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Morgan Cross is avoiding his family. Rachel Meadows just wants her’s back.
When a runaway steer terrorizes the county fair, Morgan comes to the rescue. But when the steer’s owner turns out to be a girl in trouble, Morgan will do anything to keep her safe. Can Rachel trust a complete stranger to protect her and the past she’s so desperately clinging to?
This Cross Creek Ranch novella prequel takes you on the roller coaster ride that set in motion an inheritance of faith, family, and love to be handed down for generations.

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First published January 5, 2022

5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Basye

12 books63 followers
Jodi Basye is an author of inspirational romances and family sagas that span centuries. Her passion is writing authentic westerns full of heart-pounding adventure and happily ever after. She is a born and bred country girl with a western heritage and a love for stories that stay true to her cowgirl boots and ranching roots. She’s been writing all hours of the night since she was sixteen years old. Old habits die hard. Now, she is the blessed wife to a rugged mountain man, a homeschooling mama, and living her dream of writing books by her wood cook-stove in the wilds of Alaska.

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5 stars
70 (76%)
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16 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,496 reviews213 followers
April 12, 2024
I LOVED IT.

This big city girl who swore she’d never read a cowboy book, doesn’t listen to country music, has never two-stepped to Randy Travis, never been to a county fair, didn’t know what a 4H club was ….LOVED this book.

Never say never.

If you are looking for something new, something short and sweet, and featuring a couple that will pull on your heartstrings, you need to meet Rachel Meadows and her knight in a shining stetson, Morgan Cross. In just 56 short pages, Jodi roped me in.

Is this love at first cowboy? I think so.

I received this FREE copy by signing up for the author's newsletter
Profile Image for Sara Blackard.
Author 60 books407 followers
January 1, 2022
Morgan and Rachel's love story is such a wonderful gem. I'm not sure how the author puts so much emotion and amazing characters into this quick read, but I'm glad she does. It's a book I've already read twice and will most likely read again. If you like characters with real-life problems, serious subjects laced with humor, and authentic cowboy love stories that make you sigh with contentment, you'll love Jodi Basye's Morgan.
Profile Image for Maryann Landers.
Author 8 books66 followers
February 1, 2022
A short story that draws you to care for the characters and cheer them on! I'm looking forward to following this series.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
676 reviews19 followers
December 30, 2024
Just Right

I loved this story! Although it's short, it's just right. I immediately connected to the characters and their stories. Seeing all that Rachel has endured was heartwrenching. However, seeing how the tables turned and how Rachel and Morgan's relationship blossomed was a joy. This wonderful story tugged at my heartstrings, but in the end, I was left with a smile on my face. It was just that good.
516 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2021
Beautiful! A modern day, clean, animal filled story with an unusual first meeting between the two main characters. Following a number of events, their lives are changed forever…in the most beautiful of ways!

This is a short prequel to the Cross Creek Ranch series - am looking forward to reading what is to come !

Received this as Advanced Reader Copy and am giving my own opinion. I thoroughly recommend it and would encourage you to read this!
Profile Image for My_every_day_chilling.
415 reviews27 followers
January 7, 2023
This was a very sweet, clean, short novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It had the sweet romance of two young ones falling in love. It had some angst with all the trouble Rachel was going through.
I loved the protector feel the novella gave. And the encouragement they gave each other, even if it was very briefly.
I can't wait to read about their children now.
30 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2022
I loved this story! Jodi brings in heart emotions at a rare level. From embarrassment to shame that may take a girl forever to recover from to love hope and protection, every girl's dream.
34 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2022
I enjoyed this story about an unknown, unspoken dream coming true. You can tell that this author knows western living, what a loving family looks like, and Christian standards.
Profile Image for Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS .
174 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2022
Morgan is prequel to Jodi Basye's upcoming Cross Creek Ranch Series and was such an enjoyable read! Contemporary Christian fiction with likable characters and an engaging story line. If the prequel is any indication, this promises to be a series that fans of contemporary western romance will not want to miss!

I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Amy Ramsey.
87 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2024
A sweet romance with amazing character development in such a short time. I loved Morgan and Rachel’s story and can’t wait to read the series.
248 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2022
This is my first Jodi Basye book and I’m hooked! What’s better than a gentlemanly cowboy and a sweet cowgirl?! I loved the characters, the drama and, of course, the sweet romance. Can’t wait to read the next!
935 reviews29 followers
February 2, 2023
This is a beautiful love story full of hope, & of good overcoming evil. Life's tragedies are treated sensitively. The girl found kindness & love. And a welcoming family.
Morgan is the prequel in the Cross Creek Ranch Series.
I cannot wait to read this series.
2 reviews
February 24, 2022
Definitely a great book to read! If you have ever taken a steer to a county fair, you can so sympathize with one of the main characters. It is a book you can’t put down till you finish and then you don’t want it to end. I am glad there is already a sequel out!
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 50 books113 followers
February 23, 2022
A nice story for the beginning of a series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
232 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2023
Lovely novella that starts a new series. Beautifully written the story draws you in from the first page. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
230 reviews6 followers
January 9, 2023
The meeting between Morgan and Rachel was so much fun. This is a great story where a ranching family helps someone in need and where a friendship is formed between Morgan and Rachel that becomes so much more. I truly enjoyed getting to know this couple.
Profile Image for Sarah Coates.
15 reviews
November 5, 2022
This was such a great book. I loved how I could relate to the characters and was drawn in from the very beginning. I like short stories and Jodi does a great job making this one worth your time.
636 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2022
This was a great introduction to the series to come. I am so excited to get the next books. When Morgan and Rachel meet there is definitely mutual attraction. Rachel needs a rescue and Morgan is just the one to do it. This is a sweet romance and some adventure is woven is as well. Great read and I can't wait to get the series. A wonderful plus is that there is no inappropriate language or content which I appreciate so much. This author is new to me, but I will be looking for her books!
Profile Image for Morghan.
304 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2022

Morgan by Jodi Basye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
You guys, this book! 😭😭😭 This was really, really good. A touching romantic novella that had a perfect mix of heartbreak and happiness. This author is fast becoming a favorite of mine! This story is about a girl who is struggling with a heavy personal burden and the boy who steps in to help. It’s super short and I read it in one sitting, which is a good thing because I didn’t want to put it down.
#books #bookstagram #sweetromance #cowboyromance #jodibasye
Profile Image for Ann.
2,652 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2022
This is the prequel to the Cross Creek Ranch series and it is a wonderful read. Morgan and Rachel's story is a roller coaster ride of emotions! I loved it and can't wait to read the first book of this series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,813 reviews13 followers
January 8, 2022
Loved it! This short novella (wish it were longer!!) really touched my heart.
Poor Rachel lived with such wicked people. Thankfully, her knight in shining armor, the handsome Morgan stepped up to be the hero she needed. Can’t wait to read the upcoming stories of their children!
Profile Image for Darla.
3 reviews
March 24, 2022
Loved this modern day western! Can't wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Karen DeVries.
1 review1 follower
January 23, 2023
Loved this book, could hardly put it down. Loved the scenerios's, suspense and descriptions of the characters. Keep putting myself in the setting with the characters. Looking forward to reading more of Jodi Basye's books!!!
1,757 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2021
This was a cute contemporary western novella. I can't wait to see what the series brings!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Chelle.
34 reviews
December 31, 2021
The sweetest story I've read in a while!!

I'm not really a fan of romance but Jodi's style of action, country life, and excellent characters keep me is utter suspense! I love this novella!
1,843 reviews24 followers
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January 2, 2022
This book was very good. Rachel's feelings and actions were very realistic. I loved how Morgan was led to help her. It was a short story with a great message. I can't wait till the next book!
26 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
First book by this author. After reading just a few pages, I wanted to know how this story goes. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
747 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2023
A cute story! Morgan comes to Rachel's rescue when her steer escapes, and the book traces their developing relationship. Easy, light reading.
Profile Image for Lillian  B (Kaladin Stormblessed version).
362 reviews60 followers
May 1, 2024
This was so good! I got this novella for free through Lynette Eason newsletter, and now I HAVE to read the rest of the series because i liked it so much. The romance was so sweet and completely clean, and I was so excited to find that Rachel and Morgan end up together in this book!
CW: Rachel is hit, her wrist gets broken, some drinking from side characters portrayed negatively, several kisses.
I would definitely recommend this! It's short but sweet, and I loved the epilogue. And I was super surprised to find that its kind of a ya book because of their ages, and I LOVE ya, so that was a great surprise.
20 reviews
January 30, 2026
Loved reading this book so much that I couldn’t put it down until I was done.

Have to admit that I received it from the author free as a prequel to a series. At the time I write this review the offer still is on her page.

Personally I can’t describe it any better than “ riveting romance novella is a captivating tale of loss, faith, and finding family, weaving together a modern Cinderella story with a protective hero and the rugged charm of the Wild West.”

Have to add that it shows a bit of the risk of the few bad apples in this country’s foster care system because extended family members have had both good and bad experiences.

May God Bless all those that actually offer a home for those unfortunates that don’t have a family and aren’t just in it for the money.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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