Saturday, January 2, 2016

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

The last book I read in 2015 was without a doubt the best contemporary novel I read last year. Ruth Logan Herne's book, Back in the Saddle, is the first book in her "Double S Ranch" series for Multnomah Books. It is a contemporary western, set in a small town in Washington state.

It is on a rare occasion when I pick up a book to read and the author's words paint such a beautiful picture I feel like I am watching a movie unfold before my eyes. That is exactly the experience I had when I read Back in the Saddle. I had a clear and vivid image of each of the characters and the ranch and town. It was a wonderful experience seeing the story as well as reading it.

This is the story of Colt Stafford. As the story begins, he has just left his career on Wall Street due to some stock market issues that have hurt him financially. He has come home to the family ranch in Gray's Glen, Washington to help out as his father is ill. As he enters the house, he encounters the ranch house manager, Angelina Morales. Angelina is a 'spitfire' that takes her job seriously and Colt finds himself at the other end of a gun questioning which of his father's gun it just might be and who is on the other end of it. 

Colt has personal issues he needs to deal with and a relationship he needs to mend with his father and brothers. Angelina has a secret she is hiding and only Sam, Colt's father, is aware of it until Colt starts snooping around. Can Colt get over the past hurts from his father and make amends or is it too late? Will Angelina let down the walls she has built around her heart to let Colt see who she really is? 

This is a story about forgiveness, trust and growing beyond the hurt and pain.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters develop and open up to each other. I hated to say goodbye to them. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

Back in the Saddle is a sweet story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read. I absolutely loved this book and as I said at the beginning, it is without a doubt the best contemporary book I have read in 2015. Be sure to pick up a copy when it released on March 15, 2016.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of Back in the Saddle. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

16 comments:

  1. Cindy! First, what amazing words to hear, you just made my day, my month, possibly my YEAR!!! :)

    Thank you so much, I'm so glad you loved it, that means the world to me. And I can't wait until it's released and folks can hold Colt's story in their hands....

    I had more fun on this series than should have been legal, and I'm looking forward to two of these releasing this year... Thank you, Cindy!

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    1. Ruthy and cowboys, oh yeaaaaah, now you're talkin'.

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    2. Ruthy, it was such a pleasure to be able to read the advance copy. I know I said it in my review, but it really is the best contemporary book I read in 2015 and I can hardly wait until the next book in the series comes out.

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  2. Oh, okay, Ruthy got you an advance copy, because I have NOT gotten the one I preordered yet and when I saw this I thought it was out already. And RUTHY was going to be in BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!
    But now I'm good. Except really looking forward to the book.
    Great review Cindy!!!!!

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    1. Thank you Mary! It is a GREAT book! You'll love it!

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  3. Great review, Cindy! Ruthy's storytelling and cowboys are two of my favorite things, so I am SO there! :)

    Back in the Saddle... actually, the entire series ... sounds wonderful. Can't wait to read it.

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    1. Pam, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this book. I LOVED IT!

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  4. Great review! I look forward to reading it!

    Cindy, we'll be praying for you next week!

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  5. Cindy, aren't Ruthy's books the greatest! Prayers and love! Holding you close!

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    1. Thank you Debby. I appreciate all the prayers.

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  6. Good going, Cindy -- way to make the wait for Ruthy's book ALL the harder, my friend!! ;)

    Was looking forward to it before A LOT, but now I'm downright anxious to get my mitts on it, so GREAT review!!

    We are all praying for a successful surgery and fast recovery, girl!

    Hugs and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
    Julie

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    1. Thank you Julie. Tomorrow is the BIG day for me!

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  7. Cindy, this is a great review! I've read Ruth's book, too, and will be doing a review....it is a fantastic book...can't say enough good things about it!
    Will be praying for your surgery to go well and all that follows. Your courage helps me to possibly face the same thing in a couple of months!
    Hope we get news about you on Seekerville!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Jackie. As soon as I am able to use my computer at home I will be back to visit Seekerville. Probably not until Friday. I think they plan to keep me in the hospital until Thursday.

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  8. To all who have been in prayer for me, thank you again. Surgery went well. God answered my prayer for an anesthesiologist that I knew & liked. My surgeon told me it was ugly as I had absolutely no cartilage left. I don't have a lot of pain except when I do my exercises.

    Blessings, Cindy

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