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Cherished by the Rancher

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A bossy cowboy. A single mom in hiding. Life at Black Rock Ranch just might explode.

Maddy Johnston wants one thing: safety for her and her daughter. She finds it in the back of beyond at the Black Rock Ranch, as long as she can keep her identity a secret. But her ex is on her trail, and the rancher she’s falling for prizes honesty. Not good when he doesn’t even know her real name.

Adam Black likes to be in control of everything: his livestock, his ranch, his life. He handles it well until a new accountant shows up. He’s mesmerized by Maddy’s glorious curls and luscious smile, but he has too many worries to have time for love—especially now that his father is having difficulties.

Adam must learn to let go and let love in, but what happens if Maddy can't overcome her past?

If you’re fan of Liz Isaacson or Jessie Gussman, you’ll enjoy love and life with the Black Rock Ranch brothers.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2021

198 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

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Jen Peters

29 books45 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,002 reviews175 followers
June 6, 2021
TRUST GOD AND EVERYTHING WILL BE RIGHT

The story is a Christian-based contemporary western tale with strong family ties and duty. The story has a touch of mystery, suspense, danger, and heavy regarding ranch responsibilities. It takes place in Colorado and revolves around a family-run ranch, Samuel Black, the patriarch, and sons Adam, Caleb, Micah, and Seth. The story will mainly focus on the new relationship between Adam and Maddy. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Adam Black has taken on the duties of running the family ranch as his father is aging, and even more concerning, showing signs of forgetfulness. Adam is a type-A personality, almost too serious, and has trouble trusting that everyone else will do what they are supposed to do. He is constantly double-checking on them—and that doesn't go over well with his brothers.

Maddy Riccilino has gone to work at the Black Ranch as the new accountant. She and her daughter, Mia, now live on the ranch in one of the houses. Maddy is a woman on the run from her abusive ex-husband, and she has been advised by her attorney not to even share with her immediate family where she is living.

The story's plot will have Maddy and Mia moving to Black Ranch, and only Samuel knows the truth about her and why. The fewer people that are aware of her situation, the safer she will remain. Adam and Maddy have a rough go at even friendship and trust, but that will change as time goes on. The only thing marring the situation is keeping secrets from Adam—he doesn't handle secrets or lies. As Maddy works on the accounts, she uncovers disturbing issues that show a previous accountant mishandling funds.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. It will have Maddy and Mia hiding out, using her grandmother's maiden name, trying to remain safe. It will have Adam and his family at odds over his bossiness and controlling ways. But, it also has the family pulling together as the health of Samuel comes into play.

"Adam, God is here, waiting for us to come to him. He doesn't make bad things happen, but he's always here to help us when they do."

While this story is Christian-based, it isn't preachy but realistic of praying and discussing God in their lives. It does have health issues that play out, plus problems with one employee drinking heavily, leading to violence. Maddy can't handle it when Adam is angry and he and another employee fight—it brings back nightmares of her former marriage. Now, Maddy feels she needs to move on because of what has happened between her and Adam. With danger from her past a constant threat, Maddy and Mia must do whatever is necessary to remain safe. Will Maddy walk away from the Adam and the Black family, or will she learn to accept them and find peace?

"Sometimes time doesn't matter. And I know my fears aren't gone. They're too deeply rooted to just disappear. But you're a protector, not a threat, Adam, and maybe I can get some help to get past what's still inside of me."
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
June 4, 2021
Starting Over ? . . .

Maddy is hiding from an abusive ex-husband and needs a job to support both herself and her daughter. Needing something “off the grid”, she takes an accounting job on Black Rock Ranch where it is easier to keep her identity hidden. Adam Black is running the ranch and trying to control everything, taking no time for himself to relax. Despite both of their tense situations, Maddy and Adam are very attracted to each other. But their issues do swirl around and cause problems for them. Trust is a big one, where Adam’s tight control makes everyone feel he doesn’t trust them to do their jobs when he keeps checking on their work. Maddy has trust issues because of what her ex has put her through, and seeing some of Adam’s temper frightens her. Will they work out their problems? Can Adam relax enough to let himself love? Or will Maddy run again to escape her past?

