The people of Martin's Crossing, Texas, are shocked when a schoolgirl is hit by a car. Oregon Jeffries is the mother of young Lily, and the townsfolk help her get her daughter to hospital. Duke Martin, who owns a welcoming grill place across the road, is early on the scene and insists on taking Oregon, who is distressed. So it's in the hospital that Duke learns he is Lily's father.

THE RANCHER TAKES A BRIDE continues as Duke comes to terms with the consequences of his youthful indiscretions a dozen years ago. Consequences more for Oregon than for him, obviously. Duke went off to the army and served in Afghanistan, then drank heavily for a while - he's had plenty on his mind. The ranch he and his brother now own has a dilapidated house which he's doing up gradually, but he lives in a small cottage with no stairs. Just right for a kid with a broken leg. Duke decides to put this cottage at Lily and Oregon's disposal.

Lily is furious when she finds out that the truth has been kept from her. But Oregon wasn't sure that Duke was a good man when he returned from the army. She thought it might do more harm than good to open her mouth, and concentrated on selling her handmade clothing. Duke has since straightened out and got on with life - it's just lucky for everyone that no further family complications occurred. But where do they go from here?

Amusingly I could see Duke suddenly becoming less lackadaisical and more responsible now he has a girl to consider. Like, should he buy her a horse or would that be trying to buy her affection? Who is that wandering homeless guy in town that nobody minded previously? While Oregon has other issues that explain why she wanted to live near Lily's father - just in case. I liked the characters in this book and saw the town filled with friendships and families.

THE RANCHER TAKES A BRIDE is second in the Martin's Crossing series by Brenda Minton, who has written great historical and contemporary romances set in Texas. She sets the scene for us with barbecue food and a kindly welcome so we feel we could step into the town. The drama is personal in nature and as this is an inspirational tale, the characters also reflect on the lessons of the scriptures and whether God is helping them to lead good lives. This is one for modern romance fans who think there is more to love than bed-hopping.