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Whispering Oaks Ranch #1
Hope for the Cowboy
He's committed to the ranch he loves, she's just here for a job, but they just might find each other too.
Katie Wadford is devastated after being fired from her job as an account manager. When no other large firms in town will hire her, she's desperate to find a place to prove herself. Reluctantly she returns to her hometown in hopes of working for a small business to boost her resume.
Sawyer Macklin is certain that his family ranch doesn't need a business manager. When his father hires one anyway, Sawyer agrees to get along. But the woman who shows up in high heels isn't anything like what he expected.
When Katie offers the ranch as the location for a church fundraiser, Sawyer volunteers to help, but only so he can tell her it's a bad idea and put an end to it. He finds out Katie is a hard person to say no to.
As they learn to work together, will Sawyer's fears of his past mistakes keep them apart, or will they both find a future they didn't expect?
Katie Wadford is devastated after being fired from her job as an account manager. When no other large firms in town will hire her, she's desperate to find a place to prove herself. Reluctantly she returns to her hometown in hopes of working for a small business to boost her resume.
Sawyer Macklin is certain that his family ranch doesn't need a business manager. When his father hires one anyway, Sawyer agrees to get along. But the woman who shows up in high heels isn't anything like what he expected.
When Katie offers the ranch as the location for a church fundraiser, Sawyer volunteers to help, but only so he can tell her it's a bad idea and put an end to it. He finds out Katie is a hard person to say no to.
As they learn to work together, will Sawyer's fears of his past mistakes keep them apart, or will they both find a future they didn't expect?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2022
424 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 26, 2025
What a charming book! I loved how clean and sweet it was. I loved the big family aspect and the faith themes throughout. Also really liked how nice and chill it was, there wasn't any unnecessary drama, which I really appreciated. I am planning on continuing the series so I look forward to those as well.!❤️
June 10, 2025
A ranch in a small town that brings two workaholics together for a church fundraiser!
February 26, 2022
An enjoyable sweet, clean romance.
A lovely ranch setting, with two main characters that are convinced of their futures but perhaps a different outcome is possible, are they willing to let go of their preconceived ideas?
* I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
Religion: Christian based
Sex: None, sweet kisses are the extent of it
Language: no swearing
Violence: None
Possible Triggers: none noted
A lovely ranch setting, with two main characters that are convinced of their futures but perhaps a different outcome is possible, are they willing to let go of their preconceived ideas?
* I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
Religion: Christian based
Sex: None, sweet kisses are the extent of it
Language: no swearing
Violence: None
Possible Triggers: none noted
August 15, 2022
nice, sweet, family,
There are no outside forces causing drama here.
It's the characters' own insecurities they are fighting, insecurities brought on experience... and a lack of experience.
I love how the Macklin family treat each other.
There are no outside forces causing drama here.
It's the characters' own insecurities they are fighting, insecurities brought on experience... and a lack of experience.
I love how the Macklin family treat each other.
February 6, 2022
Hope for the Cowboy is a story written about a ranch family, the Macklin's that had 7 boys and they all worked the ranch. When Mr. Macklin decided he was ready to turn the office work over to someone else he told his oldest Sawyer about it. Sawyer didn't want anyone who was not family to work on the ranch. But he was surprised when Katie showed up for work. She had went to school with a couple of his younger brothers but had not seen Sawyer at the football games like the rest of the family. She soon seen he was not happy with her working there. As soon as Sawyer seen her enthusiasm in wanting to make their ranch make more money it made him begin to soften up.
When Katie suggested they do a carnival to raise money to add onto the church and use the ranch at the Macklin's the members decided Katie should be over it and Sawyer was to help her. They seen they worked together good and started to have feelings for each other. Everyone on the ranch knew they were perfect for each other before they even mentioned they were dating. He would meet Katie at the office most days to go into the house for dinner. The day she wasn't there, he sat in her chair to cool off. As he went to get up he touched the monitor on the desk and seen want ads for a ranch in Dallas. Sawyer got upset and confronted Katie. She told him she was just getting suggestions on how to write the want ad for the horse trainer. That satisfied him. It wasn't long till Mrs. Macklin tells Sawyer to talk to Katie to see what was wrong. Sawyer talked to Katie and found out she had an interview in Dallas. He tells her to go and see if it is what she wants as he once followed a girl to Dallas and found out she didn't even love him. He didn't want that to happen to Katie. So now that she is in Dallas to do the interview, will her love for Sawyer be more important to her than Dallas?
I received a ARC copy for my honest review.
When Katie suggested they do a carnival to raise money to add onto the church and use the ranch at the Macklin's the members decided Katie should be over it and Sawyer was to help her. They seen they worked together good and started to have feelings for each other. Everyone on the ranch knew they were perfect for each other before they even mentioned they were dating. He would meet Katie at the office most days to go into the house for dinner. The day she wasn't there, he sat in her chair to cool off. As he went to get up he touched the monitor on the desk and seen want ads for a ranch in Dallas. Sawyer got upset and confronted Katie. She told him she was just getting suggestions on how to write the want ad for the horse trainer. That satisfied him. It wasn't long till Mrs. Macklin tells Sawyer to talk to Katie to see what was wrong. Sawyer talked to Katie and found out she had an interview in Dallas. He tells her to go and see if it is what she wants as he once followed a girl to Dallas and found out she didn't even love him. He didn't want that to happen to Katie. So now that she is in Dallas to do the interview, will her love for Sawyer be more important to her than Dallas?
I received a ARC copy for my honest review.
March 26, 2022
This is a well-written opposites attract romance. It is clean and wholesome with a Christian undercurrent. The romance is swoon-worthy and will make you want to head to Texas for some good, clean fun.
Sawyer's family had a ranch in Texas called the Whispering Oaks Ranch. He and all his family members; brothers and parents worked on the ranch. They didn't need any outsiders. So, when his dad hired a business manager who showed up on the farm in high heels and pencil skirt, he wasn't any more convinced that she was needed. But when she volunteered herself and ranch to assist in a fundraiser for the local church, Sawyer decided to help her to prove she didn't know what she was doing. What he discovered was that Katie Wadford was very capable and a hard person to resist.
Katie had grown up in a small town in Texas and had left to attend college. When she got a job in Dallas, she was determined she was happy and didn't want to return to her hometown. But, when she made a mistake and cost the company a client, she was fired and she had no choice but to return home. She was determined that it would be a short stay; just long enough to work and beef up her resume and she would be heading back to the big city. She didn't count on finding the oldest son at Whispering Oaks Ranch so irresistible. Would she be able to stick to her original plan to get in and get out quickly. Was she willing to give up her dreams or make new dreams that included Sawyer?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Sawyer's family had a ranch in Texas called the Whispering Oaks Ranch. He and all his family members; brothers and parents worked on the ranch. They didn't need any outsiders. So, when his dad hired a business manager who showed up on the farm in high heels and pencil skirt, he wasn't any more convinced that she was needed. But when she volunteered herself and ranch to assist in a fundraiser for the local church, Sawyer decided to help her to prove she didn't know what she was doing. What he discovered was that Katie Wadford was very capable and a hard person to resist.
Katie had grown up in a small town in Texas and had left to attend college. When she got a job in Dallas, she was determined she was happy and didn't want to return to her hometown. But, when she made a mistake and cost the company a client, she was fired and she had no choice but to return home. She was determined that it would be a short stay; just long enough to work and beef up her resume and she would be heading back to the big city. She didn't count on finding the oldest son at Whispering Oaks Ranch so irresistible. Would she be able to stick to her original plan to get in and get out quickly. Was she willing to give up her dreams or make new dreams that included Sawyer?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
January 30, 2022
This story of Katie and the Macklin family of boys promises plenty of delightful and enjoyable reading by this author. This was my first book (I think) by this author and I just totally and thoroughly slipped into the storyline and enjoyed every page of getting to meet these Macklin brothers, their parents and particularly Katie who is only back in their home town for a brief time to save money by living at home. A story with plenty of twists and turns that keep you reading and I loved the way the author uses Katie to make Sawyer think that these are his ideas!! A rather devious but fun sideline in the story that should give you ladies (it did for me) a chuckle or ten! A very clean, sweet romance with Christian based tones but in no way preaching - just Sunday go to church smiles.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
March 5, 2023
He's committed to the ranch he loves, she's just here for a job, but they just might find each other too.
Katie Wadford is devastated after being fired from her job as an account manager. When no other large firms in town will hire her, she's desperate to find a place to prove herself. Reluctantly she returns to her hometown in hopes of working for a small business to boost her resume.
Sawyer Macklin is certain that his family ranch doesn't need a business manager. When his father hires one anyway, Sawyer agrees to get along. But the woman who shows up in high heels isn't anything like what he expected.
When Katie offers the ranch as the location for a church fundraiser, Sawyer volunteers to help, but only so he can tell her it's a bad idea and put an end to it. He finds out Katie is a hard person to say no to.
As they learn to work together, will Sawyer's fears of his past mistakes keep them apart, or will they both find a future they didn't expect?
Katie Wadford is devastated after being fired from her job as an account manager. When no other large firms in town will hire her, she's desperate to find a place to prove herself. Reluctantly she returns to her hometown in hopes of working for a small business to boost her resume.
Sawyer Macklin is certain that his family ranch doesn't need a business manager. When his father hires one anyway, Sawyer agrees to get along. But the woman who shows up in high heels isn't anything like what he expected.
When Katie offers the ranch as the location for a church fundraiser, Sawyer volunteers to help, but only so he can tell her it's a bad idea and put an end to it. He finds out Katie is a hard person to say no to.
As they learn to work together, will Sawyer's fears of his past mistakes keep them apart, or will they both find a future they didn't expect?
February 2, 2022
Loved this book! Sawyer grew up on his family's ranch, though he left for awhile, and discovered that was the biggest mistake of his life. Katie grew up in the same small town, and couldn't wait to leave and never come back. However, now she's home again, and needs to find a job. When she finds one at the ranch, she's sure it's only until something better comes along. What will happen when she realizes that Sawyer is the something better? Will she be able to stay with him, or will she long for the life she's dreamed about?? Once Sawyer realizes he needs to accept his family's forgiveness, and Katie comes back to her faith in God, will these two realize they could make a home together, wherever that may be?
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
January 26, 2022
Katie is living her dream, so she thinks, working in Dallas and being away from her small town. When things at her job take an unexpected turn, she finds herself back in Shelby Springs, working as a ranch manager.
Sawyer Macklin loves his life and that everyone working in the farm is his family, until his dad goes and hires a new ranch manager. He is determined to not like her but keeps finding himself drawn to her.
I love as the two of them start working together, their relationship shock isn’t forced and then genuinely care a hit each other’s needs. This is a sweet cowboy romance novel and I am excited for the rest of the series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sawyer Macklin loves his life and that everyone working in the farm is his family, until his dad goes and hires a new ranch manager. He is determined to not like her but keeps finding himself drawn to her.
I love as the two of them start working together, their relationship shock isn’t forced and then genuinely care a hit each other’s needs. This is a sweet cowboy romance novel and I am excited for the rest of the series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2023
In the first hour of reading I was thinking how much of a cheesy, tacky, cliche this romantic novel was - that Katie would naturally fall for the supposed, per se, 'antagonist', and whilst this may be true to some extent - there's no denying that this was certainly quite a wholesome read that delves into an almost niche romance I've never really thought about...
I'm just impressed by Jo Abbott's commitment to this series - to the point where she's also had someone narrate a whole audiobook for it, and put so much passion and thought into all 4.5 hours of it.
I've never been a fan of romance, and certainly not a modern romance or one that delves into such a style as this particular novel - but I look forward to reading the next one :)
I'm just impressed by Jo Abbott's commitment to this series - to the point where she's also had someone narrate a whole audiobook for it, and put so much passion and thought into all 4.5 hours of it.
I've never been a fan of romance, and certainly not a modern romance or one that delves into such a style as this particular novel - but I look forward to reading the next one :)
January 28, 2022
This sweet clean romance has wonderful characters. The Maklin family, owners of Whispering Oaks Ranch, are a wonderful faith filled family that want the best for all of their sons--all seven of them. Sawyer, the oldest, was hurt when a woman used him and he vows never to marry and have a family or take the risk of being hurt by another woman. When Katie Wadford is hired to manage the business side of the ranch, Sawyer is pretty upset and sets out to make her first day miserable and perhaps show her how wrong she is for the job, epically since she comes to work in a pencil skirt and stilettoes. This is my first book by Hannah Jo Abbott. It is well written and delightful!
January 29, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. A tender story about Katie Wadford who was fired from her job as an account manager and ends going back to her small hometown where she is hired as business manager for a local ranch. Sawyer Maclin the oldest son at the ranch is against hiring someone other than family, but soon sees that Katie is an asset in many ways. The book explores ranch life, faith, new love, and issues of trust and compatibility. Hannah Jo Abbott has done a great job with this first book of a series. I’m looking forward to books about the other brothers.
February 20, 2022
Oh So Heartwarming!
I won’t rehash the teaser or plot. Suffice to say I smiled, lots. My heart fluttered and soared and even when Sawyer sort of pushed Katie toward a job elsewhere I understood his reasoning and it certainly added a depth to the story.
Very few typos also made this a delight to read. The only real ding I have against the book, and it’s a 1 star drop, is that at the farmhouse there’s prayer before meals, same at Katie’s parents. Yet when Sawyer and Katie go out to dinner they don’t bother praying,they just dig in.
I’m excited for the rest of this series to come out! This is a book I will keep and re read often.
I won’t rehash the teaser or plot. Suffice to say I smiled, lots. My heart fluttered and soared and even when Sawyer sort of pushed Katie toward a job elsewhere I understood his reasoning and it certainly added a depth to the story.
Very few typos also made this a delight to read. The only real ding I have against the book, and it’s a 1 star drop, is that at the farmhouse there’s prayer before meals, same at Katie’s parents. Yet when Sawyer and Katie go out to dinner they don’t bother praying,they just dig in.
I’m excited for the rest of this series to come out! This is a book I will keep and re read often.
June 18, 2023
A Texas Cowboy falls in love wth the business manger for his folks ranch.
Enjoyed this story very much. This was a first time reading this author. Sawyer and Katie story was fun. Sawyer at first thought he was getting his toes stepped on when Katie was hired. But as they worked together things changed. He slowly fell in love with her and she him. He even was going to let her pursue her dream. But that all changed. Looking forward to reading about the other brothers and their love stories. Whether in order or skipping around. Hannah stories definitely fit in with the other brother stories I've read.
Enjoyed this story very much. This was a first time reading this author. Sawyer and Katie story was fun. Sawyer at first thought he was getting his toes stepped on when Katie was hired. But as they worked together things changed. He slowly fell in love with her and she him. He even was going to let her pursue her dream. But that all changed. Looking forward to reading about the other brothers and their love stories. Whether in order or skipping around. Hannah stories definitely fit in with the other brother stories I've read.
January 27, 2022
Great beginning to a new series.
Good clean book with great characters.
Sawyer Macklin is not happy that his dad is hiring an office manager for the family ranch. It’s true that none of the brothers want the job, but he still doesn’t agree with the plan.
Katie’s first day on the job doesn’t go well. Sawyer certainly wasn’t expecting a woman in heels and pencil skirt to be the new hire.
Can Katie’s new ideas for the ranch win her a place here?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Good clean book with great characters.
Sawyer Macklin is not happy that his dad is hiring an office manager for the family ranch. It’s true that none of the brothers want the job, but he still doesn’t agree with the plan.