The fact that Maddy’s abusive ex is determined to find her keeps a line of tension in the story that draws the reader in, fearing what will happen to her if/when she is discovered. Resolution is also needed between Maddy and Adam as she must hold back information from him about her dangerous situation. There is plenty going on in this story, so grab your copy and see how everything finally resolves. Does her ex indeed cause trouble for her? Will the Black family rally around and protect her if something happens?
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,874 reviews52 followers
June 4, 2021
This book is a friends to lovers romance with fascinating and flawed characters, and a wonderful dose of suspense. Learning to let go is lesson both Adam and Maddie have to learn. Adam has a need to control, to fix things for his family and friends. That need intensified after losing his mom in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. He doesn’t realize that his need for control to double check things makes his brothers think he doesn’t trust them to do the job or to to it well. It takes Maddie and her mini me, her daughter Mia, to show him that he can let go of some the control and delegate. Maggie needs to let go of the past, to open her heart and trust again. But Adam’s displays of temper and being stalked by her abusive ex shake her belief that she has found the perfect home for her and Mia.....the ranch that Adam’s family owns. Try as they might to deny that what they are feeling is love, neither Maggie or Adam can stop thinking of each other or dreaming about a future together. Problems on the ranch seem to come to a head just as her ex makes contact again. Read this captivating to learn what happens next for Adam and Maddie.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,652 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2021
This is a well written Christian romance with just enough drama, suspense and romance to keep you turning the pages. It is a wonderful start to a new series and I look forward to reading the next book.

2,703 reviews20 followers
June 2, 2021
I liked that in this book there were many, sexy brothers living on the Black Rock Ranch in Colorado so there will be more books to read.  This book was fun, romantic, a little scary, and had some sweet and sexy characters.  There was a lot of action in the story centered around the ranch.

I felt so bad for Maddy, who was on the run from her ex-husband, Brock, when even a restraining order did not seem to help her.  Her precocious, six year old duaghter, Mia was really cute.

The best part of this book were the feelings and chemistry developing between Maddy and Adam Black, the oldest son.  I liked that their first impression of each other was not very good, although Adam did apologize for his anger.  I found this story to be fast paced and very interesting  because of the  excitement of Brock, her ex trying to find Maddy, Samuel Black having some health issues, and Lacey Black learning to bake with Maddy's help.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
863 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet story about cowboy brothers working together to care for their land and animals on Black Rock Ranch. Adam is the oldest and he feels responsible for everything, that is until Maddy comes to work as the accountant then his attention is definitely a little distracted. This is a sweet Christian romance with a few unexpected turns.
4,966 reviews31 followers
June 5, 2021
Loved this clean sweet christian book with Adam and Maddie who meet when she comes to work at his family Black Rock Ranch. She and her daughter Mia are on the run from her abusive ex and no one knows her past because she does not want anyone to know. This is a well written story with christian values and real intriguing characters.
4,582 reviews38 followers
June 6, 2021
Cherished by the Rancher is a faith filled, heartwarming romance. This story emphasizes family and faith. I loved watching Adam learn to let go and Maddy overcoming her fears. Mia is a little sweetheart. The book contains awesome family relationships, trust in God's plan and a bit of suspense. Adam's sister was awesome! I could not put the book down. It is an wonderful start for a new series.
481 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2021
Mandy Johnson and her 6 year old daughter take a job on a ranch to escape an abusive ex husband. It doesn’t take long for her to catch the eye of AdamBlack, ranch boss and soon they develop feelings for each other. Is a well written love story that will keep your attention and while it doesn’t end with them marrying, it does leave you with a somewhat warm, fuzzy feeling.
1,074 reviews23 followers
May 29, 2021
Cherished by the Rancher is a fantastic start to the Black Rock Ranch series. Maddy is hiding from her abusive ex-husband, but needs to earn a living for herself and her daughter. I was impressed by her determination and hard work to do so. She's not portrayed as super-woman and has the problems that one would expect from her situation, but she doesn't wallow in them. Adam is trying to control everything on the ranch, going back and checking up on everyone's work. He's stressed out and kind of miserable. Maddy and Adam are very attracted to each other. There isn't a smooth ride to an HEA, but they do get one.
Jen Peters has written an excellent book. I look forward to reading about the next brother's romance. I highly recommend this one to readers of clean/wholesome romance, to Christian romance readers, and to those readers that enjoy a western/cowboy story.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this wonderful and exciting romance.
3,585 reviews42 followers
May 26, 2021
This story is a sweet, clean, Christian romance and the first book in this series. A series about the siblings of the Black Rock Ranch.
Adam Black is the eldest of them and the one that feels he has to be in total control of everything.
Maddy Johnston is a single mom whose ex abused her . A man still determined to make her life miserable. Her only hope is using a different name and moving far from her former home. Leaving behind her beloved family.
These two meet when Adam’s father hires Maddy to be their new accountant.
Little by little a friendship blossoms but both her past, and his control issues might tear them apart.
In addition to their story, the author brings up the issue of loss of memory of someone close to them. A reality close to many of us.
Will Maddy’s ex come back to create problems? Will Adam’s issues and Maddy’s fears keep them apart?
Will they finally realize that prayer and God could be the answer?
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
599 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Cherished by the Rancher (Black Rock Ranch #1) by Jen Peters because it was a very sweet Christian romance story about Maddy and Adam. I really liked the characters in this story because they were a family and they rallied around one another. There was a bit of drama and some tense moments in the beginning and towards the end, but I was hanging on the edge of my seat wondering how everything would play out. Each chapter was told in either Maddy's perspective or Adams's and I liked that. It let me know what they were thinking. I would highly recommend reading this story. This is the first book in the series and it looks like it is going to be a great series. I was sent a free book and am choosing to leave this review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,269 reviews87 followers
June 1, 2021
This is a lovely western romance.. I really loved it! It is heartwarming and fun to read.. A sweetheart of a story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,953 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2021
The characters are fantastic and the action ebbs and flows nicely. The family dynamic is nicely played out.

