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Mike Hutchings has memories he’d like to erase of being left at an orphanage by his older sister, Ilsa. But now Ilsa is homeless and the child she chose to raise instead of him is appealing for his help. Of course, the child is now grown up just as he is.
Bethany Fieldberg has grown up with a controlling father. But now he is dead and Ilsa’s brother is taking them to the Circle A Ranch. Seeing that a woman runs the ranch, Bethany holds out hope she’ll be allowed to live the life she’s always wanted—free to work with animals, ride horses and enjoy the outdoors.
A visit to the orphanage where he was left, an orphan boy who begs Mike to take him, and life on the ranch put Mike and Bethany in close contact. But can Mike forgive his sister, get over his past and embrace the future? Can Bethany find the freedom she wants? What does the future hold for them? Will love overcome the challenges? Or not?
Bethany Fieldberg has grown up with a controlling father. But now he is dead and Ilsa’s brother is taking them to the Circle A Ranch. Seeing that a woman runs the ranch, Bethany holds out hope she’ll be allowed to live the life she’s always wanted—free to work with animals, ride horses and enjoy the outdoors.
A visit to the orphanage where he was left, an orphan boy who begs Mike to take him, and life on the ranch put Mike and Bethany in close contact. But can Mike forgive his sister, get over his past and embrace the future? Can Bethany find the freedom she wants? What does the future hold for them? Will love overcome the challenges? Or not?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
About the author
Linda Ford
217 books382 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 13, 2021
The author has penned a sweet and heart warming story with lots of human frailties including resentment, forgiveness, second chances and romance. This is Mike and Bethany (Beth's) story, and the character development is outstanding. Mike's sister Ilsa left him at an orphanage at the age of ten when she married a man who had a step daughter, Beth. A ranch couple, Maude and John, adopted Mike along with some other boys and took them to the ranch teaching them about ranching, hard work, and God's love. After several years, Beth writes to Mike to let him know that Ilsa was very ill, now a widow, and they were going to lose their business and home and begging him to rescue them. Against his real wishes, and at Maude and John's urging, Mike went to get them and bring them back to the ranch. On the way, they decided to stop at the orphanage where Mike had been and before leaving Mike adopted a little boy named Dakota, who reminded him of himself. As time goes by, will Mike be able to forgive Ilsa for leaving him at the orphanage? Will Mike and Beth fall in love and find a HEA? Will Ilsa find a second chance at love? Be sure to read this great story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
June 18, 2022
DNF 54%
I really don't like how Beth/Ilsa/everyone kept expecting Mike to just immediately forgive and forget years of abandonment/abuse/starvation. It wasn't even her place to demand such a thing. She's a complete stranger. Mike was practically a saint considering the whole situation, and Beth was the one who was totally judgy/pushy in my opinion. When she considered his life to be completely empty just because he didn't have/want a relationship with his sister was too cray cray for me. She just ignores what the sister did but considers him a sinner for not just moving on at their pace. Beth's also a hypocrite who kept on ignoring her feelings/what was right in front of her. Pot meet kettle. She also wrote to a potential husband, yet keeps preaching and physically touching Mike. Talk about mixed signals. I just couldn't stand her anymore.
I loved Dakota. I continued trying to read for him. I ended up just reading the ending after I couldn't stomach the mfc anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
Mike, Beth and Dakota and Pal
This is a sweet love story about Mike, Bethany, Dakota and Pal. Mike is one of John and Maude’s boys at the Circle A ranch. Mike after years and many hard feelings is sent word that his sister, Ilsa is ill and needs his help. He leave the ranch immediately and goes to see what’s going on. He finds her, now a widow along with her step daughter Beth. He loads them up and heads back to the Circle A. They stop on the way at the orphanage where he spent several years of abuse and torment be for John and Maude take him and two more boys back with them. They end up with a small orphan boy and take him too. They get caught on the trip back in a flood and after a while they finally reach the ranch. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet love story about Mike, Bethany, Dakota and Pal. Mike is one of John and Maude’s boys at the Circle A ranch. Mike after years and many hard feelings is sent word that his sister, Ilsa is ill and needs his help. He leave the ranch immediately and goes to see what’s going on. He finds her, now a widow along with her step daughter Beth. He loads them up and heads back to the Circle A. They stop on the way at the orphanage where he spent several years of abuse and torment be for John and Maude take him and two more boys back with them. They end up with a small orphan boy and take him too. They get caught on the trip back in a flood and after a while they finally reach the ranch. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
May 22, 2024
Beth ruins it
I don’t know how to explain it, but I was kind of annoyed by Beth. She wasn’t offensive but through most of the story she just felt unnecessary. Mike’s interactions with his sister Ilsa and then with little Dakota were more enticing to me than the love story between him and Beth. She just seemed to be a nice side character- a little crazy with her “need for adventure”. By the end I was quite indifferent to the prospect of their union and was hoping for more moments between Ilsa and Mike or Mike and Dakota or even Ilsa and Abner- yes the storekeeper was more interesting than Beth to me.
The story had a lot of heart and some really powerful moments that made me tear up. I enjoyed so much- but in the end I can’t go higher than 3 stars… because Beth ruined it.
I don’t know how to explain it, but I was kind of annoyed by Beth. She wasn’t offensive but through most of the story she just felt unnecessary. Mike’s interactions with his sister Ilsa and then with little Dakota were more enticing to me than the love story between him and Beth. She just seemed to be a nice side character- a little crazy with her “need for adventure”. By the end I was quite indifferent to the prospect of their union and was hoping for more moments between Ilsa and Mike or Mike and Dakota or even Ilsa and Abner- yes the storekeeper was more interesting than Beth to me.
The story had a lot of heart and some really powerful moments that made me tear up. I enjoyed so much- but in the end I can’t go higher than 3 stars… because Beth ruined it.
November 9, 2021
A Sweet Story of Forgiveness and Love
This was such a sweet story of forgiveness and love. I enjoyed seeing the MCs grow throughout the book, becoming invested in them early and staying that way.
So far, I've read books 1 & 2 in the series and can say they were different enough I didn't feel like it was a pair of cookie cutter stories. The only thing I disliked in either book was the use of a more modern word or phrase in a couple of places. They didn't pull me out of the story but it was a tad jarring. They certainly didn't pull star value away.
If you enjoy sweet, inspirational romance, then I recommend reading this series.
This was such a sweet story of forgiveness and love. I enjoyed seeing the MCs grow throughout the book, becoming invested in them early and staying that way.
So far, I've read books 1 & 2 in the series and can say they were different enough I didn't feel like it was a pair of cookie cutter stories. The only thing I disliked in either book was the use of a more modern word or phrase in a couple of places. They didn't pull me out of the story but it was a tad jarring. They certainly didn't pull star value away.
If you enjoy sweet, inspirational romance, then I recommend reading this series.
November 1, 2021
God’s Plan for our Live’s is for Good not Evil
This beautiful love story is about God’s leading and direction for our lives . Each scripture shared ministered to my life knowing He holds me in His hands. God has spoken to me through this love story and know he will bless you as well.
This beautiful love story is about God’s leading and direction for our lives . Each scripture shared ministered to my life knowing He holds me in His hands. God has spoken to me through this love story and know he will bless you as well.
August 30, 2023
When Family's Marry Family
When life starts out all wrong is how this story begins. Two family's face the losses in their own way. One must remarry for a child. While the other must marry to survive.
Time passes and they come back into contact again.
Well thing's fall into place this time for a final time.
When life starts out all wrong is how this story begins. Two family's face the losses in their own way. One must remarry for a child. While the other must marry to survive.
Time passes and they come back into contact again.
Well thing's fall into place this time for a final time.
June 14, 2024
A tear-jerker
Dakota had me crying from the get go. He stole my heart. His story so heart breaking
and to realize it was also Mike's story. Beth was who they both needed. So happy it all worked out.
This book is a good read.
Also on page 173 Abby is referred to when it should have been Beth.
Thank you Linda Ford for the well written story.
