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The Rancher's Family Secret
Choosing between his heritage and his heart…
Will a longtime family secret
keep them apart?
Despite their family feud, Spencer Navarro is determined to help his neighbor, Lindsey McClement, when she comes home to save her family ranch. And Lindsey returns the favor by allowing him to house his foster rescue horses in her empty barn stalls. But when the generations-long strife threatens their forbidden friendship, Spencer must choose between a new love and his family.
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend
Book 1: The Rancher’s Family Secret
Will a longtime family secret
keep them apart?
Despite their family feud, Spencer Navarro is determined to help his neighbor, Lindsey McClement, when she comes home to save her family ranch. And Lindsey returns the favor by allowing him to house his foster rescue horses in her empty barn stalls. But when the generations-long strife threatens their forbidden friendship, Spencer must choose between a new love and his family.
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend
Book 1: The Rancher’s Family Secret
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
20 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Myra Johnson
62 books560 followersNative Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 15, 2021
Eeeep!!! A new Myra Johnson series with cowboys! And my animal-lovin' heart is leaping out of my chest in adrenaline rush glee over the horse rescue angle. (I take my critter loving very seriously.)
Since I have a tendency to lose myself in a book to the detriment of everything else in my life, I have a system. Read three chapters, do a chore, read another three chapters, do a chore, read three more chapters, do a chore...you get my drift. It's my attempt at balancing my fictional worlds with my far less exciting one.
So, I dutifully sat down for my first three chapters of The Rancher's Family Secret...and came up for air a couple of hours later! Oopsies. Floors are sticky, plants need watering and I can always do laundry another day, right? Because it was much more important for me to give my undivided attention to Lindsey and Spencer's tumultuous journey towards their happily ever after.
This is the kind of romance I love the most -- the kind where I get to feel my way through. Somehow the author magics all the emotions on the page right into my heart with an onslaught of highs and lows and everything in between. Kinda feels like doing a set of emotive calisthenics. :-)
And I love the way the stage has been set for the rest of the series. Am definitely anxious to see what happens next in Gabriel Bend. Hope we won't have too long to wait!
Since I have a tendency to lose myself in a book to the detriment of everything else in my life, I have a system. Read three chapters, do a chore, read another three chapters, do a chore, read three more chapters, do a chore...you get my drift. It's my attempt at balancing my fictional worlds with my far less exciting one.
So, I dutifully sat down for my first three chapters of The Rancher's Family Secret...and came up for air a couple of hours later! Oopsies. Floors are sticky, plants need watering and I can always do laundry another day, right? Because it was much more important for me to give my undivided attention to Lindsey and Spencer's tumultuous journey towards their happily ever after.
This is the kind of romance I love the most -- the kind where I get to feel my way through. Somehow the author magics all the emotions on the page right into my heart with an onslaught of highs and lows and everything in between. Kinda feels like doing a set of emotive calisthenics. :-)
And I love the way the stage has been set for the rest of the series. Am definitely anxious to see what happens next in Gabriel Bend. Hope we won't have too long to wait!
January 25, 2021
This beautiful story touched my heart. We all have family issues, some more than others, and I love how Myra Johnson wove such a romantic love story into the difficulties of imperfect families. It gives one hope to know that God can overcome any family strife if we would just trust Him.
The ranch life has always been a dream for me, so I live it through the pages of these wonderful books. The scenery described here is glorious! Myra Johnson has a gift for words. I hope you will enjoy reading about Spencer and Lindsey as they explore their growing feelings for each other in the midst of a deep-set family feud that threatens to pull them apart. But what I love most, with all books from Love Inspired, love always wins!
Heartily recommend!
The ranch life has always been a dream for me, so I live it through the pages of these wonderful books. The scenery described here is glorious! Myra Johnson has a gift for words. I hope you will enjoy reading about Spencer and Lindsey as they explore their growing feelings for each other in the midst of a deep-set family feud that threatens to pull them apart. But what I love most, with all books from Love Inspired, love always wins!
Heartily recommend!
January 18, 2021
Will their love be able to overcome a family feud spanning generations?
The family feud kept them apart as teens and shaped who they are today. Lindsey’s back home to help the failing family ranch and Spencer’s just as attracted as he was as a teen. Can they overcome the hurdles of hurt feelings and a generations-old family feud to find their way back to each other?
Myra Johnson writes about the angst, the love and the trials of family and friend relationships in a way that draws the reader in. I highly recommend her books.
The family feud kept them apart as teens and shaped who they are today. Lindsey’s back home to help the failing family ranch and Spencer’s just as attracted as he was as a teen. Can they overcome the hurdles of hurt feelings and a generations-old family feud to find their way back to each other?
Myra Johnson writes about the angst, the love and the trials of family and friend relationships in a way that draws the reader in. I highly recommend her books.
January 20, 2021
Loved this book.
December 11, 2020
An awesome book
February 6, 2021
The Rancher’s Family Secret carries an emotionally gripping story about love, faith, family loyalty, forgiveness, and compassion. The one thing Lindsey McClement wants most is to settle down and have a family but first, she must save the family ranch her Aunt Audra is running with the help of Spencer Navarro, a grandson of a former horse business partner. Not letting the Navarro-McClement feud get in the way, Spencer believes it is the neighborly thing to do in spite of his grandfather, Tito’s opinion to leave well enough alone.
Family feuds carry a lot of pain. Family members pursue goals, achieve some level of success in the eyes of others, and yet are still not able to escape the pain of a wound they carry as if it is body armor. Is Tito’s grudge justifiable? Can truth prevail? Will the family look at the wound and try to heal their families once and for all?
Forgiveness is a hard nut to crack. It is easier to blame others or an event or oneself than to unravel the truth and face the generational pain. Will Lindsey have the strength and courage to move forward or will she continue to find fault?
Many times generational family feuds place responsibility onto their future generations who have nothing to do with the actual event, yet they carry the burden of resenting another family. Will Lindsey and Spencer see the resentments are keeping them from loving others? Will they lose everything that has ever meant anything to them?
Johnson puts faith into practice by bringing awareness to the emotional and spiritual effects of losing a business partnership, best friend, business dreams and goals has on a family. This story reminded me of Luke 6:35-37 scriptures about loving your enemies and do good, seeking nothing in return, not judging others but forgiving one another so that you are also forgiven. Lindsey needs to learn how to have faith, to trust God with her situation and not blame herself for decisions made by other adults before she was born. Most importantly, she needed to figure out what she wants in a man and lean into the love of God. I liked how Johnson uses scenes to bring these issues to the reader in a real-life relatable way.
The Rancher’s Family Secret is a great read for young adults, as well as book clubs who enjoy discussing family relationships in the context of the Christian faith.
Reviewed by Jewel Sample--Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and I am under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Family feuds carry a lot of pain. Family members pursue goals, achieve some level of success in the eyes of others, and yet are still not able to escape the pain of a wound they carry as if it is body armor. Is Tito’s grudge justifiable? Can truth prevail? Will the family look at the wound and try to heal their families once and for all?
Forgiveness is a hard nut to crack. It is easier to blame others or an event or oneself than to unravel the truth and face the generational pain. Will Lindsey have the strength and courage to move forward or will she continue to find fault?
Many times generational family feuds place responsibility onto their future generations who have nothing to do with the actual event, yet they carry the burden of resenting another family. Will Lindsey and Spencer see the resentments are keeping them from loving others? Will they lose everything that has ever meant anything to them?
Johnson puts faith into practice by bringing awareness to the emotional and spiritual effects of losing a business partnership, best friend, business dreams and goals has on a family. This story reminded me of Luke 6:35-37 scriptures about loving your enemies and do good, seeking nothing in return, not judging others but forgiving one another so that you are also forgiven. Lindsey needs to learn how to have faith, to trust God with her situation and not blame herself for decisions made by other adults before she was born. Most importantly, she needed to figure out what she wants in a man and lean into the love of God. I liked how Johnson uses scenes to bring these issues to the reader in a real-life relatable way.
The Rancher’s Family Secret is a great read for young adults, as well as book clubs who enjoy discussing family relationships in the context of the Christian faith.
Reviewed by Jewel Sample--Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and I am under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.
July 30, 2021
Author Myra Johnson’s first book in her new Ranchers of Gabriel Bend series is an engaging introduction to the characters and the interesting setting of a small town in central Texas.
I enjoyed the romance between Lindsey McClement and Spencer Navarro. Lindsey has left her job at a financial firm to help her widowed aunt save the family ranch from an unpaid tax sale. With her return, she comes face-to-face with Spencer, the man she was attracted to as a teen, but who crushed her heart years ago because of the riff between the families. In addition to working on his grandfather’s quarter horse ranch, Spencer, volunteers to save rescue horses. His loyalty to his stubborn grandfather is challenged when events bring him closer to Lindsey.
Animosity clouds the relationship between the two neighboring ranch families. Lindsey and Spencer’s situation is somewhat reminiscent of the feuding families of Romeo and Juliet, though with a happily-ever-after ending. I love how Myra Johnson, a skillful author, gives the reader a satisfying romance with a unique epilogue to perfectly complete the story. The Rancher’s Family Secret is a great start to a Texas romance series. I’m already looking forward to reading all the next books!
Favorite quotes:
“Wherever God places us, we will survive—and thrive.”
Was this the neon sign she’d prayed God would send her? A message from the past to restore hope for the future?
I enjoyed the romance between Lindsey McClement and Spencer Navarro. Lindsey has left her job at a financial firm to help her widowed aunt save the family ranch from an unpaid tax sale. With her return, she comes face-to-face with Spencer, the man she was attracted to as a teen, but who crushed her heart years ago because of the riff between the families. In addition to working on his grandfather’s quarter horse ranch, Spencer, volunteers to save rescue horses. His loyalty to his stubborn grandfather is challenged when events bring him closer to Lindsey.
Animosity clouds the relationship between the two neighboring ranch families. Lindsey and Spencer’s situation is somewhat reminiscent of the feuding families of Romeo and Juliet, though with a happily-ever-after ending. I love how Myra Johnson, a skillful author, gives the reader a satisfying romance with a unique epilogue to perfectly complete the story. The Rancher’s Family Secret is a great start to a Texas romance series. I’m already looking forward to reading all the next books!
Favorite quotes:
“Wherever God places us, we will survive—and thrive.”
Was this the neon sign she’d prayed God would send her? A message from the past to restore hope for the future?
April 25, 2021
I zipped through this easy-to-read romance with a little Hatfield and McCoy drama. Spencer and Lindsey's families have been at odds for decades, a fact that eventually drove them apart as teenagers despite their childhood friendship and mutual attraction.
When Lindsey returns to her widowed aunt's ranch to try and save it from financial ruin, Spencer is right there, quietly working his family's ranch, tending to rescued horses, and helping Lindsey's aunt as he's able.
Tight writing, great characters, and a sweet romance made this just the kind of comfort read I was looking for on an otherwise "off" day. There were, to my mind, a few loose ends (or maybe red herrings) that I'd hoped to see resolved. If they're something to be tackled in a related book, I'll be eager to read it.
When Lindsey returns to her widowed aunt's ranch to try and save it from financial ruin, Spencer is right there, quietly working his family's ranch, tending to rescued horses, and helping Lindsey's aunt as he's able.
Tight writing, great characters, and a sweet romance made this just the kind of comfort read I was looking for on an otherwise "off" day. There were, to my mind, a few loose ends (or maybe red herrings) that I'd hoped to see resolved. If they're something to be tackled in a related book, I'll be eager to read it.
December 11, 2022
Three stars because it was exactly what I expected, but in terms of literary critique, leaves a lot to wish for. This book is chock full of literally every Hallmark trope ever. oH nO wE'rE gOnNa LoSe ThE rAnCh! mixed with a Romeo/Juliet -esque family feud. I felt like I was skipping through a movie at 2x speed. We only got every other scene, and it seemed super rushed and coincidental at the end.
February 17, 2021
THE RANCHER’S FAMILY SECRET by Myra Johnson is heart-warming story of Lindsey McClement, Spencer Navarro and the long running feud between their families.
Lindsey moved back to Gabriel Bend, her home town, to help her Aunt Audra find a way to save her families ranch from going under. Evidently after her uncle’s death, her aunt had been in denial over the finances. Paying only parts of bills and maxing out credit cards while selling off livestock all to stay afloat. With her business training and sense along with her determination, she has to turn things around. Her plan was to do just that and then find herself a “real” job. Little did she expect to fall in love with the ranch and to find where she wanted to put down roots was right where she was.
