The Ranch

The Birch Creek Ranch #3

by B.E. Baker

A ranch they didn't expect to love. A family they didn't expect to find.

Amanda and Abigail Brooks didn’t even want a ranch. They should be pleased the secondary beneficiary is trying to take it away. But now they’ve been in Birch Creek for a while and they’ve started to put down roots. They won’t give up without a fight—even if the odds of winning are bleak.

Donna Ellingson started on the wrong side of things, but she’s eager to rectify past mistakes. But when helping one widow harms the other, none of the choices she’s presented with are clear.

Can the women save the ranch that has brought them all together, and learn to love openly and boldly, even when life keeps getting in the way?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Chick Lit

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2022

About the author

Bridget 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!

Reviews

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting the release of The Ranch and was pleased when the author actually released it early! This is the third book in The Birch Creek Ranch Series and I enjoyed reading it just as much as the others. There was good character growth, but it did seem like Abigail and Amanda went backwards for a little while, reverting to their old selves when things got tough. I think that can be very realistic though. Sometimes we fall back on old habits when things get hard. I love both of these characters but Abigail could get on my nerves sometimes with her always good at everything and take control of everything personality type, but I was able to see beneath all that.

On the other hand, Amanda could get on my nerves because she couldn't seem to take control of her own life. Both ladies needed to work on their communication skills. There were a lot of assumptions simply because they didn't talk to either each other, or the men they loved. Sometimes this can be an annoying trope in romance stories, but it was done in a way here that felt less annoying, and it was helped by the fact that I think they learned they needed to communicate more.

I liked that Donna is now a permanent part of things and we get chapters from her perspective again. Donna grew on me a lot, and I have a lot of respect for her. I can see romance looming in her future and I can't wait for it to happen; hopefully in the next book! She deserves someone who will truly love and respect her. It was hard reading the way the people in her life, that were supposed to love her, treated her, but when she stuck it to her sister-in-law before she went to the motel, that put a smile of my face!

Mostly, what I love about this series are the characters and how real they feel. I like that I could identify with certain things about these ladies. If there is anything about the book that I felt was maybe a little unrealistic, it would be that some things felt like they were wrapped up too neatly, but I do love when good people prevail and bad ones lose, so how can I really complain? I'm excited to see what is in store for these characters in the next book, Amanda especially, since she is more at loose ends right now.

Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book is so gripping and amazing. We find ourselves once again drawn in to this incredible tale of Abigail, Amanda, and Donna as they try to save Birch Creek Ranch. The characters have grown so much over the past two books and have found their place only to face the prospect that they may lose everything. It’s full of drama, it’s full of action and the emotions are off the charts, ( yes I shed tears but also laughter!!) It’s a great series with fantastic realistic characters and situations that you find yourself easily visualising and I cannot wait to read the next book.

[Tricia Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm listening to this series on Audible. It's a great production with multiple narrators. I like that we get different view points from each of the characters as the story progresses. This book was the most satisfying so far with relationships moving into happily-ever-after statuses.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, tear my heart in two! This book had a lot more drama than the first two. The characters are more settled, more comfortable in their new lives and roles, now six months into life on the ranch. It seems as soon as something starts to work like a well-oiled machine, something jams the whole thing up. And then something else. And another thing. And then something catches on fire. These poor women really went through it! Donna has more pages in this book and is definitely more likable now that she has listened to her conscience. She’s really a good mom just trying to do her best. They all are and this is a nice way to show that there are all types of parents who can still really love their kids and be good moms and dads. It doesn’t look the same for all of us. Also, way to rock the auntie love! (I was an aunt for almost two decades before I was ever called Mama, so I appreciate that nod). I wish we all had an Amanda Saddler in our lives. Someone who gives it to us straight and loves us despite our many flaws. She’s just the best! The other Amanda must have the most amazing Instagram pics and I almost wish photos were included. Love the holiday celebrations at the end of the book and can’t wait for their next adventures!

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, by FAR, the worst book in an otherwise (blandly) entertaining series. Admittedly “characters who refuse to hear valuable information that would otherwise solve major conflicts” is a HUGE literary irritation for me, and that trope is the driving force of most of this book. I also tend to hate “continual narrative worship of a character as perfect even when they repeatedly exhibit signs of needing major therapy.” Also old lawyers like me have learned over the years to let a lot of legal issues by fictional authors go in the interest of “willing suspension of disbelief” … but this book pushes it WAY WAY too far. It’s not the major plot developments that frustrate the reader, it is the unnecessary and obviously wrong details.

Overall the series still provides relatively pleasant and mindless entertainment, and I will happily check out the next one on Hoopla. But I hope they go back to the tone and pacing of the first two or I won’t be continuing too much further along this trail ride.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series. It is so relatable. Real life problems. Real life drama. Real life solutions. I love that there are 3 perspectives. I enjoy getting to know Abigail, Amanda and Donna better with each book. I can wait for the next, The Retreat!

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has done it again. Book 3 in the Birch Creek Series has blown me away. This is not a standalone and needs to be read within the series to understand character development and troubles. The struggles of daily life are once more accompanying us with Amanda, Abigail, and Donna.

Amanda is trying to become a better person but is her approach to it the way to do it or will she be losing herself in the progress? On her journey she is trying to find the correct balance between work, family, love, and life but something must give.

Abigail has taken the plunge and given love a second chance. But in true Bridget fashion a twist is coming will Abigail be strong enough to jump each of the hurdles thrown her way and still come out on top while also balancing work, her children, the farm, and her new love life?

Donna is growing consistently but still struggling to find out who she genuinely wants to be. She has been a character that is growing on me increasingly throughout the series. I think we all have that one friend that tries and has great ideas in theory but struggles pulling them off. Donna is that person, but will she be able to grow up enough that she will overcome the obstacle and become an upstanding citizen doing the right thing.

I am anxiously waiting for The Retreat and the conclusion on the story of these 3 ladies who are as different as they could be but oh so interesting. I am in awe of the character development and how Bridget Baker managed to make the characters feel like they could be you, your friend, or even your neighbor. All three women are represented with such amazing characters that make some come alive in one's head while reading this fabulous book.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ranch has all the feels! One emotional roller-coaster ride!

Book three of The Birch Creek Ranch series, The Ranch, is one emotional roller coaster ride after another. Once again, B.E. Baker has created an amazingly realistic and relatable story about love, family interactions, and the ups and downs of everyday living. The story of Amanda and Abigail Brooks and their children touches your heart and soul with all the "feels" of a Hallmark Christmas movie! One minute, you are laughing uncontrollably, and the next, you are crying ugly tears. The day-to-day interaction between the children, the internal dialogue the mothers have with themselves late at night when the children sleep, and the house is quiet, reminded me of my own home. At times, it was almost too real, too raw, like an exposed root of a decaying tooth, which makes you want to pull your teeth out with a pair of pliers! I wanted to stop reading. I tried to slink away and lick my wounds. But I was so captivated by the storyline, I had to see what happened next. Ultimately, B.E. Baker's novel makes you realize that even in the darkest moments, love and family can help you weather the storm.

So, if you are looking for a way to hang on to that last shred of sanity, read B. E. Baker's The Ranch. It will restore your faith in home and love!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 3rd book, Abigail and Amanda and their children are settling into life on the ranch and, although there are still problems, they are committed to working them out. They still have a bit more time to work on the ranch to fulfill the terms of the will when they are blind-sighted by accusations that they have already violated the terms. They soon find out that another town resident, Donna, seems to be helping to push this narrative. Despite the advancement of their lives on the ranch, other themes remain the same. Abigail continues to be a type of super-woman as a lawyer, as a wonderful mother and as a friend. Because of how "perfect" she is, you want to dislike her but because she is so genuine, you can't help but admire her. Amanda is still a somewhat selfish and immature woman who is more concerned with her social media career than the ranch or even her own daughters. We see her struggling to become a better person but I wonder if she is ever going to make it. Their respective love lives continue, which is my biggest criticism of this series. We do not need to see and hear all about the physical attraction. Other than that, no sex or profanity.

[Donna Feibusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!!

I absolutely loved reading The Ranch(The Birch Creek Ranch Series Book 3)!!! All about Abigail & Amanda Brooks and their children & Dr. Steve Archer the ER doc and horse trainer & Eddy Dutton the veterinarian. The Brooks families have uprooted their lives one from NYC and one from Texas to Utah to try and claim Birch Creek Ranch. It was a Bequest that was left to Nate & Paul Brooks, but since both men died it reverted to their children with stipulations. They not only had to relocate to Utah, but had to work the land themselves and. Old only take one week vacation at a time. They are in the courts fighting with the Alien Research Institute to see who gets the ranch. Read about the trials everybody is going through, as they navigate life in a small town of four hundred residents. Lots of emotions, and plenty of laughter, smiling and crying does go on throughout the entire book. Definite Read!!!! I can’t wait to read book four!!!!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book number three of The Birch Creek Ranch series, finds our protagonists right where the previous book ended, even though this book can be read as a standalone I recommend you read the previous two before getting to this one, you will feel more comfortable with the story and the characters.
On this book we find all the Brookes more settled in their ranch lives until a catastrophic event (no spoilers here) shifts their world and they have to make very hard choices.
I love this characters and their lives, they feel real, it's like I'm visiting all friends and sitting down for coffee while they update their lives, tribulations and achievements.
The writing is very good and the stories in the book resolve, on the most part, but of course there has to be room for more to be tackled on the following book.
Looking forward to continue visiting this friends on the next book.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books keep taking us deeper and deeper into life. Our characters faced some very hard challenges in this book. I love the wisdom and encouragement that I can find within these pages – both for parenting and for life. I highlight so many things so that I can return to them for these pieces of wisdom. This women’s fiction series is unlike any other that I have read. I adore the real characters and real challenges but also the wisdom with which some of the characters make their decisions and the issues that they have to overcome – both personal and outside their locus of control. I am immediately heading over to binge the next book. And, of course, I am staying up way, way too late – or early – reading these books. There is sweet romance woven into the pages of these books, but it is not the main focus.

[Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way the author writes this series, but some of the characters are going downhill fast (looking at you, Amanda). She was a total brat the entire book, even though we are supposed to be rooting for her. Her random outbursts at Abigail, even though Abigail does everything and she does nothing seemed totally random and unrealistic. And her complete lack of communication with her kids is disturbing--she was totally self absorbed and rude to people who were doing everything they could to help her. I couldn't believe she had the gall to be angry and self-righteous when they question whether she had done ANYTHING on the ranch (because she hadn't) during the trial.

And what’s up with Steve buying off Abigail's kids before he proposes? That really diminished his integrity in my eyes. I am sad that this series is not living up to how well it started.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the Birch Creek Ranch series finds me once again not liking Amanda as much and adoring Abigail. While everyone still thinks she’s perfect on the outside, we really get to see her struggles this time around. Yes, they were evident before but finally she is beginning to let others in. I also enjoyed finding out more about Donna and my heart breaks for her and all she’s been through and going through. And can I just say that Amanda Saddler totally rocks! I just love that feisty grandmotherly figure.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming but also emotional journey.

The Ranch had me in my feelings. I was laughing, yelling at the characters and then I was crying. I just love the depth of the characters and how each one is unique and has a lesson to learn. I get lost in the story and I am ready for the next book. I have to see how all this plays out. I recommend this book to anyone who loves family, romance and characters working through hardships and heartbreak while learning to love and trust. This book did not disappoint!

[Jodi Galland · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It’s a little ridiculous to think of a woman my age to be planning a wedding.” For crying out loud. Women of every age get married all the time. This book irritated me just as much as the first two.

The conversations, especially the romantic ones, are ridiculous. Who talks like these people? I wanted to knock Amanda Brooks upside the head multiple times. Abigail is downright stupid for such a smart woman. The only conversations these people had basically amounted to, “I’m fine.” Or “How dare you?!”

Unfortunately, I’m invested now and will probably finish the series.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't started this series yet, please start it. The Bequest is the first book. The Vow comes next and this third book, The Ranch is amazing. There is so much happening on the ranch and the lives of Abigail and Amanda. Will they be able to keep the ranch. Will their personal lives calm down and will they be able to survive the craziness of it all. Amazing characters and storyline. A must read.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I have had enough of this series...listened to it and the voices did not enhance the story. Also, I got so tired of the characters' stream of consciousness throughout that really bogged down the story for me. The character of Amanda (the younger...and why have two characters named Amanda anyway?) was so self centered and shallow that I was tempted to skip over her chapters. Overall, a pretty boring listen.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ranch by B.E. Baker is the third book in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading books 1 and 2 and could not wait to read this book. I was able to find it in Hoopla and started reading as soon as I finished book 2. I feel that I have known the characters for ages and that they are old friends. I feel their happiness, sorrow, worry and love. I am looking forward to the next book so I can "keep in touch" with my friends.

I highly recommend this book and this series.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEEKK! I loved how this book wrapped up. I’m so, so happy for Abigail and Donna! But Amanda (Mandy) is giving entitled and kind of bratty at her big age, despite how much she has grown in this series so far. The older Amanda testing her at the end wasn’t the greatest choice but Mandy wasn’t aware of that when she acted the way she did. Hopefully she continues to grow and heals from her traumas, and realizes that these people do love her.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story! It was good to see what everyone was up to. I loved that Abby finally got a break! Amanda well she’s still Amanda but hopefully she will be super happy now. And we can’t forget about the older Amanda and everything she did to help them out. So glad that Donna got some peace even though I know there is more to come for her.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loooooving this story. It's not some hokey superficial story-- these characters are so real: real depth, real growth, relatability. (I am Abby to a T!) I hope we get more Ethan in book 4-- I know it's about the women, but I want to see some resolution for him as things get tied up for the others!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh my gosh. Things are getting HEATED at Birch Creek Ranch!
This was an excellent addition to the series, and I couldn't put it down. I had several moments of panic for my favorite pair of SILs and the friends-turned-family they built around themselves during this book. Everything worked out, mostly. But what's going to happen next? I'm eagerly awaiting book 4 from my favorite author.

[Branalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author started resolving some of the story lines and in such unexpected yet believable ways. Many of them felt like “finally!” But there’s definitely still storyline left for the next book.

Technically, this book might be able to stand alone but you are really going to want to start with Book 1, The Bequest. I’m really looking forward to the next book!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful read! It's well written and will keep you turning the pages. It is full of emotions, and you can feel every one of them. I look forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that every book in the series just keeps getting better, I enjoy the characters and the situations that these family members get into. Abigail is like super woman, Amanda is a hot mess and Donna is finally tired of being a floor mat. I am enjoying this story of strong women and sweet romances.

[Eva Cavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start! This series has brought characters you love from the start and others you learn to love. The development of the story and people is fantastic! There's love and loss, romance and parenting, and people of all different backgrounds coming together as a family, growing and navigating life together.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More adventures for Abby, Amanda, Donna, and the rest of the crew. I love that the characters are evolving, not at all stagnant. I love that they are each very different. And I love that not all of the events are predictable. I love that the characters are learning to handle what life throws at them. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[BrendaC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so captivated and invested by these characters. Their personalities and interactions make for perfect storytelling. Perfect Abby and her adorable kids crack me up. While Amanda and her brood are more typical. I'm learning so much about ranching from the other characters while enjoying them. What a great series!

[Lorraine Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family story

Enjoyed this book. Mixed up the two character Amanda and Abby early in the book but it all came together . Great story about family, friends and love. I will definitely be moving on to the next book in this series. I recommend this book, there is lots happening on the pages of this book .