| Title | : | The Rancher Takes a Family (The McGregor Brothers of Grand, Montana, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 163 |
| Publication | : | Published October 11, 2018 |
Lacey Anderson loves a challenge, but Jake's already broken her heart once. When his tall shadow darkens the doorway of her classroom, she's ready to shut him out - until she meets her new students, and sees the desperation in Jake's eyes. Emotional intelligence is so not his forte. But she's done banging her head against that wall.
Jake, however, is finally ready to learn how to love and Lacey’s the teacher he wants. Is she willing to risk her own heart again to teach him?
The Rancher Takes a Family (The McGregor Brothers of Grand, Montana, #1) Reviews
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Jake McGregor, rancher, is left his sister three small children when she and her parents are killed in an airplane crash. Not only is Jake devastated by the loss of his own parents, sister and her husband but now he must become guardian to three children who lost their parents and grandparents. Ranching is a tough life, but he is up to the challenge. His two brothers also come home to the ranch and help him.
Lacey Anderson was not expecting Jake, the man that broke her heart, to come to her school with children in tow. But she can’t help that her heart goes out for Jake and the children now in his charge.
Sparks fly and emotions go into over drive when you delve into The Rancher Takes a Family. It is a tender, heartfelt storytelling. I really loved that Jake with some help from his siblings, was able to handle the children on his own. So when he pursues Lacey, although assisted with her child knowledge, Jake was there because he wanted to make her a part of his life and not looking for someone to take over the child rearing responsibility...Swoon worthy.
The Rancher Takes a Family is one of those feel good romances with a cast of characters that will make you smile, out right laugh out loud and even feel your heart expand to encompass their plight.
I received this ARC copy of The Rancher Takes a Family from Tule Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Rancher Takes A Family is set for publication Oct. 11, 2018.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Paula Altenburg
Print Length: 163 pages
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Publication Date: October 11, 2018
Genre: Western Contemporary Romance
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4.5 stars
I cannot begin to express how much I loved Paula Altenburg’s The Rancher Takes a Family. This is truly a second chance romance full of heart.
Jake McGregor finds himself the guardian of his two nephews and niece; ten-year-old Mac, five-year-old Finn and infant Lydia, after his sister, brother-in-law, and parents are killed in a plane crash. To say everyone is grieving would be an understatement. For the kids, the situation is worse because they are moved away from everything they know in New York City to Grand, Montana. Jake isn’t sure why his sister Elizabeth selected him to be their guardian. It’s not like he has any experience with kids. But luckily for him, his two younger brothers Luke and Zack agree to move back to Montana to help out for awhile.
Lacey Anderson is an elementary school teacher. She’s also Jake’s ex-high school girlfriend and the woman who broke his heart. When Lacey sees Jake and the boys struggling across the playground, she can’t resist trying to help out. What starts out as a little help and encouragement blossoms into more when Jake and Lacey realize they still are attracted to and have feelings for each other.
Paula Altenburg has written amazing characters. Luke and Zack put their lives on hold to move back to Montana and help out. You get a glimpse into the men they are. You also get introduced to their future heroines. Mac and Finn will break your heart. You see them struggling with their new reality, but also see them adjust. I don't think Paula has ever written a New Adult book, but I have already begged her to write a story for Mac.
The Rancher Takes a Family was deeper than I expected. It’s filled with so much love for family. If this story doesn’t make you cry, it will definitely tug at your heartstrings. I'm looking forward to seeing what Paula has in store for the next Montana McGregor Brothers book.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.** -
Jake McGregor and his brothers Luke and Zach have all lived through one of the worse few days of their lives. Finding out they have just lost their mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law in a horrible plane crash when they went on a trip for their father’s birthday.
Before boarding the plane, they took out insurance as to who would care for their three precious children Mac 10, Finn 5, and Lyddie almost 2. Jake thinks she did it as a joke because no one ever really thinks that they will die and leave their precious children behind.
When the brothers all arrived in New York from Montana they are met by three grieving children. Once the service is over Luke and Zach go on to Montana ahead of Jake and the kids to get the house ready. The room is not an issue for the family home.
Two families could live in it comfortably without an issue. The two brothers have planned to take a year away from home and their physical jobs and work remotely in order to help Jake and the child. This way they can all make it through this difficult transition together.
Jake’s first idea was to fly until Finn started screaming that he didn’t want to die. Jake rethinks what he was thinking of putting the children on a plane and decides to drive from New York to Montana. Four days later and a major headache he arrives safe and sound with all three children. When it comes time for school Jake had the two boys dressed and ready. They were not happy and scared.
One good thing for them and a shock to him his high school sweetheart Lacey Anderson is a teacher at the school and when he saw that Finn was having a hard time she did not wait to be asked she came over and got down to the boys level and greeted them and made them feel as welcome as they could feel.
Zach seemed to take charge of Lyddie who he found a neighbor who has a little girl with that is the same age. So, he sets up regular playdates. Luke takes primary care of Finn and finds him what he has been missing which is a connection to his mom. When he talked to Jake about putting him in the activity he was not happy. But he knew Finn missed it as well as his time with his mom. So, he did it anyway.
Jake took charge of Mac mostly because he is a lot like Jake himself. He has a perfect plan that changes the course of how Mac sees his world and how to move forward. This idea helps all of them go forward and Lacey is able to get Jake to sign him up for her soccer team she is coaching where kids from school and his age group. The first day was a bust but after Jake idea, things get better on the field and at school.
With all the communication about the kids, it has stirred the old feelings that were left unresolved from the past and questions as to what actually went wrong. Most of all it is learning to say the words to those we love so they can know and feel what’s in our hearts.
I really enjoyed how this story unfolded from three manly men taking on these hurting kids and helping them to heal as well as the children were helping them too. The author tells a nice feel-good second chance romance. Although, I felt as if there was a little bit missing throughout with the brother’s their relationship together.
Not to mention the full relationship of Lacey and Jake could have a little bit more meat and potatoes. It just wrapped up to fast. Don’t get me wrong I loved the kids and uncles together but it just jumped from one dinner to having a four years pass.
I would like to know what happens to the brothers and if they find relationships. Like Posey for Zach or Luke’s ex, and Lacey and her family and the addition to their family too. Like the emotional parts of it.
Yet, I still feel the characters were solid, true, and real. The story was sweet and heartwarming. I loved the football scene with the uncles and kids. I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
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A very enjoyable read! I loved this book and all the people.
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Eh... I'm still unsure about this book.
The story line was interesting and some of the characters were well developed. My issue is how incredibly short the book was. It's priced as a full length novel, but in reality is barely over what is considered a novella. I point this out because generally I don't read novellas, they typically fall short for me.
And that's exactly what this one did.
The book felt rushed. The kids haven't even made it into the house before the author has them attending school in the next paragraph. Where is the time to adapt to the new house? I would have loved to read more about how Jake handled the kids on the road trip, especially after his struggles on the plane.
I didn't really feel the connection between Jake and Lacey right away. They have a past together, but it's really just hinted at. I would have loved a few flashbacks to that time. Something to tell the reader how much they cared about each other at that time. By the end of the book I felt the connection, but it took a LONG time to get there.
The ending felt incredibly rushed, just like the rest of the book. I would have loved the author to spend more time developing the relationship rather than checking things off a list to discuss.
I did enjoy reading about the brother's and can't wait to see what's in store for them in future (hopefully longer) books in this series.
** ARC received from Netgalley ** -
Loved this book! This novel drew me in from the very beginning with Jake, the bachelor rancher, trying to wrangle his sister's three young children on a plane... but some wrangling is beyond even the most experienced rancher. Once he finally gets them home, he has no idea what to do with them or how to help them with the loss of their mother.
When Jake brings the two boys to school, he sees Lacey, the girl that got away. They both hurt each other badly when they were teens, but Lacey won't let that stop her from helping her help his new charges. While many years have passes, their attraction to each other is still just as strong as it was when they were teens.
This is a wonderful tale of second chance love that fans of the genre will love. The author has created characters with depth that makes them feel real and come alive on the page. This one is a must read, so put it at the top of your TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list. -
Oh my, loved this book!! After the first few pages I knew I would love Jake. Jake was content in his life as a rancher but things changed when he now has his nephews and niece after his sister dies. His other two single brothers move in to help with ranch and the kids. Lacey is the school teacher for the kids, plus Jake's high school girlfriend. They both made mistakes in the past and now Jake wants to start fresh.
Loved these characters, many laugh out moments with the kids. Great chemistry between Jake and Lacey. This is a book that I could not put down!! Can't wait to read about the other two brothers!! -
This was an okay read. The writing flowed okay, but the whole story wasn't really developed enough for me. Lacey's thoughts are always that Jake doesn't share enough. Jake gets annoyed that Lacey didn't come to him when a family emergency comes up. Neither problem is ever addressed. Jake never talks about his grief, and Lacey never shares about her family. The whole thing with her family isn't really resolved either. The ending was pretty abrupt, although the epilogue does give a glimpse into the future. This was a first for me from this author, but I would read her again.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. -
Loved this book! Jake was an amazing character and I loved the way he stepped up to care for his niece and nephews. What comes out of a tragedy is a second chance with the girl of his dreams. Lacy and Jake both made mistakes when they were younger but that spark between them has never died and what they could have now is more than either has ever dreamed.
This is a great read with some amazing characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this one. -
SIGH!! WHAT A SWEET, SEXY ROMANCE. I FINISHED THIS IN ONE DAY, STARTED THIS MORNING, FINISHED THIS AFTERNOON. ITS NOT A LONG BOOK BUT IT HAS A GREAT STORY LINE (nothing new) AND CHARACTERS. I REALLY ENJOYED, IT WAS WELL DONE WITHOUT BEING TOO WORDY. WHICH SEEMS HERE LATELY IS ALL I’VE RUN INTO. SOME WRITERS PUT SO MUCH DETAILS AND UN-NEEDED WORDS I FORGET WHAT THE STORY WAS ABOUT. THIS PROVES THAT HANDS DOWN, I FELT ALL THE TRIALS AND JOYS OF EVERYTHING THE CHARACTERS WERE EXPERIENCING. SO SWEET! ;D -
Jake MacGregor is the oldest brother. He is the one who loves the land and the ranch. In the blink of an eye, all that changes. He is now guardian of 3 small children that belonged to his sister. It seems that the 3 MacGregor brothers, who are all bachelors, now need to figure out how to care for them. There are some funny times. Lacey Anderson was Jake's first love. She is now a school teacher. It seems there is a second chance at love. Will everything come first before them? Will the family figure it all out? I enjoyed reading this book!
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This book was absolutely beautifully written. I loved the characters and the storyline so much! The end had me literally in (happy) tears just now!
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the story but wished it was longer. It ended abruptly in my opinion too. ‘‘Tis book takes place in Grand, Montana. It is the story of the McGregors. The parents and sister and brother in law have been killed in an accident in Peru. Jake, the oldest brother was named guardian of the sisters 3 children. Jake had been helping run the ranch with his dad. The other brothers were working in corporate America but have returned for a year to help get the children acclimated. Jake realizes that his old girlfriend and first love now is a teacher at the school. He sees her when he takes the 2 oldest kids to school. The book chronicles the slow but steady relationship that has popped back up between Jake and Lacey. The ranch, the children, the nosy townsfolk all present challenges for Jake and Lacey. The book was short but a good plot and a nice group of characters. I can see how the 2 brothers are possibly being set up for a series. I give it 5 stars.
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I wanted to like this book more than I did. It started out strong, the tragedy that happens to Jakes family is horrible. You could feel his stress when he was on the airplane with the kids. Unfortunately after that it all fell flat. The characters, the chemistry between Lacey and Jake.. it was all flat. Beige. Even the side characters (Jakes brothers) were interchangeable and none of them acted like they had all suffered this huge tragedy or giving up a year of their lives was a big deal. The most evocative characters were Mac, Finn and Lydia. They were great to read about. Everyone else was like vanilla ice cream... ok but you know it can be so much better. Side note there was also so grammar mistakes that def made the reader stop in the middle of a sentence.
** ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ** -
Jake is now the guardian of his two nephews (Mac age 10 and Finn age 5) and his niece (Lyddie 2). Both his sister her husband and Jake’s parents were killed in a plane crash.
That leaves Jake and his brothers Luke and Zack were now in charge of the three children and the family business. Luke and Zack agree to put there lives on hold for a year to help out.
Lacey (Jake’s high school sweetheart) and Jake reconnect when Jake registers the boys for school. (Lacey is a teacher at the school). Will there romance blossom? Read on to find out how Jake adjusts to parenthood and dating again. -
Decent story
However I couldn’t continue reading further than 40ish % because of the lack of grieving. They were immediately on as if his sister, parents and brother in law didn’t just die. I think the last thing on my mind would be my high school gf who I want to rekindle things with. He said he couldn’t grieve because his nephews and niece had to grieve first and he could grieve later. It just didn’t sit well with me. And didn’t much like the heroine in this story she made a lot of assumptions and needed to grow up. -
FREE today (April 09, 2021) on Amazon.
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An okay story. Not enough time with the 2 main romantic partners actually together to get to know each other again. Rushed ending.
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Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
There are some stories that just grab you by the heartstrings and won't let go - The Rancher Takes A Family is one of those stories. Imagine for a moment, as painful as that may be, that in one moment you've lost your parents, your sister and her husband in a plane crash. Devastated is the mildest of emotions felt in that tragedy. Then imagine that you've been named guardian of your sister's three grieving children who have just had their world destroyed... how do you handle that. If you're a McGregor brother then you suck up your own emotions and deal with the reality in front of you... even though you're just as destroyed as those innocent kids. You deal, you learn and you do your best for your family. Three brothers, Jake, Luke and Zach have their work cut out for them. But along the way they're going to discover life's greatest gifts as well... it just might take some time to receive them.
At one time Jake and Lacey were a couple, teen love that was cut short by misunderstandings, miscommunication and perhaps stubbornness as well. Now, years later, Lacey has returned home as a school teacher - and the last sight she expects to see is Jake standing in her classroom doorway with two scared, upset and even angry children. While her compassion and concern is for the children, it doesn't help to discover that time has not changed her feelings for the man who once broke her heart.
To be frank, I could talk about this story for a very long time... but that's not fair to you because I truly believe that you need to experience the emotions of this story firsthand. Just a warning, you are going to get teary-eyed, and you're also going to do some laughing out loud as well. Lacey and Jake get a second chance, maybe a future together if they can get beyond what happened years ago. It's telling in a way when each brother seems to take responsibility of one particular child, often the closest to their own personalities. All the kids were loved and cared for by all the brothers, but it was interesting to see them "pair up" in some ways. Since this was Jake's story, I didn't expect to dive deeply into Luke's or Zach's reactions or lives... that will come later in their own stories. Yet there is a strong sense of family in different layers in The Rancher Takes A Family that is impossible to not feel. I enjoyed meeting these characters, and definitely look forward to learning more throughout the series. I'd not hesitate to recommend this story to any Romance reader who enjoys interesting characters, second chance romances and that family feeling that just cannot be explained but must be felt. Yeah, this one stole my heart.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* -
Review written: October 16, 2018
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
I love reading Tule books because Marietta, Montana and I rarely stray outside that zone. But the title and back cover blurb for The Rancher Takes a Family was just impossible to resist, so I snagged it. I'm really glad I did.
I loved Jake from the first. It all started with his way of dealing with grief, because I am the same. I loved how he dealt with his nephews and niece and how he struggled but still figured it out on his own. I loved how he got indignant when the women acted like he knew nothing. I just loved the way he loved them. And the way he loved his brothers too. A strong man who is also vulnerable? Yes, please!
I liked Lacey. She was a bit more mysterious. I couldn't always figure out what motivated her, for instance. But she "felt" right for Jake. Her gentle brand of help without being obnoxious but still being forceful was great. Her uncertainty about the relationship made sense and her struggles with her family were sad.It's obvious she has a fairly good grasp of basic psychology and that she uses it to help people.
This is a character-driven story with few outside issues. Because Jake and Lacey have a past history, this is also a second chance romance. It's definitely a slow burn kind of book and not an instant conflagration. There isn't a huge amount of angst here either.
I'm seeing books for Jake's brothers and Lacey's brother too and I want to read them.
This review is ©October 2018 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley. -
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a great story of a second chance romance. The female protagonist (Lacey) was very spoilt and not mature enough for the life-time love with the male protagonist (Jake). Jake was trying to make for a romantic evening the night of his prom but it back fired on him. No more details sorry! Over a decade later and a lot of growing up. These two get their second chance. It was a gripping story that was hard to put down.
I loved the dual POV that the book was written in. It helped me, the reader, to understand the thoughts and the actions both past and present that these two people go through. The reason for their actions in the past that lead to the break-up.
The children (Mac, Finn and Lydia) were a joy to read about. Their struggle to cope with the loss of their parents and grandparents and coming to live with their uncles made for a great back drop to this story.
I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is a wonderful story about second chances that will leave you reading late into the night not wanting to stop reading. The Epilogue was a wonderful addition to the beautiful story. I so look forward to reading about the other brothers in this family! -
The Rancher Takes a Family is a heartwarming story by Paula Altenburg. The children stole my heart from the beginning as Jake is attempting to get them all to the ranch. Their tragic loss is heartbreaking while their resilience is inspiring. This book has a strong feeling of realism that you wonder if the author had been through such a tragedy or knows someone who has.
The plot flows as it would happen in life. Jake is the well-meaning, strong silent type of guy. He would fit into a Clint Eastwood role, he is just that emotional closed off. Lacey is the opposite which easily showed why they would have had problems in high school. It was a pleasure to read how now they could be the balance each needed. Having this sweet romance happen at this terrible time of their lives is like a ray of hopeful sunshine. Now we can look forward to Jake’s brothers’ finding some happiness too. I really liked how they were close family but still brothers who could and did get on each other’s nerves.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