Lindsey had had a crush on Spencer even back in school. Even though he had embarrassed her horribly so way back then at the July picnic, she still couldn’t help but find herself more drawn to the more mature, bearded man he had become. Spencer had always had feelings for Lindsey, but being the shy, more tongue-tied twin, he’d never felt that he was good enough, popular enough or what was best for Lindsey. Then with the age old family feud lurking, he couldn’t show his true feelings or he’d be considered a traitor by his domineering father. That was why he had spouted off all those years ago regretting his words even as they came out of his mouth.
Spencer has been helping Audra as much as he could already. With Lindsey there, he’s determine to continue to do that – if she will let him. Lindsey knows she needs a lot of labor help if she is to even think about making the ranch a money making event/wedding destination. She finally has to concede that she needs Spencer’s offer of help in the form of physical labor. In exchange, when Spencer’s Dad started to balk at the recue horses being kept on their ranch alongside their thoroughbred horses, she offers their barns (which also need repaired) for his recue horses. With her love of animals, that wasn’t a big concession on her part.
How will they both react when they not only have to face each other, but actually work together? Will the attraction intensify or fizzle out? Can Spencer convince Lindsey to have faith in herself – to follow her dreams? Can Spencer learn to speak up for himself when pleasing others doesn’t seem to be working either? Will they get to the root of the family feud? Will they pick family or love or can they have both? Will they find a way to end the feud in order to have it all?
Myra Johnson weaves this inspirational story so well that reading the words on the pages turned into a movie in my mind as I watched the characters develop and the town come to life right before me as I turned the pages. You can’t help but be pulling for Lindsey and Spencer from the first chapter and give a big sigh of happiness on the last page. She takes us along an amazing journey and along the way there are people you feel good thoughts towards and few you want to wring their neck - as with the way in life. Hoping to see some of the characters branch off in upcoming books. She shows us never to give up on a dream, but all good things require some good honest hard work to go with the imagination to turn dreams to into reality.
THE RANCHER’S FAMILY SECRET is a book that I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone that that loves a feel good book with a faith thread, that also shows honor to family, respect for our elders, compassion to those we love even when they are wrong, and where love will find a way to win out – through distance, time and family feuds. It gets a big 5+ stars from me!
Lindsey moved back to Gabriel Bend, her home town, to help her Aunt Audra find a way to save her families ranch from going under. Evidently after her uncle’s death, her aunt had been in denial over the finances. Paying only parts of bills and maxing out credit cards while selling off livestock all to stay afloat. With her business training and sense along with her determination, she has to turn things around. Her plan was to do just that and then find herself a “real” job. Little did she expect to fall in love with the ranch and to find where she wanted to put down roots was right where she was.
Lindsey had had a crush on Spencer even back in school. Even though he had embarrassed her horribly so way back then at the July picnic, she still couldn’t help but find herself more drawn to the more mature, bearded man he had become. Spencer had always had feelings for Lindsey, but being the shy, more tongue-tied twin, he’d never felt that he was good enough, popular enough or what was best for Lindsey. Then with the age old family feud lurking, he couldn’t show his true feelings or he’d be considered a traitor by his domineering father. That was why he had spouted off all those years ago regretting his words even as they came out of his mouth.
Spencer has been helping Audra as much as he could already. With Lindsey there, he’s determine to continue to do that – if she will let him. Lindsey knows she needs a lot of labor help if she is to even think about making the ranch a money making event/wedding destination. She finally has to concede that she needs Spencer’s offer of help in the form of physical labor. In exchange, when Spencer’s Dad started to balk at the recue horses being kept on their ranch alongside their thoroughbred horses, she offers their barns (which also need repaired) for his recue horses. With her love of animals, that wasn’t a big concession on her part.
How will they both react when they not only have to face each other, but actually work together? Will the attraction intensify or fizzle out? Can Spencer convince Lindsey to have faith in herself – to follow her dreams? Can Spencer learn to speak up for himself when pleasing others doesn’t seem to be working either? Will they get to the root of the family feud? Will they pick family or love or can they have both? Will they find a way to end the feud in order to have it all?
Myra Johnson weaves this inspirational story so well that reading the words on the pages turned into a movie in my mind as I watched the characters develop and the town come to life right before me as I turned the pages. You can’t help but be pulling for Lindsey and Spencer from the first chapter and give a big sigh of happiness on the last page. She takes us along an amazing journey and along the way there are people you feel good thoughts towards and few you want to wring their neck - as with the way in life. Hoping to see some of the characters branch off in upcoming books. She shows us never to give up on a dream, but all good things require some good honest hard work to go with the imagination to turn dreams to into reality.
THE RANCHER’S FAMILY SECRET is a book that I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone that that loves a feel good book with a faith thread, that also shows honor to family, respect for our elders, compassion to those we love even when they are wrong, and where love will find a way to win out – through distance, time and family feuds. It gets a big 5+ stars from me!
March 11, 2021
“The Rancher’s Family Secret,” has good characters, good storyline, and a satisfying ending. The Navarro-McClement feud has been going on for years, but the younger generation doesn’t have a clue what started it, and quite frankly, want it to end! Lindsey McClement comes home to try to help her aunt save the family ranch. Spenser Navarro has been helping Lindsey ‘s aunt, Audra, and continues to help Lindsey with repairs and chores, much to his grandfather and dad’s displeasure. Can Lindsey save the ranch by turning it into a wedding event center, or will Spencer’s family block it In order to get the ranch? Several characters were introduced, soI’m hoping this is just the first book in a series that will answer some questions.
August 22, 2021
Maybe when someone speaks of a family feud, you think of the Hatfields and McCoys, or maybe the TV game show. After all, in real life, those are a thing of the past. Well, I thought they were, but brace yourself. Apparently families still feud. At least in this story they do. Although one of the original parties to the feud has died, the other one is still very much alive and wants to make certain his family wins. The sad thing about feuds is that no one ever really wins. The only real resolution is to forgive and put it behind. To find out if the Navarro and McClement families can do that, you need to read the story. I have often heard it said that a little child shall lead them. Since there are no children in the story, watch closely to see what happens.
March 12, 2022
Oh my goodness. Now I need the rest of the books in The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend series. This one was read quickly as author Myra Johnson kept me wondering what would come next.
I loved most of the characters in this book. Well developed, they evoked all kinds of emotions from me. I was rooting for Lindsey and Spencer. Furious with Tito. Confused by Samuel. I wanted to yell at Enrique and tell him to man up. Goodness. What a ride this book is.
On top of it all, throw in a family feud (think Hatfields and McCoys), a struggling ranch, and of course romance and you have something for everyone. I highly recommend it!
I loved most of the characters in this book. Well developed, they evoked all kinds of emotions from me. I was rooting for Lindsey and Spencer. Furious with Tito. Confused by Samuel. I wanted to yell at Enrique and tell him to man up. Goodness. What a ride this book is.
On top of it all, throw in a family feud (think Hatfields and McCoys), a struggling ranch, and of course romance and you have something for everyone. I highly recommend it!
January 10, 2023
The Rancher's Family Secret is a touching and inspirational story that shows God's faithfulness and the power of love over bitterness and unforgiveness.
Book Quote:
"God's got this. Always has, always will."
Book Quote:
"God's got this. Always has, always will."
Read
December 4, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend (Book #1)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend (Book #1)
Read
December 4, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend (Book #1)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Ranchers of Gabriel Bend (Book #1)
Read
July 9, 2022A pleasant afternoon's read. Very good.
January 21, 2023
Good easy read, but I’m bummed we never find out what the feud was actually about.
February 16, 2021
The family feud between the Navarros and the McClements has gone on for so long, does anyone really know what happened to cause the split? Spencer Navarro, despite the feud, is determined to help neighbor Lindsey McClement when she comes back home to save her family ranch. She in turn offers him empty stalls in her barn for his foster rescue horses. Will Spencer and Lindsey be forced to choose between family loyalties or their forbidden friendship? I found this to be an uplifting story of faith and forgiveness, and it did not hurt that one of the main characters was a hunky cowboy! You will not be disappointed and like me will be eager to return to the ranchers of Gabriel Bend.
I received a copy from the author. The opinions are my own.
I received a copy from the author. The opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews