The story seems to be one often used in this genre. Boy and girl have sex; girl gets pregnant but doesn't tell the boy about the pregnancy or the baby. Several years later the boy finds out he's a father.

In this case, it is the girl's foster sister, Lissa, who brings the young boy to meet his father because she promised his mother she would. (The boy's mother died after a car accident.)

I was a little confused about what the letter to Marcus said. When he first read it, it made it sound like Lissa had all the power to decide if Marcus got to see his son. Later in the story, it was made to sound like the letter gave Marcus the power to decide with whom Oliver would live.

The characters grew on me. I was a bit confused about Marcus's history, which is laced with abuse. Several aunts are mentioned in this story, yet none seemed to try to save the children from the abuse when they were younger. In fact, Marcus gives more credit to the Browns than he does to his relatives. Marcus also seems to be the only one who hasn't yet come to terms with his past. The others seem to be married or almost married--none of them seem to be worried about being bad parents or repeating the pattern of abuse they grew up with. That only seems to be Marcus. And yes, while many times there is a cycle of abuse, I have the idea that someone who is going to be an abuser isn't going to be the one who's vowing to never put someone else through what he/she went through. But . . . that could be wrong. ( )

If ever a man needed to let go of his past, it’s Marcus Palmero. Haunted by his upbringing and ashamed of some of his past choices, Marcus is content to live out his life on his ranch.

Marcus is a good guy who cares for his community and family, but his fear of turning out like his father has him paralyzed from reaching for his own happiness. So, when a woman shows up at his property with a little boy she claims is his son, Marcus is ready to send them back to San Antonio.

As Marcus fights his feelings for Lissa, believing he’s not worthy of her she has her own demons from her past to fight. And of course, the residents of Bluebonnet Springs all have (and share) their opinions about Marcus, Lissa, and little Oliver.

I wanted to hug Marcus at times while at others I was ready to shake some sense into him. Brenda Minton’s characterization is spot on. A story of healing, family, and love, The Rancher’s Secret Child offers hope when all seems hopeless, of the strength and encouragement of family, and of reaching for new dreams even when it scares you.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )