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A Ranch to Call Home #1
A Family for the Rancher: A Clean and Uplifting Romance – A Harlequin Heartwarming Small Town Western Second Chance Story
Can the prodigal cowboy…
Teach her to hope again?
Horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to buy back his family’s ranch. But Haley Jansson isn’t interested in selling…or forgiving his twelve-year absence. Mateo has loved Haley since they were kids, and he feels a deep connection with her sweet son, Jonah. Soon, Mateo wants to be all in with Haley and her adorable baby. But can he convince her to risk her land, her child and her heart?
From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Ranch to Call Home
Book 1: A Family for the Rancher
Teach her to hope again?
Horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to buy back his family’s ranch. But Haley Jansson isn’t interested in selling…or forgiving his twelve-year absence. Mateo has loved Haley since they were kids, and he feels a deep connection with her sweet son, Jonah. Soon, Mateo wants to be all in with Haley and her adorable baby. But can he convince her to risk her land, her child and her heart?
From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Ranch to Call Home
Book 1: A Family for the Rancher
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 24, 2023
About the author
M.K. Stelmack
27 books192 followersM. K. Stelmack writes historical and contemporary romance. She is the author of Heartwarming's A True North Hero series, the third of which, Coming Home to You was made into a movie called Love by Accident. She also wrote The Montgomery Sisters trilogy and A Ranch to Call Home trilogy.
Her most recent work is The Tsar's Angel.
Contact the author through her website and become a member of The M. K. Stelmack Library where you can read her free stories, articles and other readables.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2022
I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Heartwarming and the author
M. K. Stelmack
So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.
Mateo Pavlicis a horse trainer he wants to buy his families ranch back. Since Mateo has left 12 years ago he broke Haley heart she does not want to sell the ranch to Mateo he has a lot of things to work out. A Family for the Rancher is a 3 star read.
Happy Reading
Lisa 📚
M. K. Stelmack
So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.
Mateo Pavlicis a horse trainer he wants to buy his families ranch back. Since Mateo has left 12 years ago he broke Haley heart she does not want to sell the ranch to Mateo he has a lot of things to work out. A Family for the Rancher is a 3 star read.
Happy Reading
Lisa 📚
January 26, 2023
This story was a bit of a second chance romance, although it was less about an earlier romance and more about a second chance for these two adults who had grown up as kids together and hoped for more during the teen years. However, it was mostly about two people who had both been very hurt by certain events in their lives. And those events continued to impact them, even as they tried to start afresh together. Haley and Mateo sometimes gave me emotional whiplash as they backtracked and second guessed each other throughout the book! It really emphasized how damaged they both were emotionally.
Haley had huge trust issues, related not only to Mateo leaving twelve years earlier, but to also having been abandoned by her ex-husband. Mateo had also been betrayed by someone who should have loved him no matter what. It was what sent him running all of those years ago from a father who should have loved him instead of spewing hateful words. Mateo had struggled to feel loved and important ever since.
I liked the way Mateo immediately loved Haley’s little boy, Jonah. What a sweet relationship they had. Although these characters frustrated me throughout a good bit of the story, I was happy to see things work out for them by the end of the book.
(3.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Haley had huge trust issues, related not only to Mateo leaving twelve years earlier, but to also having been abandoned by her ex-husband. Mateo had also been betrayed by someone who should have loved him no matter what. It was what sent him running all of those years ago from a father who should have loved him instead of spewing hateful words. Mateo had struggled to feel loved and important ever since.
I liked the way Mateo immediately loved Haley’s little boy, Jonah. What a sweet relationship they had. Although these characters frustrated me throughout a good bit of the story, I was happy to see things work out for them by the end of the book.
(3.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 18, 2023
Matteo, gone for years returns home for the reading of her father's will. But he isn't prepared for the outcome. Holly, Matteo's lifelong friend, hasn't spoken to him in years and isn't sure she wants to rekindle their friendship.
The characters are well-developed and each with their own regrets and broken promises. I was wrapped up in their struggles and found myself rooting for them.
The story is about two people with hardened hearts. Each one with their own set of circumstances. Forgiveness is hard to imagine as they find themselves in a battle that seems there is no answer to.
It's a powerful story with lots of tension, times of frustration, and uncertainty. The ending wrapped everything up nicesly. An emotional and uplifting read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
The characters are well-developed and each with their own regrets and broken promises. I was wrapped up in their struggles and found myself rooting for them.
The story is about two people with hardened hearts. Each one with their own set of circumstances. Forgiveness is hard to imagine as they find themselves in a battle that seems there is no answer to.
It's a powerful story with lots of tension, times of frustration, and uncertainty. The ending wrapped everything up nicesly. An emotional and uplifting read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2022
When Mateo comes back to bury his stepdad Yachof He has bitter sweet feelings about it when he turned 18 he told him to get out , so he did and didn’t come back. unfortunately he also left behind Haley. As teenagers they were inseparable and now that he’s back and sees her again he knows how much he missed her. She isn’t letting the slight the devastated her be forgiven that easy. She doesn’t even know if she really can trust him. Through trial and error Haley will learn whether she can trust Mateo Mateo through loving her and Jonah will come to understand the man he left behind and what it means to truly love. Oh I absolutely loved this book! When I read the title I knew I would like it but I OMG love this book! Hallmark make some really great books but this Hass to be in a category to itself. It is thoughtful authentic wonderful I just loved it and absolutely laughed out loud when Mateo took the baby to the emergency room this is just a great feel good romance that I can’t say enough about… Did I say I love this book! I received it from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 25, 2023
Sweet romance fans will fall for M K Stelmack’s enchanting second-chance at love tale, A Family for the Rancher.
Mateo Pavlic is a horse trainer who is determined to do whatever it takes to get back his family’s ranch. There is however one fly in the ointment: Haley Jansson, who makes it clear from the start that she has no intention of selling up – and certainly not to him! Haley would sooner stick pins in her eyes than sell to Mateo – especially as she still has not forgiven him for breaking her heart twelve years ago. Will Haley ever manage to lay the past to rest? Or will Mateo’s old mistakes continue to haunt her?
Mateo and Haley might have known each other ever since they were kids and they might still be crazy about each other, but the ghosts from the past continue to come between them. As Mateo forms a close bond with Haley’s son Jonah, all he wants to do is to be a proper family and to spend the rest of his life with the woman who means the world to him on his family’s ranch.
Will Mateo manage to convince Haley to give their love another try? Or is she not prepared to risk her heart for a second time?
A gorgeous Western contemporary romance that cannot fail to pluck at the heartstrings, M K Stelmack’s A Family for the Rancher is an emotional, uplifting and hugely enjoyable tale about healing from the past, finding happiness and surrendering to love that I absolutely adored. With characters readers cannot help but root for and plenty of drama, warmth and wit, A Family for the Rancher is ideal for curling up with on a cold and gray winter afternoon.
Mateo Pavlic is a horse trainer who is determined to do whatever it takes to get back his family’s ranch. There is however one fly in the ointment: Haley Jansson, who makes it clear from the start that she has no intention of selling up – and certainly not to him! Haley would sooner stick pins in her eyes than sell to Mateo – especially as she still has not forgiven him for breaking her heart twelve years ago. Will Haley ever manage to lay the past to rest? Or will Mateo’s old mistakes continue to haunt her?
Mateo and Haley might have known each other ever since they were kids and they might still be crazy about each other, but the ghosts from the past continue to come between them. As Mateo forms a close bond with Haley’s son Jonah, all he wants to do is to be a proper family and to spend the rest of his life with the woman who means the world to him on his family’s ranch.
Will Mateo manage to convince Haley to give their love another try? Or is she not prepared to risk her heart for a second time?
A gorgeous Western contemporary romance that cannot fail to pluck at the heartstrings, M K Stelmack’s A Family for the Rancher is an emotional, uplifting and hugely enjoyable tale about healing from the past, finding happiness and surrendering to love that I absolutely adored. With characters readers cannot help but root for and plenty of drama, warmth and wit, A Family for the Rancher is ideal for curling up with on a cold and gray winter afternoon.
January 26, 2023
3.5 Stars
Friends separated by time, hurts, and pride come together again in A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack.
I liked Mateo from the start of this book. Sure, he was the one to leave and he was the one who hadn’t kept in touch, but he’s also the one who is brave enough to apologize and look to the future he and Haley might have. And really, is there anything more swoon-worthy than a guy with a baby? On the other hand, I had a tougher time forgiving Haley for her mistrust of Mateo. At first it made sense but after he’d proven himself multiple times, I got frustrated with her.
Stelmack gave me a glimpse into ranching life in Canada and I enjoyed the scenes with Risky Business (a cutting horse of Mateo’s) and loved every time Mateo and baby Jonah are together. In the end, the conflict between Mateo and Haley dragged out long than necessary for my preferences. And the ending, while worth it, was abrupt. I was really hoping for an epilogue, though.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Friends separated by time, hurts, and pride come together again in A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack.
I liked Mateo from the start of this book. Sure, he was the one to leave and he was the one who hadn’t kept in touch, but he’s also the one who is brave enough to apologize and look to the future he and Haley might have. And really, is there anything more swoon-worthy than a guy with a baby? On the other hand, I had a tougher time forgiving Haley for her mistrust of Mateo. At first it made sense but after he’d proven himself multiple times, I got frustrated with her.
Stelmack gave me a glimpse into ranching life in Canada and I enjoyed the scenes with Risky Business (a cutting horse of Mateo’s) and loved every time Mateo and baby Jonah are together. In the end, the conflict between Mateo and Haley dragged out long than necessary for my preferences. And the ending, while worth it, was abrupt. I was really hoping for an epilogue, though.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2023
I really enjoyed A Family for the Rancher. M. K. Stelmack is a new to me author, but I have read many books in the Harlequin Heartwarming series. This sweet, clean romance certainly fits well with all of the books I’ve read from this heartwarming line.
When Mateo returns to his hometown, it’s under sad circumstances. Though he’s been estranged from his father for 12 years, he comes back for the funeral and with an offer to buy back his family’s land. That land is now owned by his one time best friend, Haley.
Mateo and Haley grew up together, but when he and his father had their falling out, he left and never looked back. I know how I’d feel if I were Haley, but sometimes guys can be oblivious and single-minded. Mateo was thinking only of his anger at his father, not of Haley. They weren’t a couple, but they were friends. So, Haley’s attitude toward Mateo when he returns is not unexpected.
These characters grew on me very quickly. Yes, they were both prickly at times, but who among us isn’t? I definitely am…don’t you cross me! Okay, I’m not too bad, but past hurts affect present behavior and, often, future trust. Fear does that too. We’re afraid that what hurt in the past, no matter how long ago, might hurt us again. So, Haley’s and Mateo’s attitudes throughout different parts of the book are realistic.
I loved how this story unfolded, and how the characters worked through their issues. The side characters added just the right amount of flavor to the story and were also well-written. I’m guessing that Haley’s sister will be the main character of the next book, and I’m really looking forward to her story. Like A Family for the Rancher, I’m sure it’ll have lots of conflicts! When you meet Haley’s sister in this book, you’ll understand what I mean!
If you’re a fan of clean romance books with realistic characters working and growing through life’s tough times, I think you’ll enjoy A Family for the Rancher.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
When Mateo returns to his hometown, it’s under sad circumstances. Though he’s been estranged from his father for 12 years, he comes back for the funeral and with an offer to buy back his family’s land. That land is now owned by his one time best friend, Haley.
Mateo and Haley grew up together, but when he and his father had their falling out, he left and never looked back. I know how I’d feel if I were Haley, but sometimes guys can be oblivious and single-minded. Mateo was thinking only of his anger at his father, not of Haley. They weren’t a couple, but they were friends. So, Haley’s attitude toward Mateo when he returns is not unexpected.
These characters grew on me very quickly. Yes, they were both prickly at times, but who among us isn’t? I definitely am…don’t you cross me! Okay, I’m not too bad, but past hurts affect present behavior and, often, future trust. Fear does that too. We’re afraid that what hurt in the past, no matter how long ago, might hurt us again. So, Haley’s and Mateo’s attitudes throughout different parts of the book are realistic.
I loved how this story unfolded, and how the characters worked through their issues. The side characters added just the right amount of flavor to the story and were also well-written. I’m guessing that Haley’s sister will be the main character of the next book, and I’m really looking forward to her story. Like A Family for the Rancher, I’m sure it’ll have lots of conflicts! When you meet Haley’s sister in this book, you’ll understand what I mean!
If you’re a fan of clean romance books with realistic characters working and growing through life’s tough times, I think you’ll enjoy A Family for the Rancher.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 25, 2023
A fun clean quick read that you will not put down. Before you know it you will have fallen in love with everyone in the family. This is a book anyone can read because there isn't any bad words or references to Sex. It's also the first in a series which I plan on reading.
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April 2, 2024I cannot say enough good things about this novel. Fabulous characters, a heart touching plot. Clean and sweet without cussing. Very realistic, it had me in tears several times. You don't want to miss this one!
January 31, 2023
“You said you didn’t know your heart, but I know mine. It’s a big plain, empty and howling.”
Mateo Pavlic left town after high school when Jakob, his father, kicked him out. After that fateful day when he learned the truth and Jakob had sold the land he promised Mateo to Knut Jansson, he left everything behind even his best friend, Haley Jansson. Twelve years later he returns and realizes his love for Haley is still there.