There a little bit of suspense dibbled throughout the story, until it takes center stage. Then it's resolved before it becomes overbearing... just the way I prefer!

Not all of the storylines are completed, but it's not a exactly cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 90 books459 followers
February 3, 2025
ETA--I read the ebook and then grabbed the audiobook when I saw it was available. The narrator Christa DelSorbo did a great job. She had a nice balance between the male and female voices. Not all narrators can handle little kid's voices, but DelSorbo did six-year-old Mia really well.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A bossy cowboy. A single mom in hiding. Life at Black Rock Ranch just might explode.

MY TAKE
Adam Black is seriously stressed and will NOT admit it. His previously capable father is showing concerning signs of memory issues and more and more responsibility for the ranch falls on Adam. Except that his father resents the implications that he's not capable, and Adam's brothers resent how he's always bossing them around and watching over their shoulders.

Enter Maddy Johnston and her adorable little girl. Maddy's been hired as the new accountant at the isolated Black Rock Ranch. The last thing Adam needs is child running into the bull pen or her too-attractive mother distracting him from his responsibilities.

The characters in this book were engaging, and I felt right away like I could sit down with them at their dinner table and be welcomed. The book taught me a lot about ranching while mixing it all up with family drama and sparks of romance.

I'm glad this is just the first in a new series. I'm looking forward to seeing how Caleb finds his happily ever after.
Profile Image for My_every_day_chilling.
418 reviews27 followers
January 10, 2026
I enjoyed this clean romance, filled with soft moments and some chemistry between the MCs.
There was a tiny bit of suspense with the FMCs ex looking for her, but it was the dominant factor.
I listened to the audio for this one and it was great to listen to. Single voice narrator, although I prefer dual narrators, she did all the voices well.
Profile Image for Carolyn Vandine West.
903 reviews38 followers
December 19, 2025
New author for me and was a good pick. I “read” a little slower in audios because I try to save them for trips to the YMCA and back home. But it was an exciting read about a single mom trying to hide out from her crazy ex husband. So he tried her best, even using her grandmother’s maiden name. As she and her daughter settle into a new job, school and ranch life. Maddie seems to rub Adam, one of the brothers who run the ranch, the wrong way. Can they put aside their differences to work together or will Maddie be forced to run again?

No option to pick an audiobook but I received one through BookFunnel
Profile Image for Stacy K.
1,248 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2023
I read an ARC via the author and I'm voluntarily choosing to review it.

A sweet story. Maddy and her daughter end up having to move because of her abusive ex. She ends up at a ranch that is run by 3 brothers. Adam is one of the brothers he has a temper himself so Maddy is weary and doesn't really want to get involved because of her past.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,822 reviews44 followers
February 12, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Jen Peters. It will not be the last. I actually listen to the audiobook. I can’t say the narrator was the best I had ever heard, but it was still nicely done. I had actually gotten the audiobook free at some point.

I love the tension and chemistry between Adam and Maddie. I really like Liz Isaacson books and this reminded me a lot of hers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2021
This book has strong Christian and family values, while depending on God especially during your darkest moments. The characters believe in the power of prayer. Maddy is a single mom fleeing from her abusive ex. She takes a job as accountant on Black Rock Ranch. Adam is the oldest who loves to be in control of everything. What will Adam do when he realizes he can't control every aspect of his life and ranch life? Can he keep his family, a beautiful accountant and her energetic daughter safe when thing begin spinning out of control? Read this exciting book to find out. This is a Christian book, while not being 'preachy' which turns off some readers. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
1,613 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2025
“Cherished by the Rancher” by Jen Peters
Contemporary Western audio book ..
A Really Good Listen/Read
I loved this story… and yes I shed a few tears along the way. I did get to sit back relax and rest my eyes while Christa Delsorbo read this story by Jen Peters.. What a luxury having someone read to me and with voices that sounded just right to my ears. The two main characters are in the midst of a rough patch one is going into hiding from an abusive ex-spouse who is still threatening her and the other a control-freak that has yet to admit he has a problem. Enjoy this story as a read it yourself or as an audiobook !! Happy Reading ! !
2,290 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2021
Cherished by the Rancher

Really good story by Jen Peters. Maddy was divorced from her abusive ex husband turned stalker. She feared for her life so she took her daughter and created a new life out of the city on a ranch. She does not want or need a relationship with her bosses son. Adam helps his father and brothers run the ranch. He has problems of his own beginning with his father’s failing health issues and a younger brother missing in action over seas. What happens when Maddy’s stalker finds her? Can she ever be free of him?
Profile Image for Mzlegz.
757 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2022
Ducking and dodging!!

This is the first book I have read by this author and have to say I really enjoyed the way she told the plights of Maddy and Adam...how each of their relationships with God differed and were the same. Finding peace with prayer and leaning on Him when times got hard. He doesn’t always give us the answer we want, but He surely gives us what we need!! All Lacey needed was some hot grits to go with that skillet!! Definitely will be following this series to see what other crazy antics this family will experience next!!
600 reviews
January 14, 2025
Always Face Your Fears but with Help

Maddie did everything she could to put an end to the abuse her ex husband was causing. It was only a matter of time before he killed both Maddie and Mia. Maddie couldn't sort out the difference between an abuser and having to fight to save yourself. Eventually Adam was able to start sharing the load that was thrown on his shoulders, by doing so it made him a much better person to be around. This was an entriguing book and definitely held my attention. Well worth the five stars
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,407 reviews20 followers
January 30, 2025
This was a wonderful Contemporary Christian fiction book. The story was believable and the characters heartwarming. Parent Guide: due to some situations, (Ex- ex con stalking), I would encourage you to pre read this book before sharing with your older teens and above. I was able to listen to an audio version of this book via Bookfunnel and when there was an issue with the audio file, I was able to read some via Overdrive. I enjoyed being able to finish this book by audio after that was fixed! These platforms did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
1,460 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2025
In order to escape her abusive ex-husband, Maddie Johnston takes her young daughter and hires on as the accountant on a ranch several hours away and cuts most ties with her family. The oldest son on the ranch, Adam Black likes to be in charge of everything, but starts learning to rely on others and give up some of his control. A powerful story of faith,love, trust, learning to let go, and give control to God.
35 reviews
February 21, 2025
Life can be complicated

This was a great story. I liked that the author dealt with some of the issues that confront us even more today. The family dynamics were great and included an aging father and a rancher with control issues. Also brought to light were spousal abuse and the way it affects the whole family. It was not all serious though. There was laughter,romance and family fun. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,821 reviews13 followers
June 11, 2021
Maddie and Adam 💞

New to me author, and I’m so glad I found this story! Being a former victim of spousal abuse, I found myself completely immersed in this story.

Loved this family and how they all cared for each other. Every gruff, controlling Adam. He really did need Maddie as his anchor.

Can’t wait for the next in the series to come out!
2,237 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2021
Ebook, start of a series

She’s running from an abusive ex, he’s the oldest son and trying to run a ranch. She starts as the new accountant and finds some issues, then the dad starts showing signs of memory loss. The two are attracted but both are wary of any thing happening between them, but it does with some problems.
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