In this epiphany romance, all she asks is one shot at winning his heart, but he can’t take one more chance on love. Tori Carmichael has been in a holding pattern since her dad’s debilitating accident. Now that the family’s ranch resort is on stable footing again, she’s ready for her future, but her plan to become a teacher dims in the glow of her dreams about the newest cowboy in Saddle Springs. … Saddle Springs. Too bad there seems little sign Garret will ever return her interest.
Garret Morrison had planned to resume his music career after taking time to regroup from a shattered relationship, but his aging parents need his help with their riding stable. He pours himself into worship ministry at the local church, avoiding starry-eyed Tori for her own good. Every woman he’s loved has left him, one way or another, and he can’t face the possibility one more time.
What will it take for Garret to discover that love is worth the risk? And will that realization come too late to save what might have been?
About the Saddle Springs Romance series
Welcome to Saddle Springs, the fictional western town that’s home to Montana Ranches Christian Romances! Revel in the lush mountain scenery with rocky peaks, tumbling rivers, and peaceful lakes. Meet the cowboys who ride the ranges, mend fences, and are lassoed by romance in this new Christian cowboy romance series.
1. The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion
2. The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker
3. The Cowboy’s Romantic Dreamer
4. The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage
5. The Cowboy’s Belated Discovery
6. The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride
More Christian Romance to buy or borrow from USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer!
1. Urban Farm Fresh Romances, ongoing series, starting with Secrets of Sunbeams
2. Garden Grown Romances, complete 4-book series, starting with Sown in Love
3. Farm Fresh Romances, complete 6-book series, starting with Raspberries and Vinegar
4. Christmas in Montana Romances, complete 3-book series, starting with More Than a Tiara
5. Riverbend Romances, complete 5-novella series, starting with Secretly Yours
If you love Christian contemporary romance series that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances — you’ve come to the right place! This is farm and foodie fiction at its finest.
That’s for later. Right now?
Why not buy or borrow THE COWBOY’S BELATED DISCOVERY today and fall in love with a cowboy?
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Tori has loved Garrett for a few years now and is beyond knowing how to get his attention. Garrett is busy trying to protect everyone from the destruction he things he’s caused. Friends and family come together to get through to him, and well as Tori in some areas. Beautiful story as we learn about these two and see the group from Saddle Springs and hit some reminders many, if not all of us can use. Love this series and looking forward to whatever the author has planned next.
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
This isn’t my favorite of the Saddle Springs Romance series, but it belongs to a tough crowd. There’s a solid story with growth in both trust and understanding as Garret and Tori come to terms with the fact that they deserve happiness.
Where I called many of the others “inspy lite,” this one pulls strongly on the Bible to inspire the characters to change and grow. With the way the citation followed every biblical verse, and they were numerous, it almost felt like the characters quizzed each other. However, true to the series, this book is not about faithful who had fallen away from God, but rather actively faithful who needed to remember God is active in their lives as well. They already understand God is not causing the tough times but have forgotten He’s there to see you through those times and into a brighter future.
Garret’s past hangs around his neck like a yoke, binding him to a path filled with sorrow, betrayal, and abandonment. He sees a flaw in himself that brings pain to anyone who gets close. Instead of chancing that, he holds himself apart and gives his friends a superficial connection, for their protection, sharing the fun and easy times while hiding his pain. He believes if his friends find out the truth, touch the deeper side of Garret, they will abandon him as everyone else seems to one way or another. Garret’s self-condemnation is understandable, whether or not I agree with him.
Tori feels connected to Garret almost from the start, but he seems oblivious. After five years, she’s about ready to give up on receiving anything in return. That doesn’t mean she’ll abandon him in his time of need, but she needs to figure out her own future…one without him in it.
On some level, maybe it’s instinct that draws them together, sensing how both of their lives were driven by circumstances rather than choice. Their goals are similar, to choose a future rather than drift, but Garret must come to terms with his past, and Tori needs to recognize she is allowed to dream.
Tori caused me the most trouble as a character, and with the heavily traditional message in some scenes, I worried she reflected that theme rather than owning her opinions. She’d never had the chance to pursue her dreams, and by the point of the story, she’s half sure she doesn’t have the right. Circumstances may have made the decisions for her in the past, and I don’t disagree with those choices, but she seems to see love for Garret and love of teaching as a binary equation. To accept or pursue one means the loss of the other. This bugged me in the beginning because, while I’m all for compromise in relationships, a foundation laid in a truth denied is unlikely to last. Not giving anything away, but by the end, it’s clear Tori’s awkward presentation was not author intrusion, but her growth point when Garret’s struggles held the center stage through much of the beginning.
You may have figured out this is not an easy or light read. It digs deep, and more than a few of the events cut a little too close to home for me. Also, while I mentioned the quizzing, all those biblical verses strengthen and focus the characters. Not only that, but as with the other books in the series, there are moments of humor to lighten things up that simultaneously give characters an opportunity to reflect. The presence of a strong community offering support and connection when most needed continues to be a standard as well. Ultimately, though not shying away from the painful moments, whether past, present, or future, this book shows how it’s not too late to act, hope, and/or accept the help of those around you.
The book offered a lot to think about with strong characters facing difficult challenges. While it isn’t my favorite, it still lives up to the expectations I have for the series, and I’m happy to have spent this time with the characters. For those worried the Saddle Springs Romance series is drawing to a close, there is one more book to come, and if I’m not mistaken, at least two spinoff series twinkling in Valerie Comer’s eye.
Garret is a amazing man who has gone through a lot of pain and losses in his life. Tori is a wonderful woman who is always helping others. Tori has been in love with Garret for years and he doesn’t know it. Garret won’t allow anyone to get close to him. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens with these two special people. The characters in this book are all very special people. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.