The Rancher's Sanctuary by Linda Goodnight

The Rancher's Sanctuary
by Linda Goodnight

ISBN-13: 9781335585684
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: April 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Physically and emotionally scarred, reclusive cowgirl Monroe Matheson prefers rescue dogs over handsome men. But when Nathan Garrison arrives in town, determined to fix up the guest ranch next door, he needs all the help he can get. Before long, Monroe knows there’s more to this stranger than meets the eye. Can working with a man carrying tragic memories be the key to overcoming Monroe’s wounds—both inside and out?


My Review:
The Rancher's Sanctuary is a Christian romance. Monroe was a beauty queen. Now she has burns scarring part of her face from fighting a fire to save her fiancé (who then dumped her, the jerk). Figuring everyone would feel either pity or disgust, Monroe stayed on her grandpa's ranch taking care of rescue dogs. She also enjoys the solitude found on the long-abandoned, neighboring ranch.

Nathan intends to renovate the ranch back into a guest resort and working ranch. He also wants to uncover the truth about his parent's murder. Monroe's rude, sarcastic way of interacting didn't bother him because he knew it's her pain and defensiveness talking. As they spent time together, each came to admire the other's character, became friends, and then more. Each helped support and build the other up. They made a great team when working together.

The mystery served mostly as a reason for Monroe to spend time with Nathan and as a strong enough reason to motivate her back into society. The dogs had distinct personalities but weren't a major focus of the story. The Christian element was woven into the story, things like Nathan explained how Scripture helped him to focus on positive things rather than grow bitter. Monroe finally accepted that Nathan could really love her with her scars (like we don't love Jesus less because of his scars). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.