4.5 stars.

Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne is an incredibly heartfelt novel of healing and renewed faith. This second installment in the Double S Ranch series features a pair of adorable little girls, a divorced single dad and a somewhat fragile yet surprisingly resilient psychologist. Although this latest release can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend the first book in the series as well.

For months, middle brother Nick Stafford has stubbornly resisted all efforts to take his daughters, six year old Dakota and eight year old Cheyenne, to a counselor to help them deal with the abandonment of their mother. However, with Cheyenne putting herself into dangerous situations and on the verge of failing school, he knows it is time to put aside his reservations and seek professional assistance. While Dakota is refreshingly open with an upbeat personality, Cheyenne is rebellious, stubborn and lashing out at everyone around her. Nick is a little leery of entrusting his girls to reclusive therapist Dr. Elsa Andreas but he is determined to do right by his daughters. Gratified to see Cheyenne slowly but surely improving with each session, he is pleasantly surprised by the realization that he is also benefiting from talking to Elsa. When Nick and Elsa realize there is more to their relationship than their mutual concern for the girls, will they take a chance on love?

Nick is the only one of his brothers to remain in Washington to work on their family ranch. His relationship with his father, Sam, is contentious and emotionally distant. He has never come to terms with his mother's long ago abandonment but he always dreamed of having a family of his own. His marriage to his now ex-wife Whitney ended when she walked out on him and their daughters and then left town with another man. Although he only wants to keep his girls safe and make them happy, he has been stubbornly resisting Cheyenne's efforts to become more involved with the ranch that his ex-wife hated. However events in the past several months have escalated to the point that Nick finally realizes that something needs to change before he completely alienates Cheyenne. Taking his daughters to therapy is just the first step in fixing the problems wrought by Whitney's desertion but just as Nick is making positive changes in their lives, their progress is threatened by his ex-wife's sudden return.

Leaving behind a lucrative practice in the aftermath of tragedy, Elsa has been living a solitary life in seclusion. Despite her initial reluctance to counsel the girls, she is surprised by how easily Nick's daughters slip past her defenses. As she becomes more engaged in helping the girls cope with their problems, Elsa finally begins to heal from the wounds from the traumatic events that sent her into a downward spiral. The changes are gradual but significant as she begins to fully participate in life and she is stunned by her sudden interest in Nick. Fully committed to providing Cheyenne and Dakota with the counseling they need, Elsa is also open to exploring her unexpected relationship with Nick. What, if any, impact will Whitney's return have on their fledgling romance?

The situation with Whitney is realistically portrayed and it is absolutely heartbreaking watching her careless and sometimes, indifferent, treatment of her daughters. While Dakota keeps her distance from her mother, Cheyenne is thrilled to see her again. However, reality does not exactly match up to Cheyenne's dreams of their reunion and she is soon dealing with fresh disappointment as Whitney fails to follow through with promises. Nick is fairly certain he knows the real reason his ex-wife has come back into their lives, but despite his reservations, he is willing to give to her chance to fix her relationship with their daughters. He remains firm with her despite her bitterness over perceived slights and although he gives her some leeway as she repeats past mistakes, Nick continues to try protect them from further heartache from their mother.

The relationship between Nick and Elsa begins as friendship and gradually turns to love as they spend time together. Although their initial interactions are related to the girls, they soon discover they share common interests outside of their mutual concern for Dakota and Cheyenne. As their lives become more closely intertwined, their feelings for each other quickly evolve into something much deeper. However, Elsa's hesitation in revealing the truth about her past leads to trouble and Nick cannot help but feel betrayed once he discovers she has been less than honest with him.

Home on the Range is an incredible journey of healing and faith that will resonate with readers who have struggled to put their complete trust in God. The characters are multi-faceted and beautifully rendered with relatable imperfections, strengths and desires. The storyline is endearing and believable with each of the characters undergoing tremendous growth as they overcome adversity. This newest addition to Ruth Logan Herne's delightful Double S Ranch series is an emotionally compelling story that old and new fans are going to love. ( )

The wonderfully engaging writing of author Ruth Logan Herne continues to be a reader's delight in "Home on the Range", Book 2 in her "Double S Ranch Series". The Stafford men of Gray's Glen, Washington are all at turning point in their lives. Middle brother Nick is the one who stayed home to manage the family ranch and raise his two daughters. Devastated when his wife walks out on him and the girls, Nick does his best to care for the children and run the ranch. His own father, Sam, had not been the best example as a husband and parent--although, lately, he seems to trying to make up for the lost years. Nick girl's are the most important people in his life, and he can't ignore signs that his daughters need more than he can give. They need some professional counseling to help them get past being left behind by their mother. Dr. Elsa Andreas is dealing with some serious issues of her own when her sister, the school principal, convinces Elsa that helping Nick and his daughters will also be a great help to herself. As Nick and Elsa work together to help the children, an attraction and awareness grows between the two of them, but trouble comes back to town and may threaten the future happiness for everyone. It will take a great leap of faith to move forward with hope and courage and let go of the hurts of the past, but the rewards will be great for all.

Book Copy Gratis Waterbrook Multnomah via Blogging for Books ( )

Return to the Double S Ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington, in this second novel of the Double S Ranch Series. In the first book, we met the Stafford family. Patriarch Sam is grievously ill. Oldest brother, Colt, came home after losing his job on Wall Street. And while Colt was the star of the first book, the second book concentrates on the middle brother, Nick, and his shattered family.

Home on the Range seems to pick up practically where the first book, Back in the Saddle, left off. Both brothers, along with the youngest, Trey, know the feelings of a mother’s abandonment; feelings Nick two little girls, Cheyenne and Dakota, are wrestling with.

Nick has finally agreed to get his girls professional help. Recommended by the school principal, Dr. Elsa Andreas, is grappling with problems of her own. She left Seattle after a devastating outcome with two of her patients. She’s living in the woods, far off the beaten path, outside Gray’s Glen.

When Nick first pulls up, he feels attracted to the beautiful young woman. His oldest daughter immediately hates Elsa but feels the strong tug of attraction.

The story is about forgiveness, redemption, second chances and new beginnings.

Home on the Range is predictable, but nonetheless a worthy read. A perfect beach reads. It’s well written, follows a well-planned story arc and is sprinkled liberally with some interesting plot twists. I found myself eagerly awaiting my evening read-time so I could see how it would all turn out. I enjoyed getting to know the Stafford family, Nick especially, better. Home on the Range gets 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world. Why 4 stars? It’s a formulaic plot that is a good read. I would recommend it to those looking for a light, happily-ever-after- novel. ( )

Title: Home On The Range
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Publisher: Multnomah
Series: Double S Ranch # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Home On The Range" by Ruth Logan Herne

My Thoughts....

What a story that will definitely pull at your heart as it seems to 'engages all five senses' [hearing, seeing, smelling,seeing and feeling] from the read! Now, to know what I am talking about the reader will have to pick up this good read to see just what I am referring to. I found from the read that the story wasn't one easy life...definitely loaded with 'imperfective people who loved, angered and even grieved hard' especially as it was for Nick Stafford who was a single parent running a ranch, who had also been abandoned by his own mother. Now with Nick was having problems in school with his older daughter [Cheyenne]who was feeling the abandonment of her mother needed help. That's when Nick meets the 'lovely Dr. Elsa Andreas[who was a child psychologist]. From here this story takes off where you will find yourself turning the pages to see what will happen next as Elsa tries to help Nick and his daughters. Will Elsa be able to help? What will happen when Nick and Elsa realize there was more to their relationship than just the girls where 'all four have deep places with secrets and darkness dwelling in them?' Will they be able to explore a relationship? This story also has some drama as the ex wife [Whitney] the estranged mother returns on the scene adding quite a mix to this very realistic story where old problems shows back up once again due to her old behavior. I really enjoy from the read of getting when your life is messy there is a God to see you through it all. I liked how Elsa was there to help Nick and his girls [ [six year old Dakota and eight year old Cheyenne] showing such inner strength with the twist and turns that were presented. This author did a wonderful job in presenting Elsa's past that really wrapped the story up in one unique cowboy read. In the end will Elsa be able to face her past and find a future that she had always wanted? Even though certain things has happened in Elsa life that she thought she didn't desire forgiveness after it is all say done I thought Elsa Andrea was a wonderful heroine in this read. I think many would love to have a session or two with her!

I found the main characters well developed, portrayed, relatable and believable as they were all trying to overcome adversity. This was quite a warm contemporary 'Christian' fiction romance that the reader will think of long after the read plus you can get several wonderful recipes that were served at the 'Stafford' family dinners. So, if you are looking for a read with people who make mistakes but are healed through love, redemption, the support of others, and finding faith, you have come to the right place for a sweet romance and hope then I would definitely recommend "Home On The Range" to you as a good read.

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and review. ( )

Title: Home on the Range
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Pages: 320
Year: 2016
Publisher: Multnomah
My rating is 5 stars.
Home on the Range is the second book in the Double S series. The first book is titled, Back in the Saddle. In the first novel, we are introduced to the Stafford family who own a ranch. The elder Stafford is in ill health when we meet him and greatly aided by his housekeeper who has something in her past only she and Mr. Stafford know. In the first novel, the story focuses on Colt who was at one time in the finance world of Wall Street and now returns to the farm dejected and demoralized.
In Home on the Range, Nick is the main character. He is a single father, raising two little girls who are quite a handful and have totally opposite personalities. Nick has been the head honcho directing all the activity and responsibility on the ranch. He finds his greatest challenge is balancing that of being a single Dad with taking care of duties that tend to intrude upon his time with the girls.
Nick is introduced to a female family therapist who is a recluse as a result of a tragedy, but who tries to help the girls come to terms with the mother who abandoned them at such a young age. Ruth Logan Herne tells audiences a very rollercoaster of an emotional tale that is quite believable. As I read, I can see in my mind’s eye the different scenes occurring. All in all, the story will tug on your heart in both making you laugh and perhaps creating a lump in your throat.
I am pretty certain a 3rd book will be forthcoming from the author focusing on the last son of the elder Stafford named Trey, but we shall see. Whatever Ruth Logan Herne shares with her audience it will be worth the wait!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )