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The Birch Creek Ranch #1
The Bequest
Two widows, six kiddos, and a will that leaves them a massive cattle ranch, but only if they work it for a year.
Abigail and Amanda may have married brothers, but they have almost nothing else in common (and really, they never did get along very well). After their husbands both pass away within a year of one another, they have no reason to interact. Their connection drops to an awkward phone call on birthdays and an exchange of holiday cards.
Until an eccentric uncle of their husbands' leaves a massive cattle ranch to the women's minor children. . . if they work the ranch themselves. A ranch that's located near a small town on the Wasatch front that isn’t too keen on outsiders.
They're both going to turn the bequest down, clearly. It’s not like either of them could properly raise their kids or find love again in a backwater province like Birch Creek. But when things at home change dramatically—for both moms—they decide to give it a try. . . just for the summer.
What could possibly go wrong in a mere three months? (Or more importantly... what might go right?)
Abigail and Amanda may have married brothers, but they have almost nothing else in common (and really, they never did get along very well). After their husbands both pass away within a year of one another, they have no reason to interact. Their connection drops to an awkward phone call on birthdays and an exchange of holiday cards.
Until an eccentric uncle of their husbands' leaves a massive cattle ranch to the women's minor children. . . if they work the ranch themselves. A ranch that's located near a small town on the Wasatch front that isn’t too keen on outsiders.
They're both going to turn the bequest down, clearly. It’s not like either of them could properly raise their kids or find love again in a backwater province like Birch Creek. But when things at home change dramatically—for both moms—they decide to give it a try. . . just for the summer.
What could possibly go wrong in a mere three months? (Or more importantly... what might go right?)
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
1658 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
B.E. Baker
47 books161 followersBridget loves her husband (every day) and all five of her kids (most days).
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
November 30, 2021
After reading Bridget's Finding Home series I was looking forward to seeing what other adult books she would come up with, and let me tell you, The Bequest did not disappoint me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's contemporary women's fiction with romance, set mostly on a ranch. Just like her finding series, it reads very much like a Hallmark type movie, but it also has more depth to it than that.
One of my favorite things about Bridget's writing is the way she writes such nuanced characters. In the beginning, both Abigail and Amanda had things about their personalities that I disliked. There were also some things that I did like, but I wondered how I would feel about them over the course of the whole book. This is also why the book pulled me in, because as always, Bridget was able to show me different sides of these characters, and I was able to like them despite their flaws. They felt real, and if they had been perfect they wouldn't have.
I enjoyed getting the different perspectives of both of the ladies in this book and how it showed that we don't always know what's behind the actions of others, and what life has been like for them. There was one part that I thought illustrated this really well, where Amanda thinks Abigail has given her the master bedroom for a not so good reason, but then we learn from Abigail's perspective that it wasn't that reason at all. There are so many times that we as humans make assumptions about other people that are wrong, and this made me examine the many times I may have done this. I'm trying to do better and always give the benefit of the doubt others, even though sometimes it's not easy.
I enjoyed the growth of the characters in this book and reading about how they were able to make changes to their lives and let go of some preconceived notions about each other, and also about other things as well, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend if you enjoy women's fiction, contemporary romance, or light family drama reads.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
One of my favorite things about Bridget's writing is the way she writes such nuanced characters. In the beginning, both Abigail and Amanda had things about their personalities that I disliked. There were also some things that I did like, but I wondered how I would feel about them over the course of the whole book. This is also why the book pulled me in, because as always, Bridget was able to show me different sides of these characters, and I was able to like them despite their flaws. They felt real, and if they had been perfect they wouldn't have.
I enjoyed getting the different perspectives of both of the ladies in this book and how it showed that we don't always know what's behind the actions of others, and what life has been like for them. There was one part that I thought illustrated this really well, where Amanda thinks Abigail has given her the master bedroom for a not so good reason, but then we learn from Abigail's perspective that it wasn't that reason at all. There are so many times that we as humans make assumptions about other people that are wrong, and this made me examine the many times I may have done this. I'm trying to do better and always give the benefit of the doubt others, even though sometimes it's not easy.
I enjoyed the growth of the characters in this book and reading about how they were able to make changes to their lives and let go of some preconceived notions about each other, and also about other things as well, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend if you enjoy women's fiction, contemporary romance, or light family drama reads.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
did-not-finish
July 3, 2023DNF at 5%.
