The Rancher’s Reckoning

A JustRead Publicity Tour

About the Book The Rancher’s Reckoning

A Time to Mourn . . . A Time to Love
Caleb Trent has endured more loss than a man should have to bear. Tragically widowed in a devastating hotel fire, he’s chosen to bury himself alive on a remote ranch in northern New Mexico. Never again will he risk loving anyone the way he loved his wife and family.

Married less than a month, Elsa Downey has sorrows of her own. Widowed, penniless and pregnant, she’s being chased by the heartless outlaw who murdered her husband. When a blizzard strands her at Caleb Trent’s ranch, she’s forced to take refuge despite his surly attitude. Yet behind the sneer, she sees another side of Caleb—the kind and caring man he once was.

Having a woman under his roof is Caleb’s second worst nightmare. The first is falling in love with her. It’s up to him to protect Elsa Downey from all harm. And it’s up to Elsa to bring light and love into Caleb’s dark world.

Vibe: Poignant. Emotional. Tugs at the heart.
Themes: Courage. Second chances. Letting go of the past.
Fun elements: Bacon. Clouds shaped like bunny rabbits. Sweet kisses.

About the Author of The Rancher’s Reckoning

If someone had told me twenty years ago that I’d be the author of 20 books, I’d have fallen off my chair. I’m still amazed to see my novels on Goodreads, Amazon, and occasionally the shelves at Walmart.

More than anything, I delight in telling stories that tackle tough issues with faith and compassion. One my most challenging books, Together With You, won the RWA FHL Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary Romance. I was equally thrilled when The Two of Us made it to the shelves in Target as part of the “Target Recommends” program.

Before writing contemporaries, I wrote westerns for Harlequin Historical and Love Inspired Historical. The LIHs are clean reads. The Harlequin Historicals (no brown banner like the LIHs) were written for the mainstream market. They have Christian themes but gritty content. Some readers won’t care for the language and love scenes. (If you want to know why I wrote them, the story is on my website.)

My two most recent books are independently published. When He Found Me and A Gift to Cherish are a mix of romance and women’s fiction and part of The Road to Refuge series. These stories are particularly close to my heart.

My husband and I now make our home in Lexington, Kentucky, but I’m a California girl at heart. I hope you enjoy my books! For more information, visit https://www.victoriabylin.com

My Thoughts on The Rancher’s Reckoning

Elsa and Caleb have a lot in common.  Both widowed.  Both are suffering loss and trying to survive.  But the question is, when death comes knocking at the door, will Caleb stand up and do what’s right for Elsa, or will he harden himself away? 

Caleb offers to bury Elsa’s husband.  The husband she’s had for all of three weeks.  In that short span, she’s been married and widowed and is now penniless.  Oh, and she’s pregnant too.  

The next morning, Caleb finds her all but dead.  But despite all the wrongs and pains in her life, Elsa refuses to give up hope.  And Caleb refuses to hope.  They’re quite the pair. 

Against the backdrop of Caleb and Elsa getting to know each other and possibly finding love, you have a killer bound and determined to kill Elsa.  Talk about under fire!  This was a sweet romance with a bit of suspense, though it’s not a nail-biter or edge-of-your-seat.  More of a gentle suspense if you will.  

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.