Dakota had me crying from the get go. He stole my heart. His story so heart breaking
and to realize it was also Mike's story. Beth was who they both needed. So happy it all worked out.
This book is a good read.
Also on page 173 Abby is referred to when it should have been Beth.
Thank you Linda Ford for the well written story.
August 13, 2024
Bethany and Mike
This is a good real life story, including thinking you know what someone is thinking and what their feelings are. Learning later… you were thinking similar thoughts. Things happen for a reason and we just aren’t aware of it at the time, and sometimes never see the connections until someone else points it out.
This is a good real life story, including thinking you know what someone is thinking and what their feelings are. Learning later… you were thinking similar thoughts. Things happen for a reason and we just aren’t aware of it at the time, and sometimes never see the connections until someone else points it out.
July 4, 2021
Clean western
I enjoyed reading about Beth and Mike, their doubts,their feelings. They came alive with all their insecurities, insecurities people go through in today’s time. I like the way the story has God’s truth interwoven throughout it.
I enjoyed reading about Beth and Mike, their doubts,their feelings. They came alive with all their insecurities, insecurities people go through in today’s time. I like the way the story has God’s truth interwoven throughout it.
July 8, 2021
A sweet western tale
The characters are kind, strong, and helpful to others. The horseback rides through the wild country helped Beth and Mike learn to trust one another and fall in love
The characters are kind, strong, and helpful to others. The horseback rides through the wild country helped Beth and Mike learn to trust one another and fall in love
July 30, 2021
Another hit
Well this is another hit by Linda Ford. Mike and Beth have to make several choices in there life. Some were good some not so good. There has been hard feelings on both sides. Then the good things happen. Read this book you will enjoy it.
Well this is another hit by Linda Ford. Mike and Beth have to make several choices in there life. Some were good some not so good. There has been hard feelings on both sides. Then the good things happen. Read this book you will enjoy it.
August 22, 2021
Mike
Well written Linda Ford, a story that was enjoyable and interesting to read. Enjoyed reading about a young man who was left at an orphanage and then how he turned his life around. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Well written Linda Ford, a story that was enjoyable and interesting to read. Enjoyed reading about a young man who was left at an orphanage and then how he turned his life around. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 5, 2021
Linda Ford has done an excellent job of showing the difficulty but the great importance of forgiveness
among family members. In addition, she has emphasized the importance of letting people be who they want to be.. It's a great book--just as are all of those by Linda Ford
among family members. In addition, she has emphasized the importance of letting people be who they want to be.. It's a great book--just as are all of those by Linda Ford
November 9, 2021
Cute Romance
Its so nice to read a book that speaks to the heart and not the flesh. The orphan heart is something that's hard to get past but this author did a great job addressing it. :)
Its so nice to read a book that speaks to the heart and not the flesh. The orphan heart is something that's hard to get past but this author did a great job addressing it. :)
November 13, 2021
Finding your dreams
The scene of the ranch where dreams had been adjusted to God's plans and led to loving homes. Perhaps a little too obvious and idealistic, but gentle love given freely made this novel Enjoyable light reading.
The scene of the ranch where dreams had been adjusted to God's plans and led to loving homes. Perhaps a little too obvious and idealistic, but gentle love given freely made this novel Enjoyable light reading.
November 15, 2021
Great story
I really liked this book. It has a lot of different elements to it that evolved into one story. Without these elements it would have just been a cowboy meets girl story. It was so much more. I will probably read it again at some point in time.
I really liked this book. It has a lot of different elements to it that evolved into one story. Without these elements it would have just been a cowboy meets girl story. It was so much more. I will probably read it again at some point in time.
July 14, 2022
Lovely story!
Finding love and forgiveness! This is a story of so many regrets that must be overcome.. I really enjoyed this second book of the series. Looking forward to reading on!
Finding love and forgiveness! This is a story of so many regrets that must be overcome.. I really enjoyed this second book of the series. Looking forward to reading on!
August 13, 2022
Mike
Still so lonely and mad at his sister, Isla, for choosing her step daughter over him. She left him in an orphanage of all places. He was so thankful that Maude and John had adopted along with 4 other boys. It had been really hard his “
Still so lonely and mad at his sister, Isla, for choosing her step daughter over him. She left him in an orphanage of all places. He was so thankful that Maude and John had adopted along with 4 other boys. It had been really hard his “
November 1, 2022
Mike
This book was a truly amazing romantic love story in a beautiful Western Ranch setting. Full of loving and very tender moments throughout the storyline making it one of my favorite books, especially about loving animals and each other as a Hugh family.
This book was a truly amazing romantic love story in a beautiful Western Ranch setting. Full of loving and very tender moments throughout the storyline making it one of my favorite books, especially about loving animals and each other as a Hugh family.
November 4, 2022
Mike
Exciting, sweet, and informative. Orphanages agree needed, but so is the deep need for love! This book show so much hurt and then love. God's love is unconditional! I recommend this book to everyone!
Exciting, sweet, and informative. Orphanages agree needed, but so is the deep need for love! This book show so much hurt and then love. God's love is unconditional! I recommend this book to everyone!
May 17, 2023
simple
Worth reading but simple and sweet. Not too complex or deep but a nice story of people righting their wrong conclusions, healing their hurts, and growing in God and maturity.
Worth reading but simple and sweet. Not too complex or deep but a nice story of people righting their wrong conclusions, healing their hurts, and growing in God and maturity.
June 23, 2023
He who finds a wife
Wow I love these stories. I love that God is real to them and active in their lives. Circle A also got a new cowboy in training out of the orphanage so all things do work together for good.
Wow I love these stories. I love that God is real to them and active in their lives. Circle A also got a new cowboy in training out of the orphanage so all things do work together for good.
August 14, 2023
what is freedom? How love of the Lord sets you free.
This book started with tad sadness, confusion, but showed how real love ( from Lord) can set us free.
Full of adventure, struggles and new beginnings.
This book started with tad sadness, confusion, but showed how real love ( from Lord) can set us free.
Full of adventure, struggles and new beginnings.
October 30, 2023
Another heartwarming story from Linda Ford!
This story was clean, sweet and heartwarming! I recommend it for any age. I deducted one star because Linda definitely needs to hire a good editor to clean up her typos and grammatical errors. Otherwise ❤️ the book 📕
This story was clean, sweet and heartwarming! I recommend it for any age. I deducted one star because Linda definitely needs to hire a good editor to clean up her typos and grammatical errors. Otherwise ❤️ the book 📕
December 24, 2023
Loved Mike
Trials and tribulations and yet Mike was able to overcome his childhood hurt and move forward. Making new relationships with not just his sister and her step daughter but also a random little boy who stole his heart.
Trials and tribulations and yet Mike was able to overcome his childhood hurt and move forward. Making new relationships with not just his sister and her step daughter but also a random little boy who stole his heart.
March 10, 2024
Family love
A wonderful, great story without the intrusion of bad language. I enjoy continuing to read about the other characters that is introduced in earlier stories. Also meeting new ones as the story continues.
A wonderful, great story without the intrusion of bad language. I enjoy continuing to read about the other characters that is introduced in earlier stories. Also meeting new ones as the story continues.
March 17, 2024
sweet story with subtle messages
Well written, with characters you come to care for. I look forward to the other books in the series, to see how the other characters find happiness
Well written, with characters you come to care for. I look forward to the other books in the series, to see how the other characters find happiness
July 1, 2025
reunited
After Mike is reunited with his sister and stepdaughter, the journey to the ranch takes longer than usual. Rain and the river flooding gives all a chance to overcome old memories. And learn to forgive. Ms Ford draws you into the characters in her books with love for God.
After Mike is reunited with his sister and stepdaughter, the journey to the ranch takes longer than usual. Rain and the river flooding gives all a chance to overcome old memories. And learn to forgive. Ms Ford draws you into the characters in her books with love for God.
June 30, 2021
Mike( Circle A Cowboys Book 2)
This is the second book in this series and it is a good story about love and family and trust in God
This is the second book in this series and it is a good story about love and family and trust in God
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews