“BACK IN THE SADDLE”--the first book in author Ruth Logan Herne’s inspirational contemporary western romance “Double S Ranch Series”—the writing is perfectly paced, the story line is involving, and the characters all have great appeal

BACK IN THE SADDLE  by Ruth Logan Herne

The Prodigal Is Coming Home 

 
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why. 

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

MY REVIEW:  “Back in the Saddle” is the first book in author Ruth Logan Herne’s “Double S Ranch Series”. I so enjoyed this story—the writing is perfectly paced, the story line is involving, and the characters all have great appeal. Colt Stafford left his ranching family home in Gray’s Glen, Washington to make his mark in the financial world of Wall Street. Big city life and big business suited him just fine until it crashed, leaving his future uncertain. With his reputation and his own personal finances in question, he finds himself heading home to touch base with his family and to immerse himself, at least for a while, in the day to day operations of the ranch. He doesn’t expect to be met at the door by a beautiful young woman wielding his father Sam’s own gun. Angelina Morales is the housekeeper and general overseer of the Stafford household. Colt’s brother Nick is the one who stayed behind to help run the ranch, and his other brother, Trey, had left home and started a successful music career. The relationship between father and sons is complicated, as Sam was a difficult and demanding man. Health problems and his own personal losses have given him a new perspective on life, and he wants to make amends with his family and the community. Angelina has her own secrets, but she and Colt have an immediate attraction. Neither of them intended to stay permanently at the Double S, but heartstrings are drawing them closer together—is love in their future? Each character’s faith is in various stages, and their personal growth is an ongoing process. The author generously included a wonderful recipe for “Angelina’s Cherry Cake”. I very much look forward to future entries in this series so that I can find out more about the Stafford men and the special woman who will claim each man’s heart.

Review Copy Gratis via Blogging for Books

Ruth Logan Herne

 

 

 

http://ruthloganherne.com

Ruth Logan Herne loves Charlie Brown Christmas trees, rooting for the underdog and people who go the distance while others see the path as too long or broken! She loves God, chocolate, writing, dogs and is blessed by a sprawling family, oodles of grandkids and a sweet old farmhouse in constant need of work. She's sure that clean rooms are over-rated, snakes and possums should mind their own business and buy their own farm and puppies and kittens and babies are about the cutest things on Earth. A "pull-up-your-big-girl-panties-and-move-on" kind of gal, she is blessed to be married to her high school sweetheart (although it wasn't as if THEY WERE KNOCKING DOWN THE DOOR to challenge him for her!!!), work with young families who allow her to exploit their sweet children on blogs, and rock babies on a regular basis. An author for Love Inspired Books and Summerside Press, she lives in upstate New York.