Katie’s first day on the job doesn’t go well. Sawyer certainly wasn’t expecting a woman in heels and pencil skirt to be the new hire.
Can Katie’s new ideas for the ranch win her a place here?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
January 31, 2022
Clean Christian romance with likeable characters with all too real problems. Katie was back in town – very reluctantly and with the plan to get back to the city ASAP to achiever her dream job and lifestyle. Sawyer is a guilt driven oldest son and ranch manager who does NOT want any non-family people working at the ranch let alone a ‘city girl’ and plans to never trust another female. However as they get to know each other they find they are less ‘opposites’ and more ‘complements’ and both get over their problems for a happily ever after. I received an ARC but this is my review.
May 3, 2022
Hope for the Cowboy
Sawyer’s dad has hired a new ranch manager. Sawyer runs the ranch and doesn’t trust anyone other than family when it comes to running the ranch. It is a really big surprise to see his dad has hired Katie. Katie had left town to get her education with the intention of not returning except to visit her parents. Now she has excepted a job with Whispering Oak Ranch to get more experience. After working together on a church project and at the ranch Katie and Sawyer develop feelings for each other. What happens when her dream job in Dallas wants an interview?
Sawyer’s dad has hired a new ranch manager. Sawyer runs the ranch and doesn’t trust anyone other than family when it comes to running the ranch. It is a really big surprise to see his dad has hired Katie. Katie had left town to get her education with the intention of not returning except to visit her parents. Now she has excepted a job with Whispering Oak Ranch to get more experience. After working together on a church project and at the ranch Katie and Sawyer develop feelings for each other. What happens when her dream job in Dallas wants an interview?
June 25, 2023
This is a quick, easy read, feel good romance. The rating should probably be a 3.5.
Katie returns to her very small Texas hometown after being let go from a firm for a mistake she made. She applies & is hired to be business manager at the Macklin Ranch, where parents and 7 brothers live and work.
Sawyer, the oldest of the brothers, is not happy that their dad has hired a business manager, especially when he finds out it’s a woman who comes to the ranch to work in office attire and Hugh heels.
Katie returns to her very small Texas hometown after being let go from a firm for a mistake she made. She applies & is hired to be business manager at the Macklin Ranch, where parents and 7 brothers live and work.
Sawyer, the oldest of the brothers, is not happy that their dad has hired a business manager, especially when he finds out it’s a woman who comes to the ranch to work in office attire and Hugh heels.
November 16, 2025
Hope for the Cowboy
I loved this heartwarming love story for Katie and Sawyer at the Whispering Oaks Ranch. The characters are wonderful. This is a great start to the series based on a ranch family with seven sons. Sawyer is the oldest and finds his life partner when his Dad hires Katie as a business manager for the ranch since he is nearing retirement age and none of the sons want that part of running the ranch. I highly recommend this book as a clean Christian romance in a small town setting. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I loved this heartwarming love story for Katie and Sawyer at the Whispering Oaks Ranch. The characters are wonderful. This is a great start to the series based on a ranch family with seven sons. Sawyer is the oldest and finds his life partner when his Dad hires Katie as a business manager for the ranch since he is nearing retirement age and none of the sons want that part of running the ranch. I highly recommend this book as a clean Christian romance in a small town setting. This is my voluntary and honest review.
January 26, 2022
Katie is back in her small home town to find a job since she is read to come back to Dallas for good. Her first day as businesses manager in Whispering Oak Ranch is more difficult than she thought. Sawyer, the older son, doesn’t agree with this father. They do not need an outsider to work in the family ranch. Can Katie change Sawyer mind and open his heart? Will she stay in town with Sawyer or will she go back to Dallas? A love story about faith, commitment and family
January 27, 2022
Hope for the Cowboy is a well written, sweet, heartwarming, small town romance. I love the characters, the family dynamics (6 brothers, wow!), small town nosiness and more. For both Katie and Sawyer, life has not worked out as they had hoped. Their first meeting is upsetting for both, but as they work together, their relationship grows in a realistic way. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their story unfold.
January 29, 2023
My first time trying this author out!
I did not read the book itself, but listened to the audiobook which was just so brilliant quality wise. The narrator's voice was so nice to listen too, it wasn't annoying unlike the monotone one's that most authors have, sounding robot like. HONESTLY THE WORST.
I am certainly going to read more from this author! She really surprised me, hehe. Definitely check out the audiobook! I will be ordering a paperback copy, ASAP.
I did not read the book itself, but listened to the audiobook which was just so brilliant quality wise. The narrator's voice was so nice to listen too, it wasn't annoying unlike the monotone one's that most authors have, sounding robot like. HONESTLY THE WORST.
I am certainly going to read more from this author! She really surprised me, hehe. Definitely check out the audiobook! I will be ordering a paperback copy, ASAP.
February 12, 2023
Hope for the Cowboy
This was a wonder story about aKatie and Swayer. Dwyer was the oldest brother and headed up the work detail on the ranch. Katie was hired by Swayer’s father to be the business manager for the ranch. He stated he was getting to old to keep up with everything and it was time to get some help. Swayer and Katie grew close together and love bloomed. Enjoy their story.
This was a wonder story about aKatie and Swayer. Dwyer was the oldest brother and headed up the work detail on the ranch. Katie was hired by Swayer’s father to be the business manager for the ranch. He stated he was getting to old to keep up with everything and it was time to get some help. Swayer and Katie grew close together and love bloomed. Enjoy their story.
July 24, 2023
4.5 Stars! Just the type of book I love. A cute Christian cowboy romance which is making you want to pack up your bag to move to the small town. I only really didn't like the way the conflict between Sawyer and Katie played out as it felt like they have repeated the same argument twice. Though, I am excited to continue the series to stroll through Whispering Oak Ranch a bit more. Highly recommend if you want a sweet, no spice, christian romance that still involves courting and chivalrey.
May 29, 2024
Hope for the Cowboy was a charmingly sweet Cowboy romance with all the feels of your favorite Hallmark movie! The characters were easy to like and the family dynamic was one of my favorite parts of this story! I enjoyed the slow build of this romance almost coming from a place of enemies to a love story! The characters conflict was realistic and relatable. I enjoyed this story and am interested in reading more in this series and catching up with the rest of the Macklin brothers!
July 29, 2025
I loved this book! I'm not even sure how to put into words how great it was!
it was the perfect mixture of sweet, swoony and western.
I wont say too much because most of my favorite parts would spoil it but . if I can say this. Sawyer Macklin set the bar for proposals... and I'll just leave that right there cause Iykyk and if you dont you have to go read this book right now! 🤣
Overall I absolutely loved this book and I would 100% recommend!
it was the perfect mixture of sweet, swoony and western.
I wont say too much because most of my favorite parts would spoil it but . if I can say this. Sawyer Macklin set the bar for proposals... and I'll just leave that right there cause Iykyk and if you dont you have to go read this book right now! 🤣
Overall I absolutely loved this book and I would 100% recommend!
January 25, 2022
A beautiful piece.
I liked this a great deal it is about two people who are just normal folk. They stumble and fall pick themselves up and along the way find something so precious. It is a heartwarming tale that brought a smile to my face. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I liked this a great deal it is about two people who are just normal folk. They stumble and fall pick themselves up and along the way find something so precious. It is a heartwarming tale that brought a smile to my face. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 26, 2022
I really loved this story. All the characters are well written and so down to earth. Sawyer and Katie are a wonderful couple that are just made for each other. I love the interaction between all the brothers. I can’t wait for the next book in the Whispering Oaks Ranch series.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
February 1, 2022
When Katie starts working at Working Oaks Ranch she isn't looking for a permanent position, she just needs a job till something better comes along. Sawyer let his family down and now he dedicates every second of every day to his family and the ranch. Their first meeting wasn't the best but they got better. I enjoyed the family dynamics, the characters and the sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews