From New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas comes the first book in a compelling, emotionally resonant series set in a remote west Texas town–where family can be made by blood or by choice
Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendant of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs … overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady…or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.
Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize–college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand’s son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn’t imagined.
Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting–and even dying–for.
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Ransom Canyon by Jodi Thomas embodies the very essence of the heart of Texas. Staten Kirkland owns a ranch in the panhandle that includes the deep canyon where a hundred years ago, Spanish and Anglo traders negotiated with the Comanches for the return of hostages. The author does a great job of describing the setting, from the smells to the sights and sounds
But the way Thomas wrote this story reminds me of watching a spider weave an intricate web, one thin strand at a time. Each chapter is written in a major character’s point of view, and each character in the story has major life events happening simultaneously.
Quinn has loved Staten Kirkland since they were in school together twenty years ago. But Staten’s heart is closed after the death of his wife, followed by the untimely death of his son. Quinn owns a lavender farm and while she is an accomplished pianist, refuses to use her talent and it is shocking to find out why. Perhaps one of the most interesting characters in the story is Yancy Grey. He’s spent most of his adult life in and out of prison. Now he wants to be normal and has landed in Crossroads, Texas to start anew. No one has to know his past. When a retirement community hires him to fix up their dilapidated cottages, it is a huge turning point for him. Of all the characters, I found myself rooting the most for him. He was a good man, he just needed a chance to prove it.
As the story unfolds, Quinn and Staten have fallen into a comfortable routine that doesn’t have any requirements or promises. While they are lovers, they are first and foremost friends. What happens to shake them both out of their comfort zones is perfect. I won’t leave any spoilers, I will just say it is a piece of the web that is beautifully woven.
Lauren is just turning sixteen and being the daughter of the small town’s Sheriff has disadvantages. She is a beautiful girl and I loved her part of the story, as I did Lucas Reyes, an ambitious young man determined to make a good life for himself.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s so easy to picture it as a movie or a TV series, and I can guarantee it would be one I would binge-watch. If you love stories that are layered and multi-dimensional, as well as beautifully written, you will love Ransom Canyon! I highly recommend it!
This story is the reason I adore Jodi Thomas and her books. It was the first book of hers I read, but is far, far from the last. Ransom Canyon is a mixture of exciting, western grit, sweet love, amazing humor, and characters who become so real, you are cheering for their happily-ever-after. A wonderful, homey feel to this book that makes you want to curl up and lose yourself in an afternoon of powerful storytelling.
I do not read sweet romance, and I can’t tell you why I chose to read Ransome Canyon. Maybe it was the cover that caught my eye or something about the different character perspectives in the blurb. I added it to my vacation reads and read it as my husband, and I traveled through Wyoming. This story was my first Jodi Thomas read, and I devoured the book in just a few hours. I loved her writing and am looking forward to reading more from her.
I loved the writing and well developed characters. Didn’t want to put it down.
You’ll want to read all the Ransom Canyon books. They are so, so good.
Wonderful. Made me read the rest of the series – a winner 🙂
There are several subplots twined together to create a very comfortable, homey feeling. By the end of this book, I felt that I knew the area and the characters well. I loved that the various plot lines covered a wide range of individuals, from teenagers to older adults. Something for everyone in this book. I highly recommend it, and will definitely read more from this series.