Peace in the Valley | Ruth Logan Herne

 

 

Today I am reviewing Peace in the Valley, the third book in the Double S Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford–the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death.

Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life.

Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain.

Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.

As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he’s sought for so long?

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This is another series by Ruth Logan Herne for my TOP SHELF!

When Trey Stafford learns that his uncle needs him, he returns home, prepared to do the right thing. While he’s there, he meets Lucy Carlton, who needs his help, too.

This is such an intriguing story. . . a member of my family had the same procedure, so it was very familiar to me. The story was great, with colorful characters facing more than one challenge.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful new book from Ruth Logan Herne.

Get your copy today!

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2019 DJ Mynatt

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Home on the Range | Ruth Logan Herne

 

 

Today I am reviewing Home on the Range, the second book in the Double S Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

A cowboy romance with a heart of gold…

In Home on the Range author Ruth Logan Herne returns readers to the Double S Ranch where God and family are first, but love is certain to follow the Stafford menfolk.

Nick made all the wrong choices for all the wrong reasons. His father had failed at marriage and fatherhood. Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, better father and a better ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever hoped to be.

But Nick’s wife Whitney hated the ranch and she walked out on Nick and their two beautiful daughters three years ago. For a long time Nick pretended everything was fine and when his stubborn nature is finally challenged by trouble with his young girls, he’s faced with the changes he should have made long ago.

Psychologist Dr. Elsa Andreas had a thriving family therapy practice, a school commission, a good life, but tragedy pushes Elsa to walk away from her life. Three years later, she’s tucked herself in the backwoods of Gray’s Glen.

When her sister encourages her to help Nick Stafford’s daughters, Elsa takes a chance. But Nick’s ex-wife comes back to town, threatening the girls’ newfound stability. Can Nick find the forgiveness and Else the courage to build their own “Home on the Range”?

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Back In The Saddle was so much fun to read . . . Home On The Range is every bit as good, although I won’t say it’s all fun. Ruthy deals with some painful subjects, such as divorce, desertion, plus a panic attack or two thrown in for good measure.

Nick Stafford has made his share of mistakes, but he’s determined to do his best, where his two daughters are concerned. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that his best is enough — his oldest daughter is failing school — and has more attitude than she needs!

Elsa needs to rejoin the world, starting with helping Nick and his girls. Can she overcome her past long enough to reach for a future that includes a family? You won’t know until you read the book – and you really should read the book. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did… to the very end.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new series from Ruth Logan Herne.

Get your copy today!

 

Happy Reading!

Blessings!

Review © 2019 DJ Mynatt

Back In The Saddle | Ruth Logan Herne

 

 

Today I am reviewing Back In The Saddle, the first book in the Double S Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

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 THOUGHTS:

Ruth Logan Herne is beyond amazing!

Somehow, even though I’ve read most of her books, she continues to amaze me with her wonderful stories, full of interesting, colorful characters, living in small towns and/or big cities.

Back In The Saddle was so much fun to read . . . Angelina Morales isn’t happy to see Colt Stafford return to the Double S ranch – and she isn’t afraid to show it. Colt comes crawling back, broke and hoping to step back into the place he held before he left home.

But will it be as easy as he thinks? You won’t know until you read the book – and you should read the book. I’m sure you’ll be as entertained as I was… all the way to the end.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new book from Ruth Logan Herne.

Get your copy today!

 

Happy Reading!!!
God bless you!

© 2019 DJ Mynatt

 

Top 25 Authors of 2018

 

 

 

 

This was a VERY difficult list to create… first, I began gathering the names of all my favorite authors. After re-checking my bookcases and bookshelf blog, I found that I have well over 100 names! Now, this might not sound like a lot to some of you, but I was astounded that I had that many favorite authors – those whom I refuse to part with their books!

I began paring down… whew, that was rough! What I really wanted to do was to name them all — but that seemed to defeat the purpose of listing the TOP chosen few.

I tried — I really did — and I still didn’t get everyone on the list that I hoped to!

So… without further adieu.

Here’s my personal list of the TOP TWENTY-FIVE AUTHORS for 2019:

   Jennifer Beckstrand    Vannetta Chapman    Valerie Comer    Rachel L. Miller

   Dana Mentink    JC Morrows    Macy Morrows    Tricia Goyer    Ruth Logan Herne

   Jean C. Gordon    Barbara Cameron    Suzanne Woods Fisher    Charlotte Hubbard 

   Ruth Reid    Shelley Shepard Gray    Molly Jebber    Kathy Fuller    Kelly Irvin

   Lilian Jackson Braun    Emma Miller   Amos Wyse    Laura J. Marshall    

   Grace Livingston Hill    Philip Gulley    Jan Karon

 

God bless you!

 

Blogpost © Donna J. Mynatt 2018

 

Her Secret Daughter | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Her Secret Daughter, the fifth book in the Grace Haven series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Her Secret Child

Josie Gallagher has plenty of reasons to be wary of Jacob Weatherly–considering he’s working for the hotel chain that’s forcing her restaurant to close.

But when he shows up there with a little girl by his side–her little girl–she’s dismayed.

How has this bachelor wound up with custody of the baby Josie placed with a married couple six years ago?

The handsome hotel executive has no idea that Addie is Josie’s biological child, and Josie can’t afford to tell him.

As he helps save her business, Josie and Jacob unexpectedly grow closer.

But will her secret stand in the way of their happily-ever-after?

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Her Secret Daughter is so much more than I expected, even by Ruthy!

This is a story that needs to be told. . . and the title is perfect. Josie Gallagher has had a rougher life than some of the Gallaghers, but she’s back on track, plus she can smoke and cook barbecue than anyone on the east coast!

Jacob Weatherly comes along, bringing the little girl Josie gave up six years ago — and Josie’s life will never be the same! But a word of warning. . . you’ll need tissues before you get to the end of the book.

I enjoyed getting to know Josie, Jacob and Addie. Their friendship is the start of something very special, unless her secret messes everything up. Read Her Secret Daughter to find out what happens. . . and if they have a chance at happily-ever-after or not!

I hope the story blesses you as much as it did me.

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Their Surprise Daddy | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Their Surprise Daddy, the third book in the Grace Haven series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Instant Family

Cruz Maldonado has vowed to provide for his beloved cousin’s orphans.

With his estranged mother’s health failing, they might soon be Cruz’s only family. But the kids’ immigration status brings complications.

Mostly “Miss Rory”–their idealistic young teacher–and Cruz’s court-appointed co-guardian. Cruz has the means to give the kids a good home, yet Rory Gallagher wonders whether he has the heart.

That is, until she glimpses the sweet small-town boy inside the polished, handsome Wall Street exterior. Soon they both begin to wonder if this temporary partnership could turn into more–a chance to raise the children as husband and wife.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

The Grace Haven series is one you don’t want to miss out on!

First, there’s An Unexpected Groom, with Kimberly Gallagher and Drew Slade. . . then comes Her Unexpected Family, with Emily Gallagher and Grant McCarthy. . . and finally Their Surprise Daddy, with Rory Gallagher and Cruz Maldonado.

Their Surprise Daddy deals with two orphaned cousins, who need someone to care for them after their guardian takes sick. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, but in the end will everything work out for everyone involved? You’ll have to read the story to find out — I’m not telling!

This a a great series, with characters you’ll fall in love with! Ruthy has created a small town that’s safe, beautiful, historic, and inviting. . . what more can I say to convince you it’s a great town — and a great series!

This series touched me more than some others, although with Ruthy’s books, it’s difficult — if not impossible — to pick specific favorites, because they’re all so good!

So grab your tissues and start reading. If you haven’t read An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family, I can honestly say you’ll enjoy them — and I’d suggest getting all three and reading them in order. You’ll be blessed by them!

Enough said. Now go read them. . .

Happy Reading!!!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2017 DJ Mynatt

 

Peace In The Valley | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Peace In The Valley, the third book in the Double S Ranch series by the incomparable Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford–the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death.

Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life.

Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain.

Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.

As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he’s sought for so long?

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This is another series by Ruth Logan Herne for my TOP SHELF!

When Trey Stafford learns that his uncle needs him, he returns home, prepared to do the right thing. While he’s there, he meets Lucy Carlton, who needs his help, too.

This is such an intriguing story. . . a member of my family had the same procedure, so it was very familiar to me. The story was great, with colorful characters facing more than one challenge.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful new book from Ruth Logan Herne.

Get your copy today!

 

Happy Reading!!!
God bless you!

Review © 2017 DJ Mynatt

 

His Mistletoe Family | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing His Mistletoe Family, the 6th book in the Men of Allegany County series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When two orphaned boys and their aunt arrive for Thanksgiving supper at church, retired army colonel Brett Stanton feels his heart tugged.

Despite having her hands full, young businesswoman Haley Jennings handles her nephews with a smile.

Still, Brett can’t get too close to the needy trio. He lost his son and brother to the uniform, and isn’t about to set himself up for loss again.

Soon sweet Haley and the boys remind him of old dreams—and teach him that new dreams provide the greatest hope for a perfect family Christmas.

 

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

My heart goes out to Haley and Brett . . .

Haley unexpectedly becomes a mom to two small boys — at the worst possible time.

She’s just beginning a new business and with the holidays, she has her hands full. But when her nephews are orphaned, she drops everything to bring them back to live with her.

Brett, a retired Army Colonel, has been struggling for a long while, yet he puts himself out there and jumps in to help Haley and the boys.

This is such a sweet, heart-warming story — I know you’ll love it as much as I do. And it’s the perfect choice for a Christmas read. Honestly, I wish I could take my family to upstate New York and visit the characters in this book — or maybe drop in on Ruthy and her family (just kidding, Ruthy…don’t bar the doors yet).

Merry Christmas!

Blessings!
Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Yuletide Hearts | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Yuletide Hearts, the 4th book in the Men of Allegany County series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When Matt Cavanaugh returns to his Allegany County hometown, he’s not as rough around the edges as he used to be.

The former marine is a successful contractor, a man who now believes in the Lord and old-fashioned hard work.

But when he buys a bankrupt subdivision, he discovers he’s stepped on single mother Callie Burdick’s dreams for her family.

And when Matt learns about Callie’s troubled past, he’s determined to rebuild her trust — plus an entire community — in time for Christmas.

 

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow!

In the last story, we met Matt Cavanaugh, who had just invested in a bankrupt subdivision.

This story belongs to Matt, who finds himself in a mess! After Matt discovers he has no crew to help him, does he dare ask the Marek family to help out?

Callie and Matt draw sparks pretty much from the get-go . . . and if I say much more, I might give away too much. One thing I don’t want to do is spoil this book for you. So read it — matter of fact, if you’re looking for it, just pick up the whole series. It promises to be a real winner!

Ruth Logan Herne excels at creating realistic, albeit likeable characters, who grab hold of you — and don’t let go until the end. I’m thrilled to share her books with my readers.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Blessings!
Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Her Holiday Family | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Her Holiday Family, the 5th book in the Kirkwood Lake series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Home for the Holidays

When her café goes up in smoke, Tina Martinelli decides to make a big change.

She plans to leave Kirkwood Lake and start over — somewhere without the haunting memories of family and failure.

But just as she’s plotting her new life, her girlhood crush Max Campbell returns to town . . . and suddenly takes notice of Tina all grown up.

Having retired from his military career, Max’s ready to start over, too. He’s given his heart to her.

Now, if only Max can convince Tina to stick around this Christmas — and forever after.

 

Home for the Holidays . . . Don’t miss HER HOLIDAY FAMILY by RUTH LOGAN HERNE! – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This story is about Tina and Max…

Many of us identify with Tina. Everything seems to be working out in her life, then she loses her job and has to start over. After working hard to make her dreams come true, tragedy strikes again — and she back at square one — again.

I’ve been back to square one too many times in my life . . . some of the time it was my own fault, for making bad decisions. We’ve all been there, I suppose.

What else can we do but try again?

Ruth Logan Herne does an amazing job showing how things can go from good to bad. Then she shows how wonderful life can be — once we put our trust in GOD — and we begin to trust ourselves again.

DO NOT miss this story. It’s such an inspiring message . . . and one that we all need at times.

If you don’t have this series, be sure to put it on your Christmas list. Tell your family — and friends — which books you’d like for Christmas. Maybe — just maybe — the faith, love and hope in these books will lift you up, when you need it most.

Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) place of Kirkwood Lake.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt