Multnomah, Mar. 2016
Reviewed By Bonnie Roof
~5 stars~!
"A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, FAITH, AND LOVE"!!!
When prodigal son and Wall Street financier Colt Stafford is implicated in a Ponzi scheme resulting in his assets either being frozen or lost, he returns home to work on the Double S. Ranch on which he was raised in small town Grays Glen, Wa.. Arriving earlier than expected, he is met with the click of his father's gun in the hands of Angelina Morales, housekeeper and caregiver for his father Sam - who is recovering from an accident and other health issues.
When Colt disappointed his father by seeking a career in New York City - it complicated an already tense relationship with not only his father but also his brother Nick who was left to manage the ranch when Colt left. Nick is frustrated by additional personal issues which have resulted in his raising two young daughters alone.
No-nonsense, take-charge, efficient Angelina, a former police detective, is hiding secrets that caused her to leave a career she loved and retreat to the ranch with her widowed mother and young son - to secure their safety.
Sam Stafford was left a bitter, demanding man, interested in advancing his assets at any cost, after the death of his wife, Colt's mother, at a young age. Encouraged by Angelina's faith and the realization of his own mortality, Sam is determined to redeem himself by making amends and reconciling his family - while Colt and Angelina struggle between returning to the careers they love and their increasing attraction for each other.
"Back in the Saddle", the first in the Double S. Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne, is a powerful novel of reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, faith, love, and self-awareness. I look forward to reuniting with the realistic, engaging characters in future novels of the series.
I was provided a free copy of "Back in the Saddle" in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.
When Colt disappointed his father by seeking a career in New York City - it complicated an already tense relationship with not only his father but also his brother Nick who was left to manage the ranch when Colt left. Nick is frustrated by additional personal issues which have resulted in his raising two young daughters alone.
No-nonsense, take-charge, efficient Angelina, a former police detective, is hiding secrets that caused her to leave a career she loved and retreat to the ranch with her widowed mother and young son - to secure their safety.
Sam Stafford was left a bitter, demanding man, interested in advancing his assets at any cost, after the death of his wife, Colt's mother, at a young age. Encouraged by Angelina's faith and the realization of his own mortality, Sam is determined to redeem himself by making amends and reconciling his family - while Colt and Angelina struggle between returning to the careers they love and their increasing attraction for each other.
"Back in the Saddle", the first in the Double S. Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne, is a powerful novel of reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, faith, love, and self-awareness. I look forward to reuniting with the realistic, engaging characters in future novels of the series.
I was provided a free copy of "Back in the Saddle" in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book copy of Back in the Saddle -- winners choice of format! (outside of US -- ebook only.) To be eligible please leave a comment & your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourselves from spammers.
What an enticing review, BONNIE! Who can resist a handsome cowboy or a feisty heroine? lol I always have loved ranch settings as well. Thanks, Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteDiana, isn't this a marvelous review??? I'm so glad she liked it, and I love writing westerns. There's a cowboy code embedded in westerns, a different sense... and it just feels right and old and good and solid all at once!
DeleteBonnie, thank you for this wonderful review!!!
Indeed it is, Ruth! Bonnie's reviews are consistently so perfect and articulate! I'm always so amazed at all of the different subjects you can write about, Ruth. And how quickly you write them! When do you sleep? LOL!
DeleteLaughing! I do sleep, I promise, I do!!!! But getting up in the middle of the night, before others need me, want me, or demand attention is clutch!!! And Diana, I love what I'm doing. I love it so much that it's like a gift to me... time to write was an intangible for so many years, that now it's totally living my dream! Happy dancing!
DeleteThanks so much for your kind words, Diana!! Yes, Angelina is a feisty lady, for sure - but also has such a caring heart for others. And - you'll find more than one cowboy to love within the pages of "Back in the Saddle"- a beautiful book with a beautiful cover!!
DeleteRuthy - isn't it a joy to be able to do what you love?? It truly is a gift, from God - I feel so blessed He led me into the wonderful world of Christian Fiction with it's gifted authors, such as yourself - inspiring writing messages of hope, and encouraging, sweet friendships!! Thanks for your friendship, Ruthy - your sweet comments, and your amazing stories!! I always pray I do justice to them when I review them.
DeleteRuthy's books center around the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation through the strength only God can give. I've savored every story read so far and know each new book will be an attention grabber and page turner! Thanks for writing a great review, Bonnie, you've put my thoughts into the words I can't seem to find. Back in the Saddle would look great on my bookshelf; I would really like to win it! Judy Smith
ReplyDeleteJudy, we're tucking your name right into that cowboy hat because I think you will love this story!
DeleteI'm so glad we've found each other, my friend! Without readers, where on earth would writers be?
Hi, Judy!! So glad my review was meaningful to you and would love for you to add "Back in the Saddle" to your bookshelf. It's a beautiful book and you described Ruthy's writing perfectly: "theme of forgiveness and reconciliation through the strength only God can give". Thanks for your sweet comments - please leave a form of contact, should you be our winner.
DeleteBONNIE, thanks for the fabulous review! I love reading those redemption stories! RUTHY, congrats on your release of Back in the Saddle!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Caryl!! There's nothing any better than a story of redemption, is there?? And Ruthy writes such beautiful ones!! Good luck - I think you will love "Back in the Saddle"!!
DeleteCaryl, bless you! I love this story, this series! I've had so much fun developing it with the wonderful staff at Waterbrook!!! Thank you for the congrats!!!! #happyauthor
DeleteBonnie! Fabulous review! I'm so glad you LOVE Back in the Saddle! I sure did! Really can't wait for the next one! And I still can't stop swooning over that cover! *wink wink.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your sweet comments, Annie!! Yes, I'm joyfully anticipating the next book in the Double S. Ranch series also - and the cover of "Back in the Saddle" is beautiful, isn't it?? I'm happy you had the pleasure of reading it. Thanks for your faithful support and encouragement!!
DeleteLadies, you make me smile! I love this cover, and I can't wait for you to see the next one... Oh my stars, I wouldn't have thought they could best this one, but it is quite possible they did... Which gives Colt and Nick something else to compete over!!!! :)
DeleteI am blessed by the covers, but also simply by the chance to do this. I am living my dream, for sure.
Ruthy has certainly whet our appetites for that beautiful coming cover, eh, Annie?? And as she said - another competition between Colt and Nick, lol!! Can't wait!!
DeleteWhat a Great review!! Would love to read this! jenniferhess75atyahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by, Jennifer - thanks for your comments!! "Back in the Saddle" is a beautiful story filled with hope, faith, love and reconciliation-good luck in the drawing!! Hope to "see" you again soon!!
DeleteJennifer, I'm so glad you stopped in! And it's the kind of review that authors go over-the-moon for, of course! Tucking your name into the hat!
DeleteGreat review Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteI love westerns with handsome cowboys, take-charge ladies coupled with faith, redemption and forgiveness.
Blessings,Tina
Based on your comments - "Back in the Saddle" is definitely a book you will enjoy, Tina, as it contains each of those wonderfully inspiring elements you mentioned!! Enjoy this beautiful story, and thanks for your wonderful comments as well as your support of OWG and Christian Fiction!!
DeleteTina, this story is tailor-made for you. I love take-charge heroines, too, I have little patience for whiny women so my tough, pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps heroines are my kind of women! :) I'm so glad you stopped over, Tina!
DeleteThis sounds like another fabulous read -- who doesn't love cowboys and stories of faith and forgiveness. Thank you for the giveaway :-) cmcfaithingod at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't indeed, Christine, lol?? Ruth is a gifted author who weaves beautiful stories of hope, inspiration, and realistic characters. You will surely love "Back in the Saddle"!! Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteChristine, I agree! Those are the best kind of stories, the kind rooted in faith and true love's kiss! :) Christine, thanks for coming by!
DeleteBack in the Saddle sounds like a really good book. I'm sure I'd enjoy it. Thank you for offering a copy.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kay, you're welcome, we're happy to do it! And I love meeting new readers, it is a true blessing for me!
DeleteHi, Kay!! Ruth is a master at story lines - she has written so many beautiful ones, "Back in the Saddle" is no exception. I feel sure you will enjoy it, please stop by again soon.
Deletewould love to win. angelachesnut246(at)gmail(DOT)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Angela!! I'd love for you to read Ruth's wonderful "Back in the Saddle" - good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteAngela, we've got you tucked in! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is a great review. I look forward to reading this wonderful novel. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments, Jan - thank you!! There's much to enjoy in the reading of "Back in the Saddle" - a wonderful story with lovable characters and a beautiful message!!
DeleteJan, I agree! So nice to see you here!!!
DeleteA wonderful review thank you. This sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Mary, thank you! And yes, Bonnie's review made me smile... and cheer! Thank you, Bonnie!
DeleteThank you for your sweet comments, Mary!! I love reading wonderful, inspiring stories such as "Back in the Saddle" and having a part in making other readers aware of their beautiful message. This one is indeed "fantastic"!!
DeleteSounds like another good one. dbdempsey98(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBecky, I have had so much fun working on this series. I love it! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI feel sure you'll love Colt and Angelina's story and meeting the rest of the characters in "Back in the Saddle", Becky!! Since it is book 1 in the series, there will be other Stafford family stories to enjoy also. Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteI know that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I can't help but find this one appealing. Being a horse lover, what's not to like?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read the story to see if it's as good as I expect it will be. Ü
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, Cindi - the cover is beautiful, isn't it?? And this is truly one book you can judge by it's cover - the story within the covers is even more beautiful!! Can you believe Ruth's comment the cover of the next book in this series may be even more beautiful?? Thanks for your wonderful comments - enjoy "Back in the Saddle"!!
DeleteCindi, I love this cover! And that horse is such a delightful friend to Colt, an old friend! "Yesterday's News", a gorgeous animal, totally trustworthy. Gotta love a good horse. :)
DeleteWonderful review, Bonnie :) Cowboys and horses - and a good story - what more could I possibly want...lol. Thanks for the giveaway. I am quite sure I would love this book!
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
And I'm quite sure you will love this book also, Betti!! Amen to what more could you want: cowboys, horses, and a good story?? You'll find all that and more in "Back in the Saddle". Good luck in the drawing and thanks for your sweet comments!!
DeleteBetti, I'm in total agreement! Cowboy lore, Western code and a great horse! YES! And romance, of course. I love romance. :)
DeleteThanks Bonnie for that great review! Sounds like a very good story,looking forward to reading it! lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement and kind words, Lynne - I always appreciate hearing from you!! Crossing my fingers for a win for you - you will enjoy "Back in the Saddle", please check out Ruth's numerous other wonderful books, as well!!
DeleteLynne, thank you for stopping by, and for your kind words! Bonnie does a great job, always, and she's such a dear, dear person. Over and above the marvelous reviews. :)
DeleteI am so blessed to know her!
I'm humbled by your sweet comments, Ruthy!! I'm blessed to know you also- thanks for your prayers, joyful attitude, and encouragement!!
DeleteThanks so much for your great review BONNIE! I NEED to get a hold of this one and find some time to read it asap!! I really should have been on top of things and had you send me this one for review too, Ruthy! There's just something about cowboy's and horses that fills my imagination and makes my pulse go a little faster ha!! This one is on my wish list with a heart bullet! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Noela - and yes, you definitely do need to read "Back in the Saddle". You will enjoy it - I love the fact it is part of a series and there will be more opportunities to become acquainted with the Stafford family also. There never seems to be enough time to read all the wonderful Christian Fiction we'd love to read - especially when there are such gifted prolific writers as Ruthy!! LOL, I agree that cowboys and horses have the ability to make one's pulse beat a little faster!!
DeleteNoela, what wonderful things to say!!!! I think we have to get a copy across the big pond!!!
DeleteThank you for a great review, Bonnie! The cover is beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading "Back In the Saddle". I love reading Ruth's books--we need more Christian books that shows God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness and mercy to readers.
ReplyDeleteAmen to your comment re: needing more Christian books showing God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness and mercy - Marilyn!! Ruthy is one of the authors whose wonderful books exemplify these ideals - her books and those of other Christian Fiction authors are always such a blessing and inspiration to me. You will love "Back in the Saddle" and the cover is truly beautiful, isn't it?? Thanks for your wonderful comments, Marilyn - please leave a source of contact for yourself, should you be our winner!!
DeleteWhat a wonderful sentiment! Thank you for your kind words and your love and support of Christian fiction. Marilyn, that means so much to each and every author!
DeleteI'd love a chance to read this book
ReplyDeleteOra, I'm so glad you stopped by! Thank you so much for coming over, and thank you for your love of Christian fiction!
DeleteOra, I hope we can give you that chance to read "Back in the Saddle" - it's a beautiful story!! Please leave a way we can contact you - should you be our winner - and thanks for commenting. Please stop by OWG again soon.
ReplyDeleteoradeerocks@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ora!!
DeleteLove this review! Sounds like a great book! Forgiveness and reconciliation. We all need that hope!
ReplyDeletesallyshupe1 [at] gmail [dot] com
Thank you so much, Sally!! I so agree about needing hope - no one is immune to those life's trials which may tend to cause a lessening of one's hope. I'm so glad God uses Christian Fiction as one of His sources of portraying the hope available through Him. Enjoy "Back in the Saddle" and thanks for commenting!!
DeleteSally, I agree! Forgiveness is usually a core in a great story because it's just plain hard to do in real life. But it's what God wants from us, so when we don't do it, it's not just our friends and family we disappoint. It's him. It's "I am who am"...
DeleteI never tire of redemption stories! Thanks for this opportunity! mrs dot nipper at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteAnd neither do I, Cindy - they're so inspiring, aren't they?? I think you will love this one!! Thanks for commenting & please stop by OWG again soon!!
DeleteCindy, me, either! I love them! So glad you stopped by and I think "More Than a Promise" would be a 'fall in love with' kind of story... Just enough heart, romance, faith and soul!
DeleteI've lived in the west for most of my life until 5 years ago. I'd love to win and read this book!
ReplyDeletesallydav45(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Sally!! You will surely love the way Ruth brings out the ways/things of the west and it's people in "Back in the Saddle". Good luck - hope to see you at OWG again soon!!
DeleteSally, I've had so much fun working in the west. I've loved westerns from the time I was a kid, and the push west always pulled my interest, so when I do historicals I do westerns, too.... I love it.
DeleteI love the cover of this book. I really like stories about families learning to reconcile with each other. When you add that this is a western - you made my day. I'm in love with Washington state since my visits to my great-grandparents at Spanaway Lake near Tacoma, Washington. I loved sitting on a park bench at Steilacoom, WA. watching the ferries and the whales.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release, Ruth.
Thank you for such a great review, Bonnie.
I am so excited about this book since it includes my favorite things- Washington state, redemption story, western genre.
Kathy Anderson
phoneticpanda (at) gmail(dot)com
Kathy, I've fallen in love with Washington State. I had to find a state that worked well with cowboys, with Christmas trees and with a gorgeous vista, and the Kittitas Valley, rimmed by mountains, was perfect. Enough weather to make life interesting, great people, western code, and oh, did I mention COWBOYS???? :) Kathy, I've fallen in love with Cle Elum and Ellensburg and Roslyn and the whole area. GORGEOUS!!!!
DeleteI love the cover of this book. I really like stories about families learning to reconcile with each other. When you add that this is a western - you made my day. I'm in love with Washington state since my visits to my great-grandparents at Spanaway Lake near Tacoma, Washington. I loved sitting on a park bench at Steilacoom, WA. watching the ferries and the whales.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release, Ruth.
Thank you for such a great review, Bonnie.
I am so excited about this book since it includes my favorite things- Washington state, redemption story, western genre.
Kathy Anderson
phoneticpanda (at) gmail(dot)com
"Back in the Saddle" is truly a book not to be missed, Kathy!! I'm glad my review brought out some pleasant memories for you and numerous reasons to read and enjoy "Back in the Saddle" - in addition to the fact Ruth is very gifted in her writing. Stories of reconciliation are inspiring, aren't they?? If you love the cover of "Back in the Saddle" - watch out for the 2nd book in the series, Ruthy feels the cover for it will give this one big competition. So glad there will be more books to follow in this western series - for you to read and enjoy. Thanks for your wonderful comments!!
DeleteThis sounds like a very good book! I love a good western. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
If you love good westerns, you will love this one - and the others to follow in this series, Brenda. Ruth is a master with story lines!! Good luck - please stop by OWG again soon.
DeleteBrenda, so glad you could stop by and I'd love for you to read this and tell me what you think! I love westerns, too, writing them, reading them, watching them! And it's always so much fun to be over here with Bonnie and the gals. OWG is awesome!
DeleteYou're awesome too, Ruthy - each of us at OWG appreciates your stopping by to chat with our blog followers and the joy and encouragement with which you always do it!!
DeleteThis book sounds amazing! I have a weakness for all things cowboy! LOL
ReplyDeleteimaclogger23 at yahoo dot com
Hi, Kim!! I think many readers have a weakness for all things cowboy, LOL. The cover of 'Back in the Saddle' makes the book even more enticing, doesn't it?? It's a wonderful story. Thanks for your comments - hope to see you on OWG again soon!!
DeleteKim, me too! And cowboys are more than a great seat in the saddle, there's a cowboy "code" and lore that just grabs us, isn't there? We see Western men a little differently, a little more rugged, strong and true... and not citified! :)
DeleteSounds like a great read! And a modern day cowboy too! Great job Bonnie! Nancycooks4[at]gmail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteNancy, I love to cook, too. And bake. And eat! :) And how can we not love a modern-day cowboy, right? A guy not afraid to get dirty when he realizes he needs his family as much as they need him... Thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteThank you, Nancy!! I always enjoy reading your comments - thanks for your support and encouragement. Good luck - I feel sure you will enjoy reading Colt's story and the stories that will follow on the other cowboys in the Stafford family.
Delete