For Amelia Grayson, Cal Hollister has always been the one and only man she could love, but a terrible misunderstanding sends him away. Rather than live by this RANCHER’S LAW, Amelia moves on with her life as best as she can. It wasn’t easy without her heart still beating in her chest. Cal Hollister let his temper and stupidity lose him the love and happiness that he no longer deserves.

As a fan of author Diana Palmer, I had hoped to love RANCHER’S LAW but unfortunately, I wasn’t completely happy with some of it. Cal Hollister had been a recurring character in several other books by Ms. Palmer. Though he fit into the grumpy, often cold-hearted mercenary characters, in RANCHER’S LAW he was unbearable and nearly beyond redemption – in my opinion. Amelia was a sweetheart who had her heart torn out by him, but she managed to move on with life, though her choice of work was unexpected.

Getting to see some of the past characters is always a plus for fans of this amazing author. As usual, the characters and situations are well-written and easily followed. Amelia managed to keep herself true to her sweet character which helped her to forgive Cal. Instead of listening to her all those years ago, he was led away drunk to city hall to marry a woman who only wanted to be Mrs. Hollister – his money, not the man. He got a couple of years of punishment while Amelia learned to deal with what life had handed her.

RANCHER’S LAW has its moments of looking at life through trauma and grief – and as Ms. Palmer notes in this book – she herself had been dealing with her own life troubles so perhaps that had an effect on the whole storyline. It is filled with the small town color and feel. People that are likable and not so likable, and a romance that once you get beyond his stupid actions is sweet and steamy.

The bonus book DOG DAYS OF SUMMER by Teri Wilson was a cute, romance between pediatrician Ford Bishop and a soon-to-be veterinarian Maple Leighton. She has to spend the year in the small town and deal with close proximity to this know-it-all. Sparks fly but will her dreams allow her to stay and fall in love or is the big city call too strong? This story was well written with characters that seemed realistic and interesting.