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Sierra Legacy #2

Return to Marker Ranch

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This is one reunion both of them could do without

This is the chance she's been waiting for to prove she can run her family's ranch. And despite her many doubters, Lori Allen knows she's doing a good job. Until the man who once broke her heart--Wade Hoffman--runs her well dry! And it turns out he's got as much to prove as she does. After serving his country, Wade's back to rebuild his family's reputation and win his battle with PTSD.

With so much to lose, neither can afford to give in to temptation. But to succeed they must let go of old heartache and face up to bringing out each other's worst, along with the best. And what doesn't kill them...

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2016

4 people are currently reading
143 people want to read

About the author

Claire McEwen

45 books615 followers
Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When not dreaming up new stories, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course!


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5 stars
21 (58%)
4 stars
11 (30%)
3 stars
3 (8%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Booktaard.
109 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, really sweet and heartaching from time to time and I just love Wade Hoffman, the military veteran ranger with his PTSD. I loved it!
Profile Image for Sophie (Blogger).
156 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Claire McEwen and I can say that it is one of the most touching yet amazing books I have read this year. Wade Hoffman has seen his fair share of bad experiences, many have left him with scars that run deeper than most people know. Coming back to his home, he wants to get things back on track not just for himself but for his family as well but he seems to have taken to hiding in his own world away from people.
Lori Allen is a strong woman, who wants people to see her as much. Her passion and drive is something that pushes her to be the best and want the best, which is not a bad thing. Determined to make something of her family's ranch, she is thrown into a lot of unexpected situations including seeing Wade Hoffman again.
Wade and Lori have a spark between them, one that refuses to go out no matter how much time has past. Although they are both different people now, both are broken and not really focused on love. They both shared a night together years previously, one that had stuck in both their minds but things are not all that they seems. Both seem to be hiding secrets about their pasts and it takes one thing to bring them face to face to relive their past, once and for all.
I loved the two main characters, something about them made me feel as if they were real and not just on a page of a book. It was as if their stories were your stories as you read about the struggles they faced, the passion and unwillingness to give up on love or life made me fall in love with the story everytime I flicked the page.
Return To Marker Ranch is a unbelievable story that tackles topics that really get to your heart and mind, making you feel a range of emotions. I would recommend that anyone who loves a romantic, sweet story with passion should definitely read this book!
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Touching, Heartbreaking and Sweet.
Profile Image for Deborah Blanchard.
379 reviews109 followers
August 7, 2016
This was my first Claire McEwen book, but it will definitely not be my last. I was pretty much hooked by the first chapter. It is extremely well written and the flow is effortless throughout the book. The dialogue is realistic and makes the characters feel real to me. Oh, the characters, I just loved the two main characters, Lori and Wade. They are very well developed, as are the secondary characters. They both carry their own burdens of regret and shame. The feelings in this book were many. Sadness, love, heartbreak, loss forgiveness and a host of other emotions. We all have our own demons to bear and these two were no exception. Wade is dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which I could relate to on a very personal level. I truly felt for these characters. I laughed with them, I cried with them and I felt all the emotions that they did. This is a must read for all, even if you don't normally read romance, this is romance, but oh so much more than that. It is a story that happens every single day to soldiers coming home from war and their families and loved ones. An absolute must read! Thank you Claire McEwen for allowing me the honor of reading this book.
998 reviews12 followers
August 7, 2017
What a great addition to the Sierra Legacy series. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this one was a doozy!

Wade, coming home to try to redeem himself in the eyes of the community that his family had victimized. Lori, in charge of the family ranch but still caught up in a decision she made years before. Both suffering from their own personal PTSD issues and trying to show the world they're healed.

Wade, having lost brothers in arms in the Gulf, comes back to his home town to bring the family ranch back to life. He's trying to do the best he can but doesn't have much background in HOW to make this happen. Lori, angry that his seemingly inept attempt to make sure he has water, dries up her well, wants her water back, NOW! They have to work together to resolve their differences, and both begin to realize their inability to work together is due to their need to resolve issues that took place long before the well.

I enjoyed this book and will continue to read this author. I love her voice and the quirky little town she's developed!
Profile Image for Becky.
3,414 reviews141 followers
July 3, 2016
An emotional read, The Return to Marker Ranch was the perfect way to kick off the fourth of July weekend! I love second chance romances and ones featuring military/former military heroes and heroines, making this one practically a guaranteed winner for me--since Ms. McEwen is also a new-to-me author with a backlist, it was a win-win-win situation for sure :)

Two things got Wade Hoffman through the toughest times during his time as an Army Ranger--the hope of resurrecting his family ranch (thereby redeeming his family name) when he got out, and the memory of his one perfect night with the girl next door, Lori Allen. But when he arrives back to the town he left behind, things aren't at all what he'd expected. His PTSD makes everything harder than he ever imagined it could be, and he just doesn't feel up to facing the townfolk who held his n'er-do-well family in such contempt so many years ago. He can't even bring himself to go up to Lori's front door. Instead he spends his days on his ranch, overwhelmed and hiding from the world.

Until an enraged Lori--his new well has drained hers dry, and they're in the middle of one of the worst droughts in recent memory, so she needs her water and won't take no for an answer--shows up at his ranch instead.

And the rest is history--except it isn't going to be that easy, because Lori and Wade have a past that Wade doesn't even know the whole of. And he isn't the only one suffering from a past trauma. When Lori comes clean to him about her secret, she takes a big risk. Will he only want her now to try and atone for their past mistakes, or does he truly want her for her, and for their future? And will Wade be able to seek the help he needs to deal with his PSTD before it's too late? Or will a setback cause him to return to his default method of dealing with the fear of not getting what he wants--running?

Return to Marker Ranch was such a good book--I loved every minute of it! Lori and Wade are great characters, and it's easy to root for them from the very first page. I loved that Lori was fighting so hard to run her family ranch, and that Wade found her just as sexy wearing her old jeans and cowboy hat as he did in her sister's borrowed dresses. When she found out about Wade's PTSD, Lori read all she could about the condition--and then set herself to helping him find a way to heal. They truly did bring out the best in each other. Return is second in the Sierra Legacy series (Wade is Nora's little brother) and also features Jack from A Ranch to Keep but it worked just fine as a standalone. Though of course now I really want to read Nora and Todd's story, and Jack's sounds pretty darn good too...

Not to mention my fingers are firmly crossed (and yes, that does make typing this review rather tricky) hoping that Lori's sister Mandy, AKA the "angel of food", is getting her own story very, very soon. And that we'll not only see Lori and Wade in future stories, but the fabled Coyote Snack (best dog name ever) as well--because he can ride horses, and that's just awesome.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
51 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2016
This book is a wonderful romance and much more! In the story a young woman (Lori) has elected to keep her family's ranch going following her weary father's retirement. She faces both expected and unexpected problems: ranch hands who aren't sure they want to take orders from a woman, the shadow of her mother's untimely death, a severe drought. She has a dark secret that follows her daily. Her love interest (Wade) has his own set of problems: he and his sister are the only honest members of a family known for thievery and dishonesty. He doesn't know ranching, but has committed to reviving his own family's ranch. And, he has PTSD from serving in Afghanistan.

What makes this story wonderful and atypical (to me) as a romance is that the problems the two leading characters face are un-contrived. When doubts surface within either of the two heroes, they are based upon real issues and serious ones. In the "usual" romance novel, you have no reason to doubt that the characters are going to have their happy ending. In this novel, the question remains open.

In following the books Ms McEwen has written, I am continuously impressed with the meaty issues she chooses to incorporate into her stories. They are contemporary issues, they are serious, and they are not easy. This book is by far my favorite, in its subtlety and nuances of character, its descriptions of ranch life, and the ever-present beauty and complexity of the Eastern Sierra landscape, which is like an actual character in each of her books. Kudos to Ms. McEwen!
1,817 reviews18 followers
July 23, 2016
Wade Hoffman returns to his hometown to fix up Marker Ranch to prove to himself and the town that he can do this. His family wasn't exactly pillars of society. His brothers and his father used to do drugs and steal from the neighboring ranchers.

Wade wants to prove to the town and himself that he has overcome his past and can be successful. He also wants to prove to his high school sweetheart that maybe they could have a second chance at love if she could just forgive him for the past and the things he did to her.

Lori has her own obstacles to overcome and seeing Wade come home isn't the easiest thing that she had to do. She is trying to prove to her family and their hired help that she is as good a rancher as her father was.

It is a really good book and once I picked it up it was impossible to put down. I really enjoyed it. It will make you laugh and cry sometimes at the same time. The way Claire McEwen tells the story you feel like you are there feeling all the emotions that Wade and Lori feel. It's one of those books that you just don't want to miss reading. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angie.
16 reviews
April 14, 2017
This is the second book of the Sierra Legacy series. It it also the second book by Claire McEwen that I have had the pleasure of reading. Also, what a gorgeous cover!

I really enjoyed Wild Horses (the first book in the series) and was super excited to read Return to Marker Ranch. I was not disappointed. This second chance romance has well developed and multidimensional hero/heroine, a fantastic plot that deals with real and important issues (abortion, veterans affairs), and a great deal of sweet and passionate romance. Additionally, characters that I loved from the first book make an appearance! I hope that we get to read more about Nora and Todd's wedding in the next book.

I'm so excited about Mcewen's writing, she is brilliant! I was hooked after Wild Horses, and having finished Return to Marker Ranch I had to read the rest of her work too, so I also ordered A Ranch to Keep, More than a Rancher, and Convincing the Rancher. She is my new favorite author and definitely someone to watch.


*An ARC was provided to me by the author and in no way influenced my review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.*
Profile Image for Angieleigh.
971 reviews120 followers
November 9, 2016
Though I wasn’t too sure how I would like this series after not having a strong reaction the first book in the Sierra Legacy series, I’m glad that I stuck with it as this book is the best of the three.

I was hoping that we would get Arch’s story after reading Wild Horses, where he was mentioned a few times by his siblings and former girlfriend.

I am ridiculously happy that he’s met his match in the ever so sweet Mandy, sister to Lori whom we met in Return to Marker Ranch (book two).

McEwen is a great storyteller with strong characters, great chemistry, and strong lessons to be learned. This isn’t just a romance, this is the story of redemption, grace, and the power of forgiveness. Of the three books so far, this is by far my favorite. Arch and Mandy complement each other so perfectly and I didn’t want this book to end.

Disclaimer: I requested a review copy in order to participate in a blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please Note: Strong language and sexual content. Not recommended for readers under the age of 18.
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 24 books82 followers
July 28, 2016
Part of the Sierra Legacy series, the story focuses on Lori Allen, who's desperate to make her ranch a success after her father turns it over to her and takes off for retired life in Florida. The man whose ranch is next to hers, Wade Hoffman, has recently returned home after a tour in Afghanistan. Unaware that his well has rendered Lori's bone-dry, he finally agrees to share the water with her so that both of their properties can somehow get through the drought that has affected the area for years.

But more to the point is whether each of them can deal with their respective demons: hers relating to the baby she aborted and he his PTSD. How can Lori tell him about the baby she regrets not having? Doesn't she deserve someone better than Wade, who has trouble containing his rage when another man comes on to Lori? And then, what will result when her visit to the site of her mother's accidental death may end up killing her? Will Wade be able to save her? Read and find out.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,502 reviews42 followers
July 8, 2016
In Book 2 in her Sierra Legacy series Claire McEwen takes us back to Marker Ranch to bring us Wade’s story. It was fun to see Nora & Todd again and to see Wade continue on his journey to healing from his PTSD that we saw him start in Book 1.

Wade Hoffman broke Lori Allen’s heart all those years ago when he left town, so she’s not happy to see that he’s back … especially when she finds out that he ran her well dry! She’s working hard to prove herself now that she’s taken over her dad’s ranch, and she doesn’t need any more roadblocks than she’s already had.

Wade is happy to see Lori again. In all those years that he was serving his country, he never forgot about her, or his need to apologize for how he left.

Can Wade put his life back in order enough to feel like he’s a complete enough man to have anything to offer Lori? And will Lori be able to forgive him for leaving her high and dry?
891 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2016
I was given this book and promised a honest review

Wade Hoffman and Lori Allen in love through their late teens. Wade's Family were not good news, His sister took him away once he gotten in real trouble in High School, leaving Lori behind with no many kind words.
Years later Wade returns and walks into Lori's life again. Lori too is fighting something that happened a long time ago, Wade fighting PTSD after returning home and leaving the Army. Both are fighting the attraction and chemistry that is still there. Throughout their courtship and coming closer they both have things to overcome to lead a happy life. Loved the book and how it took me through what both have gone through and managed to sill love one another.
Profile Image for Rachael.
1,093 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2016
Wade Hoffman is struggling with PTSD and is having trouble fitting in upon returning home from the war in Afghanistan. The last time that he saw Lori Allen before leaving his home town, he treated her badly and broke her heart. Although Lori has forgiven Wade for the past, she hasn't forgotten the pain that his rejection caused.

Lori and Wade have a bumpy road as Wade struggles to manage his PTSD. Return to Marker Ranch is a heartfelt story with many challenges that are overcome with patience and love. I loved Lori and Wade's emotional journey to find acceptance, forgiveness and true love.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*
2,205 reviews44 followers
July 19, 2016
Return to Market Ranch by Claire McEwen, is a story of love, an old secret, regretting the past, learning to forgive, and trying to heal. It brings together Lori and Wade as they each try to succeed at running a family ranch. Since I live in California, I was able to relate to the references of the affects of drought. That made the story very believable to me. I also felt empathy for Wade's PTSD. McEwen did not pass judgement on the disorder, but showed how frustrating battling PTSD can be. It was easy to root for a HEA for Lori and Wade. Their story grabbed me from the beginning and keeping me interested in finding out what life had in store for these two.
Profile Image for Sherry Bohrmueller.
1,249 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2016
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

How refreshing it was to read such a beautiful story. I totally loved Wade, I felt sorry for him and rooted for him and Lori. Nobody writes love stories better than Harlequin writers and I love Claire McEwen's books. This story had very emotional feelings for both Wade and Lori to work through. So much hurt had built up and they worked hard to forgive and forget. It was written wonderfully in this book. I didn't want this story to end. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a beautiful story with a HEA.
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,004 reviews71 followers
August 5, 2016
This is book #2 in the Sierra Legacy series and oh what a wonderful, emotional, heartwarming story! Lori and Wade are such wonderful characters and their painful pasts just pull at your heartstrings. This second chance sweet romance is about love, hope, redemption, forgiveness, and healing. Wade is the hero returned home from war and Lori is trying to make her way in a mostly man's world. You will love these two and this wonderful story. Received ARC for honest review.
48 reviews
October 4, 2016
Return to Marker Ranch by Claire McEwen is a beautifully written story about second chance love. This is the first Claire McEwen book I have read and I love it. I loved reading about the main characters Lori and Wade and the struggles they are dealing with finding themselves together again. I am looking forward to see what happens next with these characters and reading more of these romances. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,004 reviews71 followers
September 9, 2019
This is book #2 in the Sierra Legacy series and oh what a wonderful, emotional, heartwarming story! Lori and Wade are such wonderful characters and their painful pasts just pull at your heartstrings. This second chance sweet romance is about love, hope, redemption, forgiveness, and healing. Wade is the hero returned home from war and Lori is trying to make her way in a mostly man's world. You will love these two and this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,384 reviews41 followers
July 29, 2016
Return to Marker Ranch by Claire McEwen....A beautifully written romance story, that pulls you in. Claire knows how to connect the readers to the characters perfectly, so you feel their emotions. I love Lori and Wade and enjoyed watching their stories unfold. This is a must read, such a wonderful book. I was given a complimentary book for an honest review.
56 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2016
Return to Marker Ranch is a wonderful Second Chance at love story. Lori and Wade are deeply complex characters, but so likable. I really enjoyed this story. Very highly recommended. Claire is a talented author
Profile Image for Tamara.
136 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2016
This was a wonderful read! I love emotional books and this one did not disappoint. I found a new author to read as this was the first book I have read by Claire McEwen and will not be my last. I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megan Wilkins.
112 reviews
September 18, 2016
Loved this emotional story! Once again Ms. McEwen wrote another phenomenal book! The characters are so normal and relatable. Even though it is a series the book could totally be read as a stand alone. I can not wait to read the next one! I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
488 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2016
Love the book - great continuation of the story and not looking forward to an ending!
Profile Image for Cailey.
614 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2017
This was a decent read, but felt like it went on for too long for me. The conflicts felt sort of forced at times. Not bad, but not amazing.
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