Back in the Saddle | Book Review

About the Book
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 Review

Overall, this was a sweet story, kind of a modern parable about the prodigal son (including the jealous brother). I enjoyed reading the progression of Colt's modern, high-budget thinking to more humble, down-to-earth, people-first focus. I really, really liked the cowboy feel. It was an interesting mix of old-fashioned cowboy in a modern world, but it was well done. Colt's heart for the children was so sweet! I loved his relationship with his nieces and Noah.

I wish I could give this book amazing five stars. Like I said, it was a sweet story, but it just didn't stand out as a strong faith-filled book. There were verses quoted, prayers to God, and overall, a good bit of mention of God. However, it was unclear if Colt was saved at the beginning and "got right" with God as the book progressed? Because at first, his anti-God made me assume he wasn't saved, but there was no scene of him repenting and turning to God. Secondly, there seemed to be a Catholic hint with Angelina and her mother mentioning Mary and lighting candles. Also, there was what I would consider "mild language" in this book (as in, more "everyday" lingo that we don't like using around the house). 

For those who like to know romantic content, there were several scenes which most people would probably find "sweet romance." They were drawn to each other, had moments of being lost in the nearness of each other, and they kissed (several times) before they knew there was a commitment.

Honestly, I did enjoy the story, but the spiritual plot and romance just knocked it down a star for me. I know of many reader friends who would probably love the story because it is clean and sweet.

*I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review*

About the Author

Best-selling, multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over thirty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. With over 3/4 million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.

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