Dr. Brooke Langley is the veterinarian to animals large and small in Haven, northern Nevada, in this contemporary Western romance. Patrick Stafford expected her father, the other Dr. Langley, to arrive when his stallion sustained an injury. One look at Brooke has him counting his blessings. This is A CHANCE FOR THE RANCHER to drop his fickle dating act and get serious.

Brooke also feels attracted to Patrick, but there’s a more important man in her life – her seven year old son Brendan. The lad’s father has never been part of his life, and Brooke is determined not to make the same mistake again. Men can’t be relied upon, in her view. She doesn’t have time for dating anyway, and gossip flies in this town. Patrick’s reputation as a ladies’ man goes before him, and he is considered to be just playing at establishing a tourism ranch. When the going gets tough he can return to his mining family’s firm anytime he wants.

While I enjoyed the story, I did think Brooke was giving herself too hard a time – I know what it’s like to be so busy running a business that there’s no time for yourself. This story starts around St Valentine’s Day and runs into summer, with a corresponding blossoming of friendship and warming of the hearts involved. Brooke is so lucky to have a fully supportive family, who helped her continue with vet college while raising a child. Not every single mom would be in her position. Brendan is a superbly written lively kid, not too cute nor too absorbed in computer games. Maybe he’s a little bit spoiled. Brooke is obviously doing a wonderful job of raising him – women are not told that often enough. This adult romance seems to be written for moms who deserve some praise, attention and second chances. We can all learn from the lessons portrayed.

Brenda Harlen is a prolific romance writer, who gives us this seventh book in her series A Match Made in Haven. A CHANCE FOR THE RANCHER could be just what you need to relax and unwind. I have not read any of the earlier instalments, but this series is an easily acquired taste with hints at more complications in store for further books. I will definitely be looking out for more of her work.