🎀 🏡 🐎 “The Baby Inheritance” (Lazy M Ranch #1) (2023) 🐎🏡🎀 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Lazy M Ranch (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (April 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335585699
ISBN-13: 978-1335585691
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“An infant in need…
But she’s a package deal.
After the tragic loss of his best friends, rancher Drew Morgan willingly accepts guardianship of their six-month-old baby—until he learns big-city professor Sadie Ross has temporary custody as well. Opposites in every way, the pair now has eight weeks together on Drew’s ranch to decide who will become the permanent parent. Could this makeshift family turn into something real…before the deadline is up?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Tina Radcliffe, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
In advance – I do apologize for getting to this book rather late. I had a few medical setbacks and scares. Some have blindsided me and I really didn’t know how to handle it (still don’t). But, one thing that got me through – reading. And, of course any books with babies are bound to make one smile. How could I be sad with that little cherub on the cover?
The Baby Inheritance is the first book in Radcliffe’s Lazy M Ranch series, though it’s hardly the author’s first book. I’ve read her previous series – Hearts of Oklahoma (4 books), as well as her Love Inspired Suspense debut, Sabotaged Mission. I have her Big Hearts Ranch on my never-ending TBR – which is a good thing.
This story, and the series itself, has a fascinating beginning. It evolved from a note card with a picture of the silhouette of six cowboys facing a corral. Isn’t it interesting how just a picture can develop into a story or more than one story? And, I’d be interested in the origins of the photo as well – what is its story?
That said …
Radcliffe does a wonderful job of establishing the characters readers will get to know in this book, and likely the next few books. Book #2, The Cowboy Bargain (Sam’s story), is also out – released on August 22, 2023. Book #3, The Cowboy’s Secret Past, is set to be released at the end of February, which will be Trevor’s story. There is Lucas’ story to tell (perhaps book #4), and an unknown cowboy as well.
So, readers – once you read this one – you’ll likely need to keep reading them. Those who’ve read the author’s previous series will see a slight “nod” to it in this one, courtesy of Eagle Donuts in Rebel.
Even after this first visit, you’ll want to visit Homestead Pass, a town that truly feels like home with characters that will become like friends and family you’ll want to check in with:
👨🏻🦳 Gus Morgan (grandfather)
🏡 Andrew “Drew” Morgan
📒 Sam Morgan
🐎 Trevor Morgan
🐎 Lucas Morgan
🍪 Bess Lowder (runs the household and cooks)
👩🏻💻 Sadie Ross (Delia’s friend)
👩🏻💻 Leah Telfer (Sadie’s boss)
🎀 Mae Anne Franklin (6 months old, lost her parents Jase and Delia 5 months earlier)
🥗 Olivia “Liv” Moretti
Most stories, no matter how clean or sweet they are – they can have “troublesome” storylines or character backgrounds that can be upsetting to certain readers.
There is a mention of two car accidents killing parents, one stemming from a DUI (not the parents, the other driver). Foster care also plays a theme in this as Delia and Sadie met in the system. Those who’ve had similar and/or bad experiences with foster care, might be triggered by this. Sadie was also abandoned as an orphan.
Radcliffe opens with Drew getting a call from his grandfather about a lawyer in town who called for Drew. I had to laugh at Gus who asked “You got an issue needing a lawyer, son?”. And, right out of the shoot – Gus is my favorite of the Morgan fellers.
Because of a car accident that killed his friend Jase, along with Jase’s wife (Delia), they left behind a baby – six (6) month old Mae Anne.
Five months after the accident, an attorney reaches out because of the will. In it, the couple named Drew and Sophie as guardians for their daughter. Mae Anne has been with her grandmother, but the woman’s health is declining and she needs to relinquish custody to them. But, since they’re not married, she can only go to one of them.
There is a stipulation – if neither of them want Sadie, she goes into foster care. That is a RED FLAG no from Sadie. Drew is JUST as shocked as Sadie. Though which of them is to be Mae’s guardian is undetermined. Though, he does think Mae would be better off in Homestead Pass as opposed to Tulsa. Sadie just knows she owes it to her friend to do the right thing when it comes to Mae.
The problem is – neither of them have much experience being parents. Drew is more of a hands-on learner; Sophie is the true academic – buying books to learn. Drew wants to live life instead of read about it.
Since they have to take custody that day, they have no idea who to choose. Drew knows Jase chose Homestead Pass to raise his daughter, but Sadie lives and works in Tulsa. The temporary solution is the Lazy M Ranch which Drew manages. He and his three brothers live there with grandfather Gus. They’re lucky enough to have a good housekeeper and cook – Bess (she’s a hoot).
Right off, Drew seems more intuitive, where Sophie feels inadequate. She just doesn’t want the baby in foster care where she was and aged out. Sadly, a common occurrence which I call “Happy Birthday, Hit the Road”. However, Sophie wants time to study to make a decision. There’s also the slight problem of Mae’s cardiologist appointment to evaluate a heart defect.
Like Mae, the Morgan boys lost their parents in a car accident. Drew believes in happy endings, which he sees more as a choice. But, figures they’ll take it a step at a time. And, Bess is there to help as well.
Worried about her job, Sadie learns she can take 8 weeks of leave for the placement. She doesn’t want to though. Still, she can’t think past the appointment which she views as the “deadline” and deciding factor.
The longer she’s on the ranch, the more Sadie sees the difference between Drew’s life and her own. It’s a life she would’ve wanted to grow up with. Still, she has her own life and proud of what she’s accomplished.
There is much for both to consider, but more on Sadie’s side – childcare, her small apartment, and the lack of family – all of which Mae would have with Drew.
Bess takes an immediate like to and interest in Sadie. Even taking her shopping and guiding her. It is on a trip to town that Sadie meets Olivia “Liv” Moretti (page 97; 46%). This sets up Liv’s storyline for book #2. It is Liv who becomes Sadie’s first friend there in Homestead Pass.
It is when Drew and Sadie are forced to make the decision that they look at the pros and cons of where Mae should be that takes them beyond book smarts, hands on experience, and leads them to what God may have planned for them; including a strange dog who has decided to call the ranch home.
Tragic, sweet, and inspiring; this was a delightful “day” read. I read about 57 pages in 45 minutes, and finished the book in about six (6) hours. Despite the tragic back story, this was an easy read that didn’t lag. It was perfectly paced so it didn’t rush either. Like most books of the line, it went right into the main story from the first page. This is one of those forced proximity, slow-burn types of romance. It’s not so slow readers lose interest though, but it isn’t rushed into either.
There were a few “one-time” characters I liked and hope to see again down the road. The first was Sadie’s boss – Leah. Honestly, in the beginning, I liked her a LOT more than I liked Sadie. The second was Dr. Lakhno who treated Mae’s fever. The woman was a sheer delight for the short time she was in it. I wouldn’t mind seeing her back again, perhaps as part of the Morgan family’s story?
By saying I liked Leah more, that’s not to say I didn’t like Sadie. But, she was someone I needed more time to warm up to. Then again, I sort of understood Sadie’s “issues” which made her the way she was. Not having had a dad in my life since I was 4, I can relate to the parental abandonment part. And, if left unresolved, it can lead to a myriad of problems – self-doubt; along with issues of abandonment, trust, and self-worth.
There is a moment when Drew loans Sadie a vest and she remarks about using having hand-me-downs in a long time. Kids in the foster system, and even poor kids, have likely had a lot of hand-me-downs. So, I could understand wanting brand new and the “best” of something – that “self-worth” deal. I can’t say I relate to not liking them, because at least I had clothes to wear – some were fashionable, and some were down-right adorable. And, as Drew points out – hand-me-downs were upcycling before it was cool and hip.
Sweet side story, I was about 2-3-years-old and got the CUTEST red gingham dress from a cousin. Even though it was TOO big for me, I LOVED it and wore it out! About 30+ years later, I and the cousin who’d owned the dress talked about it. She was hoping I’d love it and enjoyed seeing a picture of me in it.
Sadie wasn’t the worst character – that went to another person.
There is an incident, around the time of a major medical issue, where the lawyer wants a decision from them. I thought the timing was tacky and could’ve been handled better. I get why the person thought they had to ask, but the timing was tacky.
In regards to making a decision; I love how they both didn’t assume they were the best guardian right off. They were both looking at themselves; their strengths and weaknesses; their jobs (which affects childcare); living arrangements – things that mattered, even over their promises – things that would influence the type of environment Mae would grow up in.
Though, I have to say – a ranch to learn skills on, multiple uncles, family history, room to roam, a housekeeper and GREAT cook (5 days a week), strong cowboy father, and animals – uh, I’d be hard-pressed to NOT choose Drew 🥰😘😂
With that said …
After reading about Bess’ cooking (and I’d advised eating prior to reading this), I was having a craving for fried chicken and cinnamon rolls. Going to have to wait until Thanksgiving for that! No money this month!! 😞😂
While this is the Christian line from Harlequin, there are only subtle references to God and faith. It doesn’t come off as proselytizing in any way. It is more of subtle tones as opposed to overt.
Fans of the author won’t want to miss this, in fact, I hope they’ve already read it, or it’s on their TBR list. Since I’ve already read book #2, I’m ABSOLUTELY looking forward to the third book. Those who love a sweet cowboy read – I’d definitely recommend this!
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Next Book in the Series:
Series: Lazy M Ranch (Book #2)
Paperback: 256 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (August 22, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335596879
ISBN-13: 978-1335593871
⬆️ Click Photo for Pre-Order Information
“A little competition…
Brings a change of heart.
Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancée again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a deal: work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion?”
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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