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He’s a cranky cowboy trying to save the family ranch. She’s a freelance journalist hoping to get a full-time writing gig. What she writes could either make or break him.
Brant Cross feels responsible for his father’s accident.
The money set aside to pay off a big loan against the ranch has all gone to medical bills. Now it’s up to Brant to find a way to make ends meet. When one of the biggest rodeo magazines in the country offers feature Cross Creek Ranch, it looks like this could be the publicity the family needs. But when things around the ranch start to go haywire, it’s more important than ever that Brant keeps everything cinched up tight.
Hailey Silver just wants to earn her parent’s respect.
Following the rodeo as a freelance journalist and living out of her camp trailer isn’t exactly the kind of life they approve of. So when the ranch she’s supposed to write a feature article on starts showing signs of animal neglect and abuse, this just might be the scoop that could make her career. That is if she can keep her emotions reined in.
Will Hailey reveal the truth about the ranch no matter who it might hurt? Will Brant’s tenuous hold on the home that has been in his family for generations unravel from beneath his grip?
If you like western love stories full of heart-pounding adventure and toe-curling, clean romance that will keep you up reading all night, you’ll love Jodi Basye’s edgy, inspirational Cross Creek Ranch series.
Brant Cross feels responsible for his father’s accident.
The money set aside to pay off a big loan against the ranch has all gone to medical bills. Now it’s up to Brant to find a way to make ends meet. When one of the biggest rodeo magazines in the country offers feature Cross Creek Ranch, it looks like this could be the publicity the family needs. But when things around the ranch start to go haywire, it’s more important than ever that Brant keeps everything cinched up tight.
Hailey Silver just wants to earn her parent’s respect.
Following the rodeo as a freelance journalist and living out of her camp trailer isn’t exactly the kind of life they approve of. So when the ranch she’s supposed to write a feature article on starts showing signs of animal neglect and abuse, this just might be the scoop that could make her career. That is if she can keep her emotions reined in.
Will Hailey reveal the truth about the ranch no matter who it might hurt? Will Brant’s tenuous hold on the home that has been in his family for generations unravel from beneath his grip?
If you like western love stories full of heart-pounding adventure and toe-curling, clean romance that will keep you up reading all night, you’ll love Jodi Basye’s edgy, inspirational Cross Creek Ranch series.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
127 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Basye
12 books63 followersJodi 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 12, 2024
Do up those pearl-snaps on your Western shirt, dust off your boots, and don your cowboy hat…we’re heading to Cross Creek Ranch!
The parents from the introduction novella (Morgan 0.5) and their six children run Cross Creek Ranch. Brant and Maddie Jo are the oldest and are twins. Brant manages the ranch and does the stock contracting; he’s the ‘cranky Cross twin.’ His twin sister, Maddie Jo is the ranch’s horse trainer, Cash runs an outfitting business, and Wyatt raises hay and crop dusts. Two siblings aren’t involved in the ranch; Jace and Joy.
Brant has a lot of responsibility and is spiraling over his failures. He also feels like he can’t count on any of his siblings. Quite simply, he’s “feeling like too little paint spread over too much barn”. He knows that if he relinquishes control, there’s nobody to guide the family and successfully run the ranch. Basye crafts Brant with a soft heart, one that’s struggling with guilt and takes him through situations that strengthen him.
Journalist Hailey Silver has been pulled off the rodeo circuit as a journalist to write a story on Cross Creek Ranch. It seems this ranch is diversifying to remain successful and it’s worthy of spotlight. When she arrives at the ranch, she receives an email accusing the ranch of being neglectful towards their stock and hints that there’s abuse. The big boss at Rodeo Riot News offers Hailey a full-time position if she gets proof of neglect and writes a scandalous expose. This offer would solve most of Hailey’s problems. Basye takes Hailey through the deliberating process and shows us how easy it is to make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons.
Basye explores how a real ranching family lives; there’s bickering mixed in with love and support as well as a drive to uphold hard work and family values. She examines generational ranching and ranching traditions, shows us that appearances can be deceiving, gets us emotionally involved in the push and pull of relying on facts versus tradition, and focuses on doing what’s right and learning to let go and let God. Hailey and Brant’s struggles are authentic and Basye works through them to show growth and teach us the importance of family and finding the facts.
I loved this novel. Honestly. I can't wait to read book two featuring the other Cross twin, Maddie Jo.
The introduction novella and book one are FREE today! The novella is free through signing up for the author’s newsletter and this book is FREE today on Amazon. You won’t be disappointed. Heads up...book three is on SALE TODAY, too.
The parents from the introduction novella (Morgan 0.5) and their six children run Cross Creek Ranch. Brant and Maddie Jo are the oldest and are twins. Brant manages the ranch and does the stock contracting; he’s the ‘cranky Cross twin.’ His twin sister, Maddie Jo is the ranch’s horse trainer, Cash runs an outfitting business, and Wyatt raises hay and crop dusts. Two siblings aren’t involved in the ranch; Jace and Joy.
Brant has a lot of responsibility and is spiraling over his failures. He also feels like he can’t count on any of his siblings. Quite simply, he’s “feeling like too little paint spread over too much barn”. He knows that if he relinquishes control, there’s nobody to guide the family and successfully run the ranch. Basye crafts Brant with a soft heart, one that’s struggling with guilt and takes him through situations that strengthen him.
Journalist Hailey Silver has been pulled off the rodeo circuit as a journalist to write a story on Cross Creek Ranch. It seems this ranch is diversifying to remain successful and it’s worthy of spotlight. When she arrives at the ranch, she receives an email accusing the ranch of being neglectful towards their stock and hints that there’s abuse. The big boss at Rodeo Riot News offers Hailey a full-time position if she gets proof of neglect and writes a scandalous expose. This offer would solve most of Hailey’s problems. Basye takes Hailey through the deliberating process and shows us how easy it is to make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons.
Basye explores how a real ranching family lives; there’s bickering mixed in with love and support as well as a drive to uphold hard work and family values. She examines generational ranching and ranching traditions, shows us that appearances can be deceiving, gets us emotionally involved in the push and pull of relying on facts versus tradition, and focuses on doing what’s right and learning to let go and let God. Hailey and Brant’s struggles are authentic and Basye works through them to show growth and teach us the importance of family and finding the facts.
I loved this novel. Honestly. I can't wait to read book two featuring the other Cross twin, Maddie Jo.
The introduction novella and book one are FREE today! The novella is free through signing up for the author’s newsletter and this book is FREE today on Amazon. You won’t be disappointed. Heads up...book three is on SALE TODAY, too.
January 21, 2023
Great story!
Loved the interaction between all the characters. The plot was well designed with some mystery, intrigue and some romance. I love stories with strong women and how they can use their faith in God to help them be strong and soft at the same time.
Loved the interaction between all the characters. The plot was well designed with some mystery, intrigue and some romance. I love stories with strong women and how they can use their faith in God to help them be strong and soft at the same time.
January 21, 2023
Book 1 in the Cross Creek Ranch Series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good Western romance! Jodi Bayse has created a story you won't want to put down. A mystery, romance and a message of faith all wrapped in one, this book will leave you anxiously awaiting book 2 in the series.
January 15, 2023
Absolutely loved this book from page#1 !!
This author is new for me, but Wow!
I love her already and can't wait to read the next in the series!
Every emotion was hit in this story! Kept me turning page after page! Sleep? Who needs it, right?
This author is new for me, but Wow!
I love her already and can't wait to read the next in the series!
Every emotion was hit in this story! Kept me turning page after page! Sleep? Who needs it, right?
December 10, 2022
A very well written and accurate depiction of life on a family ranch. It is an engaging tale.
December 30, 2022
Work through
This book has a story with a strong determination to work through whatever may come. I'm certain you will fall for these great characters quickly.
This book has a story with a strong determination to work through whatever may come. I'm certain you will fall for these great characters quickly.
January 2, 2023
Can Bryant save the ranch?
I enjoyed the mystery in this story. It had small amounts of clean romance. Very interesting turn of events in this drama!
I enjoyed the mystery in this story. It had small amounts of clean romance. Very interesting turn of events in this drama!
January 9, 2023
a new to me author
Enjoyed this book. Story moved along nicely without a lot of unnecessary fill in material. Will be reading the next one
Enjoyed this book. Story moved along nicely without a lot of unnecessary fill in material. Will be reading the next one
January 31, 2022
If the cover of this book doesn't make you want to read it, well you're missing the point! If you've ever wanted to live on a ranch, own a horse, or love a cowboy - this book is for you! I finished this book wanting more of this family and their life. Waiting for the next Cross Creek book will be torture. Jodi Basye has that special touch of creating characters that move right into your heart. You can feel them. Her descriptions of Western life shows she's a real country girl and can work a chute with the best of them. Great job Jodi! Can hardly wait for your next book.
February 1, 2022
Although this story is about Brant it's also about a family and their struggles together which is what family life is all about across generations. You might find yourself cheering out loud for the characters as they face their fears and challenges. I look forward to more books in this series.
February 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this contemporary, clean and God fearing cowboy story.
Brant, who is in charge while his father is in hospital, is feeling the strain of all the responsibilities in keeping the Cross Creek Ranch afloat. A visiting investigative journalist and a series of unfortunate events collide to give the reader an explosive ride into ranch life.
All may not be what it seems and only if you read this excellent book, will you find the answers!
Thoroughly enjoyed the great descriptions of both the ranch, the methods involved in ranching, the family members and Hailey’s angst as she strives to put an article together on Cross Creek Ranch. Even the little details like a character flipping a tag while in deep conversation lent depth and authenticity to the story….made the characters so real!
The overriding themes? You are not alone for God is in control, and in weakness, God gives strength! Learning to turn problems over to God and knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God.
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion - highly recommended!
Brant, who is in charge while his father is in hospital, is feeling the strain of all the responsibilities in keeping the Cross Creek Ranch afloat. A visiting investigative journalist and a series of unfortunate events collide to give the reader an explosive ride into ranch life.
All may not be what it seems and only if you read this excellent book, will you find the answers!
Thoroughly enjoyed the great descriptions of both the ranch, the methods involved in ranching, the family members and Hailey’s angst as she strives to put an article together on Cross Creek Ranch. Even the little details like a character flipping a tag while in deep conversation lent depth and authenticity to the story….made the characters so real!
The overriding themes? You are not alone for God is in control, and in weakness, God gives strength! Learning to turn problems over to God and knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God.
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion - highly recommended!
March 14, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author! But it won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed and totally recommend it to anyone that enjoys a book with romance, suspense and action. Grant is a great main character but he tries to hold all the responsibility for his family. When journalist Hailey shows up at the ranch Brand is not sure whether he should trust her,, as her story could ruin everything he has worked so hard for. Maddie Jo, Brant's sister is responsible for taking care of the horses and she is thrilled to finally have another woman at the ranch even if it is just for a while. Hailey is hiding lots of secrets that could destroy them all. Will they come to light? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already downloaded another book from this series. I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
June 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
If I were a horse-person, I might have really enjoyed this. And if I were a person who wasn’t frustrated by incomplete endings, I might have enjoyed this more. And if I was completely okay with repetition and taking forever to get to a point, I would have given this more stars.
You can see where this is going.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for having to learn the full story in the following book I would have given this four stars. There's a conclusion on the horizon, they find out who is doing what, but nothing comes of it. Basically no ending except boy gets girl.
Ruined it for me.
If I were a horse-person, I might have really enjoyed this. And if I were a person who wasn’t frustrated by incomplete endings, I might have enjoyed this more. And if I was completely okay with repetition and taking forever to get to a point, I would have given this more stars.
You can see where this is going.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for having to learn the full story in the following book I would have given this four stars. There's a conclusion on the horizon, they find out who is doing what, but nothing comes of it. Basically no ending except boy gets girl.
Ruined it for me.
February 11, 2022
I just finished this story in the Cross Creek saga. Exciting story of coming of age and trusting God to help you find your purpose in life. Hailey grew up a rich kid with absent parents who gave her expensive gifts instead of love of family. Her prized possession is her horse and she rides in the rodeo circuit. A tragic accident ends her career as a rodeo rider, so she turns to journalism and writes about the competitive life she loved and travels from town to town. She is given a plum assignment to write about The Cross Creek Ranch and how a family ranch works. She meets up with cranky Brant, who has the weight of keeping the ranch afloat. His father has had many medical bills which have taken up much of the ranch savings. A huge balloon payment is due. The Cross Creek children each takes on a part of the ranch and diversify in a new venture to bring in more money. However, there is a phone call warning that there might be mistreatment of animals at Cross Creek. The many twists and turns with fences being down, climbing in the mountains for lost cows, and changing a tire in the muddy road with a snake bit person needing hospital attention, kept me glued to each page of this story. Brant feels the weight of his family square on his shoulders. Will Hailey’s article be the end of Cross Creek Ranch? Will Brant listen to his grandpa and rely on God to help him find a way? Jodi Basye is a new author for me and I have become an instant fan! She writes a great story of love and family life.
March 9, 2022
This author is relatively new to me and I have found another favorite writer. Her story in Brant is realistic and the characters are believable. Brant(a rancher) and Hailey(a journalist) both are struggling to keep from giving their hearts to anyone after hurtful experiences in the past. All the evidence leads Hailey in the direction of animal abuse and negligence on the ranch. But her heart tells her Brant would never abuse or neglect his animals. How will she ever write the story her boss wants, which could destroy the ranch and the wonderful family who own it? Brant knows he needs her article to get the word out about the ranch in order to stir up some business to save the ranch. The plot thickens and. . . . Well, I won't give it away. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 14, 2022
This is a wonderful clean western romance that you don't want to miss. This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author brings the story to life with her words and you feel like you are there. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2022
Brant is all cowboy. Gentleman, tough, takes care of his family and ranch. Hailey is fun, sassy, and carries past pain. These two together make sparks fly. The Cross Creek Saga will keep you wanting to come back for more. I can’t wait to read more of their story with “Maddie Jo” in 2023.
February 7, 2023
You can’t miss reading this REAL western series! I love the farm family dynamics and closeness she depicts in the rugged but modern western characters, It takes me back to my childhood. Morgan, Brant and Maddie Joe all have true grit and grace. I can’t wait to read each new book! You should also check out her other series “Cross family saga”.
May 23, 2022
Such a great depiction of cowboy/ranch life in Southwest Colorado. Jodi’s descriptions of the landscape made me feel like I was in the mountains on the roundup too. I love this family and how they interacted. Can’t wait to read more books in this series!
February 20, 2022
Such a good read. I really enjoyed this book and all the characters. I look forward to the others in this series.
February 14, 2022
Jodi Basye is one of my favorite new authors, and this book just reinforces that fact. Growing up in Colorado, cowboy country, I'm always a little disappointed with most cowboy romances. Not so with Jodi. She's the real deal, weaving authentic Western lifestyle in her books. And the romantic tension--phew, talk about swoon worthy! I can't wait for the rest of this series. It's gonna be a good one.
March 20, 2022
💞 Hailey and Brant 💞
Another wonderfully written story, which I read in one day as I could not put it down!
Hailey and Brant definitely had some hurdles to overcome, but in the end, love overcomes ❤️
Two descriptions within the book regarding Brant…they just cracked me up! When he was feeling weak, he said he felt like “Samson with a crew cut”. Then his sister Maddie looked at him and thought “He has the resting face of a gargoyle guarding a castle”! 😂
I was a little sad that even though Morgan was mentioned, he was not part of the story. Hopefully next time.
Superb story! A must read!
Another wonderfully written story, which I read in one day as I could not put it down!
Hailey and Brant definitely had some hurdles to overcome, but in the end, love overcomes ❤️
Two descriptions within the book regarding Brant…they just cracked me up! When he was feeling weak, he said he felt like “Samson with a crew cut”. Then his sister Maddie looked at him and thought “He has the resting face of a gargoyle guarding a castle”! 😂
I was a little sad that even though Morgan was mentioned, he was not part of the story. Hopefully next time.
Superb story! A must read!
March 14, 2022
Hailey is a journalist with a job to write an article about The Cross Creek Ranch. She use to be a rodeo barrel racer until an accident left her physically and emotionally scarred. Brandt Cross is the oldest son of Morgan & Rachel’s children and feels all of the responsibility since his father was injured in an accident. Brandt has to keep the ranch going and come up with enough money for payment on a loan or risk loosing the ranch to the bank. Hopefully, the article that Hailey will write will help Brandt get some rodeo deals to help bring more income into the ranch. But a series of unfortunate events makes Hailey wonder if this family is for real or if they abuse animals like another family who were responsible for the death of her beloved horse. Things go from bad to worse, how is Brandt going to have enough for the loan payment? If the Crosses aren’t responsible for what has been happening around the ranch then who is? It’s a captivating story of a loving God given family and how they deal with the problems of life. What a Great read! I received a free copy for my honest and voluntary review.
March 18, 2022
Loved this modern day western romance! This was the first physical book I've read in a while since I usually listen on Audible, and I had to force myself to set it down to get my work done. I fell in love with the Cross family, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 15, 2022
Another great read from Jodi Basye
Love this series, I could not put it down. Can not wait for the next book.
Already placed my pre-order.
Love this series, I could not put it down. Can not wait for the next book.
Already placed my pre-order.
January 30, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! It kept my interest from the first chapter. Brant’s personality was believable and loved how realistic the farm was as his story was told. This works as a stand alone book, but can’t wait to read Maddie Jo’s story next.
January 28, 2022
Brant thought he had to carry all the burdens of running the ranch on his own. Hailey was there to get a story. God had different plans for all of them, with some suspense mixed in. Very good!
February 14, 2022
I enjoyed this clean contemporary cowboy romanace! The characters were realistic and relatable. I can't wait for Maddie Jo's story!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
January 30, 2023
Hola lectores celestiales, les traigo una reseña de una historia vaquera romántica. Regularmente no soy muy asidua de leer novelas vaqueras, pero tenía que leerlo porque también es cristiana lo cual fue el empujocito que me faltaba. Me llevé buena impresión de esta novela donde la protagonista llamada Hailey es una joven que se dedica al periodismo de manera independiente y Brant, un vaquero dedicado con un negocio ganadero familiar que está a punto de quebrar. Sus vidas se entrelazan cuando ella es enviada a realizar un reportaje sobre el rancho de Brant: Cross Creek, pero se encuentra con señales de negligencia y abuso animal en el lugar por lo que se vuelve cautelosa al convivir con Brant, y durante el convivio ambos comienzan a sentir sentimientos románticos el uno por el otro. Si bien me considero fan de los romances, me gustan mucho los que comienzan una amistad primero y después se enamoran. El amor instantáneo no es de mi agrado, como en este caso aunque la trama es buena por el aire de misterio que le rodea. Fue una gran lectura que definitivamente recomendaría.
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ENG>>>>
Hello heavenly readers, I bring you a review of a romantic cowboy/western story. I'm not a regular reader of cowboy novels, but I had to read it because it's also Christian which was the push I was missing. I got a good impression of this story where the lead couple are named Hailey who is a young woman who is a freelance journalist and Brant, a dedicated cowboy with a family cattle business that is about to go bankrupt. Their lives become intertwined when she is sent to do a magazine's article on Brant's ranch: Cross Creek, but she finds signs of neglect and animal abuse on the premises so she becomes wary of living with Brant, and during their time together they both begin to have romantic feelings for each other. While I consider myself a fan of romance, I really like the ones where the couple start as friends first and then fall in love. Instant love is not to my liking, as in this case although the plot is good because of the air of mystery surrounding the main couple. It was a great read that I would definitely recommend.
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ENG>>>>
Hello heavenly readers, I bring you a review of a romantic cowboy/western story. I'm not a regular reader of cowboy novels, but I had to read it because it's also Christian which was the push I was missing. I got a good impression of this story where the lead couple are named Hailey who is a young woman who is a freelance journalist and Brant, a dedicated cowboy with a family cattle business that is about to go bankrupt. Their lives become intertwined when she is sent to do a magazine's article on Brant's ranch: Cross Creek, but she finds signs of neglect and animal abuse on the premises so she becomes wary of living with Brant, and during their time together they both begin to have romantic feelings for each other. While I consider myself a fan of romance, I really like the ones where the couple start as friends first and then fall in love. Instant love is not to my liking, as in this case although the plot is good because of the air of mystery surrounding the main couple. It was a great read that I would definitely recommend.
February 3, 2022
Brant is as authentic western as they come! A sweet romance with a reminder that our life goes best when we let God have control of our fears, failure, & hurt. This read does not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews