The Setback

B. E. Baker

Aug 2023 · The Birch Creek Ranch Series Book 7 · Purple Puppy Publishing

About this ebook

Amanda Brooks has made a new home for herself in Birch Creek, and she's finally learning to love the right way. But our past always catches up to us, and when her family surprises her with a visit, it slams into her plans like a bowling ball, knocking pins in every direction.

Donna Ellingson has a new job and a fresh resolve to embrace happiness with both hands. But every big change has its difficulties, and she’s not sure whether she made the right choice. It’s hard to move ahead when you keep looking back.

Helen Fisher has never deviated from her life plan. When things go wrong, she handles them, one way or another. When her family in Birch Creek needs a little of her attention, she resolves to deal with it quickly and get right back on track.

Can these three women navigate their respective setbacks and move forward with grace and hope? Or will these life changes alter their futures forever?

KW: Birch Creek Ranch, women's fiction, saga, rachel hanna, pam kelley, jessie newton, romantic women's fiction, family saga, romance books, book club picks, ranch life, widows, love again, later in life romance.

Ratings and reviews

I do love that more people are included in getting their happy ending, but honestly I miss Abby. Maybe because she already kind of got her ending she's just a minimal part now. This book was a lot more Helen (who I'm still not sure I like) and Beth and Donna. I look forward to the next one though, and I really did love the ending that built the next book up.

Love is messy. Abigail's advice is a good reminder throughout the book and in life! It was fascinating to hear more from Helen's perspective and see her finding someone who challenged her and didn't back down. Throw in a few weddings and it was complete! Even Denver made an appearance. I was excited to find there'll be one more so we get more Amanda Saddler.

4.5 stars. There's a great amount of personal growth for Helen and I liked the way the romance played out for her in this book. The guy she ends up with is just perfect for her. I also liked the way things have ended up for everyone else in the series. If you enjoyed Virgin River, Cedar Cove, Sweet Magnolias, or Heartland, than you might like this series. I happened to like this series better than all those.

About the author

I have animals coming out of my ears. Seven horses. Three dogs, three cats, thirty-ish chickens. I’m always doctoring or playing with an animal… and I wouldn’t want it any other way. But Leo (my palomino) is still my very favorite. 

When I’m not with animals, or even if I am, I’m likely to have at least one of my five kids in tow, two of which I’m currently homeschooling. 

My hubby is the reason all this glorious madness is possible. He’s the best parts of all the amazing men I write (although he’s bald and his six pack sometimes goes into hiding because of cookies.) 

I also love to bake, like to cook, and feel amazing when I find time to kickbox, lift weights, or rollerblade. Oh yeah, and I’m a lawyer, but I try to forget that whenever I can. 

I adore my husband, and I love my God. 

The rest is just details.