What a lovely story this is! I fell in love with Jake as soon as the book started. Who could resist a man who single handedly takes on his sister’s three young children after she, her husband and his parents are killed in a plane crash. Add a tall, toned cowboy body and all the things that go with cowboys and you have plenty to love.
It was evident from her first appearance on the page that Lacey was perfect for Jake, though she had a lot go learn about the man who was her first love. These two had history but they also clearly had a future and watching their journey to discovering this made for fascinating reading.

4 Stars
This was a huge winner for me. It covered loss and the challenges of children finding their way. It also set up a man who was able to take care of these new wards, had his brothers' assistance so when he wants to pursue an old past missed romance, it was because he wanted her for her not to take care of his kids.

It had heart, strong focus on the children and a winning plot.

The Rancher Takes a Family by Paula Altenburg
Rugged rancher Jake McGregor wrangles cattle better than kids, but when he’s suddenly saddled with three grieving children, he’s determined to step up. His sister’s kids shouldn’t pay for her error in judgment in naming him guardian. Problem is, he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. And the woman who attempts to help with his every fumble is the one woman he wants to steer clear of…
Lacey Anderson loves a challenge, but Jake’s already broken her heart once. When his tall shadow darkens the doorway of her classroom, she’s ready to shut him out – until she meets her new students, and sees the desperation in Jake’s eyes. Emotional intelligence is so not his forte. But she’s done banging her head against that wall.
Jake, however, is finally ready to learn how to love and Lacey’s the teacher he wants. Is she willing to risk her own heart again to teach him?
This is Lacey Anderson and Jake McGregor's story.
It was the silent boy with an entire world of pain in his eyes standing beside Jake who had Lacey Anderson’s heart clenching tight. She hovered in the small entry of Marion Street Grand Elementary that looked out on the playground and tried to decide if she should interfere.
She understood why people who moved to new communities put children in school for the final few weeks before summer break rather than let them start fresh in the fall. It gave them a chance to meet their new classmates and form a few friendships. But nobody who owned an ounce of emotional intelligence could have done this to two young boys who’d just lost their parents.
It was exactly the kind of thing she’d expect calm, cool, and practical Jake McGregor to do, even though he had to understand how they felt because his parents and sister had been in that plane crash, too. The whole town of Grand was buzzing about it. There’d been a memorial service for the elder McGregors just this past weekend.
So far, of his sister’s three offspring, Lydia was shaping up to be Jake McGregor’s favorite.
She nestled in the crook of his arm, a soggy thumb in her mouth, staring in wide-eyed awe at her two older brothers. One chubby fist clutched a handful of Jake’s hair. Ten-year-old Mac was swinging his backpack with a careless disregard for the backs of the heads of his fellow passengers as he tried to hurl it into the open bin overhead.
But it was five-year-old Finn who had people begging flight attendants if they could switch flights or relocate to the back of the plane.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I highly recommend reading.
The Rancher Takes a Family by Paula Altenburg is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Paula Altenburg.
Paula's Books with Tule:
Her Sweetheart Brand
A Sweetheart Brand
Starrs of Sweetheart, Montana
Branded with a Kiss
A Sweetheart Brand
Branded by Firelight
A Sweetheart Brand
The Rancher Takes a Family
The Montana McGregor Brothers

There are some stories that just grab you by the heartstrings and won't let go - The Rancher Takes A Family is one of those stories. Imagine for a moment, as painful as that may be, that in one moment you've lost your parents, your sister and her husband in a plane crash. Devastated is the mildest of emotions felt in that tragedy. Then imagine that you've been named guardian of your sister's three grieving children who have just had their world destroyed... how do you handle that. If you're a McGregor brother then you suck up your own emotions and deal with the reality in front of you... even though you're just as destroyed as those innocent kids. You deal, you learn and you do your best for your family. Three brothers, Jake, Luke and Zach have their work cut out for them. But along the way they're going to discover life's greatest gifts as well... it just might take some time to receive them.

At one time Jake and Lacey were a couple, teen love that was cut short by misunderstandings, miscommunication and perhaps stubbornness as well. Now, years later, Lacey has returned home as a school teacher - and the last sight she expects to see is Jake standing in her classroom doorway with two scared, upset and even angry children. While her compassion and concern is for the children, it doesn't help to discover that time has not changed her feelings for the man who once broke her heart.

To be frank, I could talk about this story for a very long time... but that's not fair to you because I truly believe that you need to experience the emotions of this story firsthand. Just a warning, you are going to get teary-eyed, and you're also going to do some laughing out loud as well. Lacey and Jake get a second chance, maybe a future together if they can get beyond what happened years ago. It's telling in a way when each brother seems to take responsibility of one particular child, often the closest to their own personalities. All the kids were loved and cared for by all the brothers, but it was interesting to see them "pair up" in some ways. Since this was Jake's story, I didn't expect to dive deeply into Luke's or Zach's reactions or lives... that will come later in their own stories. Yet there is a strong sense of family in different layers in The Rancher Takes A Family that is impossible to not feel. I enjoyed meeting these characters, and definitely look forward to learning more throughout the series. I'd not hesitate to recommend this story to any Romance reader who enjoys interesting characters, second chance romances and that family feeling that just cannot be explained but must be felt. Yeah, this one stole my heart.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Loved this book! Jake was an amazing character and I loved the way he stepped up to care for his niece and nephews. What comes out of a tragedy is a second chance with the girl of his dreams. Lacy and Jake both made mistakes when they were younger but that spark between them has never died and what they could have now is more than either has ever dreamed.

