Friday, September 17, 2021

Review: Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch by Carolyn Brown

 

Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch (Ryan Family #1) by Carolyn Brown
Publication Date: July 27th 2021 by Forever
Pages: 375
Source: Publisher
Rating: 
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads | Audible

My Thoughts:
I won’t summarize the plot; the book description below does a better job than I will. I adore Carolyn Brown’s down-to-earth cowboy romances; I’m usually laughing at the antics and enjoying a sweet and sexy romance, but Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch wasn’t my favorite from her. It was entertaining, but didn’t have her usual charm, IMO.

There wasn’t a lot of drama or angst and I appreciate that most of the time with my romances, but finding out you have a nineteen-year-old daughter you didn’t know about would have to be a shock, right? Jesse was understanding and forgiving, but I think in real life it’d be hard to not be angered you didn’t get to share in all the milestones of your child growing up. I did know this information going into the story, and I do think Addie, in her own mind, had a decent reason for withholding the information initially, still I was hoping for more.

The romance was easy going, a little too easy being this was a second chance romance. I was happy with how it all turned out, but I felt it was lacking in passion. The whole story felt a bit superficial, but would be good if you’d like a light read to breeze through. With that said, I am looking forward to Cody and Stevie's romance next. From their interactions it feels like it'll be a good one! 

3 Stars


Book Description:

From the bestselling author of Queen of Cowboy: regrets and old heartbreaks are unearthed in this sweeping love story as hometown sweethearts get a second chance at love—and being a family.

Retired combat medic Jesse Ryan hasn’t been home much since he enlisted twenty years ago. Now he’s headed back to Texas to help take care of his aging foster parents and run Sunflower ranch. But when he gets there, he finds his parents’ live-in nurse is Addison Hall, his high school best friend and the woman he always regretted leaving behind after their one steamy night together before he shipped out. He’s not at all surprised that their chemistry is still sparking, but Jesse is shocked to learn Addy gave birth to a little girl about nine months after he left—his little girl.

​Addy has her hands full as a single mom of a nineteen-year-old daughter who suddenly wants to rebel at everything. The last thing she needs is Jesse Ryan complicating her life even further, especially since she’s always had a crush on the handsome cowboy. But the more time she spends with Jesse, the more she wonders what might happen if they finally let their friendship blossom into something more and became the family she’d always hoped for. 
 
Includes the bonus novella Small Town Charm for the first time in print! 


14 comments:

  1. I would consider her an auto-buy author at this point, but I ended up DNF-ing b/c of the keeping his daughter from him. It's one of hated tropes for me. I am looking forward to starting with the next couple in the series so I'm glad you thought their upcoming romance sounds good.

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    1. Glad to hear it wasn't only me! I felt bad, but this is how I felt. It was a struggle to finish.

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  2. Sorry this one wasn't as good as her books usually are.

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  3. Yeah I know Sophia didn't like this one.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. I still love Carolyn Brown. Not every book from a favorite author has to be a win.

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  4. I also read this and liked it a bit more than you did. I'm hoping the next one is better also.

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    1. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it more. It's hard to go wrong with Carolyn Brown and I'm looking forward to the next one, too.

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  5. I will check it out. Happy weekend

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  6. I just have adored reading this author in the past, she writes the best heartfelt small town reads. I love how authentic it feels. Sorry to hear that this one was disappointing.

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    1. Yes, she writes great stories! Not every story from a fav author has to be a win. I'm looking forward to the next one.

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  7. I agree. Learning of a secret grown child deserves a bit more drama

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  8. I do love her books, even the only good ones

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