The Reluctant Cattleman

Author: Karen Baney
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Colter Sons #1
Release Date: August 19, 2022
Publisher: Author Services International

A heartwarming western romance and coming of age story set in Prescott, Arizona in 1887.

As Sam Colter takes on more responsibilities at the family ranch, he believes he is a disappointment to his father. He feels like the misfit of the family. When a journalist shows up to interview his mother, secrets from the past threaten his fledging sense of security. Can he overcome his fear and doubts to accept his role as a cattleman and rancher? Will he allow himself to love the woman who turned his life upside down?

Ellie Mae Thatcher moves to Prescott to start her career as a writer. When she misleads the Colters about her identity, she hurts the man she is falling in love with. Can she win back his trust and his heart?

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

Karen Baney’s new series is Colter Sons. I liked that Baney did not start off with the eldest son. In fact, the eldest son is the third book. Caught me off guard at first, but I enjoyed how everything played out. 

This novel is a coming-of-age story with a love-at-first-sight trope. I liked how Ellie Mae went to the Colter Ranch to interview Hannah and met her soulmate, Sam. I really enjoyed their story.

Sam is the good child who happens to be his mama’s favorite. He didn’t know why, but everyone knew it. But just because he was his mama’s favorite did not mean he did not want his father’s approval. He strove hard to achieve it. But Sam didn’t know that just being his son was enough for his father. Of course, he was happy with everything he accomplished, but he didn’t need to keep seeking his approval, like our Heavenly Father. He is proud of us for being His children, which is enough. 

Ellie Mae is doing a “guy’s” job. I liked that her boss treated her right and gave her jobs. But I liked Ellie Mae’s determination. I liked that she worked hard to prove she was good at her job. She didn’t expect it to be handed down on a silver platter to her, which is what I liked. If you want something in life, you have to work for it. It’s not going to be handed to you freely. 

I liked that Baney had romance and family life in this book. No family is perfect, everyone has problems, and I like that she shows that. I also liked that there was history in the pages. She introduced the railroad and how difficult it was to get to where we are today. 

This was a clean read, free from language and sexual content. Only a few kisses.

Disclaimer: I requested and received a copy of this book courtesy of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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