The second heroine is awful. So entitled. I detest how the author went all fatphobic in her descriptions of the dude she was on a date with.
The second heroine is awful. So entitled. I detest how the author went all fatphobic in her descriptions of the dude she was on a date with.
January 20, 2023
Abigail and Amanda are two widowed sisters-in-law with six minor children between them. They receive an unexpected and unusual bequest from their husbands’ Uncle Jed. In order to inherit, they must all live on the Utah ranch for a year and work it.
This story tugs at your heart as the ladies try out ranching for the Summer. They struggle not only learning the ropes of ranching but trying to do their previous jobs remotely while corralling the kids and working around no internet or WiFi. Enter two hunky cowboy types: Eddy, the Vet and Steve, the Doctor and Horse Trainer. Then the sparks start to fly. But obstacles arise on the ranch, with relationships and problems back home.
This was a clean read aside from some real barnyard references-because- chickens, goats and cattle! There is a cute dog who misses his deceased master, Uncle Jed. The author shows how the widows navigate their life and what new things life throws at them. New stories are coming for Abby and Mandy in the next books! A very enjoyable read.
*I downloaded a copy of this book from Bookfunnel as part of a contest at Christmas 2022. All opinions are my own.*
This story tugs at your heart as the ladies try out ranching for the Summer. They struggle not only learning the ropes of ranching but trying to do their previous jobs remotely while corralling the kids and working around no internet or WiFi. Enter two hunky cowboy types: Eddy, the Vet and Steve, the Doctor and Horse Trainer. Then the sparks start to fly. But obstacles arise on the ranch, with relationships and problems back home.
This was a clean read aside from some real barnyard references-because- chickens, goats and cattle! There is a cute dog who misses his deceased master, Uncle Jed. The author shows how the widows navigate their life and what new things life throws at them. New stories are coming for Abby and Mandy in the next books! A very enjoyable read.
*I downloaded a copy of this book from Bookfunnel as part of a contest at Christmas 2022. All opinions are my own.*
June 13, 2022
2.5 stars for me. I wanted to like this book because the premise sounded so interesting, but I kept getting bogged down. They moved into an old farmhouse yet there is barely one word to describe what the house looked like, and what furniture it contained? And waiting in the wings are not one, but two handsome eligible doctors? And these women actually figured out how to run a ranch, which is very challenging even for the professionals? Anyway, I believe loyal romance readers are more likely to overlook unbelievable scenarios, so no doubt the book will appeal to others more than it did to me.
September 9, 2025
Wow, I absolutely loved this. If I could pause real life and fully immerse myself in this series, I would in a heartbeat. Two widows, six kids, a lawyer, an influencer, two cowboys, and a ranch in need of saving, this story has everything. I knew going in that everything wouldn’t be tied up by the end of book one, but what we do get is perfectly satisfying.
Watching Abigail and Amanda juggle the ranch, their kids, their careers, and maybe even a cowboy or two kept me engaged the entire time. I was never bored and enjoyed every minute of it.
When the two women find out they could inherit a ranch, their initial reaction is to say no. But then, one by one, they decide to head out there temporarily to learn about the land, with no intention of staying long term. Abigail and Amanda couldn’t be more different, and while neither really wants the property, neither wants to hand it over to the other either. That’s how their unexpected journey as brand new ranchers begins. What a ride!
Seriously, where is my surprise ranch inheritance? This book had me feeling all the emotions, recognizing just how much they were taking on but also how much life was giving back in return. It was a heartwarming, funny, and inspiring read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Watching Abigail and Amanda juggle the ranch, their kids, their careers, and maybe even a cowboy or two kept me engaged the entire time. I was never bored and enjoyed every minute of it.
When the two women find out they could inherit a ranch, their initial reaction is to say no. But then, one by one, they decide to head out there temporarily to learn about the land, with no intention of staying long term. Abigail and Amanda couldn’t be more different, and while neither really wants the property, neither wants to hand it over to the other either. That’s how their unexpected journey as brand new ranchers begins. What a ride!
Seriously, where is my surprise ranch inheritance? This book had me feeling all the emotions, recognizing just how much they were taking on but also how much life was giving back in return. It was a heartwarming, funny, and inspiring read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
November 28, 2022
Baker wrote a refreshing romance novel the first of many in her Birch Creek Ranch series.
Two sisters-in-law and their children need to make a big choice regarding their future. Both women are widowed and struggling to keep afloat and attain success in their careers.
Unexpectedly their husbands' eccentric uncle leaves an enormous cattle ranch to their minor children.
Many decisions have to be made as their futures depend on their compromises.
Two sisters-in-law and their children need to make a big choice regarding their future. Both women are widowed and struggling to keep afloat and attain success in their careers.
Unexpectedly their husbands' eccentric uncle leaves an enormous cattle ranch to their minor children.
Many decisions have to be made as their futures depend on their compromises.
December 11, 2025
Love love love this!! Hello, comfort read. You get all the feels of a great slowburn romance on the setting like Yellowstone with kind and helpful ranch town men, with two widowed single moms and their kids. These families are pulled from their busy city lives and takes out to the small town ranch life.
I love seeing how the kids all adjust and come to love the ranch. I love seeing how each mom adjusts to the ranch life while keeping their big city jobs afloat. One mom is a big time lawyer and the other is an influencer with big brand deals.
You get forced proximity to slow burn romances, protective (maybe even grumpy) cinnamon roll MMCs, and all the small town hallmark movie feels of local dances and light town drama.
💗 Small Town Romance
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 City Moms on a Ranch
💗 Cattle Drive
💗 Caretaking
💗 Protective MMCs
💗 Strong FMCs that need to be taken care of
💗 Morally Gold MMCs
💗 Kids growing up
🫑🫑 No Spice | Closed Door (Swoony kisses, steamy tension)
No Language
I love seeing how the kids all adjust and come to love the ranch. I love seeing how each mom adjusts to the ranch life while keeping their big city jobs afloat. One mom is a big time lawyer and the other is an influencer with big brand deals.
You get forced proximity to slow burn romances, protective (maybe even grumpy) cinnamon roll MMCs, and all the small town hallmark movie feels of local dances and light town drama.
💗 Small Town Romance
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 City Moms on a Ranch
💗 Cattle Drive
💗 Caretaking
💗 Protective MMCs
💗 Strong FMCs that need to be taken care of
💗 Morally Gold MMCs
💗 Kids growing up
🫑🫑 No Spice | Closed Door (Swoony kisses, steamy tension)
No Language
December 23, 2022
'The Bequest' claims to be a Christian romance novel, but is riddled with false doctrine. From casual dating to money worship and eschewing church, this novel is an ode to the dangers of prosperity gospel. Christians are best to keep away.
If one were to read this as a secular novel it is mediocre, though mildly entertaining. The romance is understated as are the classic tropes of familial arguments and city women in the country. The novel is written in first person through three perspectives, which is just lazy writing. Baker's characterisation is decent, and l believe with time she may become a good author - if a secular one.
If one were to read this as a secular novel it is mediocre, though mildly entertaining. The romance is understated as are the classic tropes of familial arguments and city women in the country. The novel is written in first person through three perspectives, which is just lazy writing. Baker's characterisation is decent, and l believe with time she may become a good author - if a secular one.
April 26, 2024
I didn't enjoy this as much as Bridget's other books that I've read. The characters were not relatable at first; I'm glad I didn't dnf as I was tempted to do. I was disappointed that the author relied on a cliffhanger ending. It felt like the book just stopped at the end of an ongoing scene. *sigh*
I'll continue with book #2 because I already bought it, but I'm going to read something else next and come back to this series later.
As usual, I dropped a star due to the cliffhanger, which brought this from a 3.5 to a 2.5, rounded up to 3.
I'll continue with book #2 because I already bought it, but I'm going to read something else next and come back to this series later.
As usual, I dropped a star due to the cliffhanger, which brought this from a 3.5 to a 2.5, rounded up to 3.
November 14, 2024
Two widowed sisters-in-law, two families, one large inherited ranch. Abigail and Amanda were married to the Banks brothers, who are now sadly deceased. Though the two ladies have never been more than friendly acquaintances, they're forced to live together to meet the conditions of a will. Both families are inexperienced in ranching, but a summer working on the property will either bring them together or permanently sever their connection.
This book was a departure from my normal reading selections and I did rather enjoy it. Normally, I'm not keen on a revolving narrator, but it worked well in this instance, granting a closer look at the story's events. I was less pleased with the ending. I finished the book, stood up and immediately wondered if I'd reached the conclusion. When I reminded myself I had, I was slightly disappointed as the story ends abruptly on a cliffhanger. I don't mind story arcs that cross books in a series, but the handling of such takes a very delicate hand. This missed the mark for me.
I'm undecided about reading this series. The story was well-crafted, and I liked most of the characters when I closed the book, but the genre doesn't call to me. On the other hand, if you're a reader who loves rom-com movies, this series may appeal to you.
This book was a departure from my normal reading selections and I did rather enjoy it. Normally, I'm not keen on a revolving narrator, but it worked well in this instance, granting a closer look at the story's events. I was less pleased with the ending. I finished the book, stood up and immediately wondered if I'd reached the conclusion. When I reminded myself I had, I was slightly disappointed as the story ends abruptly on a cliffhanger. I don't mind story arcs that cross books in a series, but the handling of such takes a very delicate hand. This missed the mark for me.
I'm undecided about reading this series. The story was well-crafted, and I liked most of the characters when I closed the book, but the genre doesn't call to me. On the other hand, if you're a reader who loves rom-com movies, this series may appeal to you.
January 25, 2024
This was the Nook serial read for January 2024. I was not expecting to feel so differently at the end of this book versus the beginning. The story alternates between Abigail and Amanda and each of their kids. I really did not like any of them for the first part of this book. Abigail and her kids grew on me first. Amanda and hers were not until like the last chapters. I just had a hard time feeling any sort of empathy or understanding for Amanda. While I like who she was becoming at the end, I'm still not sure about her taste in men. The character I truly loved was the dog. He was barely in it and was just kind of a sad boy. I'd read the next book just to make sure he gets his happy. I did like how everything ended up and am interested in finding out how things go with all the decisions made. Also personally considering moving my pets to the country to live that farm life. Though mine would be more vegetarian rescue sanctuary. Honestly sounds pretty great right now.
December 2, 2021
This is such a wonderful story! Set in a beautiful small town with some wonderful characters, the story literally comes to life in your mind. There’s humour and romance, there’s grief and friendship, there’s growth and development all in these characters lives as they try to carry on after such loss. I absolutely could not put this down and look forward to reading more.
March 29, 2023
Good enough. I won't read the rest of the series. Just not for me.
May 19, 2023
Such a wonderful story!
May 26, 2023
Quite good. I might read the second book soon!
September 29, 2023
Strangers to small town life
I loved the evolution of these two main characters and their kids. To see how they grow and change in this book was fun. Can't wait for book 2!
I loved the evolution of these two main characters and their kids. To see how they grow and change in this book was fun. Can't wait for book 2!
April 24, 2025
Well written, sweet, easy read. I look forward to reading the sequels!
February 20, 2023
Romance, family drama, and life changes
A bequest to unlikely recipients with very odd stipulations leads to unexpected life changes. I like the characters and their growth throughout the story.
A bequest to unlikely recipients with very odd stipulations leads to unexpected life changes. I like the characters and their growth throughout the story.
May 25, 2025
A fun warm read
This story held my attention and warmed my heart. It was just what I needed at a difficult time of loss in my life.
This story held my attention and warmed my heart. It was just what I needed at a difficult time of loss in my life.
December 7, 2021
It's been a long time since I haven't wanted a book to end, but The Bequest was that book. I also dislike series, but I can't wait to read the next book!!
The sisters in law in this book were very well written, and the story had me cheering, jeering, laughing and getting teary. The Bequest brought the characters, location and story to life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
I received an ARC of this book.
The sisters in law in this book were very well written, and the story had me cheering, jeering, laughing and getting teary. The Bequest brought the characters, location and story to life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
I received an ARC of this book.
December 3, 2021
This was an absolute wonderful book! I loved it so much! I loved the way the story brought people together to start again and to be able to grow together and heal as they discovered new love, and adventures and what’s truly important in life. It’s about new beginnings and finding strength inside yourself, and discovering how to do new unexpected things. I loved the characters and I loved the sweet romance and how they learn to trust their hearts. I loved
The amazing descriptions and the story and the emotions that you feel as you sink into the story and find yourself turning pages so you can see what happens next until they early hours of the morning because you don’t want to wait to the next day. Bridget Baker does it again and proves once more why she’s one of my all time favorite authors.
The amazing descriptions and the story and the emotions that you feel as you sink into the story and find yourself turning pages so you can see what happens next until they early hours of the morning because you don’t want to wait to the next day. Bridget Baker does it again and proves once more why she’s one of my all time favorite authors.
September 1, 2023
I was disappointed. Slow. Confusing. This may sound silly! But the names are to similar, give them different names. Would not recommend…….
January 15, 2026
Título: El legado
Autora: B. E. Baker
Esta es la primera entrega de la serie El rancho de Birch Creek, novelas románticas ambientadas en un rancho en Utah.
Todo comienza con la llamada del albacea de Jedediah Brooks a las viudas de sus sobrinos, han heredado un gigantesco rancho; es la típica llamada con la que todos soñamos (un pariente que no conoces te ha dejado en herencia una fortuna), pero que tiene truco: deben vivir y explotar el rancho durante al menos un año para poder quedárselo.
Aquí empiezan los problemas, por un lado está Abigail, es la viuda de Nate, ejerce de abogada y está a punto de ser nombrada socia del bufete (mismo bufete en el que Nate ya era socio); es madre de 4 hijos y vive en Texas. Luego está Amanda, viuda de Paul, influencer por obligación, madre de 2 hijas y residente en New York.
Aparentemente, son dos familias urbanitas que no van a encajar en la ruralidad de Utah salvo para pasar las vacaciones, pero la vida da muchas vueltas y descubrimos que no es otro todo lo que reluce, y que los bancos llegan cuando estamos preparados para recibirlos.
El libro está escrito en primera persona a dos voces, Abigail y Amanda. Los capítulos son cortos y la historia resulta sencilla de leer. Resulta algo forzado que las dos viudas reencuentren el amor al mismo tiempo (aunque esas historias no se desarrollan en esta primera entrega), en especial, en un pequeñísimo pueblo de Utah lindando con Wyoming de solo 400 habitantes (resulta difícil encontrar treintañeros guapos y solteros en un gran ciudad y casualmente en ese pueblo tienen para exportar). Y no sé cuál me gusta más de los dos, si Steve (médico y amante de los caballos) o Eddy (veterinario y cantante).
Pros: si siempre soñaste con romances de telenovela en ranchos esta novela es para ti.
Contras: me ha faltado desarrollo en algunas partes, ha ido algo deprisa.
Valoración: 4/5
Sinopsis: Dos viudas, seis niños, y un testamento que les deja con un enorme rancho, pero únicamente si trabajan en él durante un año.Abigaíl y Amanda pueden haberse casado con hermanos, pero no tienen casi nada en común (y, en verdad, nunca se llevaron muy bien). Después de que sus dos maridos fallecieron con sólo un año de diferencia, no tenían ninguna razón para relacionarse. Su contacto se redujo a llamadas incómodas en los cumpleaños y en un intercambio de tarjetas navideñas.Hasta que un excéntrico tío de sus maridos les deja un enorme rancho a los hijos menores de las mujeres… si ellos mismos trabajan en él. Un rancho que se sitúa cerca de un pequeño pueblo en la frontera de Wasatch, donde los extranjeros no son muy bien recibidos. Ambas mujeres van a rechazar el legado, claro. No es como si alguna de ellas pudiera criar a sus hijos o encontrar nuevamente el amor en un lugar apartado como Birch Creek. Pero cuando las cosas en casa cambian drásticamente, para ambas mujeres, deciden intentarlo… al menos durante el verano. ¿Qué podría salir mal en sólo tres meses? (O, lo que es más importante, ¿qué podría salir bien?)
#megustaleer #ponunlibroentuvida #novelaromántica @lalectorainfinita
June 6, 2022
When Abigail and Amanda received their respective phone calls informing them that their kids had been jointly willed a great-uncle's ranch on condition that they live on and work it for a year, each automatically says no. After all, they have a busy and successful life where they are - they can't suddenly uproot their families and go to live in the back of beyond for a year. But in each case, circumstances change their plans and they find themselves together at the ranch, for a few weeks, or even the summer. The widowed sisters-in-law have never got along well, and this seems a recipe for disaster - but perhaps this strange bequest will do more for them than they ever thought possible and change them in ways they never realised they wanted.
It took me a little while to really get fully into this - the writing held my attention and interest, but I struggled to connect with either Abigail or Amanda. But as the story progressed and I guess they developed, I started to really feel for them both, and to rejoice when they finally began to make what seemed to me some more sensible decisions. Note that though this is labelled a romance, it's more the start of a couple that I assume get 'finished' in subsequent books in the series. Thus, it's a semi-selfcontained story - it definitely leaves a lot for later books, but it doesn't feel like a terrible cliffhanger as long as you don't expect the romances to get anywhere in particular. I found it satisfying as-is, but hope to read the rest of the series in future. All in all, a somewhat unusual but definitely worthwhile read. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
It took me a little while to really get fully into this - the writing held my attention and interest, but I struggled to connect with either Abigail or Amanda. But as the story progressed and I guess they developed, I started to really feel for them both, and to rejoice when they finally began to make what seemed to me some more sensible decisions. Note that though this is labelled a romance, it's more the start of a couple that I assume get 'finished' in subsequent books in the series. Thus, it's a semi-selfcontained story - it definitely leaves a lot for later books, but it doesn't feel like a terrible cliffhanger as long as you don't expect the romances to get anywhere in particular. I found it satisfying as-is, but hope to read the rest of the series in future. All in all, a somewhat unusual but definitely worthwhile read. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
April 21, 2025
Heartwarming and inspiring!
My To Be Read shelf is so full it's about to break, but when The Birch Creek series by B. E Baker pooped up in one of my social media ads, I said a quick "Rest in Peace " to my TBR shelf and downloaded The Bequest. I am so pleased with my decision.
I admit I am a sucker for small-town stories featuring strong, inspiring female leads that end happily ever after. These days, most of us struggle to get through our days, simply surviving one day to the next. Some of us do a better job of it than others, but none of us are perfect. This seems to be especially true for us women if conversations with my closest friends are anything to judge by. Women's Fiction, such as The Bequest, helps us to hope for a better future and gives us respite from our daily struggles. Before I give into despair, I always take a few moments to sit down with a hot beverage, my dogs, and a good book. Before long, my world seems brighter, and thanks to my book friends, I have renewed strength to face my day!
This is the feeling reading The Bequest gave me. I could relate to Ms. Baker's two main characters, Abigail and Amanda, and their struggles to make a living and keep their families together while being good moms. I loved the transformation both characters underwent when forced to slow down and take stock of their lives. Through witty dialogue and some pretty humorous situations, B.E. Baker imparted morsels of wisdom. I couldn't resist highlighting numerous passages and noting how Ms. Baker's words impacted my life. Her words were so inspiring.
I recommend you order The Bequest. It is a heartwarming and inspiring novel fit for a made-for-TV movie! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
My To Be Read shelf is so full it's about to break, but when The Birch Creek series by B. E Baker pooped up in one of my social media ads, I said a quick "Rest in Peace " to my TBR shelf and downloaded The Bequest. I am so pleased with my decision.
I admit I am a sucker for small-town stories featuring strong, inspiring female leads that end happily ever after. These days, most of us struggle to get through our days, simply surviving one day to the next. Some of us do a better job of it than others, but none of us are perfect. This seems to be especially true for us women if conversations with my closest friends are anything to judge by. Women's Fiction, such as The Bequest, helps us to hope for a better future and gives us respite from our daily struggles. Before I give into despair, I always take a few moments to sit down with a hot beverage, my dogs, and a good book. Before long, my world seems brighter, and thanks to my book friends, I have renewed strength to face my day!
This is the feeling reading The Bequest gave me. I could relate to Ms. Baker's two main characters, Abigail and Amanda, and their struggles to make a living and keep their families together while being good moms. I loved the transformation both characters underwent when forced to slow down and take stock of their lives. Through witty dialogue and some pretty humorous situations, B.E. Baker imparted morsels of wisdom. I couldn't resist highlighting numerous passages and noting how Ms. Baker's words impacted my life. Her words were so inspiring.
I recommend you order The Bequest. It is a heartwarming and inspiring novel fit for a made-for-TV movie! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 24, 2023
Two big city, widowed sisters-in-law and their kids move to a ranch in Wyoming for part of a summer to fulfill the requirements of working the ranch long enough for the kids to inherit the ranch of their deceased fathers' uncle. One mom is a lawyer who hopes to make partner this year. She's trying to work remotely from the ranch, which doesn't have WiFi and barely gets cell phone reception. Her eldest son just graduated from high school and wants to prove that he can handle ranch life as a living instead of going to college for some other career. Her other kids are also keen on learning horseback riding and playing with the goats and chickens. They lost their husband/father only a year ago after an illness, and he had a great relationship with his wife.
Her sister-in-law is into fashion and earns a living as a social media influencer. She never really loved her husband. He made a bad investment before he died several years ago, so she has been trying to make ends meet the only way she can think of. She is trying to win a big contract with a fashion company, and they encourage her to go to the ranch and to showcase their new Western wear. She is jealous of the relationship her sister-in-law had with her husband and of how kind and well-behaved her kids are compared to her own.
The two families have to live together and get along. They eventually build family ties and the two women learn that their preconceptions about one another aren't entirely correct. They learn to trust and confide in each other. The characters grow and change. Both women are confronted with possible new romantic relationships with local men.
I listened to the audiobook. It was well done.
Her sister-in-law is into fashion and earns a living as a social media influencer. She never really loved her husband. He made a bad investment before he died several years ago, so she has been trying to make ends meet the only way she can think of. She is trying to win a big contract with a fashion company, and they encourage her to go to the ranch and to showcase their new Western wear. She is jealous of the relationship her sister-in-law had with her husband and of how kind and well-behaved her kids are compared to her own.
The two families have to live together and get along. They eventually build family ties and the two women learn that their preconceptions about one another aren't entirely correct. They learn to trust and confide in each other. The characters grow and change. Both women are confronted with possible new romantic relationships with local men.
I listened to the audiobook. It was well done.
April 19, 2024
The Bequest by B.E. Baker is the first book in The Birch Creek Ranch series. Abigail and Amanda married the Brooks brothers but they have nothing else in common. After their husbands both pass away, they have become distant acquaintances. Until one day, when news comes to them that their late husbands’ eccentric uncle has passed away and left a cattle ranch to their children. However, they must work the ranch for one year. If they do, it’s theirs. If they do not, the ranch will be sold and the proceeds donated. At first, they both decide to turn down the offer; however, a series of events leads them both to spend the summer at the ranch with their combined six children. Could this summer prove they have no business running a ranch? Or prove that they could?
I have enjoyed B.E. Baker’s books in the past and I was looking forward to reading The Bequest. I was excited as it appeared next on my To-Be-Read list. After a few chapters, my enjoyment faltered. I could not stand Abigail or Amanda at first. Abigail is a lawyer hoping to become a partner at her firm. Amanda is an Instagram influencer desperate for the chance to expand her brand. By the end, I did see them begin to change and evolve. The only characters I truly enjoyed were the children, especially Elijah. Overall, I did enjoy The Bequest and would like to see how Abigail, Amanda and their children continue to grow with their new lives. If you enjoy surprise inheritance and fish out of water stories, you may enjoy The Bequest.
The Bequest is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
I have enjoyed B.E. Baker’s books in the past and I was looking forward to reading The Bequest. I was excited as it appeared next on my To-Be-Read list. After a few chapters, my enjoyment faltered. I could not stand Abigail or Amanda at first. Abigail is a lawyer hoping to become a partner at her firm. Amanda is an Instagram influencer desperate for the chance to expand her brand. By the end, I did see them begin to change and evolve. The only characters I truly enjoyed were the children, especially Elijah. Overall, I did enjoy The Bequest and would like to see how Abigail, Amanda and their children continue to grow with their new lives. If you enjoy surprise inheritance and fish out of water stories, you may enjoy The Bequest.
The Bequest is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
December 2, 2021
What do a hot shot lawyer and an Influencer have in common?
Nothing – really? Because B.E. Baker found something. A will from a crazy uncle that says if you want to inherit my cattle ranch you need to uproot your life and move to live and operate it for 1 year.
The Bequest is a women’s fiction story from the new series The Birch Creek Ranch by B. E Baker who also writes romance and fantasy. But different or not, then what one is used to if following her stories, she did not disappoint. Amanda and Abigail two widows who are sisters-in-law get to actually know each other. They couldn’t be more opposite in character and Baker makes that clear. Her character development is fantastic. The women have flaws and strength and the ability to look at each other and see each other in a light that is real. This quality of their character makes them relatable. And that is not where Baker stops. No, they have a total of 6 children between them and now need to run a cattle ranch with over 1,000 cattle. If you are a cowgirl or not the livelihood with which Baker describes her story makes you sit on that saddle yourself and taking every painful lesson.
Baker’s writing style is fun, uplifting, humorous, exciting, but also suspenseful. This is what makes any book by B. E. Baker a page turning must read. And thankfully she is a fast writer so turnaround time between books is not that long because I know I will be getting ready to preorder Book 2 in the series ‘the Vow’.
Nothing – really? Because B.E. Baker found something. A will from a crazy uncle that says if you want to inherit my cattle ranch you need to uproot your life and move to live and operate it for 1 year.
The Bequest is a women’s fiction story from the new series The Birch Creek Ranch by B. E Baker who also writes romance and fantasy. But different or not, then what one is used to if following her stories, she did not disappoint. Amanda and Abigail two widows who are sisters-in-law get to actually know each other. They couldn’t be more opposite in character and Baker makes that clear. Her character development is fantastic. The women have flaws and strength and the ability to look at each other and see each other in a light that is real. This quality of their character makes them relatable. And that is not where Baker stops. No, they have a total of 6 children between them and now need to run a cattle ranch with over 1,000 cattle. If you are a cowgirl or not the livelihood with which Baker describes her story makes you sit on that saddle yourself and taking every painful lesson.
Baker’s writing style is fun, uplifting, humorous, exciting, but also suspenseful. This is what makes any book by B. E. Baker a page turning must read. And thankfully she is a fast writer so turnaround time between books is not that long because I know I will be getting ready to preorder Book 2 in the series ‘the Vow’.
July 1, 2022
This is a story about two women and their children. These women could not be more different. Abigail is a lawyer with four kids who lives in Houston. Her husband passed away a year ago very suddenly. She has struggled to put the pieces of their life back together again. Amanda is an internet influencer with two daughters. She lives in New York City. Her husband passed away several years ago. What these women have in common is that their husbands were brothers but they were very different husbands. One day both women get a call from an attorney that the uncle of their husbands has died and he has left to their children a working cattle ranch is Utah. The only way they can inherit said ranch is to live and work the ranch for a year. Neither wanted this new wrinkle in their life but they both head out without tell the other they are going. Abigail's oldest son is very excited about the prospects of life on the ranch instead of heading to college in the fall. As you can imagine there are some hilarious images of the kids working the ranch and lack of internet. There might be a love interest or two along the way. Will they make it a year and inherit the ranch or will they go back to their safe normal lives? I can't wait for the next book in the series to see how everything plays out.
June 8, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
I rounded it up because it was enjoyable overall but had a few troublesome points.
First is the glaring plot-hole. Neither of these professional women bothered to look into the value of the ranch property before wanting to dismiss it. This is especially annoying because one is a NYC lawyer. This oversight makes the characters look stupid. However, if they learned the ranch was worth $10M that might change everyone's motivations too much to write the same story.
The story begins with rude, nasty children who are disrespectful to their parents. Of course, changing their behavior is a key point of the story. The lawyer mom cannot stop whining about internet and cell service. She sounds very spoiled and entitled. These characters do not start out as likeable, and I almost stopped listening to this audiobook.
At one point, one of the male leads says a colleague was forcing female employees to sleep with him. One of the female leads make a joke in response: "Is his name Clinton?" What is the author's point here? It was just obnoxious and in bad taste.
Overall, this romance is clean and wholesome. It is not overtly Christian, though there are a few references to saying grace and prayer. No Bible verses or preaching, though.
All of that being said, this is a sweet story if you can suspend disbelief and ignore a few annoyances.
I rounded it up because it was enjoyable overall but had a few troublesome points.
First is the glaring plot-hole. Neither of these professional women bothered to look into the value of the ranch property before wanting to dismiss it. This is especially annoying because one is a NYC lawyer. This oversight makes the characters look stupid. However, if they learned the ranch was worth $10M that might change everyone's motivations too much to write the same story.
The story begins with rude, nasty children who are disrespectful to their parents. Of course, changing their behavior is a key point of the story. The lawyer mom cannot stop whining about internet and cell service. She sounds very spoiled and entitled. These characters do not start out as likeable, and I almost stopped listening to this audiobook.
At one point, one of the male leads says a colleague was forcing female employees to sleep with him. One of the female leads make a joke in response: "Is his name Clinton?" What is the author's point here? It was just obnoxious and in bad taste.
Overall, this romance is clean and wholesome. It is not overtly Christian, though there are a few references to saying grace and prayer. No Bible verses or preaching, though.
All of that being said, this is a sweet story if you can suspend disbelief and ignore a few annoyances.
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