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The Ryan Family #1
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch
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.
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.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
297 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,132 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 23, 2022
This is a Second Chance/Friends to Lovers Cowboy Romance, and this is the first book in the Ryan Family series. This book is about Jesse and Addison love story. They where friends during high school. Addison been hiding a secret. I have to say this is a sweet book with a small town setting and great characters. I found Jesse's parents to be so cute and fun. I really enjoyed this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Forever) or author (Carolyn Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 28, 2021
Just after high school graduation, Jesse Ryan was to serve in the Air Force leaving his best friend Addison (Addy) Hall behind. On Jesse’s last night in Honey Grove, Texas, Jesse and Addy crossed the platonic relationship barrier for a night of passion.
Twenty years later, Jesse, now a retired combat medic, returns home to assist with his aging foster parents’ ranch. Unbeknownst to Jesse, Addy is now a live-in nurse and farmhand at his parents’ ranch Further, Addy is now a mother to a 19 year old girl Mia — his daughter.
What starts out as an awkward re-introduction between Jesse and Addy, soon blossoms into something deeper. But with a rebellious Mia to contend with, the family and romance dynamic gets complicated.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is a cute cowboy romance with down-to-earth and family oriented characters, which the author deftly developed — especially Mia who you would love to hate.
The plot is easy to follow, wholesome and believable. The only drawback is the length at which the whole story took to evolve. Not the author’s best work, but certainly not her worst. Three likeable stars.
I received a digital ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Twenty years later, Jesse, now a retired combat medic, returns home to assist with his aging foster parents’ ranch. Unbeknownst to Jesse, Addy is now a live-in nurse and farmhand at his parents’ ranch Further, Addy is now a mother to a 19 year old girl Mia — his daughter.
What starts out as an awkward re-introduction between Jesse and Addy, soon blossoms into something deeper. But with a rebellious Mia to contend with, the family and romance dynamic gets complicated.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is a cute cowboy romance with down-to-earth and family oriented characters, which the author deftly developed — especially Mia who you would love to hate.
The plot is easy to follow, wholesome and believable. The only drawback is the length at which the whole story took to evolve. Not the author’s best work, but certainly not her worst. Three likeable stars.
I received a digital ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 13, 2022
SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Carolyn Brown, but the cover really pulled me in. I mean, hello, sunflowers and a red barn!💜 I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Jesse is returning home after being in the Air Force for twenty years. He left his best friend, Addy behind and lost track of her. Addy wrote to him for six weeks and then all communication stopped. Jesse never even bothered to find out why she stopped communicating with him – instead, he just went about his life. Carolyn Brown always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go.
SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Addy or Jesse are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. They loved each other twenty years ago and it seems like those feelings never went away. If only they would admit it! SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH begins the Ryan Family series. This is a wonderful second chance romance story. I was emotionally invested in this story from the very beginning. I felt the family’s pain when Mia leaves. Anyway, we have Addy and Jesse crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other.
SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Jesse and Addy. I really loved how the whole community came to Jesse and Addy’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see SECONDCHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Addy and Mia. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn Brown does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever and Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Addy or Jesse are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. They loved each other twenty years ago and it seems like those feelings never went away. If only they would admit it! SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH begins the Ryan Family series. This is a wonderful second chance romance story. I was emotionally invested in this story from the very beginning. I felt the family’s pain when Mia leaves. Anyway, we have Addy and Jesse crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other.
SECOND CHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Jesse and Addy. I really loved how the whole community came to Jesse and Addy’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see SECONDCHANCE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Addy and Mia. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn Brown does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever and Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
August 16, 2021
Twenty years ago, Jesse Ryan left Honey Grove and his best friend for the army. Now retired, he's coming back to the family ranch and Abby, the friend who stopped writing to him but who's living with her daughter at Sunflower Ranch, taking care of his father and helping him with his MS. Jesse learns that the reason Addy stopped answering his letters and calls is the last night they spent together before he went away, when they explored a new avenue of their friendship, resulted in the daughter he just met and learned about. Mia doesn't know the truth and she doesn't seem to like him much anyway. What is left of Jesse and Addy's relationship and can he find a way to connect with the "kid" he didn't know he had?
I usually adore Carolyn Brown's books but unfortunately this one didn't worked for me. Basically, I can't understand the heroine's motive for not telling the truth and I can't believe the hero for having no trouble with the fact he lost 20 years of his daughter's life because his best friend didn't tell him. It's not that I wanted drama but I don't like that he have no reaction to the news but an internal okay, like it's no big deal. I couldn't understand Mia's childish attitude and didn't like her behavior either. To me, it looks more like a 13 years old than a young woman of 20. The book was also more women's fiction than romance novel and while I could see a strong friendship between the MC I didn't feel the love chemistry. At 60 pages before the end, it's too little too late for me. We almost get more romance from Jesse's parents.
I usually adore Carolyn Brown's books but unfortunately this one didn't worked for me. Basically, I can't understand the heroine's motive for not telling the truth and I can't believe the hero for having no trouble with the fact he lost 20 years of his daughter's life because his best friend didn't tell him. It's not that I wanted drama but I don't like that he have no reaction to the news but an internal okay, like it's no big deal. I couldn't understand Mia's childish attitude and didn't like her behavior either. To me, it looks more like a 13 years old than a young woman of 20. The book was also more women's fiction than romance novel and while I could see a strong friendship between the MC I didn't feel the love chemistry. At 60 pages before the end, it's too little too late for me. We almost get more romance from Jesse's parents.
September 18, 2021
I won’t summarize the plot; the book description 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!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review.
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!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2021
I feel like you always know what you’re going to get with a Carolyn Brown romance, and Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch does not disappoint. It’s sweet, fun, lighthearted, and full of kindhearted characters. The book has a lovely theme about families, either family by blood, or by choice.
Addy, a single mom to a nineteen-year-old daughter, is a busy home health care nurse for Sonny and helps run Sonny and Pearl’s Sunflower Ranch. She splits her time as a nurse for Sonny, who suffers from early-stage MS and helping him run his ranch, along with her daughter, Mia.
Sonny and Pearl’s son, Jesse arrives home after spending twenty years in the Air Force as a medic, to help his father with the ranch, and he’s surprised to see his old friend Addy as his Father’s home health nurse living in his parent’s house. Seeing her brings back memories of their last night together before he left for basic training when their friendship turned to something deeper.
I thought the characters were well developed and interesting. I liked the way Addy handled her daughter’s mistakes, and the loving relationship she built with her daughter over the years. Jesse comes home to find some startling discoveries, but he takes this in stride and decides to move forward with his life instead of dwelling on mistakes, and miscommunications of the past.
The book has a slow start, but once it gets going is enjoyable to read. This is the first book in a series by Carolyn Brown, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Addy, a single mom to a nineteen-year-old daughter, is a busy home health care nurse for Sonny and helps run Sonny and Pearl’s Sunflower Ranch. She splits her time as a nurse for Sonny, who suffers from early-stage MS and helping him run his ranch, along with her daughter, Mia.
Sonny and Pearl’s son, Jesse arrives home after spending twenty years in the Air Force as a medic, to help his father with the ranch, and he’s surprised to see his old friend Addy as his Father’s home health nurse living in his parent’s house. Seeing her brings back memories of their last night together before he left for basic training when their friendship turned to something deeper.
I thought the characters were well developed and interesting. I liked the way Addy handled her daughter’s mistakes, and the loving relationship she built with her daughter over the years. Jesse comes home to find some startling discoveries, but he takes this in stride and decides to move forward with his life instead of dwelling on mistakes, and miscommunications of the past.
The book has a slow start, but once it gets going is enjoyable to read. This is the first book in a series by Carolyn Brown, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 16, 2021
Second Chance on Sunflower Ranch by Carolyn Brown
I was given a copy of this book through the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
When Jesse Ryan returns home after a 20yr stint as a medic in the Air Force, he knew there were going to be some changes in his life. But he did not see a biggie coming when he discovered that his best friend Addy had a daughter and that daughter just happened to be his. Addy Hall came back to the town where she and Jesse grew up to be a nurse to Jesse’s dad Sunny who has MS. She and Mia soon become part of the family, but Addy was hiding the truth from them all about Mia. But you know secrets, they eventually come out in the wash.
Addy was a busy single mother, raising a good daughter. But when Mia starts to be rebellious and runs away with the town bad boy, she is at a loss how to handle this situation, but with help of Jesse, Pearl and Sunny, they navigate through her path and hope that with love, she will find her right path. It’s a lot for a 19-year-old to handle, but she realizes her mistakes and knows she has the love of good people in her life to help her back to what is her path.
This story was just wonderful. I could relate to so many of the problems that the Ryan family and Addy face. Sonny has MS, and I know first-hand how taking care of a family member with this dreaded disease can be on the patient and their caregivers. I loved how the family all pulled together no matter what the situation was, they had each other’s back. And even though some of it was hard to do, there unfailing love for one another saw they through the good and bad times. Jesse and Addy were friends who became lovers one night only and it changed both of their lives. Sometimes life has to give you a few stumbling blocks before you find your true path. Within the pages of any Carolyn Brown book, I know I am going to love her characters and love the story. They are always warm-hearted reads, with real life situations and a little sass and a lot of love. I can't wait for the next book in this new series by Carolyn Brown.
Thank you, Carolyn Brown, her publisher Forever Books, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this amazing book.
I was given a copy of this book through the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
When Jesse Ryan returns home after a 20yr stint as a medic in the Air Force, he knew there were going to be some changes in his life. But he did not see a biggie coming when he discovered that his best friend Addy had a daughter and that daughter just happened to be his. Addy Hall came back to the town where she and Jesse grew up to be a nurse to Jesse’s dad Sunny who has MS. She and Mia soon become part of the family, but Addy was hiding the truth from them all about Mia. But you know secrets, they eventually come out in the wash.
Addy was a busy single mother, raising a good daughter. But when Mia starts to be rebellious and runs away with the town bad boy, she is at a loss how to handle this situation, but with help of Jesse, Pearl and Sunny, they navigate through her path and hope that with love, she will find her right path. It’s a lot for a 19-year-old to handle, but she realizes her mistakes and knows she has the love of good people in her life to help her back to what is her path.
This story was just wonderful. I could relate to so many of the problems that the Ryan family and Addy face. Sonny has MS, and I know first-hand how taking care of a family member with this dreaded disease can be on the patient and their caregivers. I loved how the family all pulled together no matter what the situation was, they had each other’s back. And even though some of it was hard to do, there unfailing love for one another saw they through the good and bad times. Jesse and Addy were friends who became lovers one night only and it changed both of their lives. Sometimes life has to give you a few stumbling blocks before you find your true path. Within the pages of any Carolyn Brown book, I know I am going to love her characters and love the story. They are always warm-hearted reads, with real life situations and a little sass and a lot of love. I can't wait for the next book in this new series by Carolyn Brown.
Thank you, Carolyn Brown, her publisher Forever Books, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this amazing book.
May 19, 2021
Wonderful heart warming about second chance love. Jesse left to join the Air Force, leaving his best friend after one night together, now he's coming home after retiring to take his place at the family ranch. Addy has kept a secret for twenty years, letting Jesse follow his dreams but now he's back and his nineteen year old bonus is staring him in his face. Fun story about family, old friends and real love this book is a great way to start a new series! Great characters.
September 20, 2021
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Carolyn Brown has once again written a fun, heartfelt novel. Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is the story of Jesse and Addy and how they find their way back to each other after being separated for almost 20 years when Jesse left for the Air Force. It is the story of family, secrets, friendship, and love. Carolyn Brown's writing is on point and her descriptions of the Texas setting made me feel like I was there. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and everything just wrapped up too quickly. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It's lightness and romance make it a wonderful vacation read.
Carolyn Brown has once again written a fun, heartfelt novel. Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is the story of Jesse and Addy and how they find their way back to each other after being separated for almost 20 years when Jesse left for the Air Force. It is the story of family, secrets, friendship, and love. Carolyn Brown's writing is on point and her descriptions of the Texas setting made me feel like I was there. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and everything just wrapped up too quickly. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It's lightness and romance make it a wonderful vacation read.
July 26, 2022
I’ll give this one 2.5 stars. There was a lot of cheese-a-roni dialogue, and I have a hard time buying the hero’s reaction to finding out he has a 19 year old daughter. He wasn’t the least bit angry?! I love a good secret baby story but there has to be a good reason why the heroine didn’t tell the hero she was pregnant, but the reason here was not a good one.
I’ve read a couple other books by this author that I thought were really good, and a couple that were just as cheesy as this one. I can’t figure out how she can have such different writing styles!
I’ve read a couple other books by this author that I thought were really good, and a couple that were just as cheesy as this one. I can’t figure out how she can have such different writing styles!
May 3, 2021
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is a sweet story about family, those created by blood, and those created by choice. Childhood friends Jesse and Addy crossed the line to lovers on the night before he left to join the Air Force. The result of that night was kept from him for twenty years. Now back home for good Jesse finds his old friend and her nineteen year old daughter also living on his parents’ ranch. Carolyn Brown’s well defined characters have a lot to contend with as Jesse’s aging parents contemplate their future while Addy and her daughter learn that mistakes can be remedied...fortunately without pages of angst, which this reader hates. The volume includes an equally as uplifting bonus story, Small Town Charm that showcases Ms. Brown’s talent at creating wonderful older characters. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
December 9, 2021
3.5 Coming Around Again Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
If you ever wish to just escape to a place where the men are capable of communicating and going forward, where women have had to be strong and carry on, and romance is between grown-ups then this story is for you.
Carolyn Brown is known for tales that will take you on a journey and this falls into that vane. We have two people who were best friends in their youth, shared a moment before the man went off to the Air Force, and now returns 20 years later to assist with his father's ranch. The father is ill and needs medical assistance and the old friend from our guy's past is doing the nursing.
It turns out that shared moment 20 years ago produced more than lasting memories. Now, these two will have to handle this situation and if there is a spark, it might grow.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch (The Ryan Family, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
If you ever wish to just escape to a place where the men are capable of communicating and going forward, where women have had to be strong and carry on, and romance is between grown-ups then this story is for you.
Carolyn Brown is known for tales that will take you on a journey and this falls into that vane. We have two people who were best friends in their youth, shared a moment before the man went off to the Air Force, and now returns 20 years later to assist with his father's ranch. The father is ill and needs medical assistance and the old friend from our guy's past is doing the nursing.
It turns out that shared moment 20 years ago produced more than lasting memories. Now, these two will have to handle this situation and if there is a spark, it might grow.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch (The Ryan Family, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 12, 2021
This second chance at love story is a sweet winner. Jesse Ryan comes home from the service to aid his ill father and finds more than he ever expected, a second chance at love with his best friend and a bonus. This tale is set in a small ranching town with wonderfully drawn characters, small town gossips and the camaraderie often found in small rural towns. Jesse and Addy find their way through obstacles and make a sweet ending for this book. I love how so many of the characters she writes have character and strong morals, they are the friends I’d love to have in my life. Her book never fail to evoke a good mood.
Ms. Brown’s attention to detail brings the scene and characters to life. I always end up racing through the book to see what happens next, then am bummed out because it’s finished.
The novella included Small Town Charm is a delightful little piece about a young woman, Cricket, who grew up harrassed by the in clique. When the opportunity arose to get even with her main harrasser, she rose above being petty and decided to help her, and in doing so realized, Anna Grace was also a victim...of her mother. Again written with wonderful characters and a happy ending for both women
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion gratis.
Ms. Brown’s attention to detail brings the scene and characters to life. I always end up racing through the book to see what happens next, then am bummed out because it’s finished.
The novella included Small Town Charm is a delightful little piece about a young woman, Cricket, who grew up harrassed by the in clique. When the opportunity arose to get even with her main harrasser, she rose above being petty and decided to help her, and in doing so realized, Anna Grace was also a victim...of her mother. Again written with wonderful characters and a happy ending for both women
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion gratis.
July 20, 2021
Book one in the new The Ryan Family series is a hit! Of course, anything from author Carolyn Brown is going to be amazing. She's just that kind of writer. Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is just that, A second chance for retired combat vet medic Jess Ryan and the girl he left behind, Addison Hall. He comes home to find he has much more than he could have ever expected. I did find the reasons for him to be left in the dark unfair not only to him but to his child as well. Having said that, I did enjoy the story immensely.
~Tanja
*Title provided by the publisher
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~Tanja
*Title provided by the publisher
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July 26, 2021
3.5 stars
I am excited to have a new series from Carolyn Brown. I adored her previous series, and was excited for the next installment.
This first love, second chance romance did have another trope wrapped up in it as well, that isn't necessarily my favorite, which is secret baby.
After a one night stand before he left for the military, Jesse sleeps with his childhood best friend. After he retires and goes back to his family farm, he finds her there, with her 19 year old daughter. When he finds out that this daughter is his, it changes things.
Though the secret baby portion of this book isn't handled in a way that I like, the first love, second chance part of this book was quite sweet. I am very excited for the next book in this series.
I am excited to have a new series from Carolyn Brown. I adored her previous series, and was excited for the next installment.
This first love, second chance romance did have another trope wrapped up in it as well, that isn't necessarily my favorite, which is secret baby.
After a one night stand before he left for the military, Jesse sleeps with his childhood best friend. After he retires and goes back to his family farm, he finds her there, with her 19 year old daughter. When he finds out that this daughter is his, it changes things.
Though the secret baby portion of this book isn't handled in a way that I like, the first love, second chance part of this book was quite sweet. I am very excited for the next book in this series.
July 19, 2021
I have never been disappointed by books written by this author, and this one is a perfect read after two emotionally draining books.
Abby and Jesse have quite a story for us. Best friends in High School, and he takes off after graduation to the Air Force. She supports his dream, but finds herself pregnant and moves away to continue nursing school.
It is twenty years later, and both have returned home to Sunflower Ranch. In a story of a family is who you choose, with unconditional support, Jesse is home and will be taking over the family ranch. Due to his father's health, Addy is back as his nurse. Mia, Addy’s daughter, is testing her mother's patience, but a big help on the ranch. Will Jesse and Addy stay friends or become more?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher; this is my voluntary review.
Abby and Jesse have quite a story for us. Best friends in High School, and he takes off after graduation to the Air Force. She supports his dream, but finds herself pregnant and moves away to continue nursing school.
It is twenty years later, and both have returned home to Sunflower Ranch. In a story of a family is who you choose, with unconditional support, Jesse is home and will be taking over the family ranch. Due to his father's health, Addy is back as his nurse. Mia, Addy’s daughter, is testing her mother's patience, but a big help on the ranch. Will Jesse and Addy stay friends or become more?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher; this is my voluntary review.
January 8, 2022
Aww this was a pretty cute one! Loved the small Texas town, the hot cowboys and the mostly uncomplicated plot. Recommended for a lighthearted and breezy read.
August 1, 2021
I usually love the sweetness and small, hometown charm to be found in almost every Carolyn Brown novel I've read. I am also a fan of the second chance at love trope, and I rarely mind the secret baby trope, but to keep that secret for 20 years? Sorry, but I saw it coming as soon as Addy's daughter, Mia, was introduced, and why in the world would anyone in their right mind cheat the father of their child of the pleasure of watching their child grow into adulthood? I had other issues with this novel as well, which I'll get to, and those are the reasons for my giving this novel only a 3-star rating.
The main characters in this novel, Addy and Jesse, have been best friends since early childhood. Although he grew up on a ranch, his dream was to graduate from high school and join the Air Force. Addy dreamed of becoming a nurse. The night before Jesse left town for the military, the two best friends finally gave in to the unspoken feelings between them, and had sex. Six weeks later, Addy discovers that she's pregnant, moves away to have her child, and the two "best friends" stop communicating completely for the next 20 years. Addy's excuse for cutting Jesse out of the knowledge of his impending fatherhood--she didn't want to ruin his dream. That had to be the worst excuse ever. There are tens of thousands, if not more, military families, and while long absences during deployments can be and are hard on a relationship, many of them make it work, but Addy took that chance away from Jesse, and while she is portrayed as a kind, sweet and giving person, who has spent the past 5 years at Jesse's family ranch caring for his father, Sonny, who has multiple sclerosis, she has also never told her daughter's grandparents that Mia is their granddaughter. Why cheat them out of the knowledge that they are grandparents?
Then there's Mia, a bratty, mouthy, lying, and annoying 19-year-old, involved with a real user and loser, whom she believes hung the moon. In a few short months she runs off to Las Vegas with him, he loses all her money playing poker, drops her like a hot potato, and leaves her stranded in Las Vegas for another girl he's been seeing and impregnating behind her back, and that's not counting the other single teenage mom he left behind.
When Jesse returns to the ranch after retiring from the military and tries to resume his friendship with Addy, Mia makes it really clear that she doesn't like him or want him involved with her mother. Where were the adults here? Why would her attitude guide her mother's decision to keep Mia from knowing who her father is? Yes, they punish Mia for running off by making her work on the ranch for the summer at minimum wage, but that doesn't really stop her smart mouth or her lying about her whereabouts, or the fact that she might also be pregnant.
Even as Jesse and Addy resume their friendship and sexual relationship, she's still waiting for an "I love you" from him. He's easily forgiven her for hiding his child from him for 20 years, and yes, we're told he's not good with words, but his every action shows her how much he cares about her, and the fact that he isn't absolutely livid and angry about her cheating him out of his daughter's childhood was certainly proof enough for this reader.
Additionally this was perhaps the slowest moving book I've read by Ms. Brown. Other than the aforementioned plot lines, nothing much happens in this novel other than Addy being betrayed in her friendship with the town doctor, Grady, and the vicious gossips in town treating Addy and Mia like sluts. This is hardly the small town I'd want to live in, and their eventual comeuppance was too little too late for this reader.
Yes, there's an HEA ending to this novel, and while I won't spoil it by giving away what happens in the epilogue, I found that it was incredibly hard to believe as well.
Carolyn Brown is a far better author than is displayed in this novel, and I will continue to read her novels, but I do hope either her future editors or beta readers let her know when she's making her characters quite so unlikeable.
I voluntarily read and advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters in this novel, Addy and Jesse, have been best friends since early childhood. Although he grew up on a ranch, his dream was to graduate from high school and join the Air Force. Addy dreamed of becoming a nurse. The night before Jesse left town for the military, the two best friends finally gave in to the unspoken feelings between them, and had sex. Six weeks later, Addy discovers that she's pregnant, moves away to have her child, and the two "best friends" stop communicating completely for the next 20 years. Addy's excuse for cutting Jesse out of the knowledge of his impending fatherhood--she didn't want to ruin his dream. That had to be the worst excuse ever. There are tens of thousands, if not more, military families, and while long absences during deployments can be and are hard on a relationship, many of them make it work, but Addy took that chance away from Jesse, and while she is portrayed as a kind, sweet and giving person, who has spent the past 5 years at Jesse's family ranch caring for his father, Sonny, who has multiple sclerosis, she has also never told her daughter's grandparents that Mia is their granddaughter. Why cheat them out of the knowledge that they are grandparents?
Then there's Mia, a bratty, mouthy, lying, and annoying 19-year-old, involved with a real user and loser, whom she believes hung the moon. In a few short months she runs off to Las Vegas with him, he loses all her money playing poker, drops her like a hot potato, and leaves her stranded in Las Vegas for another girl he's been seeing and impregnating behind her back, and that's not counting the other single teenage mom he left behind.
When Jesse returns to the ranch after retiring from the military and tries to resume his friendship with Addy, Mia makes it really clear that she doesn't like him or want him involved with her mother. Where were the adults here? Why would her attitude guide her mother's decision to keep Mia from knowing who her father is? Yes, they punish Mia for running off by making her work on the ranch for the summer at minimum wage, but that doesn't really stop her smart mouth or her lying about her whereabouts, or the fact that she might also be pregnant.
Even as Jesse and Addy resume their friendship and sexual relationship, she's still waiting for an "I love you" from him. He's easily forgiven her for hiding his child from him for 20 years, and yes, we're told he's not good with words, but his every action shows her how much he cares about her, and the fact that he isn't absolutely livid and angry about her cheating him out of his daughter's childhood was certainly proof enough for this reader.
Additionally this was perhaps the slowest moving book I've read by Ms. Brown. Other than the aforementioned plot lines, nothing much happens in this novel other than Addy being betrayed in her friendship with the town doctor, Grady, and the vicious gossips in town treating Addy and Mia like sluts. This is hardly the small town I'd want to live in, and their eventual comeuppance was too little too late for this reader.
Yes, there's an HEA ending to this novel, and while I won't spoil it by giving away what happens in the epilogue, I found that it was incredibly hard to believe as well.
Carolyn Brown is a far better author than is displayed in this novel, and I will continue to read her novels, but I do hope either her future editors or beta readers let her know when she's making her characters quite so unlikeable.
I voluntarily read and advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2021
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I’ll admit that I’m always excited to begin a new series by this author and Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch was all I could hope for as an opening story in the new The Ryan Family series… and so much more. If you’re looking for a sweet with a bit of sass story and believable characters then you’ve found a great one to start off the series, a series that I’m already hooked on after just one book.
Almost two decades earlier, Addy and Jesse were best friends who always felt just that little bit more for each other but never acted on that attraction… until the night before Jesse left for the Air Force and a career as a medic that would keep him far from the ranch for years on end. There were consequences from that one night in the form of Addy’s daughter, Mia. Addy made the choice to not contact Jesse for he’d made his career choice and it wasn’t this ranch where he grew up with his foster parents. Both went about their lives until Jesse returned to Sunflower Ranch to help his foster parents run the ranch after Sonny’s MS had taken a turn for the worse. Addy happened to be the live-in home health care nurse who was taking care of Sonny… and the past was about to meet the present with surprises and one rebellious teenager who is about to make one huge mistake unless her path is changed.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is such a delightful yet believable romance with characters who stole my heart early on facing some tough decisions. Jesse is an honorable man in so many ways, yet it wasn’t fair to him that Mia’s existence was kept from him for so many years. I understood Addy’s decision, up to a point, but this is one of the reasons that the secret baby trope is not one of my favorites. It didn’t stop me from liking Addy, I simply wish she would have trusted Jesse to make his own informed decisions far earlier. I liked Jesse instantly, yet I adored Addy, even though she did make some mistakes. She’s such a strong character who has made the choice to go it alone as a single parent who is providing the best life for her daughter that she can. Mia is… well, a teenager who is about to make a mistake that could change her life forever. And like most teens, even older ones, she believes she’s grown up enough to not need her mom’s or Jesse’s approval for her actions. Watching these individual personalities work their way to becoming a loving family, and Addy and Jesse finally admitting to their feelings for each other was an emotional, joyous journey.
All that and then toss in some amazing secondary characters that I hope will make a reappearance in the series and you have an excellent beginning to The Ryan Family series. I have loved this author’s work for years, and I’m very excited to see where this new series takes me. If you love a good love story full of family, sass, emotions, and second chances then you’ll want to pick up this one real soon.
*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.*
I’ll admit that I’m always excited to begin a new series by this author and Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch was all I could hope for as an opening story in the new The Ryan Family series… and so much more. If you’re looking for a sweet with a bit of sass story and believable characters then you’ve found a great one to start off the series, a series that I’m already hooked on after just one book.
Almost two decades earlier, Addy and Jesse were best friends who always felt just that little bit more for each other but never acted on that attraction… until the night before Jesse left for the Air Force and a career as a medic that would keep him far from the ranch for years on end. There were consequences from that one night in the form of Addy’s daughter, Mia. Addy made the choice to not contact Jesse for he’d made his career choice and it wasn’t this ranch where he grew up with his foster parents. Both went about their lives until Jesse returned to Sunflower Ranch to help his foster parents run the ranch after Sonny’s MS had taken a turn for the worse. Addy happened to be the live-in home health care nurse who was taking care of Sonny… and the past was about to meet the present with surprises and one rebellious teenager who is about to make one huge mistake unless her path is changed.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is such a delightful yet believable romance with characters who stole my heart early on facing some tough decisions. Jesse is an honorable man in so many ways, yet it wasn’t fair to him that Mia’s existence was kept from him for so many years. I understood Addy’s decision, up to a point, but this is one of the reasons that the secret baby trope is not one of my favorites. It didn’t stop me from liking Addy, I simply wish she would have trusted Jesse to make his own informed decisions far earlier. I liked Jesse instantly, yet I adored Addy, even though she did make some mistakes. She’s such a strong character who has made the choice to go it alone as a single parent who is providing the best life for her daughter that she can. Mia is… well, a teenager who is about to make a mistake that could change her life forever. And like most teens, even older ones, she believes she’s grown up enough to not need her mom’s or Jesse’s approval for her actions. Watching these individual personalities work their way to becoming a loving family, and Addy and Jesse finally admitting to their feelings for each other was an emotional, joyous journey.
All that and then toss in some amazing secondary characters that I hope will make a reappearance in the series and you have an excellent beginning to The Ryan Family series. I have loved this author’s work for years, and I’m very excited to see where this new series takes me. If you love a good love story full of family, sass, emotions, and second chances then you’ll want to pick up this one real soon.
*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.*
May 12, 2021
This book is a second chance romance set at a ranch. Addy is a single mother with a 19 year old daughter going through a rebellious phase. Jesse is former Air Force, coming back home to the family ranch after 20 years away. There are sparks between the two, but a secret from the past stands in the way of them getting together. This was a sweet romance with a very slow build. I enjoyed this story, but did take one star off because of the slow build and I felt like the reaction to the secret was slightly unrealistic. The setting of sunflower ranch was beautiful, and I liked the side characters in this book. I received an ARC from netgalley, and this is my honest review.
July 25, 2021
I really wanted to like this, but it was just okay for me. I'll start by noting I absolutely hate the secret baby trope. Had I know this was a secret baby book (I failed to read that part in the description), I probably would have skipped it. But since I like the author, I decided to continue reading.
The reason why I hate this trope is that oftentimes, the mother really has no good reason for keeping the baby a secret from the father. I can even overlook it sometimes if the father is informed within a few years of the baby being born, although that's not okay either. But in this one, Jesse doesn't find out for 20 YEARS!?!?!?!?!?! And the worst part, Addy has absolutely no good reason for keeping him a secret. Her big reason? She wanted him to pursue his dreams of being in the Air Force and didn't want him to get distracted at Basic and then decide to marry her out of a sense of obligation. I get that fear, but what was her excuse a year or two later or even 10 years later? Why did she have to wait until he finally retires 20 years later to tell him he had a daughter? As much as I tried to understand, I 100% could not back her reasoning at all. To make matters worse, she kept the truth from Jesse's parents, even though SHE WAS LIVING WITH THEM for years!!! They had figured it out when they came to live with them, so they weren't oblivious, but they didn't say a word. When everyone does figure it out, they all agree she had good reasoning and let it go. Say what? Jesse and his family missed out on 20 years of a relationship because Addy was an idiot mother and they were just like 'yeah, okay, no big deal.' There was nothing respectable about her decision or even remotely realistic. For this alone, I have to give the book 3 stars.
Mia, the daughter, was incredibly bratty for half the book. She does redeem herself, so I'll give her that, but I strongly disliked her the first half because of how hateful she was.
They do get their HEA and I'll admit, the proposal was incredibly sweet and the epilogue was cute. So the book does get better, as long as you can get past the secret baby part and the slow plot.
This is one of the first books by Ms. Brown where I can say I could tell her age just by the writing. That's not always a good thing when the readers are younger (I'm nearly 40 and the conversations felt 'old'). The language/actions just came off too antiquated at times, even for the younger characters.
The reason why I hate this trope is that oftentimes, the mother really has no good reason for keeping the baby a secret from the father. I can even overlook it sometimes if the father is informed within a few years of the baby being born, although that's not okay either. But in this one, Jesse doesn't find out for 20 YEARS!?!?!?!?!?! And the worst part, Addy has absolutely no good reason for keeping him a secret. Her big reason? She wanted him to pursue his dreams of being in the Air Force and didn't want him to get distracted at Basic and then decide to marry her out of a sense of obligation. I get that fear, but what was her excuse a year or two later or even 10 years later? Why did she have to wait until he finally retires 20 years later to tell him he had a daughter? As much as I tried to understand, I 100% could not back her reasoning at all. To make matters worse, she kept the truth from Jesse's parents, even though SHE WAS LIVING WITH THEM for years!!! They had figured it out when they came to live with them, so they weren't oblivious, but they didn't say a word. When everyone does figure it out, they all agree she had good reasoning and let it go. Say what? Jesse and his family missed out on 20 years of a relationship because Addy was an idiot mother and they were just like 'yeah, okay, no big deal.' There was nothing respectable about her decision or even remotely realistic. For this alone, I have to give the book 3 stars.
Mia, the daughter, was incredibly bratty for half the book. She does redeem herself, so I'll give her that, but I strongly disliked her the first half because of how hateful she was.
They do get their HEA and I'll admit, the proposal was incredibly sweet and the epilogue was cute. So the book does get better, as long as you can get past the secret baby part and the slow plot.
This is one of the first books by Ms. Brown where I can say I could tell her age just by the writing. That's not always a good thing when the readers are younger (I'm nearly 40 and the conversations felt 'old'). The language/actions just came off too antiquated at times, even for the younger characters.
June 16, 2021
I like the premise and the setting! The characters are lovely and I was invested in the story. It lost me at the father reveal part because it just seemed so cheesy and not relatable. It was not authentic and eye roll worthy but the book redeemed itself and I enjoyed the story. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2021
Big-hearted, sweet, and engaging!
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is an emotive, second-chance romance between the driven, successful Jesse and the kind, hardworking, single mother Addy as they discover that beneath all the miscommunication and past secrets is a deeply-rooted friendship, sizzling attraction, and unconditional love that is still smouldering and certainly worth fighting for.
The writing is fluid and warm. The characters are caring, hesitant, and appealing. And the plot is a push-pull tale of relationship dynamics, familial expectations, parenthood, introspection, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, love, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is a charming, colourful, tender tale that is a fantastic start to The Ryan Family series by Brown with characters you can’t help but root for, a storyline with a nice mix of drama and passion, and a happy-ever-after ending that definitely leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is an emotive, second-chance romance between the driven, successful Jesse and the kind, hardworking, single mother Addy as they discover that beneath all the miscommunication and past secrets is a deeply-rooted friendship, sizzling attraction, and unconditional love that is still smouldering and certainly worth fighting for.
The writing is fluid and warm. The characters are caring, hesitant, and appealing. And the plot is a push-pull tale of relationship dynamics, familial expectations, parenthood, introspection, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, love, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch is a charming, colourful, tender tale that is a fantastic start to The Ryan Family series by Brown with characters you can’t help but root for, a storyline with a nice mix of drama and passion, and a happy-ever-after ending that definitely leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2021
This is a second chance at romance book set on a ranch in a small town. Jesse Ryan was adopted by Sonny and Pearl and has retired as an AF medic to return home to Texas. His plan is to help take care of his aging parents, but once he arrives home, he has a real surprise awaiting him. His best friend Addy, with whom he had a one-night stand the night before he left for active duty, has a teen daughter who just happens to be his. Addy is a strong female protagonist but her daughter Mia is nothing short of a rebellious brat. Jesse does not reveal right away that he is her father, preferring to try to build a relationship with her first. But Mia doesn’t make it easy on him since she resents that he gets to take over the ranch that she loves after a twenty-year absence. Addy’s relationship with her daughter is admirable; she is patient and kind in the face of Mia’s hateful rebellion. Jesse’s approach to Mia was somewhat unbelievable since he just bided his time, hoping to be friends before he became her father figure. There was plenty of tension in the story but not many twists. The characters were original, complete with flaws and some poor choices at times. The plot was well-paced, but it did lack realism at times. For example, I did not understand why Addy had not been honest with Jesse before he returned home, especially since they had been such good friends. The small town setting lends itself well to the story with busybodies and gossips ready to offer unsolicited advice and judgment. The romance was a slow build, not steamy in any sense, but simmering at times as Mia and Jesse rediscover the love that they had once had for each other. I think the relationship between these two was my favorite part and the rebellious Mia was my least favorite. This was, all in all, a charming love story with no real surprises. It was an easy, pleasant way to pass some time in Texas. It is the first book in a new series, so I look forward to finding out more about Jesse’s brothers in future books.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive book. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive book. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 7, 2022
I’ve read a few of Carolyn Brown’s earlier books and with the things happening in the “real world” lately I was looking forward to SECOND CHANGE AT SUNFLOWER RANCH. I seriously needed a break from the news and to have a happy ending in my life. Brown does indeed delivery that happy ending. It isn’t that long of a book, less than 300 pages, but felt like it went on and on for much longer. We’re reminded that the Ryans life in a small town and that there are the usual small town gossips. How did no one notice how much like Jesse Mia looks? How did no one, especially Jesse’s parents, not add things up? At times Mia seems like a pre-teen brat and others a young woman about ready to be out in the world.
And the whole thing with the local doctor, Grady. First he just wanted to be Addy’s friend. Then he couldn’t be friends and basically had to abandon his patient because his new girlfriend is jealous. Then he wants to be more than friends with Addy and does an investigation into Jesse. I wondered if he and his drama were more to add words to up the word count than to move the story along.
Still, with those issues, I needed a break from the things going on in the world today and a sweet romance with a happy ending was just the ticket.
And the whole thing with the local doctor, Grady. First he just wanted to be Addy’s friend. Then he couldn’t be friends and basically had to abandon his patient because his new girlfriend is jealous. Then he wants to be more than friends with Addy and does an investigation into Jesse. I wondered if he and his drama were more to add words to up the word count than to move the story along.
Still, with those issues, I needed a break from the things going on in the world today and a sweet romance with a happy ending was just the ticket.
July 20, 2021
3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for allowing me to read this eARC. It was really sweet and entertaining, but it definitely had its flaws. This book is about Addy and Jesse. Jesse was an air force medic and now is coming home to his family ranch. Addy is a nurse and now takes full time care of Jesse's parents as his dad has MS. She also helps on the ranch along with her daughter, Mia. Addy and Jesse were best friends growing up and right before he deployed they had one night of passion and Mia is the result. Addy kept it a secret and thinks she's the only one that knows, but that's not necessarily the case. The secret baby trope is not a HUGE deal to me, but if you hate it then you really will not like this book. Her only reason for keeping the secret is to protect him so he wouldn't give up his dream, etc. and I don't think that is fair. He was a grown man capable of making his own decisions and instead she robbed him, his parents, and their daughter the chance to be a family for the first 20 years of Mia's life. Therefore, this book, even though it has one of my favorite tropes, wasn't my favorite. I loved the first love, second chance element, but not the whole part about the secret baby. The parents were great, the discussion of adoption was great, and the overall charm was fun. I didn't love the epilogue as its so overdone, but I'd still recommend this book and will read more from this author.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Addy and Jesse end up together and adopt twin boys together. One of Jesse's brothers moves home to be the town doctor and the next book is his.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Addy and Jesse end up together and adopt twin boys together. One of Jesse's brothers moves home to be the town doctor and the next book is his.
August 12, 2022
This is a sweet, uplifting romance about two friends who reunite after 20 years apart. Jesse and Addie have not seen one another since Jesse left for the Air Force after one steamy night together. They had been best friends who crossed that line into lovers just the once and haven't spoken much since. When Jesse does move back home, he finds that Addie is living on his family's ranch as a live in nurse along with her young-adult daughter.
I really enjoyed the easy friendship between these two. There was comfort, trust and good conversation that made you really feel how close they were before Jesse had left. This book has aspects of family and how they support one another. I'm not really sure how easy I feel with Jesse so easily forgiving Addie for never telling him he had a daughter but it was also nice in some ways to have a book with two good communicators who could get past all the drama in order to focus on the big picture of just being there for one another. Addie's daughter was difficult to take at times and felt younger than she was but it wasn't so much of the book that it became overwhelming. If you are looking for a sweet, closed door romance, I really think you would enjoy this one.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
I really enjoyed the easy friendship between these two. There was comfort, trust and good conversation that made you really feel how close they were before Jesse had left. This book has aspects of family and how they support one another. I'm not really sure how easy I feel with Jesse so easily forgiving Addie for never telling him he had a daughter but it was also nice in some ways to have a book with two good communicators who could get past all the drama in order to focus on the big picture of just being there for one another. Addie's daughter was difficult to take at times and felt younger than she was but it wasn't so much of the book that it became overwhelming. If you are looking for a sweet, closed door romance, I really think you would enjoy this one.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
July 13, 2021
Addison "Addy" Hall is a live-in nurse at Sunflower Ranch whose job it is to care for the elderly ranch owners, Sonny and Pearl Ryan. Sonny has been diagnosed with MS and having Addy helping out full time makes the whole family feel more secure. Addy's nineteen-year-old daughter Mia also lives and works on the ranch. Mia doesn't know who her father is. Addy has kept that secret all these years. But Mia's father, Jesse Ryan is retiring from the Air Force after twenty years and coming home to run the ranch and help care for his adoptive parents. Addy knows she is going to have to tell Jesse the truth. Then maybe together they can tackle telling Mia.
Jesse Ryan is more than ready to retire from the Air Force and return home. He thinks he is prepared to be there with Addy Hall, the live-in nurse for his father. They were best friends since they were kids. They never wanted to take a chance on ruining that friendship but then crossed the line once - the night before Jesse left for the Air Force. He never understood why Addy stopped communicating with him. Upon returning home to the ranch he discovered they had a daughter together and that Addy didn't want to tell him she was pregnant because she was concerned he would insist on marriage. In her mind that probably would have ruined his dream of serving his country. Jesse believes he and Addy have a good chance of having their relationship become more than friendship. Time will tell.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch by Carolyn Brown begins the Ryan Family series. This is a wonderful second chance romance story. I was emotionally invested in this story from the very beginning. I felt the family's pain when Mia leaves. I felt their joy when Mia returns. I enjoyed sharing the experiences and feelings of Addy and Jesse as their relationship develops. They come together so naturally. Ms. Brown always tells her stories in such a way that I feel the reader can't help but be drawn in. The Ryan family is one that I'm sure I will greatly enjoy following as the series continues.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Jesse Ryan is more than ready to retire from the Air Force and return home. He thinks he is prepared to be there with Addy Hall, the live-in nurse for his father. They were best friends since they were kids. They never wanted to take a chance on ruining that friendship but then crossed the line once - the night before Jesse left for the Air Force. He never understood why Addy stopped communicating with him. Upon returning home to the ranch he discovered they had a daughter together and that Addy didn't want to tell him she was pregnant because she was concerned he would insist on marriage. In her mind that probably would have ruined his dream of serving his country. Jesse believes he and Addy have a good chance of having their relationship become more than friendship. Time will tell.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch by Carolyn Brown begins the Ryan Family series. This is a wonderful second chance romance story. I was emotionally invested in this story from the very beginning. I felt the family's pain when Mia leaves. I felt their joy when Mia returns. I enjoyed sharing the experiences and feelings of Addy and Jesse as their relationship develops. They come together so naturally. Ms. Brown always tells her stories in such a way that I feel the reader can't help but be drawn in. The Ryan family is one that I'm sure I will greatly enjoy following as the series continues.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
August 5, 2021
This was a heartwarming second chance romance. Jesse Ryan and Addison Hall were each others best friend throughout high school. The night before Jesse left for the Air Force they took things to the next level. He never knew she was pregnant. It is now twenty years later and Jesse has come home to help his aging parents with their ranch. Imagine his surprise to find Addy and her daughter living with his parents. There is much going on and you will have to read the book to follow Jesse and Addy on their journey to a happy ever after. I loved every minute of their story and didn't want it to end.
May 16, 2021
I launched my July ARC reads with this one. Jesse comes home to his former best friend to find some things have changed. Addy is eager to see him but hesitant to share her big secret with him. This is a new series for Brown so Jesse’s brothers’ stories will follow. I don’t like Mia much, even after she straightened up. I didn’t like Grady either, there was something off about him. I liked Tex the dog and wish there had been more scenes with him. While it’s a good story, it wasn’t one of my favorites. But I still eagerly await the next book by this author. Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the early read.
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