phyllish
Written on Dec 18, 2019
The problem with reforming is that very few people believe you have changed. It is so hard to overcome prejudices, especially when they were well earned.
Dan had a reputation as a teenager which was partly earned and partly inherited. So when he left Pine Valley, he planned on it being for good. Yet when Bailey called him, he couldn't help but return and do whatever he could. He never dreamed she wanted a divorce!
If you're like me, you read the synopsis and wondered how you could not know you were married. Really? Yet author Laurel Blount made this work. And as the details about Dan's earlier years and his relationship with Bailey unfolded and the way he left things, I wanted so much for things to work out for them. There had already been so much heartbreak!
And speaking about reformation. . . Dan was a completely changed man. Yet few in the town believed it. When he tried to write a check at the building supply store, he learned that the hard way! Then there was his brother's mother-in-law. Ouch! Talk about toxic.
Bailey had been hurt so badly by Dan's leaving. She would have never contacted him if she could help it. While she was able to forgive him, trusting him was hard. I loved the way she struggled and the way she stood up for him in unexpected ways and places.
As I was reading and getting to know the folks in the story, I saw a few candidates for the being the parents of the twins Dan ""inherited"" which are spoken of in the synopsis and was dreading finding out who they were. I grieved with Dan at his loss and the resulting difficulties, not only with trying to care for the twins but the huge decision he had to make as a result.
On the lighter side was Lucy Ball, the delightful calf who acted more like a playful puppy. I loved reading about her antics!
If you enjoy heartfelt stories with romance and drawing closer to God, I can recommend A Rancher to Trust.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.