This is a great read with some amazing characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this one.

I received an arc from Netgalley. Rekindled love and second chances is the destiny for Lacey and Jake. Jake returns to Montana with his niece and two nephews after a tragic accident kills his sister and parents.

After Jake brings the kids to school he realizes his old girlfriend is one of the teachers. As Lacey helps Jake and gives advice they realize they still have feelings for one another.

There are lots of questions about their love and relationship but these two are destined to be together.

Jake McGregor, rancher, is left his sister three small children when she and her parents are killed in an airplane crash. Not only is Jake devastated by the loss of his own parents, sister and her husband but now he must become guardian to three children who lost their parents and grandparents. Ranching is a tough life, but he is up to the challenge. His two brothers also come home to the ranch and help him.

Lacey Anderson was not expecting Jake, the man that broke her heart, to come to her school with children in tow. But she can’t help that her heart goes out for Jake and the children now in his charge.

Sparks fly and emotions go into over drive when you delve into The Rancher Takes a Family. It is a tender, heartfelt storytelling. I really loved that Jake with some help from his siblings, was able to handle the children on his own. So when he pursues Lacey, although assisted with her child knowledge, Jake was there because he wanted to make her a part of his life and not looking for someone to take over the child rearing responsibility...Swoon worthy.

The Rancher Takes a Family is one of those feel good romances with a cast of characters that will make you smile, out right laugh out loud and even feel your heart expand to encompass their plight.

I received this ARC copy of The Rancher Takes a Family from Tule Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Rancher Takes A Family is set for publication Oct. 11, 2018.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Paula Altenburg
Print Length: 163 pages
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Publication Date: October 11, 2018
Genre: Western Contemporary Romance

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rancher-Family...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/mt/book/the-...

Want more check us out on Tome Tender Book Blog or on Facebook

2 likes

A lot of good reading in this book and the way Jake took on the responsibility of his sister’s children,one just a baby still in diapers, was so honorable, he was always trying to see things from the kids points of view and make the changes as easy for them as he could, it really touched my heart.
Jake and Lacey’s second chance at love had so many obstacles yet they choose to work things out, it made for a real enjoyable read with a complete wrap up at the end, you are not left hanging, wondering. So glad I didn’t miss this one.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I could not put it down. I think my ovaries melted into a big puddle and I do not think I am getting them back anytime soon. Jake was absolutely perfect. He had it all. He was sexy, handsome, sweet, kind, and always put others before what he wanted. His sister, her husband, and his mom and dad all die in a plane crash. He becomes the guardian of his sister's kids. He was so unsure of what to do with them but he tried his hardest to do what he could and to try to help them over their grief. His brothers come to give him a hand in getting the kids settled.. Then you have Lacey she is a school teacher at the school where the kids are going to be going to school. She is just as sweet as Jake is. She sees Jake and after all this time she still has feelings for him. You see her and Jake dated in high school but ended up breaking up over a misunderstanding. The feelings are still there for both of them. They decide to date in secret. I do not want to spoil this book so I am not going to tell you anymore. I am going to say that it was an amazing read. I really wish it had been longer because I was so sad when this book ended. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I wonder if it will be Luke's or Zack's. I cannot wait to see how Jake's brothers fall. Again this was an amazing read. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a great story of a second chance romance. The female protagonist (Lacey) was very spoilt and not mature enough for the life-time love with the male protagonist (Jake). Jake was trying to make for a romantic evening the night of his prom but it back fired on him. No more details sorry! Over a decade later and a lot of growing up. These two get their second chance. It was a gripping story that was hard to put down.

I loved the dual POV that the book was written in. It helped me, the reader, to understand the thoughts and the actions both past and present that these two people go through. The reason for their actions in the past that lead to the break-up.

The children (Mac, Finn and Lydia) were a joy to read about. Their struggle to cope with the loss of their parents and grandparents and coming to live with their uncles made for a great back drop to this story.

I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is a wonderful story about second chances that will leave you reading late into the night not wanting to stop reading. The Epilogue was a wonderful addition to the beautiful story. I so look forward to reading about the other brothers in this family!

This was a very enjoyable 2nd chance at romance with a hot rancher/cowboy and his high school crush and now a school teacher.. Lacey and Jake dated when they were 16. Both were in love but Jake did not communicate well and Lacey was 16 and very young so they went their separate ways.

Now they live in the same town, Jake's sister is dead and asked Jake to take care of the kids. Lacey is a teacher at their school. Not the kids teacher but in the next year she will teach one of the kids. So the two realise they like each other and secretly date.

I really enjoyed all the characters in the story and I loved how honest Jake was about his feelings and making it work with Lacey. I loved how open and accepting his brother and the kdis are as well. This was a well writtend and enjoyable romance.

Jake has tragically received custody of his sister’s three children after she and her husband and his parents were killed in a plane crash. Even though he has the help of his two brothers, he knows that it is up to him to help these sad little children recover from their grief and grow up to be fine people. It is quite touching as this reserved and rather taciturn man does his best to deal with the children.

Isn’t it nice that he encounters an old flame who is also an elementary school teacher and soccer coach? Lacey can’t help falling for Jake again and also falling for his niece and nephews. What could be more attractive than a cowboy rancher trying to sing a baby to sleep? It’s all very predictable, but still enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

A Cowboy Romance!!!

A man who lost his parents, his sister and at the same time became guardian to her three kids - a man who would have moved mountains to undo the devastation that wrecked his family.
Jake now has his hands full with running the ranch, taking care of his nephews and niece. His two brothers, move in to help as well. Then there is his high school sweetheart who has moved back into town. With each coping with the loss in their own way, this was a feel-good love story.

This book has all that makes a good romance, cannot wait for the next in the series.

4 1/2 Star Review.....

The Rancher Takes a Family is the first story in Paula Altenburg’s The Montana McGregor Brothers, and what a wonderful story it is! Not only a second chance romance, but an account of the tragedy of loss and the brutal effect on the ones left behind.

No thirty something single man ever expects to find he has instantly become a father of three; burying deep the emotions combined with the loss of his parents and only sister, and dealing with his two obnoxious brothers, is the stuff made of nightmares. But Jake is not a quitter, and finding that his lost love is back in town only adds to his tales of woe.

I loved everything about this story; the plot was well developed, the characters were realistically portrayed, and the children were loveable, but also troubled by their traumatic loss. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next, and whether Luke or Zack is blindsided by love.

Jake has lost his parents, and his sister and brother in law in a horrible plane crash. Now he is the guardian of an 8 and 5 year old boys and a 2 year old girl. Trying to suffer through his own grief, and deal with theirs is hard. Trying to run a cattle ranch in Montana on top of that is really hard. Lacey had left their hometown years ago, but is not back and teaching elementary school and is the soccer coach. She and Jake had dated in high school, but misunderstandings and youth had put a stop to that. Now they are older, but both have issues. Fun story, and was hard to put done. The kids are a nice touch. Highly recommend this book, and hope there are more in the series to come. Two more brothers, and Lacey has two friends. Fun author and a fun read.

A truly enjoyable second chance romance for Jake McGregor and Lacey Anderson, former high school sweethearts. Jake has more problems than he can handle, but he has no choice but to step up and take care of his sister’s three children. Tragically, his sister and her husband along with Jake’s parents were killed in a plane crash and Jake is now the children’s guardian. He brings the children to their ranch where he will have help from his two brothers, Luke and Zack. The children, although traumatized by the death of their parents, are precious and add so many touching moments to this story. Jake reconnects with Lacey when he realizes that she is now teaching at the elementary school. Lacey is aware of Jake’s responsibilities and is willing to help Jake with the children and help the children adapt to their new situation. It was impressive the way the three brothers came together, putting aside their own grief at the loss of their parents and sister, for the benefit of the children. I really enjoyed this romance, the up and down emotions and growth of the characters as they adjust to their new normal. I look forward to the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Fantastic start to a new series...right out of the gate I was drawn into the story, its characters left quite the impression. Jake’s despair was palpable, you could just feel his anxiety and near fear to unexpectedly being thrown the curveball of being responsible for the care and wellbeing of his nephews and niece.

The characters were authentic, with distinct personalities, their experiences realistic, and with the chemistry between Jake and Lacey sending out sparks, this was one story I had a hard time putting down. I am looking forward to the remaining McGregor brothers receiving their own stories.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It started out strong, the tragedy that happens to Jakes family is horrible. You could feel his stress when he was on the airplane with the kids. Unfortunately after that it all fell flat. The characters, the chemistry between Lacey and Jake.. it was all flat. Beige. Even the side characters (Jakes brothers) were interchangeable and none of them acted like they had all suffered this huge tragedy or giving up a year of their lives was a big deal. The most evocative characters were Mac, Finn and Lydia. They were great to read about. Everyone else was like vanilla ice cream... ok but you know it can be so much better. Side note there was also so grammar mistakes that def made the reader stop in the middle of a sentence.

The first few pages had me sucked in... poor Jake was having issues getting his deceased sister's 3 kids onto a plane... they didn't even all have seats together. Next thing you know Jake is walking off the plane with the kids and they end up driving from New York to Montana.
When the children are headed to there first day of school, Lacey sees all of them. Her and Jake dated when she was 16 and he was 18. Breaking up with him broke her heart and his.
Lacey reaches out to Jake for a parent teacher meeting to get the oldest nephew into soccer and counseling. And then we slowly have the makings of a love story.
I LOVED the ending!
I enjoyed this book.

This is book 1 in this series.
This is my first book by this author.

A great read and I am looking forward to the rest of this series!
A second chance romance for rancher Jake who has recently become guardian to his sisters 3 children, and school teacher Lacey. They were together when she was 16 and he was 18 - have they both changed enough to be together again?