Her Rancher Hero - Ann Roth (HAR #1436 - Jan 2013)

Series: Saddlers Prairie (Book 3)

For the troubled foster boys who call it home, Hope Ranch is a last chance. For Cody Naylor, the ranch's owner, it's an opportunity to repay a debt to the foster father who saved his life. And for Autumn Knowles, it's a way to stay out of jail after a minor scrape with the law. Sentenced to a temporary job as housekeeper at the ranch, she's determined to show everyone she can be responsible.

Gaining the boys' confidence is no easy matter. Learning to trust Cody is a whole other story. But with her job, her future and the future of the boys at stake, there's too much to lose by getting involved. Autumn's not about to get burned again…no matter how perfect the guy seems!

Very good book.  I really liked both Cody and Autumn.  Cody is determined to be as good a foster father as he can be, but sometimes feels at a loss when dealing with the four boys.  It doesn't help that they've been without a housekeeper/cook and his cooking skills are pretty non-existent.  When Autumn arrives to fill in, he isn't sure what to make of her.  He's certainly attracted to her, but with four teenage boys in the house that can't go anywhere.  He is impressed by the fact that even though she can't cook she is determined to learn and to do the best job she can while she's there.  He is also surprised by how quickly she is able to relate to the boys, even though she makes some mistakes along the way.  The more time he spends with her the more he likes her but isn't sure that she'd want to stay around.  I liked the way that Cody was so willing to help her and the way he showed her that he had confidence in her abilities.  Autumn had had one too many speeding tickets and was sent to the ranch to be the housekeeper.  She is willing to do whatever is needed to do the job right.  Her willingness to accept help goes a long way to helping her fit in on the ranch.  She is very attracted to Cody but also very nervous about messing up on the job.  Her first few days with the boys are pretty rough as she learns to deal with their trust issues and teenage-ness.  Pretty soon they're doing well together as they learn that they have a lot in common with her.  Because she has made some bad romantic decisions in the past she is wary of getting involved with Cody.  She also has some real self esteem issues and thinks that he is way too good for her.  I really liked the way that she is able to meet the emotional needs of the boys.  There were some very emotional parts dealing with the boys that really made the book extra good.
 

Montana Doctor - Ann Roth (HAR #1408 - June 2012)

Series: Saddlers Prairie (Book 2) 

To Mark Engle, it's simple. There's Los Angeles -- success, money, excitement -- and there's Montana. So when he finds himself stuck playing small-town M.D., Mark is less than pleased. The only appeal is clinic receptionist Stacy Andrews, a big-city escapee in love with Saddlers Prairie and its neighbors-are-family feel. Too bad rural and close-knit are exactly what Mark's looking to evade.

Stacy knows Mark's type too well. A career-driven man like that would never put a tiny community -- much less a wife and family -- first. So why is she hoping he'll stay? No one can overlook the chemistry between the pair, and soon the whole town conspires to push them together. But it'll take more than matchmaking for Mark to change his life plan, even if his heart truly belongs in Montana. 

Good book.  I really liked Stacy and the way she was so happy there.  She had come to Saddler's Prairie for the job and realized that it was just the life she wanted.  There was fresh air, people she liked and the chance to put down roots.  When Mark got talked into filling in as doctor, he wasn't happy.  He had a good job waiting for him in LA, that fit in with his plan to have everything he had wanted while he was growing up.  He found himself very attracted to Stacy, but knew he should do nothing about it since he wouldn't be staying.  I really liked the way that he fit right in with the town and his patients.  He had the perfect way of dealing with each one, and even though he wouldn't admit it, he was happy there.  I liked the way that Stacy refused to pressure him, but had no problem calling him on what she thought was behind his motivations.

Rancher Daddy - Ann Roth (HAR #1390 - Feb 2012)

Series: Saddlers Prairie (Book 1)

Leave the past behind

That's life lesson number one for Jenny Wyler. Which is why she's sequestered in the middle of rural Montana teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Saddlers Prairie is good and far from the ex-fiance who ran when he discovered the truth about her family. And from now on, Jenny would keep silent about her past.

But for Abby Dawson, a kindergartner in Jenny's class, silence isn't a choice. Not only shy, the little girl may be mute, and her father, Adam, needs Jenny's help. Determined to give the child a voice, the pair work together while denying their powerful attraction. Besides, what could a cattle rancher and big-city teacher have in common anyway? Besides their love of a five-year-old girl. And the damaging secrets they are both hiding...secrets that are bound to leak out.

Good book.  Both Jenny and Adam had buried their pasts and refused to think or talk about them.  It took them a long time to realize that they couldn't move forward until they put the past to rest.  I did like how much Adam cared for Abby and wanted to help her.  He was frustrated because he didn't know how.  When Jenny came to town and had ideas to help, it was good, but Adam didn't want to have feelings for her.  Jenny also fought her feelings because she had been hurt in the past.  I loved the people of Saddler's Prairie and how much they cared for each other.