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Operation: Restoration
Now he works at a special ranch to help rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. When his boss is challenged to fix his one regret, he passes that challenge on to all his men. Junior wants to see Gabby again, but how can he explain that he’s not the man he was before?
Gabby Loftens abandoned her girlhood dreams of marrying Junior and went off to school to be a counselor, convinced she could help others heal where she couldn’t help herself. Her life is not full, but she gives wherever she can.
When Junior calls her to come help with a patient, Gabby is skeptical. Why call her? Especially when the ranch is an hour away and he hasn’t talked to her in ten years. She can’t deny she’s curious and what she finds at the ranch draws her in. She wants to help, but more than that, she wants to know what she did to make Junior walk out of her life. Because she wants him back, if he’ll accept her.
When Gabby unwittingly leads a victim back to her trafficker, Junior and Gabby, along with the team at Wayside Ranch, must keep her protected. If they don’t, their ranch, and all the people safely living there, could have to face their worst enemies all over again.
Gabby Loftens abandoned her girlhood dreams of marrying Junior and went off to school to be a counselor, convinced she could help others heal where she couldn’t help herself. Her life is not full, but she gives wherever she can.
When Junior calls her to come help with a patient, Gabby is skeptical. Why call her? Especially when the ranch is an hour away and he hasn’t talked to her in ten years. She can’t deny she’s curious and what she finds at the ranch draws her in. She wants to help, but more than that, she wants to know what she did to make Junior walk out of her life. Because she wants him back, if he’ll accept her.
When Gabby unwittingly leads a victim back to her trafficker, Junior and Gabby, along with the team at Wayside Ranch, must keep her protected. If they don’t, their ranch, and all the people safely living there, could have to face their worst enemies all over again.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2023
470 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Kari Trumbo
127 books425 followersKari Trumbo is a writer of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense. She's a mom to four wonderful children. When she isn't writing or editing, she loves to read, sing, and knit. Kari loves curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, many cats and one sweet bunny.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 11, 2023
Operation: Restoration is the first book in the Wayside Ranch Series by Kari Trumbo. Wayside Ranch, in Wyoming, is a ranch run by former military members to help victims of human traficking. In addition to helping the victims, they are working on overcoming their regrets. In this story we see Junior reach out to the girl he left behind when he joined the military.
Gabby is a counselor and has been called to help with a victim at the ranch. Gabby reaches out to the young victims aunt, and instead of helping, she leads the trafficker to them.
This is a very well written story that focuses on the victims of human trafficking and the help they need to move past the scars of being held captive. I appreciate how carefully the author has written such an emotional story. She shows the risk for the victims that get away and the length the trafficker will go to get them back. She also shows the scars former military members have and how it affects the many aspects of their lives. I appreciate how the story also focuses on the regrets the former military men have.
This is an enjoyable story that is easy to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
Gabby is a counselor and has been called to help with a victim at the ranch. Gabby reaches out to the young victims aunt, and instead of helping, she leads the trafficker to them.
This is a very well written story that focuses on the victims of human trafficking and the help they need to move past the scars of being held captive. I appreciate how carefully the author has written such an emotional story. She shows the risk for the victims that get away and the length the trafficker will go to get them back. She also shows the scars former military members have and how it affects the many aspects of their lives. I appreciate how the story also focuses on the regrets the former military men have.
This is an enjoyable story that is easy to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
February 1, 2023
I really like the premise of this book: former military who are helping to rescue and rehabilitate trafficked victims. It's a delicate subject, and I think Kari did pretty well with it. Some moments had me on the edge of my seat, right there in the action. Some moments felt a little rushed, particularly at the end. That's what kept this at 4 stars for me.
Overall, a good book, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out with the other warriors.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Overall, a good book, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out with the other warriors.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.*
February 5, 2023
A great story that took my breath away a few times. Lots of action and believable characters. It does touch on the hard reality of human trafficking. So this book might not be for everyone. But I enjoyed it and I’m looking to the next books in this series. I did receive a copy of this book but all these opinions are mine.
March 28, 2025
Another guest unable to make eye contact , nerves, wondering if this was The Promise Land. They gave the abused hope of a new life without any strings.
This guest had regrets, asking if he did.
Did the team working on the ranch, have regrets.
He see’s his ex wife every day, the love had run out for him, what about her
Gabby getting a call a guest could use her professional help. A love of her life worked at the ranch. Would she get answers of why he left if she came.
A great story that touches you of those working at the ranch, and those that have come for healing and hope.
It was heart warming with encouragement and hope, readers will enjoy
Given ARC for my voluntary review
This guest had regrets, asking if he did.
Did the team working on the ranch, have regrets.
He see’s his ex wife every day, the love had run out for him, what about her
Gabby getting a call a guest could use her professional help. A love of her life worked at the ranch. Would she get answers of why he left if she came.
A great story that touches you of those working at the ranch, and those that have come for healing and hope.
It was heart warming with encouragement and hope, readers will enjoy
Given ARC for my voluntary review
dnf
August 29, 2024Let's be honest. I'm most likely the problem!
TW: Deals with victims in human trafficking, FMC has body and food issues.
Ten rules of Wayside Ranch.
1. Faith
2. Clean Slate
3. No Foul Language
4. Rest
5. Honor
6. Brotherhood
7. Respect
8. Protection
9. Truth
10. Release
Junior works at Wayside Ranch. A ranch that helps human traffic victims confront their trauma and begin the healing process using horses. A safe haven away from the world. When Junior and the guys he works with talk about how coming home from overseas, they have regrets with women they let walk away. Junior is the first to connect with the woman he let walk away. Mostly because she is the closest and they are the ones who haven’t talked in the longest time period. The other guys would have to track down the woman that got away. Also, it's Junior's book not theirs so yeah...
Gabby has become a counselor after Junior left her for basic training and never talked to her again. She doesn’t know why he ghosted her for so long. Junior calls her up out of the blue and asked her to come to the ranch he works at to help a client. Scarlet is a victim who has been paired up with Junior as her big brother of some sorts. Junior is the guy who teaches Scarlet how to take care of the horse (Tandy) who she was paired with.
I think this book needs to have another edit. Nothing horrible. It just has some punctuation errors. A few sentences didn’t quite make sense. At one point when the FMC is thinking about ordering soup but then is talking about how she needs to stick to the salad she was thinking about ordering. But I went and checked again, she was thinking about soup. (But I possible misread that part. I've read it a few more times. It's probably a me thing.) Just simple errors that can be fixed if gone through again.
Now besides the editing issues I had, there are a few things I didn’t understand. Like Junior ghosting her at basic training. I have multiply friends who were enlisted and they found time to get ahold of their significant others at the time. If Junior really felt the way he did, why ignore Gabby. Unless I read it wrong but it seemed like the last time Junior saw/talked Gabby was when he went to basic training. Just make it make sense.
When these two started talking about what happened, it literally made no sense to me. It sounded kind of stupid to be honest. I know that’s harsh. But to me this doesn’t make sense to the point I just had to DNF.
Let’s chalk it up to me not reading it right. It’s a me problem not the book problem.
TW: Deals with victims in human trafficking, FMC has body and food issues.
Ten rules of Wayside Ranch.
1. Faith
2. Clean Slate
3. No Foul Language
4. Rest
5. Honor
6. Brotherhood
7. Respect
8. Protection
9. Truth
10. Release
Junior works at Wayside Ranch. A ranch that helps human traffic victims confront their trauma and begin the healing process using horses. A safe haven away from the world. When Junior and the guys he works with talk about how coming home from overseas, they have regrets with women they let walk away. Junior is the first to connect with the woman he let walk away. Mostly because she is the closest and they are the ones who haven’t talked in the longest time period. The other guys would have to track down the woman that got away. Also, it's Junior's book not theirs so yeah...
Gabby has become a counselor after Junior left her for basic training and never talked to her again. She doesn’t know why he ghosted her for so long. Junior calls her up out of the blue and asked her to come to the ranch he works at to help a client. Scarlet is a victim who has been paired up with Junior as her big brother of some sorts. Junior is the guy who teaches Scarlet how to take care of the horse (Tandy) who she was paired with.
I think this book needs to have another edit. Nothing horrible. It just has some punctuation errors. A few sentences didn’t quite make sense. At one point when the FMC is thinking about ordering soup but then is talking about how she needs to stick to the salad she was thinking about ordering. But I went and checked again, she was thinking about soup. (But I possible misread that part. I've read it a few more times. It's probably a me thing.) Just simple errors that can be fixed if gone through again.
Now besides the editing issues I had, there are a few things I didn’t understand. Like Junior ghosting her at basic training. I have multiply friends who were enlisted and they found time to get ahold of their significant others at the time. If Junior really felt the way he did, why ignore Gabby. Unless I read it wrong but it seemed like the last time Junior saw/talked Gabby was when he went to basic training. Just make it make sense.
When these two started talking about what happened, it literally made no sense to me. It sounded kind of stupid to be honest. I know that’s harsh. But to me this doesn’t make sense to the point I just had to DNF.
Let’s chalk it up to me not reading it right. It’s a me problem not the book problem.
February 25, 2023
What a great start to a new series. There's such a darkness to it with the theme of human trafficking. But the hope of making it out of the dark and into light is so uplifting!
This first book is an introduction to Wayside Ranch, a rehabilitation ranch for the treatment of victims of human trafficking. A very dark subject.
The Wyoming ranch is about an hour outside of Cheyenne. It's heavily fortified and staffed mainly with ex military. The clients, male or female, can stay as long as necessary. Along with therapy sessions with a counselor, clients are involved with horses or dogs as part of their therapy.
The ranch is where Teddy Kincade raised his family of 4 kids. His wife left when Connor was 13. Connor now owns and operates the ranch. His ex-wife, Lacy, also works there. Connor believes in rules. His list of rules can be found in almost every room.
Junior Morrison and Gabby Loftens were a couple until he enlisted in the Army when he was 18. The last time she saw him was when he boarded the bus to leave for basic training.
His Army CO broke him down to the point where he felt as if he was nothing. He allowed others to do his thinking for him at that time. Something that he's now changed. He was also taught to follow orders. As a result of failure to do that, he feels responsible for the death of 3 friends.
Scarlet Price is the client Junior is paired with. She doesn't like to ride horses or talk. What makes her story even more heartbreaking is the fact that her aunt was the one who procured her for the traffickers. And the traffickers want her back at any cost.
All the men working at the ranch have problems, mainly PTSD, and they also regret leaving a woman behind. Connor challenges them to try to face that regret. Only then will they know if it's too late and that they must move on or they might have a chance for happiness. Junior is challenged to go first...
Gabby was heartbroken when Junior left. She's never seen nor heard from him since that day. For a time, his mother would pass on news about him. But that it was not only awkward for his mother, but it also became too painful for Gabby. She's moved to Cheyenne and established her therapy practice there. She's never been able to return to their hometown after leaving. Now out of the blue, Junior asks for her help with a client. She has to go. She has to force Junior to answer her question, "Why?"
Meanwhile back at the ranch (always wanted to say that), Scarlet is taking baby steps towards healing. But the traffickers are back and they want Gabby and Scarlet...
I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This first book is an introduction to Wayside Ranch, a rehabilitation ranch for the treatment of victims of human trafficking. A very dark subject.
The Wyoming ranch is about an hour outside of Cheyenne. It's heavily fortified and staffed mainly with ex military. The clients, male or female, can stay as long as necessary. Along with therapy sessions with a counselor, clients are involved with horses or dogs as part of their therapy.
The ranch is where Teddy Kincade raised his family of 4 kids. His wife left when Connor was 13. Connor now owns and operates the ranch. His ex-wife, Lacy, also works there. Connor believes in rules. His list of rules can be found in almost every room.
Junior Morrison and Gabby Loftens were a couple until he enlisted in the Army when he was 18. The last time she saw him was when he boarded the bus to leave for basic training.
His Army CO broke him down to the point where he felt as if he was nothing. He allowed others to do his thinking for him at that time. Something that he's now changed. He was also taught to follow orders. As a result of failure to do that, he feels responsible for the death of 3 friends.
Scarlet Price is the client Junior is paired with. She doesn't like to ride horses or talk. What makes her story even more heartbreaking is the fact that her aunt was the one who procured her for the traffickers. And the traffickers want her back at any cost.
All the men working at the ranch have problems, mainly PTSD, and they also regret leaving a woman behind. Connor challenges them to try to face that regret. Only then will they know if it's too late and that they must move on or they might have a chance for happiness. Junior is challenged to go first...
Gabby was heartbroken when Junior left. She's never seen nor heard from him since that day. For a time, his mother would pass on news about him. But that it was not only awkward for his mother, but it also became too painful for Gabby. She's moved to Cheyenne and established her therapy practice there. She's never been able to return to their hometown after leaving. Now out of the blue, Junior asks for her help with a client. She has to go. She has to force Junior to answer her question, "Why?"
Meanwhile back at the ranch (always wanted to say that), Scarlet is taking baby steps towards healing. But the traffickers are back and they want Gabby and Scarlet...
I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 22, 2023
A great beginning to an interesting series. Wayside Ranch is a place of healing and rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking. Gabby is called by her former high school boyfriend, Junior, to help with 1 of the Ranch's guests. She doesn't understand why she'd be called when there are counselors closer to the ranch, but she goes there out of curiosity and perhaps closure to her relationship with Junior. She hasn't been able to move on after all these years since Junior left and broke off all communication with her. Could it be she still is in love with him? And what are his feelings for her? Why did he leave without looking back, even though they talked about marriage and a future together? Unbeknownst to anyone, Gabby is tracked and danger invades the ranch where the traffickers are looking to kidnap back 1 of their former girls. Lives are in jeopardy. Can good overcome evil? Will Gabby and Junior reconcile? This is a story of facing challenges, second chances, and faith when others are searching for answers. I enjoyed the theme of equine therapy as well as Christian counseling. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
February 21, 2023
Operation Restoration is about the Wayside Ranch in Wyoming, a place to help heal vets, the vets working there as well as the people being helped recover from being victims of human trafficking. Junior Morrison has worked for a number of years at the ranch. Needing an extra counselor, and in order to heal from his past, he reaches out to Gabby to help.
The characters at the ranch are strong willed, but deeply flawed as well. The storyline was interesting and got my attention from the beginning. The story focused on the healing part and not so much on the actual incidents as much. There are lots of twists to the story and unexpected circumstances. It's a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. Highly recommended.
The characters at the ranch are strong willed, but deeply flawed as well. The storyline was interesting and got my attention from the beginning. The story focused on the healing part and not so much on the actual incidents as much. There are lots of twists to the story and unexpected circumstances. It's a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2023
Great beginning for a new series!
Junior and Gabby are both hoping for a second chance, but Gabby is afraid of being hurt again. Then, a dangerous situation forces them to be together, and they are able to find their way through to love again. This is the first of a series, which is certain to be excellent based on the characters already introduced to us in this book!
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy, but since I have read all of Kari's historical westerns, I wanted to try this contemporary western as well.
February 25, 2023
To date, I have read only historical western novels by Kari Trumbo but because I have enjoyed them I decided to try her new contemporary, Operation: Restoration. I was particularly intrigued when I saw that the primary male character was Junior Morrison. My husband has been known as Junior Morrisson by family and friends for his entire life so I just had to see what this fictional Junior was like. Needless to say, he had very little in common with my retired farmer but nevertheless I enjoyed the book.
Set on a ranch that ministers both to victims of human trafficking as well as to their former military employees, Operation: Restoration lived up to its title. A story of former sweethearts who have been separated for many years and brought back together by circumstance, the story reaches beyond their love story. Filled with plenty of emotion, action, danger, and suspense, this book has it all and was a totally satisfying read. I can’t wait to see if the author will offer more stories in this vein. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Set on a ranch that ministers both to victims of human trafficking as well as to their former military employees, Operation: Restoration lived up to its title. A story of former sweethearts who have been separated for many years and brought back together by circumstance, the story reaches beyond their love story. Filled with plenty of emotion, action, danger, and suspense, this book has it all and was a totally satisfying read. I can’t wait to see if the author will offer more stories in this vein. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
February 19, 2023
Very intense, hard topic book by Kati Trumbo.
Junior works at Wayside Ranch, a place of refuge for human trafficking victims. All the men who live and work full time at the ranch are former military with personal issues. Junior is the first assigned the mission to contact the woman he regrets losing.
Gabby comes for a two week visit. One of the rules at the ranch is No relationships with the guests or staff. The attraction between Junior and Gabby is still there, but is it right to pursue it?
*I received this book as an ARC reader for my unbiased review.
Junior works at Wayside Ranch, a place of refuge for human trafficking victims. All the men who live and work full time at the ranch are former military with personal issues. Junior is the first assigned the mission to contact the woman he regrets losing.
Gabby comes for a two week visit. One of the rules at the ranch is No relationships with the guests or staff. The attraction between Junior and Gabby is still there, but is it right to pursue it?
*I received this book as an ARC reader for my unbiased review.
February 20, 2023
Broken men come back from the war and find a place where they can find be counseled and find some kind of peace.
They're not the only ones who need such a place, so the ranch takes in a few victims of trafficking and work to give them back what their abusers have taken from them.
When the men are challenged to explore their biggest regret, no one expected the outcome. You'll be on the edge of your seat and feeling all the emotions that come with it.
They're not the only ones who need such a place, so the ranch takes in a few victims of trafficking and work to give them back what their abusers have taken from them.
When the men are challenged to explore their biggest regret, no one expected the outcome. You'll be on the edge of your seat and feeling all the emotions that come with it.
February 24, 2023
I’ve read a lot of Kari’s stories but this is a totally different genre and how I loved it, I couldn’t put it down.
It has the delicate subject of recovering from human trafficking but so much more. Second chances, misunderstandings, forgiveness.
I really recommend this story and look forward to more in this series.
It has the delicate subject of recovering from human trafficking but so much more. Second chances, misunderstandings, forgiveness.
I really recommend this story and look forward to more in this series.
February 24, 2023
Loved It
This book is the beginning of a series and I can't wait for the rest of them to come out. I totally enjoyed Junior and Gabby's story. These two haven't seen each other in 10 years. A lot happened to keep them apart. Lots of emotions, intrigue and suspense. A captivating second chance romance.
This book is the beginning of a series and I can't wait for the rest of them to come out. I totally enjoyed Junior and Gabby's story. These two haven't seen each other in 10 years. A lot happened to keep them apart. Lots of emotions, intrigue and suspense. A captivating second chance romance.
February 20, 2023
I was excited to read this book as it is a new style for one of my favorite authors. I was blown away by the incredible writing, character and story development. I couldn't read this fast enough to see what happened next, but was also sad when it was over and the next book isn't available yet. If you haven't read Kari Trumbo's work, this is a great place to start!
February 24, 2023
This book is the beginning of an exciting new series! The writing was well done, and the story completely captured my attention from the first paragraph... I hated to put it down! So much action, emotion, pain, and hope all within the pages... I can't wait to read another one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 26, 2023
4 1/2 stars. Gripping, intense drama and sweet romance. Some trigger topics: human trafficking and military PTSD. I was not expecting the direction. the story took, I thought it was a western romance. But I was quickly taken in with the plot and storyline. I thought it was captivating and compelling. Even with the sensitive subjects I thought the author did an amazing job keeping it real and describing the different circumstances. I was so enraptured in the story, I was even jumpy with sounds around me. I also appreciated the Christian beliefs that were in included. I am looking forward to some of the other characters stories and upcoming books. I would have liked if the author had included an authors note about how she came to write the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 21, 2023
A fantastic book and wonderful characters. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
February 24, 2023
A fantastic book and wonderful characters. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2025
I started off slow with the series and the first two took a bit to get going but they were still a good read! Each book drew me in a little more!
February 26, 2023
Kari Trumbo continues to draw me into her stories and series. I did not want to put this book down before finishing it. What a wonderful concept for a healing ranch for both the visitors and the employees. Junior and Gabby’s story, like I’m sure they all will be, is heartbreaking. All these years wasted, or were they? How many youthful marriages end because they’ve “grown apart?” I honestly can’t imagine how hard it would be to try to reenter “normal” life after being taken for the sex trade. I laughed and cried with the characters. I do hope Scarlet can make it. I look forward impatiently for Cole’s story.
February 7, 2023
The premise of this new series, wounded warriors facing regrets and maybe finding something new with the women they loved and lost is perfect. Wayside Ranch is a haven for victims of human trafficking to heal and reclaim their lives, as well as give healing and purpose to a group of former heroes who may have lost their way. Kari touches on these deeply personal subjects with grace. After making a commitment to face his greatest regret—leaving Gabby behind—Junior must find a way to find closure with her, even if it means allowing her to have a life without him. The question is, can he let her go again without a fight? Gabby came to the ranch hoping to find a second chance with Junior but things don’t look like she hoped they would. He’s closed himself off and she can no longer read him. Is she here just to help the hurting clients at the ranch, to council Junior, or to find love with the man she’s never forgotten? Junior realizes how much his heart is involved when one of their clients unknowingly brings trouble to their front door and paints a target on Gabby’s back. Will he be able to keep her safe? This story has wonderful characters, all the feels, a thread of faith, and just enough suspense to keep you reading long into the night. I loved it. I was given a copy courtesy of the author and this my honest opinion.
February 24, 2023
Due to the subject matter, this was not an easy read for me. However, every time I thought about not finishing it, the story had a grabbing point that really pulled me in, so I perservered. The story is good -- just not my preferential kind of reading. I give it 4+ stars (if 5 stars is one you would read again).
I will read other stories by this author on my TBR pile, though.
I was provided a copy of the book by the author. This review is my personal opinion.
I will read other stories by this author on my TBR pile, though.
I was provided a copy of the book by the author. This review is my personal opinion.
February 6, 2023
Wow!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
There were several threads of stories running through this book. The romance features two people still in love, but thinking they aren't enough for the other. The issues with the other stories push them apart and then bring them together.
There's also a scary sex trafficking ring, their escapee, and the other broken former-military men thrown in the mix.
Great story, realistic without being overwhelming.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
There were several threads of stories running through this book. The romance features two people still in love, but thinking they aren't enough for the other. The issues with the other stories push them apart and then bring them together.
There's also a scary sex trafficking ring, their escapee, and the other broken former-military men thrown in the mix.
Great story, realistic without being overwhelming.
February 8, 2023
The title had me hooked.
These characters and the storyline bring so many emotions throughout the book. You can't help but be hooked from the beginning. Even with all you learn about Junior, Gabby, Scarlett, Brendon, Lacey, Connor, and Cole - you'll want to keep turning the pages.
These characters and the storyline bring so many emotions throughout the book. You can't help but be hooked from the beginning. Even with all you learn about Junior, Gabby, Scarlett, Brendon, Lacey, Connor, and Cole - you'll want to keep turning the pages.
February 5, 2023
This book is a great read full of action, drama, suspense and romance. It deals with a delicate subject, human trafficking, and the author handled it with care and respect. This book will touch your heart and keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is a great start to a new series, and I 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 31, 2024
Operation: Restoration, Book 1 in the Wayside Ranch series, is a blend of suspense, action, and romance. The book is clean, Christian fiction and a decent read if you like this genre. Though rather predictable, like a good Hallmark movie, it can be fun.
I liked the idea of the ranch functioning as a safe haven and place of healing and transition for victims coming out of a Human Trafficking environment.
I did, however, find Gabby, the female main character, annoying in places. At one point, she makes an incredibly ridiculous decision that just screamed, “stupid. Don’t do that,” in my mind. If not for that, I probably would have given this a four-star rating. But, instead, I give it a solid three stars.
I liked the idea of the ranch functioning as a safe haven and place of healing and transition for victims coming out of a Human Trafficking environment.
I did, however, find Gabby, the female main character, annoying in places. At one point, she makes an incredibly ridiculous decision that just screamed, “stupid. Don’t do that,” in my mind. If not for that, I probably would have given this a four-star rating. But, instead, I give it a solid three stars.
June 9, 2025
Very intriguing concept executed well. The characters felt real and the story flowed well. I was praying and cheering Junior and Gabby throughout the novel.
This is my first time reading a book by Kari Trumbo and it won’t be my last—she’s a very gifted writer!
This is my first time reading a book by Kari Trumbo and it won’t be my last—she’s a very gifted writer!
October 1, 2025
Operation: Restoration is the first book in the Wayside Ranch series by Kari Trumbo. Junior works at a special ranch that helps rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. When his boss is challenged to fix his one regret, he challenges everyone to do the same. Junior’s one regret: Gabby. Desperate to see her again; but how can he explain that he is not the same man? Gabby Loftens has become a counselor when Junior calls out of the blue and asks for her help with a new patient. Gabby is skeptical, why now? However, she wants to help and maybe it gives her the opportunity to learn why Junior walked out of her life. Maybe she can move on with her life once she learns this information. But when a trafficker threatens her patient, the ranch and everyone there, Junior and Gabby must find a way to protect them all.
When I read the synopsis of this story, I was intrigued and looked forward to a story of redemption, hope and maybe a second chance romance. However, from the beginning, I felt the story dragged on and it was very hard to get into it. I didn’t care for Gabby as she was annoying and made odd decisions. I felt more for Junior who obviously was dealing with deep emotional wounds. Although the sensitive issues like human trafficking and PTSD were dealt with care, I felt Junior’s story was discussed far too quickly without any depth. Overall, I did not connect with this story. The story didn’t feel like the first book in a series. I felt as if I started in the middle. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, faith based drama, you may enjoy Operation: Restoration.
Operation: Restoration is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
When I read the synopsis of this story, I was intrigued and looked forward to a story of redemption, hope and maybe a second chance romance. However, from the beginning, I felt the story dragged on and it was very hard to get into it. I didn’t care for Gabby as she was annoying and made odd decisions. I felt more for Junior who obviously was dealing with deep emotional wounds. Although the sensitive issues like human trafficking and PTSD were dealt with care, I felt Junior’s story was discussed far too quickly without any depth. Overall, I did not connect with this story. The story didn’t feel like the first book in a series. I felt as if I started in the middle. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, faith based drama, you may enjoy Operation: Restoration.
Operation: Restoration is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
October 19, 2024
Since it took me almost two weeks to read this book compared to my normal rate of consumption, it may be obvious that this story just wasn't able to hold my attention.
The characters to me were unmemorable and flat. Junior (MMC) just existed in this story. I really couldn't tell you what he did or didn't do. I had high hopes for his backstory and why he suffered from PTSD- but it all seemed glossed over in a few short paragraphs and a chat with an old army buddy. Gabby (FMC), at times, was annoying to me and on more than one occasion in my head I said- "Don't do that. That was dumb. Really dumb." A lot of the 'action' scenes in this story also seemed far fetched and unbelievable.
While the premise of the story was promising and did have strong moments, this book was just okay. OPERATION: RESTORATION is book one in the Wayside Ranch series and from what I understand each of the men on the ranch will be the main character of their own book where they work for a second chance with the one woman in their lives who 'got away'.
Honestly- the only other book in this series I would possibly consider reading is the final book about the ranch's owner- Connor and his ex-wife Lacy. Their moments in this book intrigued me and left me wanting to know what happened to their marriage and if they would get back together.
The characters to me were unmemorable and flat. Junior (MMC) just existed in this story. I really couldn't tell you what he did or didn't do. I had high hopes for his backstory and why he suffered from PTSD- but it all seemed glossed over in a few short paragraphs and a chat with an old army buddy. Gabby (FMC), at times, was annoying to me and on more than one occasion in my head I said- "Don't do that. That was dumb. Really dumb." A lot of the 'action' scenes in this story also seemed far fetched and unbelievable.
While the premise of the story was promising and did have strong moments, this book was just okay. OPERATION: RESTORATION is book one in the Wayside Ranch series and from what I understand each of the men on the ranch will be the main character of their own book where they work for a second chance with the one woman in their lives who 'got away'.
Honestly- the only other book in this series I would possibly consider reading is the final book about the ranch's owner- Connor and his ex-wife Lacy. Their moments in this book intrigued me and left me wanting to know what happened to their marriage and if they would get back together.
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