The Rancher's Heart

Irish Western Series, Book 2

By: C.H. Admirand

Narrated by: Elizabeth Cook

For fans who have read the first book in the series, The Marshal's Destiny, this is Maggie's brother's story. James Ryan's peaceful existence turns upside down the night he catches young Mick O'Toole trying to rustle his cattle. Running from a dark past of his own, Ryan agrees to take the boy and his ailing widowed mother in. Widowed Bridget O'Toole's life finally changes for the better the night the darkly handsome rancher opens his home and his heart to her and Mick. But her past is just a day's ride away from town, on a collision course with Ryan's, when her husband returns from the dead, blazing a path of destruction straight toward Bridget, Mick, and the new life they've made in Emerson, Colorado.

©2013 C.H. Admirand (P)2015 C.H. Admirand

Critic reviews

"Admirand's second frontier romance (after The Marshal's Destiny) features clever and well-crafted plot lines...." ( Publisher's Weekly)

"Superb! A fine weaving of the western romance we all love with a bit of an Irish touch that totally captures your heart! A wonderful story from a fresh new voice that I highly recommend!" (Maureen Boylan, Noveltalk & Reader to Reader)

" The Rancher's Heart stresses the importance of trusting those we love and in this story, love truly does conquer all. I look forward to more great tales from C. H. Admirand." (Carol Carter, Romance Reviews Today)

Outstanding Historical Western Romance!

Any additional comments?

The Rancher's Heart is another outstanding western romance by C.H. Admirand, which is the second book in the Irish Western Series. This story picks up soon after Marshal's Destiny concludes and is just as good, if not better, than the first book in the series. It essentially begins when 12-year old Michael O'Toole is caught stealing cattle from our hero James Ryan (Maggie's brother from Marshal's Destiny). Rather than turn him over to the sheriff, James takes Mick to his ranch and gives him a job because someone once helped him onto the path of righteousness. (Most of those on James's ranch might be considered down on their luck or outlaws, but they are all good, hard working Irish-born men). After Mick mentions that he was stealing only to afford to pay for a doctor for his sick mother, James brings Bridget to his ranch to nurse her back to health. In true romance fashion, the attraction between James and Bridget is undeniable. A wrench is thrown in their path to romance when Bridget finds out that her long deceased husband isn't dead after all, but instead is an infamous wanted criminal for several armed bank robberies.

C.H. Admirand’s writing is amazing and includes detailed, believable, and well-developed characters. I was so happy to see many familiar characters from Marshal's Destiny appear in this book in more than a few scenes (including Maggie and Joshua, and ranch foreman John Reilly). It felt like seeing old friends whom I haven't see in several years.

I listened to the Audible version of The Rancher's Heart narrated by Elizabeth Cook who did a wonderful job narrating. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of accents and giving each character their own distinct voice. Elizabeth was also able to switch between characters with ease, which helped with the natural flow and pace of the story. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by C.H. Admirand and narrated by Elizabeth Cook!

A ranchers heart.

Storyline is good, but the editing was lacking.. I found this book very repetitive and wordy.