - some of my favorite scenes were when Joey let Fergus borrow his hat, the little fight between Fergus and Rolf, Abby talking with Fergus about home, Deborah's shock at the way the runaway way boys were being brought home, Fergus at the Rodeo, the discovery of the lookout, and later the grave of a certain someone, the conversation in the plan about querencia, and then the last several scenes which I can't mention for spoilers.
The message in this book kind of ties in with the last book - finding freedom. True freedom. Also, themes of finding home and remembering all the Lord has done for us. 💖
This book was just epic all around. You can never go wrong with a Baker Family Adventure.
February 26, 2021
...what just happened? I was blown away by this book, I thought it would be good, but...I love it. A lot. Not sure quite what to think right now ;)
March 1, 2021
Miss Hedgecock has outdone herself again! Her characters and plot were engaging and fantastic :) I loved this so much.
May 12, 2024
The problem with this book is that there's so many characters and it doesn't tell you when it switches povs so you have to try to figure out who you're following
Also i felt like this book was a lot longer than it needed to be
Also i felt like this book was a lot longer than it needed to be
July 17, 2021
—I have enjoyed all of the C. R. Hedgcock books. They always tell an interesting and intriguing story while weaving Christian concepts into the mix.
Here are some of the quotes that I especially enjoyed and want to remember.
“I admire that about dogs. They often don’t hold their owners’ mistakes against them. Just go on as though nothing had happened. And that inspires you as an owner to care for them better, doesn’t it? Their simple belief that you know best.” Page 181
“Querencia. It comes from bullfighting. It means the place in the ring where the bull feels at home, feels safe. The matador doesn’t want him to find that place, because once he does, he will fight for it. Or, rather, he will fight from it, confident and...refreshed. He goes to it when he is wounded, and comes back from it with strength. I think that people have querencia too.” Page 387
Briosa says, “I think my querencia used to be my home with my grandfather. I felt safe there, happy. But we know how that went away. After that, relying on others is not so easy. You learn to survive on the freedom to make brave decisions in the moment.” Page 388
“How he accepts your refusal,” Jigson had told Fergus, “will be another confirmation to you of the sort of man he is. A good man may be disappointed and may try to change your mind, but will ultimately respect your decision. Rage and manipulation are markers of a dangerous sort of man.” Page 427
“What’s bigger?” Wylie asked. “At the glen it was always your superiors.”
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” Tom said. “There isn’t anything bigger than Him.” Page 453
Abby talking to Fergus. “Our passion to be free of a master- free of God- is really a kind of slavery. It gives the illusion of control, though, and that’s hard to give up.” She smiled. “But you can ask for help with that. ‘Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!’ -I’ve used that one a couple times. The thing is, Fergus, the Lord does want you. He wants you. Why do you think we’re having this conversation? And here in Wyoming? If God had to send you all the way to the mountains, in order for you to find Him, well, He did it. He’s gone to great lengths for you.” Page 455
Fergus to Briosa. “What we did turned out to be the wrong thing to do, but you believed it was right, and you helped us in any way you could, with your whole heart. If we’re ever really in danger, I want you on my team, a’right?” Page 459
Fergus to Phil. “You may need to be more flexible. Don’t let your perfect plans stand in the way of what’s meant to happen.” Page 463
“Well, I guess that’s it for today from the unexpected excitement department,” Grandpa said with a happy sigh. Page 465
“No sir, no dozing here,” Abby replied cheerfully. “I’m wide asleep. I mean fast awake.” Page 470
—This is probably my favorite conversation in the story on pages 449 to 450. Briosa is talking with Phil.
Briosa states, “Your grandfather’s speech yesterday made me feel bad. I am sorry for the trouble this caused your family, but I also know that if we went back in time, I would do the same thing again.” She paused. “The boys would have run away without my help.”
“Yes, but your assistance implies your approval.”
Her brow furrowed. “What does that mean? Should I not have helped them?”
“They did something they shouldn’t have. Even if they would have done it anyway, they did it with your help, your approval. They hurt us. You helped them hurt us. So yes, I think you shouldn’t have helped them.”
...”They were not trying to hurt you,” she said, “and neither was I. It was not about your family. But I am sorry.”
“I see that now,” he said kindly, “ and I forgive you. I just shudder to think of the consequences if they hadn’t been found. Looking ahead, you know.”
Briosa frowned at the ground. “I don’t think I am very good at that.” ...”I can see how you were right. But it’s not easy for me. I think you feel that I betrayed you, yes?”
Phil nodded, “You could put it that way.”
“Well, I know how that feels. I am sorry.”...”But I would still have done the same thing!”
The book goes on later to discuss wild Mustangs compared to domesticated horses. Briosa is like one of those wild horses which responds differently. It’s a great analogy and I can relate to it.
Here are some of the quotes that I especially enjoyed and want to remember.
“I admire that about dogs. They often don’t hold their owners’ mistakes against them. Just go on as though nothing had happened. And that inspires you as an owner to care for them better, doesn’t it? Their simple belief that you know best.” Page 181
“Querencia. It comes from bullfighting. It means the place in the ring where the bull feels at home, feels safe. The matador doesn’t want him to find that place, because once he does, he will fight for it. Or, rather, he will fight from it, confident and...refreshed. He goes to it when he is wounded, and comes back from it with strength. I think that people have querencia too.” Page 387
Briosa says, “I think my querencia used to be my home with my grandfather. I felt safe there, happy. But we know how that went away. After that, relying on others is not so easy. You learn to survive on the freedom to make brave decisions in the moment.” Page 388
“How he accepts your refusal,” Jigson had told Fergus, “will be another confirmation to you of the sort of man he is. A good man may be disappointed and may try to change your mind, but will ultimately respect your decision. Rage and manipulation are markers of a dangerous sort of man.” Page 427
“What’s bigger?” Wylie asked. “At the glen it was always your superiors.”
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” Tom said. “There isn’t anything bigger than Him.” Page 453
Abby talking to Fergus. “Our passion to be free of a master- free of God- is really a kind of slavery. It gives the illusion of control, though, and that’s hard to give up.” She smiled. “But you can ask for help with that. ‘Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!’ -I’ve used that one a couple times. The thing is, Fergus, the Lord does want you. He wants you. Why do you think we’re having this conversation? And here in Wyoming? If God had to send you all the way to the mountains, in order for you to find Him, well, He did it. He’s gone to great lengths for you.” Page 455
Fergus to Briosa. “What we did turned out to be the wrong thing to do, but you believed it was right, and you helped us in any way you could, with your whole heart. If we’re ever really in danger, I want you on my team, a’right?” Page 459
Fergus to Phil. “You may need to be more flexible. Don’t let your perfect plans stand in the way of what’s meant to happen.” Page 463
“Well, I guess that’s it for today from the unexpected excitement department,” Grandpa said with a happy sigh. Page 465
“No sir, no dozing here,” Abby replied cheerfully. “I’m wide asleep. I mean fast awake.” Page 470
—This is probably my favorite conversation in the story on pages 449 to 450. Briosa is talking with Phil.
Briosa states, “Your grandfather’s speech yesterday made me feel bad. I am sorry for the trouble this caused your family, but I also know that if we went back in time, I would do the same thing again.” She paused. “The boys would have run away without my help.”
“Yes, but your assistance implies your approval.”
Her brow furrowed. “What does that mean? Should I not have helped them?”
“They did something they shouldn’t have. Even if they would have done it anyway, they did it with your help, your approval. They hurt us. You helped them hurt us. So yes, I think you shouldn’t have helped them.”
...”They were not trying to hurt you,” she said, “and neither was I. It was not about your family. But I am sorry.”
“I see that now,” he said kindly, “ and I forgive you. I just shudder to think of the consequences if they hadn’t been found. Looking ahead, you know.”
Briosa frowned at the ground. “I don’t think I am very good at that.” ...”I can see how you were right. But it’s not easy for me. I think you feel that I betrayed you, yes?”
Phil nodded, “You could put it that way.”
“Well, I know how that feels. I am sorry.”...”But I would still have done the same thing!”
The book goes on later to discuss wild Mustangs compared to domesticated horses. Briosa is like one of those wild horses which responds differently. It’s a great analogy and I can relate to it.
December 7, 2025
Can't wait for the next boooooooook!!!!
March 5, 2025
The most recent of C. R. Hedgcock's books proves to be just as interesting as the rest, with the same style of intense, captivating storytelling and Christian values woven together to create a wonderful and riveting read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews