The Welcome Wagon

River's End Ranch #13

by Jamie L. Adams

When a wagon train is attacked leaving women and children alone and vulnerable, churches throughout the Ozarks take them in. Maggie Lynn and her wards, along with three other women, end up in an out-of-the-way town in Arkansas. Maggie has seen her fair share of loss, but now she's responsible for raising her orphaned nieces and must find a way to support them.

Sensible small-town sheriff, Owen Sommers, tries to keep the peace when a wagon full of women descends on his city of bachelors, but his principles are challenged when he suspects the ladies have something to hide. His suspicions are confirmed when strangers appear in town looking for what they believe is rightfully theirs.

As tensions rise and hearts become entangled, will Maggie be able to trust Owen with the truth? And what will happen if she does?

Genres: Romance

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2022

Reviews

[Carol James · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a wagon train undergoes a disaster, the town of West Ridge takes in several of the surviving women and children. They arrive in the town on The Welcome Wagon and are greeted by the townspeople, including a handsome (and single) sheriff, Owen Somers. One of the women, Maggie Lynn, hides a secret of something she has done. And that act forces her to steer clear of Owen. Full of mystery and romance, this was a wonderful story of forgiveness and second chances.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Adams crafts heartfelt characters in this family-saga western. When a wagon train is attacked leaving women and children without protection, Maggie Lynn and her newfound friends must resettle in a small town in Arkansas. Can the women and children stay together, or will a secret split them apart?
Not only does the town have kindhearted people that welcome the women and children with open arms, but the town also has a handsome sheriff, Owen Sommers. If Owen and Maggie Lynn can break down the differences between them, they may discover that life as a mom and a dad with two ready-made children is a blessing.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

My almost favorite genre, if it was mail order bride it would be tops! But I love western/pioneer type setting too. Could have been read quickly but too much real life work and things that have to be done.
When the wagon that Maggie and her nieces are traveling on is attacked and robbed the passengers, she has nowhere to go. Luckily several towns nearby committed to taking in and supporting the women left behind without transportation. Her group consisted of herself, her nieces Mrs Lamb. They also took in a 17 year old girl, whose uncle was thought to be dead.
West Ridge was reluctant to take in a group of “women” since most of the town were bachelors.
It’s a fun book despite the sadness at the beginning.
This is part of a series, but I don’t see that it isn’t a stand alone. Library book

[Erin Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening pages, The Welcome Wagon and its charming cover welcomed me right in. I was drawn to the small town of West Ridge, Arkansas and the story of its citizens and the new arrivals. Often when there is a larger cast of characters besides the two main ones—in this case, Maggie and Owen—they are introduced too quickly, or not defined well enough so that I lose track of who is who. That wasn’t the case here. The minor characters contribute greatly to the story, and some are strong enough to work into major roles in their own story. That’s my subtle way of suggesting more books set in West Ridge!

One thing I loved about this book was that even though there was a quandary to overcome, I was never on edge waiting for something unexpected to explode. Sometimes I’m up for more intrigue and drama, but this was the kind of story I needed right now. I felt safe reading it and that made me enjoy it more. However, there were times I wished there were more clues about what had happened to Katie. It was mentioned several times in a similar way. I would have preferred that each breadcrumb got more robust to build the suspense a little more.

If you’re looking for a sweet, gentle romance with memorable characters, hop on board The Welcome Wagon! Did I mention I hope Jamie Adams will take us there again? 😊

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit to River's End Ranch. I have loved every installment in the series so far and I hope it goes on for many more books! I so wish RER was real!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless

Love is one of the most puzzling emotions. It’s not at all logical, it strikes without rhyme or reason. Unlike temporary infatuation, real love lingers even when lovers have to part for a variety of reasons. Real love stays hidden in the heart. And when a second chance comes around, it would be a foolish person to ignore it or the joy it can bring. Just ask the fairies – they know everything.

When Gabe decided to book his next vacation at River’s End Ranch Resort, the place where his good friend Amber had moved to when she married into the Weston family, he never expected to find a bit of his past. The voice who answered the phone was familiar, but it was she who put two and two together and came up with the surprising answer. Gwen was the woman who got away, or he let drift away back in their college days. Sure, he’d loved her and missed her over the years, but time and work had dulled the hurt that was always beneath the surface. And here she was, waiting for him at the last place he’d expected. Were second chances a real thing? Or was he simply wishing for what had once been.

Welcome Wagon brings two people back together to realize that love never dies, it simply goes into a deep sleep for a bit. Gwen is happy and satisfied with her life at the ranch. Yet when Gabe checked in the possibilities seemed endless. The spark was still there, and they’d see where it lead. I enjoyed Gabe and Gwen’s romance. Life happens, choices are made and we live with those decisions whether they were right or wrong. They have the chance to be happy together again. But there will be tough choices to be made, and a near tragic event that will make everything crystal clear.

If you love Romance, then the River’s End Ranch series should be on your reading list. Interesting stories, a beautiful setting, likable couples and secondary characters who already had their love story or are about to soon will capture your imagination and your heart. I would recommend this series to any Romance reader, but I’d also suggest that they be read in order. This multiple author series flows so easily into the next story, and the previous characters are never forgotten so knowing everything from the very start is the best entertainment value… in my opinion, of course.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Debbie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance for love at the ranch

I bought this book to continue my journey in River's End Ranch. It is about two college sweethearts meeting again many years later. They get a second chance to rediscover that they are still in love. No spoilers here but they have hurdles to go through before reaching marriage. It is interesting to see older lovers reunite. I remember this book if you like to read second chances at love and hope you enjoy this series enough to read more of the River's End Ranch books.

[Jeene Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost love rekindled

I have enjoyed this series immensely, reading 3-4 stories at a time. Somehow I got out of order and am currently playing catchup. This one is an enjoyable, well crafted read. I encourage you to read them in order. The characters are easier to keep track of that way.

Gwen has been a fixture, albeit minor character, throughout the series. Gabe was a very minor character in Amber and Wes's story. Jaclyn and the fairies are very helpful in this HEA.

"...Was there anything more romantic than kissing the man you passionately love on top of the mountain overlooking the most beautiful valley in the world? She didn’t think so."

[Dorothy Roller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at real love.

Oh this story will have you laughing and crying and falling in love with this amazing couple who triumphed over tragedy and the years apart. It's a beautiful story that I know you will love. Rivers End Ranch is the place people fall in love and fairies are always right.
I highly recommend this book and all of the ones in the Rivers End Ranch series.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY ENDING ROMANCE

Cute and entertaining second chance romance. Gwen is an integral part of the River's End family. A man from her past comes to the Ranch to recharge from his hectic life. Once they connect, they both realize they were meant for each other. A little drama, a helicopter trip help to cement their relationship.

[Tj Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances

Is your first true love 💘real? Will the feelings still be there years later, even after several years apart? I say YES! Gwen Gabe were in love in college but schedules and time caused them to drift apart. He is going to take a vacation at the River's End Ranch and she works there. Great story line, I loved this book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Gwen's story but the difficulty of reading a series by different authors is that little things don't come through on the books. For instance, in Lily's story, Gwen Bessie and Lily met up each week for Trivia night but then in Gwen's story they aren't around at all nor do they show up to support Gwen at the hospital. Again, a minor aspect but inconsistencies.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Love

I've always loved the second chance romance storyline because it's nice to see wonderful people get second chance at love with the love of their lives and this charming story want disappoint.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

When & Gabe reunited after 10 years.

When Scott & Gabe Grant are both focused on their careers. They were college sweethearts. They meet again when he visits River's End Ranch. Great read.

[Sherri Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Wagon

I have fallen in love with River’sEnd Ranch. Each book is as good as the last and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series. Anyone that likes romance without all the hot and steamy will like this series.

[Janet McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

Good characters, they feel like people you know or would like to know. Storyline was good. A few things thrown in that made the story better. It was a perfect book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

[Karen Ouska · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story of Love

I love Gwen she is smart and good at her Job. She has an upbeat personality and is a lot of fun. Gabe comes back in here life and they spend all their free time together getting ready aquanted.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

glad gabe found love with gwen since amber found love with wes

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

This is a really sweet story about getting a second chance. I really enjoyed the characters. This is a sweet, clean romance.

[Marcy McNelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen & Gabe
Can an attration from years ago and far away be rekindled after years apart?

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book

I'm really enjoying this River's End series, all the writing are different, but have a gift to bring everything together still. On my way to number 14.

[Debra Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia C. Adams

Was a well written book about how Gwen and Gabe had both went to college to be lawyers. They drifted away from each other. After several years later they find each other again.

[MariJo Brayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I haven't read a book that I haven't liked the first I can't wait till the next new concept thank you for your awesome writing

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful

This is a wonderfully beautiful romance, full of love, laughter, and healing. A must read for anyone who enjoys romance.

[Shirley Ketcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Above

Another Wonderful Story .I Hope There is a book ( 14 ) In this Series . I Would Like To Know More Of Gwen's Story.
Enjoy all of this Series.
Thank You
Shirley Ketcham

[Renee Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I really enjoyed this story. I really hope the author makes this into a series. While I really enjoyed Maggie and Owen's story, I am eager to know more about Belinda, Katie, Mrs. Lamb and the good people of West Ridge, Arkansas who befriend them.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

First eight chapters are good then the judge acts without reality. Even though he wasn’t supposed to talk about something doesn’t mean he couldn’t share it with Gwen? Really? Oh well, chapter 10 tries to recover his stupidity. Loved it 5

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen and Gabe (runs the bunkhouse and an Oklahoma judge)

[Clare Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. A page turner from beginning to end

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time is Gwen's turn, she works on reservations, and Gabe, a character we met when he was trying to date Amber. He calls to make a reservation and it turns out that he knows Gwen. This one is about second chances, an old romance that was rekindled. It starts pretty simple, and then gets complicated, but not in a bad way, just the normal weird things happening that some books do to keep things going the way it is supposed to go.

I liked the book, because they never had conflicts, they just drifted apart, with no bad blood between them stopping them from trying again. It's mostly their own minds and ideas what's keeping them apart, but everything works at the end.

Gabe was invited by Amber to spend a week at the Ranch, when he calls the one who answers the phone is Gwen, his old girlfriend, the one that got away. They both were studying Law, but then she switched majors, and they drifted apart, but he still have feelings for her and regrets his actions. He asks her if he can invite her for dinner once he arrives, so they can catch up and she accepts. While he is there, he wants to spend time with her, and they even talk about trying again, but then she tells him how she was just given a big raise and how happy she is with her job, and then he finds out he is being promoted, and decide that they can't be together, since he is getting his dream job, and she is happy right where she is, still, he wants to take advantage of as much time as they have together.

He decides to take a helicopter ride, and the helicopter crashes, he is hurt and gets temporary amnesia, and he doesn't remember the last two weeks, which means he doesn't remember his time with Gwen, but when he sees her at the hospital he is happy for that. He starts getting glimpses of his time with her and she fills most of the holes in his memory, she tells him how they reconnected and when he is ready to go, she volunteers to go with him to the facility when they are going to give him therapy to help him recover.

The day he is released, he sees the necklace he gave to her, and that was supposed to be his goodbye gift, and remembers everything, and feels bad because he didn't want to get her away from her friends, and she is with him, away from them. She gets mad and tells him that being with him is what makes her happy, not being with her friends, and that's where to be and who to be with is her decision, not something he can decide for her, and then she leaves him there. He thinks about it and realizes that she is right, that's a decision she should make on her own, and he shouldn't be making it for her, especially when he wants her to be with him, so he goes looking for her at the hotel, and apologizes to her, then he asks her to marry him. They go back and marry at the Ranch, and then move all her stuff to his house.