About the Book:
“I’m sorry I’ve been behaving like a jerk.”
The corners of her pretty mouth tilted upward. “Oh.” Dropping her arms, she shifted from one sneaker-clad foot to the next. “In that case, please, go on.”
“You’ve brought something to Shepard’s life that he’s never really had.”
Her brow puckered. “Such as…?”
“The way you interact with him. You treat him as if he’s special. That his thoughts and opinions matter.”
“That’s just common decency, Ryder. You know, the whole ‘do unto others.’”
“Yes, but he rarely got that from his mother.”
“What does that have to do with you behaving like a jerk?” One eyebrow arched in a playful manner.
He stretched out his arms before clasping his hands atop his head, knowing what he was about to say was going to make him look even worse.
“I was afraid he’d get attached to you only to be disappointed when you leave.” There, he said it.
A realistic story about moving forward after suffering emotionally-traumatic setbacks at the hands of others . . .
Kendall Hunt has returned to Legacy Ranch after losing her job as a restaurant chef because of the lies, betrayal, and deceit of her boss. Her self-esteem is in the basement, and she needs some time to process what has happened so she can decide how to move forward into a brighter future.
Ryder Sinclair, a single father originally from the same small community as Kendall, returns to Hope Crossing to help care for his mother, Ms. Renee, who is suffering from cancer.
Ryder's four-year-old son, Shepard, is a sweet bundle of energy, curiosity, and affection who brings a smile to everyone he's around. Some of my favorite moments in the story were when Shepard or his grandmother, Ms. Renee, are in the scene.
After several missed opportunities to resume his high school romance with Kendall, Ryder finally realizes he is unfairly comparing Kendall to his former wife, Shepard's mother. Once Ryder gives his worries over to the Lord in prayer, he and Kendall begin to communicate openly about their feelings for each other and their relationship.
As with all of this author's books, there is a very tangible faith thread running throughout the entire story—an element I truly appreciate! The story is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from the author as a member of her launch. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
More Books from this Series:
About the Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a copy of A Texas Easter Blessing and $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 4, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
