A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack | Book Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

A Family for the Rancher

M.K. Stelmack

Title: A Family for the Rancher

Series: A Ranch to Call Home #1

Author: M. K. Stelmack

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

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.

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

My review of A Family for the Rancher

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.

About M. K. Stelmack

M. 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 has also written ‘The Montgomerys of Spirit Lake’ series. A Family for the Rancher marks the first in her new series, A Ranch to Call Home. She lives in Alberta, Canada, close to a town that the fictional Spirit Lake of her stories is patterned after.

Connect with M. K. by visiting mkstelmack.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Enter the tour giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Family for the Rancher and $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE