The Retreat

The Birch Creek Ranch #4

by B.E. Baker

You can’t win until you learn when to fall back. . .

Amanda Brooks can’t seem to find a job that suits her. She’s really hoping her new plan is a good one, because she needs something to keep her busy while her boyfriend’s gone.

Abigail Brooks is opening a new legal practice in the middle of nowhere, but she’s positive she can make it work. With more flexible hours, she’s finally prepared to settle herself and her family into their new life out West.

Donna Ellingson’s brother may be a grade-A jerk, but she’s grown a lot in the past year. She’s not afraid of a fight anymore, as long as she’s on the right side.

But when a rival developer breaks ground on a retreat in nearby Flaming Gorge, he steals all of Amanda’s best contractors. Abby’s nearly as frustrated when her big sister drops in, eager to “help” as usual. And Donna discovers that sometimes no love life is better than too much. . .

Can these three friends-turned-family learn when to go all-in and when to let go before their various battles meet with unhappy endings?

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

458 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 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

[Tricia Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm listening to this series on Audible. This installation definitely had the hardest moments for one of my favorite characters. The twist related to this heartbreak was also surprising to me for a romance. Although when I think back to the soap shows my grandmother used to watch I believe they often had similar story lines. I still like that you get different perspectives and insights from each character's first person POV.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been really looking forward to this book, and it didn't disappoint! When I started reading this series four books ago, I wasn't sure how much I was going to like it. I'm selective about contemporary romance, but I knew Bridget was good at writing it after reading her Finding Home series. What made me really hesitant was that it's set on a ranch with cowboys. That's not usually my cup of tea, but these cowboys ended up being more than that. I liked that there are also other things that they do. Most of all, I liked their personalities. Will is a gem of a man. Eddie is an amazing person to have overcome the things he has in his life. And Steve is an incredible guy. I think I would love to have more of their perspectives in the books.

One of the big things I like about this series is that it's not just a romance, but it's family drama as well. Not too heavy on the drama, but there are plenty of life lessons learned as these ladies and their kids navigate life after losing their husbands and fathers. Just like the other books, this one focused mostly on Abigail, Amanda, and Donna who was introduced in book two. In the past books I've loved them and also got frustrated with them. Abigail is the one who seemed to have everything together, but she was falling apart on the inside, and afraid to move on. Amanda was very self-centered at times, but also relatable in many ways. Donna was in a tough situation and had to figure out how to do the right thing. In this book, Abigail is preparing for her wedding and also helping everyone else with their problems. Amanda is back to being her selfish, oblivious to others self, because she can't see past her own problems at the moment. Donna is attracted to someone she doesn't want to be attracted to, and still dealing with her brother and the will her father left.

Out of the four books I've read in this series, this is the book that I liked Abigail the most in. She seemed more human to me than before. A lot of times in the past, she seemed good at everything she did, but this book gave another perspective to her that I liked. I think it was really good at illustrating all the crap that she deals with in a graceful way. I could relate to her a lot more this time around as a mother, a friend, and a person. Plus, we like the same burger 😂! Also the wedding was so unexpectedly not what I thought it would be! I loved it.

On the other hand, we had Amanda who is dealing with her feelings about what Amanda Sadler did in the last book with the ranch. I get how she feels, and I think a lot of us would feel that way, at least initially, but she isn't able to look past herself in this situation and see the bigger picture at all. On top of that, she is dealing with her boyfriend leaving for a while as he restarts a music career, and not being honest with him about the way she feels. I got frustrated with her over this. She ends up making some poor decisions in this book. I felt like she was growing and learning in the past books, but this time she reverts back to her old habits, which is probably realistic. We don't change overnight. I had a hard time with the story line for Amanda and Eddie in this one because it was painful, but in the end I think it will work out the way it should.

This brings me to Donna. The first time I met her I didn't like her, but she turned over a new leaf in the last book and did the right thing. She has stuck to her decision to do the right thing and stand up for herself, and I have a lot of respect for her. I enjoyed reading about her in this book and the developing romance between her and a certain someone. I hope she is able to open up to him in the next book and take a chance, even though he doesn't fit in with her plans.

There were a couple of new characters added in this time. One, was Abigail's sister. She may be one reason I like Abigail more now. I now know what she has to deal with, with her family! There's also the developer, who is someone that Amanda met before on one of her influencer dates. I wasn't crazy about him. He came off very pushy and annoying to me, and was laying it on very thick, but I think he could be a decent guy if he stopped all that.

Overall, this was a great book! I was happy that it didn't go the route I thought it would go with a couple of the plot points, especially with the developer. I was afraid he would come into town and want to change the whole landscape, and ruin everyone else. While he did make something harder for them, it wasn't as bad as that. There were some things that happened in this book that were very satisfying, and I was happy to see some resolutions. I can't wait to see what happens next!

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

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are Book 4 in a love story with more bumps in the road than my heart can take. And if you are diligently reading all my recommendations wow, was I wrong, this is not the final chapter yet, thank you Bridget for not giving up on these wonderful book characters but giving us more. If you are new this is the fourth installment in this series and can unfortunately not be read alone, but I promise you, you won’t be sad if you go back and start with ‘The Bequest’, work your way into ‘The Vow’ then make a stop on ‘The Ranch’ to get to ‘The Retreat’.



I don’t know if you have taken sides yet, but I cannot decide am I an Abby, an Amanda, or a Donna. And how about those men we come across would I want my book boyfriend to be more like a Steve, an Eddy or maybe a Will?



Abigail as our main character has done it, she has given love another chance. Is it too fast? For some maybe, but thankfully Steve is as patient as he can be, I mean he has the best training taming wild horse. Even though not everyone agrees with these two getting married, together they sure must be able to conquer anything thrown their way that might just bump them out of their saddles. Will Steve be able to hold on to our strong willed but also gentle souled Abigail or will they call it quits before the book comes to an end?



Amanda has been growing a lot. Is her old insecure self, going to come out and play if she truly opens herself up to love. Having changed careers multiple times, has Amanda finally found something that is making her happy or is she going to keep falling back into her ways of lolo lime. And then we have Eddy thanks to Amanda his name has been cleared the fresh start she has given him will it be the end for the two or will they manage to overcome becoming whole new people together.



Amanda Saddler has decided to change her name to Mandy as to not get confused with Amanda Brooks. Considering these two are in business together it might be easier. I will let you decide that part. She is still the same spunky and fun lady with a lot of wisdom and interesting ways and I sure wish my grandma was as much fun as Mandy.



And then there is Donna, she was someone I had to get used to at the beginning but now she has found a special place in my heart. A single mom not because she is a widow unlike Abigail and Amanda but because she chose a terrible man as her first husband. If you are like me, you believe that she deserves some true love. Unfortunately, Donna does not seem to share my point of view. Her doubt in herself to be able to choose wisely keeps distracting her. Will she be able to overcome herself and find the path to happiness?



I don’t know about you but I could barely put it down and I am anxiously waiting for the next installment in this wonderful series.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to get to have more insight into the main characters, both the women and the men. A lotttt of emotions, all over the board. I found the book fairly fast paced with a lot of storylines to follow. A deeper dive into Donna sees her life changing in unexpected, but good, ways. She has a kinder heart and is more understanding than she used to be, and maybe more forgiving than she should be. I liked seeing her frosty exterior thaw. I also really like cowboy Will and seeing more of him. He is someone worth getting to know. Amanda is a hot mess running off half-cocked and still needs to work on herself before she can figure out what it is she wants out of her life and relationships. She did start to realize she might need to start working on her parenting tactics a bit and I’m interested to see how that continues to go down in the next installment. So far she mostly is still that annoying self-centered person who is too busy to notice you are drowning but wants you there when she trips in a puddle. Mandy (Amanda S) dishes out the tough love but pays dearly for holding things in. She has some more secrets come out in this book, but you already know a witty old cackling character like her isn’t an open book. She is definitely a treasure they are all lucky to have!


Spoiler alert!


FINALLY, a wedding, although you know with this cast of characters, it is down-to-earth and doesn’t go quite as expected. Of course, it is filled with happiness and love despite the hiccups. Even the horrible family of origin Abigail tries not to associate with manages to make a real effort. Hopefully her sister continues to show some more of her human side and the big, happy, disjointed family can spend more time together.

[Donna Feibusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!!!

I absolutely loved reading The Retreat( The Birch Creek Ranch Series Book 4)!!! All about Abigail Brooks who is thirty-nine years old a lawyer and a mom for four children & Steve Archer is thirty-nine years old a horse trainer and ER doctor is divorced and a newly found out dad to an eight year old girl. Abby and her kids have been living in Utah for over a year now, at the ranch Jebb left them. However they are still fighting in court to see if they will get to stay on the ranch or the alien society gets it. Read about Abby & Steve and all her kids to see if living on a ranch is in the cards for them!!! This series is filled with many characters, that bring it to life. Going to school with your cousins have brought both Amanda & Abigail’s kids together in a familiar yet loving way. Amanda is getting a chance to use her influencer live style to decorating all the new homes & stores in the area as a partner with Amanda Saddler our next door neighbor. Things are starting to look up for the widowed moms, as navigating life in the middle of nowhere becomes more exciting because of the different towns people they have encountered. Lots of emotion of laughing, crying and jealousy does occur throughout the book. This is an eight book series and definitely needs to be read in order. Can’t wait to read book five!!!!

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another entry into this series of two estranged & widowed sisters-in-law who are reunited when they are given a chance to inherit a ranch in rural Utah after the death of their husbands' uncle. This one finds Abigail trying to finalize plans for her wedding to Steve at the same time as starting up her new legal practice. She also has to deal with her sister, Helen, which is not an easy task. In true Abigail-form, she is always trying to do the right thing and help others.

Amanda, however, is even more irritating in this book. She is extremely immature and selfish and cannot seem to get out of herself and look at the bigger picture. She is the main reason I rated this book only 2-stars -- I just couldn't believe her behavior.

Donna is continuing to deal with her "evil" brother while trying to protect and raise her son.

I have enjoyed the series but this book was a bit of a disappointment because I keep hoping Amanda will grow up. No profanity. No explicit sex but I do not like all the physical attraction talk.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist and turn at every junction! Wow!

The Retreat, book four of B.E. Baker's The Birch Creek Ranch Series, continues the author's tradition of twisty turn of events at almost every juncture. Steve and Abigail's wedding seems to be the catalyst for disaster! At last, I was looking forward to the wedding with bated breath! Yet, B.E. Baker had other ideas! I won't spoil the story, but hang on to your hats! You are about to go on a roller coaster ride of your life!

Ms. Baker has added some new characters to the mix: Abby's sister, Helen, and Arby's mother. As If there wasn't enough drama in Abby's life, Helen comes in like a wrecking ball! I love the way B.E. Baker portrays Helen. She is so evil! The type of villain you love to hate! But don't get too comfortable with your emotions- remember, it's a Roller Coaster ride! A long roller coaster ride!

The Retreat is a captivating novel full of laughter and love! This entire series is a fantastic escape from everyday life.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love learning more about these women and how they are growing independently and together, though there are times I just want to reach into the pages and shake some sense into them. But I think that makes for good storytelling and character development. I can related to each women at different points and understand what their are going through. I only want to shake sense into them because I can see the bigger picture. I do hope they all get their happy ending but because the series is more about the relationships between these women than the romance and let’s face it, not everyone gets a happily ever after, I know that could be the case here. I can’t wait for the next book to see what’s next. And without giving a spoiler away, I just want to say I called it about what Amanda (Mandy) Saddler was going to do for Amanda.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great continuation on the life story of Abigail, Amanda and Donna. With that being said, it is better to read the previous books before starting this one, you’ll get a lot more out of the book if you do it this way.
With each one of the books in the series you get more in-depth knowledge of what this women went thru in the past and what is happening in the present with a glimpse of the future.
You will laugh, cry, get annoyed, get annoyed and disappointed but also cheer for the main characters as they grow as individuals and make decisions that will affect everyone around them. Each one of this ladies go thru a lot to get to the point where they are in this book and look forward to the new adventures that the future may hold for them.
I love reading about this women that they feel like my friends and can’t wait to keep reading and cheering for them.

[Becky Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this.
If you've already been reading, you'll enjoy this next installment.
I know some people find Amanda a bit irritating. A lot of us have our $#!7 together by 40, but not all. I like how relatable she is in her struggles and the background details as to why she is like this. Yes, she annoyed even me in this, but it makes the reconciliation sweeter.
Abigail may seem perfect from the outside, but has a whole bunch of issues of her own (one being her sister who turns up in this book). This is really important for people to realise - someone may look like their life is a dream, but there's a human person in there, flaws and all.
Donna's story also continues with highs and lows and I was pleased to see the return of Beth, her niece.
Overall, a very satisfying and enjoyable book and I look forward to the final installment

[Branalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is best enjoyed when you’ve read the rest of the series. That said, I think it’s my current favorite of the Birch Creek series! I enjoyed the whole book, from a little second-hand embarrassment to several wonderful moments.

One storyline, finally, gets some resolution. But there’s still plenty story left to explore.

One character, who has really needed it, has some great character growth. But we know there’s more growth coming for several characters.

And we have a new venture or two to look forward to reading about in the next one.

[Char K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Retreat and would highly recommend this book. I could not put it down. Not to...eat...sleep...clean...socialize. There is so much emotion. I felt like I knew the characters personally, as if I lived there. I loved the part where Amanda described how much she hates Abby's sister, Helen. The Retreat is very well written, although the last two chapters fell apart for me. They were kind of stale, lacking the emotion of the rest of the book. All in all though, the book was fabulous and I highly recommend!!!

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Retreat takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions but I wouldn't have it any other way. It was such a fast-paced read and I loved it! I laughed out loud and I may have shed some tears, too. There may have been a point (or two ha ha) when I felt like throwing my hands in the air because the character just wasn't listening to me yell at them when I was telling them what to do, rude I know. *laughs* But if I'm not that invested in a book it's not worth the read and this book is definitely worth the read.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four of The Birch Creek Ranch Series and it is incredible. The continuation of this world and these ladies lives which have grown over the series is addictive and i have loved following their journeys as they try to carry on after their tragedy. It’s not been easy for them, there’s been drama, there’s been heartache, there’s been family issues, it has made me laugh, it’s has made me cry and these woman have become family but can they overcome everything and settle down. I really hope so and I am so in their corner cheering them on.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series even though I get very frustrated with the characters actions sometimes.
This one is a cliffhanger. I don't like those so I am a bit disappointed in the ending. One of the women we are following does have a happy ending in this one, but the other 2 . . . not so much so we are left to reading the next one.
I like the characters nonperfect behavior which teach us lessons along the way. I wonder how much I act like one or the other of them.

Clean and non-violent with very little if any language.

A keeper

[Amy Hagerup · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been listening to this series on hoopla. The plots have been very intriguing, but I was disappointed in some of the ways that the two main characters responded to situations. Now I realize that this is a part of character building, but it made me like them less. Finally, there seems to be a very heavy emphasis on the incredible abs on just about every main character male as well as extreme wealth with so many of the characters in this small town! The writing is high quality, though, and the plots kept me listening.

[Emmie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, another amazing book by B E Baker! This fourth part to the Birch Creek Ranch series continues the story of Amanda, Abigail and Donna in a realistic and fun way. The characters did not seem to keep falling on the same problems over and over again, instead finding new obstacles and new ways to get over them. I loved seeing all of the characters personalities grow, and they truly are some of my favorites!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Retreat is so much more than a simple story. There is so much happening with our main characters, Abby and Amanda. Abby is still unsure of her pending marriage to Steve. Amanda needs to trust her life and her love of Eddy. Donna needs to stand up for herself and take control of her life. Three strong women who need a break. Loving this series.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to catch up with the girls. But man they needed to be smacked a couple times. Amanda just can’t figure out what she wants in life and is a little bit all about her. Then you have Abigail who try’s to make it look like she’s perfect and Donna who’s a hot mess! Then Mandy who has seen it all and is the wise one. It was great to see how they were going to navigate their life. Good ending to the series. To totally understand the story, start with the first book and read in order.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, another amazing book by B E Baker! This fourth part to the Birch Creek Ranch series continues the story of Amanda, Abigail and Donna in a realistic and fun way. The characters did not seem to keep falling on the same problems over and over again, instead finding new obstacles and new ways to get over them. I loved seeing all of the characters personalities grow, and they truly are some of my favorites!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been reading this series you know that not all the things happening in the story are good, but that it WILL be a good story. Baker is a talented author who likes to rip your heart out and then weld it back together. Like the character in the books, there are sometimes scars but it’s worth the prize at the end and the lessons along the way. Clean enjoyable read. I suggest you grab the first one and hold on tight. It’s a ride.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Retreat is the 4th book in this series and I am thoroughly enjoying each one (I have read the first three also). It is a continuing story about family, love, friendship and emotions! I am having a hard time putting this series down each day. Sometimes the characters make me angry at them, but most of the time I am loving them. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend it.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always something happening in either Amanda's, Abigail's or Donna's lives. You never know what to expect and you look forward to the next good thing, bad thing or surprising thing. I love reading about the people they know, or work with or are in relationships with. I am really enjoying this series.

[Kassandra Tallarico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great continuation of this story. You will learn to love, be annoyed with, laugh with, and be disappointed in the characters, just like in real life. Continue the journey of motherhood, friendship, and love with Abigail, Amanda, and Donna. Follow them through the hard trials of life, as they make decisions that affect themselves and those around them.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this series continues, I continue to get sucked into this wonderful family. What I love about the third book is how our two main ladies are working on redefining what family means to them and battling demons from their pasts. They continue to screw up, learn, and grow as women, mothers, sisters, friends. I loved it!

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

I’ll keep saying it - this Women’s Fiction saga is amazing. I don’t usually read Women’s fiction anymore, but I’m loving this series. I’m seriously binging it also. In our small town there is love and life, family and more. Lots of lessons to be learned through the lives of normal people and various issues that arise in parenting, family relationship, work, and more. A phenomenal series.

[Tina SD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The women are so unique and I love getting to see their views. So well written and the storyline really moves you along! I couldn’t put it down because I kept wanting to see what happened next. This book is great and well worth reading - the whole series is definitely worth picking up!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, Amanda! I love her and hate her all at the same time.

Another excellent addition from Baker, who never fails to impress. Even with stories I generally wouldn't have read, Baker still always manages to snag and keep my attention. As always, I eagerly await the next book in the series.

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic one

Wow this was such an exciting story. There were times I was crying with the characters and then I was laughing. This author is a good writer. I'm sure everyone will love this book.

[Kelly Erwin]

I really loved this book the most so far out of all the series. I really loved how the wedding ended up I would say that in the end it was perfect even though it had a rough go. Can’t wait to read the Reboot.