🐎🎪💕 "The Cowgirl's Sacrifice" (Hearts of Oklahoma #4) (2021) 💕🎪🐎 - Book Review

 

 

MY REVIEW

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #4)

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired (July 27, 2021) 

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1335758690

ISBN-13: 978-1335758699

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“This cowgirl has wandered back home…
 
Will she choose her past or her future?
 
Needing time to heal after a rodeo injury, Kate Rainbolt heads to her family ranch to accept the foreman job her brothers offered her months ago. But the position’s already been filled by her ex-boyfriend, Jess McNally, and the only open job reports to him. With Jess as her temporary boss—and turning into something more—might he finally convince Kate to put down roots?”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Tina Radcliffe, for providing a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.

I can hardly believe we’ve met the fourth remaining Rainbolt sibling. And, if you haven’t guessed by now, I’m definitely not new to Tina Radcliffe’s writing.

 

To recap …

 

Finding the Road Home – (Mitch) over a year ago, Finding the Road Home was released. Readers met the oldest Rainbolt sibling Mitch, who was (sorry about the spoiler if you haven’t read it), Rebel’s police chief. Readers also met Daisy, with her large brood (really miss reading about some of those kids), who was a member of the police department. I’m still chuckling over the “working for pies” gag.

 

[NOTE: I ended up winning a copy of this from someone, and then the author sent and autographed copy with another book, this was my “birthday” gift]

 

Ready to Trust – (Reece) The next brother. Not only did he inherit half (½) of Ballard Farms, he has a daughter he didn’t know about. And, the funny part? Mitch teased him in the first (1^st) book about finding love – I’m not over those peaches!! [A Prism Book Tours read]

 

His Holiday Prayer – (Tucker) Oh, this guy! Smart, sometimes clueless, the local vet who seems to sucker everyone into taking a pet home. No one is exempt, not even his siblings. He’s a widower who can be stubborn, annoying, and clueless when he comes to his vet partner Jena. [Wrangler Team read]

 

As those had happy endings (and many of the stories concluded inside themselves), this will be NO exception. But, it will be the journey this story takes.

 

I honestly loved this cover – Kate seems like such a free spirit, confident woman that no one would guess that she is doing what she does for a highly personal reason.

 

There are some characters and “fun” story lines that are definitely gone this time around, and have no mentions at all – the missing cherub from the first book, Beep Jeep Tours, and for sheriff’s deputy Roscoe (he was with Luna at the end of book #1).  

 

Mitch, Reece, and Tucker have a significant presence in this book as well.

 

Another addition to the ranch – Jess McNally, Kate’s old ex-boyfriend. He ends up with the position she was offered. And, did I EVER love Jess! There were some great quotes of his that I just couldn’t stop laughing about – “Keep in mind I’m a couple of eggs short of a dozen right now. And, what’s left is scrambled”. That topped Willard and his “older than dirt” reference to himself.

 

There were several things about Kate I definitely connected with. Not that I’m such a bad cook that I’d burn air, but I am not that great with recipes. I can copy it exactly as it is written, and it doesn’t come out at all like it is supposed to. I also LOVE Dr. Pepper, along with apple fritters. There’s also pork carnitas and a mention of Sonic.

 

Anyway …

 

Kate is recovering from an injury that is more severe than she’s letting her family and those around her know. And, she’s not sure what she wants to do with her future. I’ll have to admit, despite reading about her in previous books, I found the idea of a female rodeo clown a unique profession.

 

And, right off she runs into Jess. Dark hair, handsome, tall – oh, my kinda guy! Though, this isn’t a happy reunion. And, eventually, he’s going to want to know where they stand. But, it wasn’t just them that had issues years ago, Jess’ late father had his say which wasn’t favorable.

 

Kate’s brothers gang up on her about her injuries and her new job there at Rebel Ranch. In addition, Tucker gives her a cat much like her – just needs love and attention. Even Jess hasn’t escaped Tucker’s pet-giving.

 

While Kate recovers and tries to figure out what to do, she gets close to Jess’ mom who was close to the Rainbolts’ mother, but Susan McNally also needs a kidney. Grab the tissues!

 

While Kate figures her life out, she sees a “calling” and decides to take a chance while she’s slowly learning her rodeo career might be over. A friend offers her a chance to remain close to it though. Jess eventually learns how severe Kate’s injuries were and what a hero she is.

 

Kate becomes close to Jess’ niece Olive whose father has left her as well. Kate’s words to the girl also seem to have an effect on Kate too. This is another “grab the tissues” moment. Jess’ niece Olive also helps Kate with cooking lessons and gives her a crockpot which helps Kate immensely. No more burnt toasters!

 

Despite Jess and Kate enjoying the friendship they’re rekindling – it’s not a romance, at least that’s what they tell themselves. And, Jess is sure Kate will leave again so he doesn’t want to get too close to her. Yet, he can’t stop his feelings for her.

 

Kate not only has to come to terms with a new road in her life, but the end of a journey as well.

 

Watching Jess and Kate rebuild their friendship/relationship is at times sweet and frustrating. And, Radcliffe drew it out to almost the very end.

 

Radcliffe definitely hits home with the realities of medical bills, accidents (and their lasting impact), along with the issue of dads leaving their children behind for whatever reason. It was poignant and absolutely sweet.

 

Other than the “disappearance” of Roscoe, I noticed that in book #1 (Finding the Road Home) and this book, the story of their father was changed a bit. In the first book it was hinted their father was deceased “the Rainbolt siblings didn’t inherit the ranch until both their parents passed” (pg. 34). In this book, Kate has spent 10 years looking for their father on the rodeo circuit, though Mitch hints he might have died. Did Mitch know something he wasn’t telling Kate?

 

Despite those “differences”, this was definitely the best book of the group story-wise. It did seem more personal to me, there is a mention of kidney donation. I mentioned it because my mom spent most of her work career on a kidney transplant floor. In addition, there is a particular TV character by the name of Jess that I love!!

 

This was endearing and beautiful and had a WHOLE load of goodness. I couldn’t put it down. There were times I laughed, sometimes more than I probably should’ve, especially when Mitch’s family was hit with “the nasties” (stomach bug).

 

There was also an issue with Kate and a hammock in which she insists the instructions are in Klingon (Star Trek) and Jess, deadpan, claims to be fluent in it.

 

Radcliffe definitely didn’t skimp on the witty repertoire at all!

 

Usually, these books are the 1-2 day reads, the length of time read doesn’t reflect on the novel – I’m in the middle of CampNaNo as well.

 

While this could be a standalone read, I VERY HIGHLY suggest that readers check out the previous three (3) books in the series so they can get to know all the Rainbolt siblings.

 

Since this is distributed by Love Inspired expect some references to God and faith. And, as always, these are clean reads.  

 

Radcliffe’s fans, those who’ve read the previous three (3) books, and fans of the genre are sure to enjoy this read. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what she’s cooking up next. And, I still have her Big Heart Ranch books on the “eternal” TBR list.

 

 

 

RATING:

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

 

Other Books in the Series:

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (Feburary 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 01335488014
ISBN-13: 978-01335488015
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information

 

“Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?

 To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?”

 

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #2)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (July 21, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 01335488324
ISBN-13: 978-01335488329
Click Picture for Purchase Information ➡️

 

“Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

 Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.”

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #3)
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired [Harlequin Books] (December 3, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488553
ISBN-13: 978-1335488558
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
 

“A new beginning could be closer than he thinks.

What he wants for Christmas…

may not be what he needs.

 After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jena Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn’t the answer? Maybe what he’s been missing has been right beside him the whole time…”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western New York, she left home for a tour of duty with the US Army Security Agency stationed in Ausburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include certified oncology RN, library cataloger, and pharmacy clerk. She recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to the Phoenix, Arizona area, where she writes heartwarming and fun inspirational romance.

 

 

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinaradcliffeauthor/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaradcliffe/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMRadcliffe

 

Website: http://www.tinaradcliffe.com/

 

 

 

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