Haley Jansson was devasted when Mateo left town and ghosted her all those years ago. But she doesn’t plan on allowing him close enough to herself or her son, Jonah, and experience that same hurt again. She was just getting over her ex-husband leaving her after learning she was pregnant. Can Haley trust Mateo with her and Jonah’s hearts?
Mateo’s life was shattered, and he was heartbroken when Jakob kicked him out. He only thought of getting out of town but he had always regretted ghosting Haley. Over the years, his fear of her rejection kept him from contacting her. Haley never understood why Mateo left town so suddenly, but she has been hurt too many times by men in her life leaving her. She is scared Jonah will be hurt when Mateo leaves town again because she cannot trust Mateo to stick around.
A Family for the Rancher is the first book in the A Ranch to Call Home series by M. K. Stelmack. It was a beautiful story of second chances for Mateo and Haley. Mateo comes to realize Jakob still loved him but regret and fear kept him from contacting Mateo. I loved seeing the connection between Mateo and Jonah grow. Mateo finally comes to understand Jakob better after Mateo realizes he loves Jonah even though he is not Jonah’s biological father. This was an emotional story, but the ending will leave you with a warm heart and a smile. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 25, 2023
I really enjoy Contemporary Romance books. A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the A Ranch to Call Home series.
Mateo Pavlic is a Horse Trainer and has recently returned home after being gone for 12yrs. His father recently passed away and he has come home in hopes of buying the Family Ranch back. His father sold it to Haley Jannson, who is a neighbor and also a long-time friend of Mateo. Haley Jannson is a single mom to Jonah and she isn't interested in selling the Ranch, especially not to Mateo. Haley is still crushed that he broke her heart 12yrs ago when he moved away. Mateo has always had a "Crush" on Haley and he still feels the connection. He is bonding with Haley's son, Jonah as well. Will Haley be able to forgive Mateo? Will Mateo get his dream of living on his family Ranch, possibly with a Family of his own?
WOW, this storyline had me captivated from the very first chapter. Mateo seems like a wonderful man who dreams of coming home to his Family Ranch and has regrets about being gone for so long. Haley is living her dream on the Ranch and raising her son. I LOVE how throughout the book Mateo and Haley grow individually and as friends. The Book is about learning to trust, moving forward, and family. I am very much looking forward to reading more books in this series as they are released. GREAT BOOK!
Mateo Pavlic is a Horse Trainer and has recently returned home after being gone for 12yrs. His father recently passed away and he has come home in hopes of buying the Family Ranch back. His father sold it to Haley Jannson, who is a neighbor and also a long-time friend of Mateo. Haley Jannson is a single mom to Jonah and she isn't interested in selling the Ranch, especially not to Mateo. Haley is still crushed that he broke her heart 12yrs ago when he moved away. Mateo has always had a "Crush" on Haley and he still feels the connection. He is bonding with Haley's son, Jonah as well. Will Haley be able to forgive Mateo? Will Mateo get his dream of living on his family Ranch, possibly with a Family of his own?
WOW, this storyline had me captivated from the very first chapter. Mateo seems like a wonderful man who dreams of coming home to his Family Ranch and has regrets about being gone for so long. Haley is living her dream on the Ranch and raising her son. I LOVE how throughout the book Mateo and Haley grow individually and as friends. The Book is about learning to trust, moving forward, and family. I am very much looking forward to reading more books in this series as they are released. GREAT BOOK!
January 28, 2023
Author M.K.Stelmak has written well developed, likable characters that you will fall in love with. Haley and Mateo have a history that may hinder their future. Haley really needed to learn to forgive. Yikes, she had a real issue there. Kudos to Mateo for taking responsibility. And baby Jonah. Who doesn’t love a man and a baby? So sweet!
I’ve never thought about ranching in Canada, so it was really fun to read about. Mateo wants the ranch. So does Haley. Can they come to an agreement?
If you enjoy a sweet clean romance of second chances then you’ll want to read A Family for the Rancher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I’ve never thought about ranching in Canada, so it was really fun to read about. Mateo wants the ranch. So does Haley. Can they come to an agreement?
If you enjoy a sweet clean romance of second chances then you’ll want to read A Family for the Rancher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
November 3, 2022
Good read! Haley and Mateo were inseparable as teenagers until he leaves his best friend behind with no explanation. Many years later, Mateo is back in town wanting Haley back in his life. Haley finds herself raising a newborn and running a ranch on her own and is need of the help Mateo offers but she is scared history will repeat itself. Can she learn to trust the man she has loved her whole life before she pushes him away forever?
January 11, 2023
This was a good, easy read. I enjoyed seeing their relationships develop, and it was really sweet to see how dedicated Mateo was to the baby, despite anything else. The reason it wasn't a five-star for me was the end felt like it dragged just a little bit with one too many obstacles, but I liked it overall!
I received this book as a NetGalley ARC from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book as a NetGalley ARC from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
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January 2, 2023Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Ranch to Call Home (Book #1)
Miniseries
A Ranch to Call Home (Book #1)
March 15, 2023
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
A Family for the Rancher begins the A Ranch to Call Home series with a romance that grabbed my heart early on… and won it over completely by one cowboy’s absolute love for another man’s child. What is it about a rugged cowboy holding a cute baby that gets me (and most of us) every single time?
Mateo has one dream, to buy back the family ranch. Unfortunately, he’ll have to convince Haley, a childhood friend, to sell it to him… and that’s not going to happen any time soon. When Mateo left Haley was devastated at losing her friend. It didn’t help that Mateo didn’t even try to keep contact while he was away. Now, he’s back home thinking he can sweep in and take over. No way, not going to happen. His affection for and interactions with her son, Jonah, might be melting her heart just a bit. But that doesn’t mean she’s forgiven twelve years of silence. Or that he can just show up and win her heart once again. Her ex-husband has shown her that trusting any man is a mistake, especially one who walked away from her once before.
Haley is… prickly. She probably has good reasons for being that way, but her mistrust of Mateo, which went on way longer than it made sense to me, actually put me firmly on Mateo’s side of this romance. I liked them both, but I could see and relate to his side easier.
This couple’s road to a happy ending is rocky and full of potholes. Watching them navigate their past, deal with their present, and hope for their future made A Family for the Rancher a delightful, emotional journey.
If you love a well-written romance with major feelings of being left behind to be resolved, a couple who may argue but they really do belong together, or if simply a handsome cowboy holding an adorable little boy melts your heart… then you’re going to love this start to the A Ranch to Call Home series. Can’t wait until the next one releases.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
A Family for the Rancher begins the A Ranch to Call Home series with a romance that grabbed my heart early on… and won it over completely by one cowboy’s absolute love for another man’s child. What is it about a rugged cowboy holding a cute baby that gets me (and most of us) every single time?
Mateo has one dream, to buy back the family ranch. Unfortunately, he’ll have to convince Haley, a childhood friend, to sell it to him… and that’s not going to happen any time soon. When Mateo left Haley was devastated at losing her friend. It didn’t help that Mateo didn’t even try to keep contact while he was away. Now, he’s back home thinking he can sweep in and take over. No way, not going to happen. His affection for and interactions with her son, Jonah, might be melting her heart just a bit. But that doesn’t mean she’s forgiven twelve years of silence. Or that he can just show up and win her heart once again. Her ex-husband has shown her that trusting any man is a mistake, especially one who walked away from her once before.
Haley is… prickly. She probably has good reasons for being that way, but her mistrust of Mateo, which went on way longer than it made sense to me, actually put me firmly on Mateo’s side of this romance. I liked them both, but I could see and relate to his side easier.
This couple’s road to a happy ending is rocky and full of potholes. Watching them navigate their past, deal with their present, and hope for their future made A Family for the Rancher a delightful, emotional journey.
If you love a well-written romance with major feelings of being left behind to be resolved, a couple who may argue but they really do belong together, or if simply a handsome cowboy holding an adorable little boy melts your heart… then you’re going to love this start to the A Ranch to Call Home series. Can’t wait until the next one releases.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
January 29, 2023
This is a clean romance. I found this book to be good, and I really loved getting to know the characters in this book. I loved the setting in this book as well. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (M. K. Stelmack) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 23, 2023
First in the new A Ranch to Call Home series, in which horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to regain control of the ranch land owned by the man he thought of as his father until he was told that was not the case. But his father has sold the land to his nearest neighbor, which means that Haley Jansson and father now own the property. If only Mateo can convince Haley and Knut, but especially Haley, to let him buy it back. After all, now he has the money to do so, but he's been gone 12 years and she's never forgiven him for deserting her without an explanation back when he was 18.
Haley is conflicted about allowing her heart (but not her head) to dictate how she feels about Mateo, especially now that she has a baby who has already captured Mateo's heart.
So, how is this all going to work out? She has to learn to trust again, but does she have the courage to do so? And, how can Mateo help her to take that big step when the baby's father killed her ability to trust any man other than her father?
Haley is conflicted about allowing her heart (but not her head) to dictate how she feels about Mateo, especially now that she has a baby who has already captured Mateo's heart.
So, how is this all going to work out? She has to learn to trust again, but does she have the courage to do so? And, how can Mateo help her to take that big step when the baby's father killed her ability to trust any man other than her father?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews