Her Guardian Rancher: A Fresh-Start Family Romance

By Brenda Minton

A Soldier’s Promise

Three years ago Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy: watch over his wife, protect his child. But he never imagined he’d fall in love with mom and baby. Now as Emma Shaw barely hangs on to her ranch and her daughter faces lifesaving surgery, the cowboy bodyguard is determined to see his promise through. But Emma doesn’t want a hero. Especially one riddled with guilt. She’ll make it on her own, just like she always has. With Emma, Daron faces his most difficult assignment: showing the battle-scarred widow that letting go makes you stronger—and that loving is worth the risk…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Inspired
• Release date: Jan 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781488018039

Brenda Minton

Brenda Minton lives in the Ozarks. She's a wife, mom to three, foster mom to five and grandma to a princess.  Life is chaotic but she enjoys every minute of it with her family and a few too many dogs. When not writing she's drinking coffee on the patio, wrangling kids or escaping for an evening out  with her husband.  Visit her online at www.brendaminton.net

Reviews for Her Guardian Rancher

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Daron McKay was a soldier in the army. When his buddy gets hit and is dying he made Daron promise to look after his wife and child. It's been three years now that he's been doing just that, mostly behind the scenes. Emma Shaw is having a hard time keeping up with ranch duties, taking care of her grandfather and little girl. She knows Daron is always around, watching, but she doesn't really want a guilt-ridden hero. However, when Emma's brother-in-law starts coming around begging Emma for drug money and even throwing some threats her way, Daron steps in to help. On top of that, her little girl is going to need a serious surgery very soon and her grandfather's health is declining. Daron seems to be there for her at every turn. Emma's marriage was not what she hoped it would be and she doesn't want to try again. But time after time, Daron always seems to be there when she needs him. Can he convince Emma that guilt has nothing to do with how he feels about her? Will Emma open her heart enough to give love a chance?This is a very sweet story of love and second chances. Daron was the kind of hero I love in a story. Strong, tender and patient. Emma, though, was a bit frustrating. I understood why she was cautious but there were times she just got on my nerves with how she behaved. That said, toward the end I really warmed up to her and ended up really liking her. I was a little confused about the relationship she had with her husband and even her in-laws but that didn't distract at all from the story. On thing I really enjoyed was the friendship between Daron and Boone. The interplay between them was so much fun! I love how the author brings in some familiar characters from previous books, that's always a plus for me. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Martin's Crossing and grabbing a bite to eat at Duke's No Bar and Grill!*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*Some favorite quotes:The last thing she needed was Daron McKay in her home and in her business. But there he'd been, standing in the shadows like some avenging superhero, ready to rescue her. "You're just worried about her, right?" Boone winked as he said it. "You know, some people think you're charming. I don't get it," Daron shot back. "It's the dimples and the pretty eyes. I'm taken, though." "I feel sorry for her," Daron shot back. Boone laughed, loud and long enough to draw some attention to the two of them. Happiness could be so annoying."What would my faith be if I didn't trust that God could handle this? Yes, I worry. I am sometimes afraid. But in the end, I have to trust. I can either trust or fall apart. I choose faith."