“Back in the Saddle” by Ruth Logan Herne

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?

Ruth Logan Herne’s new book will have you wishing you could jump Back in the Saddle.  The ranching life is painted in a hard but glorious light by everyone in the story.  Although full of hard work and tough choices, Herne shares the benefits of life in a slow pace where you’re responsible for your own business.  A small community that allows you to build relationships and work together is held up as an ideal place to raise a family, and this country girl definitely agrees.

I’ve always wanted to go on a real trail ride, so I could definitely identify with the kids in the story who longed to learn to ride.  I appreciated Colt’s story, too – being knocked down by business isn’t easy, but his love for the land helped him come to grips with the new direction in his life.

There’s more to Angelina than meets the eye, as well, and her backstory definitely adds some excitement to the plot.  I would’ve loved if that had been a thread that got tugged during the events of the story, but Angelina was a fascinating character nonetheless.

These characters are not the only interesting ones in the story.  Colt’s family adds several smaller sub-plots and foreshadowing to the next book in the series.  I love the way that Herne mixed the characters and the plot lines all together into a realistic jumble of people and problems.  They feel like the loveable family next door, and I wish I could go meet them.

The Colt you meet at the beginning of the story has a lot of growing to do, and I loved reading his journey.  His journey to faith, love, and maturity is a fascinating one to take.  He’s my favorite kind of character – he’s protective, strong, and doesn’t shy away from hard work, whether it’s physical or spiritual.  If you like reading about hard-working characters, Colt’s the man for you.

How’s the book overall, though – really?  It’s expertly written in a dramatic, modern style that will keep you turning page after page.  It’s definitely a cowboy romance, but with deep, interesting characters and an ongoing plot, it’s a cowboy story of the highest caliber.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

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