Romance

Lone Heart Pass
4 Stars

The third installment in Jodi Thomas's Ransom Canyon saga introduces several new characters, but also provides updates on familiar faces. The primary thread focuses on a newcomer to town, Jubilee Hamilton, who is determined to make a go of the ranch she inherited. She hires Charley Collins, an abrasive cowboy whose problematic past with women has left him wary of the opposite sex. This unlikely pair is joined Thatcher Jones, an old soul in a 14-year-old body, who finds himself knee-deep in a murder investigation. Finally, changes are afoot for Lauren Brigman and Tim O'Grady now that they have graduated from college and must make plans for the future.

The strength of this series lies in Thomas's characterization. Each and every character, whether major or minor, comes alive on the page, but my favorite in this installment is definitely Thatcher Jones - this kid is a scream!

Jubliee and Charley's opposites attract romance is delightful. Jubilee initially comes across as selfish and conceited, but as readers learn more about her relationships, it becomes clear that her prickliness is a defense mechanism. Underneath her façade lies a strong and caring woman looking for a place to belong and a family to share her life with. Likewise, Charley's abrasiveness conceals a loving yet lonely heart just waiting for its perfect match. It is wonderful to watch these two realize that they are better off together than apart.

While the mystery surrounding the death of the Burlap Map appears to be on the periphery for much of the book, it ultimately draws all of the characters together, and the climax and resolution are intense and exciting if somewhat of an afterthought.

The weakest aspect of the book is, unfortunately, the change in direction for Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes. It is difficult to see how these two can get past their differences, especially considering the fact that Lucas has become exceedingly unlikeable over the past two books. To be honest, Lauren deserves better, and I am not sure if any amount of groveling on Lucas's part could ever make up for his selfishness and appalling attitude toward Lauren.

In sum, Ransom Canyon is rapidly becoming my favorite series of the year and I look forward to visiting it again in the next installment. ( )

Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas is a heartwarming novel of new beginnings and second chances. This third installment in the Ransom Canyon features multiple story arcs which include a beautiful romance and a perplexing mystery. Old and new fans will be delighted to meet new characters while at the same catching up with a few favorites from previous novels.

After her latest relationship and her career fall apart, Jubilee Hamilton is more than ready for a change of scenery and a new plan for her future. Discovering her beloved great-grandfather recently passed away and left her his Texas ranch, she eagerly plans her move to Ransom Canyon. With little knowledge about ranching, Jubilee quickly hires Charley Collins as her foreman and despite the occasional disagreement, they soon settle into an easy working relationship and a surprising friendship. Neither Jubilee or Charley are looking for romance, but when love sneaks in when neither are looking, will their emotional baggage prevent them from embracing their chance for happily ever after?

As a campaign manager, Jubilee works long hours and as a result, her relationships take a back seat to her career. With her life in tatters, she returns home hoping to repair her strained relationship with her family but she makes little headway. Determined to get the Lone Heart Ranch up and running, she enthusiastically begins the arduous task of learning the skills she needs to succeed as a rancher. Confident that Charley knows what he is doing, Jubilee is all in as they begin rebuilding the herd and embark on a few side ventures to support the fledgling business.

A single father devoted to his five year daughter Lillie, Charley is barely scraping by financially as he tries to save for a ranch of his own. No stranger to hard work, he is working multiple jobs when Jubilee hires him to work for her. He is more than thrilled with their arrangement since he will be making more money, but most important, he will be working on a ranch again. Charley has a bit of a checkered past and he has not always made the best decisions but he is a caring man with a good heart.

Young Thatcher Jones meets Jubilee and Charley while he is helping Sheriff Dan Brigman investigate a murder close to Jubilee's ranch. Thatcher is savvy and street smart due to his somewhat unconventional childhood and his connections make him useful during the investigation. He begins helping out on the ranch as well and Charley takes him under his wing when he discovers the truth about Thatcher's home life.

Lauren Brigman returns to Crossroads during a college break and now on the brink of graduation, she is unsure what comes next for her. Reuniting with old friend Tim O'Grady, she realizes he is a little troubled, so she convinces her father to hire him to help with the murder investigation. As the two of them renew their friendship, Lauren finds her thoughts turning to Lucas Reyes, the man she has loved since they were teenagers. She and Lucas have not been in contact for quite some time, so she is shocked to run into him in town. After one final encounter and more excuses from Lucas about the timing not being right, Lauren gives up hope on a future with him.

Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas is an engaging romance with a charming cast of appealing characters. The various story arcs overlap and each of the storylines are well-developed and interesting. The introduction of new characters keeps the Ransom Canyon series fresh while the inclusion of characters from previous installments provides a homey, comfortable feel to the story. This heartfelt novel can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series. ( )