Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this book via audio. This was a great romance read. Loved the writing style. Also love the TV show

Review of Silverleaf Rapids by Jodi Thomas

Silverleaf Rapids serves as a warmly inviting prequel to the Ransom Canyon series, set in rugged West Texas and weaving together three interlocking storylines that explore family, identity, and the pull of home. Readers drawn to lush small-town sagas like Virgin River or Yellowstone will find themselves right at home here.

Silverleaf Rapids is an endearing, character-driven romance that excels in creating a vivid sense of place and community. Fans of slow-burn, multi-POV dramas set in cozy Western towns will delight in this heartrending origin story. Though its gentle pacing and broad focus may not suit readers craving more drama, its emotional truths and ranch life charm offer a satisfying read.

Frankly, there was a time, when I first started reading romance, when Silverleaf Rapids would have been a satisfying read/listen. I certainly read plenty of “Thomases” and reviewed them positively. But my tastes have changed, romance doesn’t give me the reader kick it used to, and I like to think I’m both more discerning and aware of the genre’s flaws and blindspots. Before I elaborate further, to the publisher’s blurb for the necessary details:

Deep in the heart of Texas, five generations of Kirklands built the sprawling Double K Ranch, battling fire and frost, outlaws and disease. It’s said the dirt flows through their veins as sure as Silverleaf Rapids flows through Ransom Canyon. But the canyon also had a way of becoming part of just about anyone who landed there . . .

19-year-old Staten Kirkland was studying at Texas Tech when he got the news that the grandfather who raised him, J.R. Kirkland, was fighting for his life. Now Staten would have to leave college behind, not to mention the girl he loved. And he’d have to grow up overnight. More than that, he’d have to become a boss—the boss—running thousands of acres of ranch. He’d always hated change. But change was barreling toward him . . .

Rootless and stuck in the dull routine that was her life, college professor Charlotte Lane escaped into fiction. But now she was restless for a change—in the form of being the new high school teacher at the small town bordering Ransom Canyon. Still, at this point in her life, what if she couldn’t change—or even remember how? Maybe she’d find others to show her the way . . .

The youngest of six, Peggy Warner came last in every way, not even worth sending to college. Now 27, she’s never left home and lives in service to her aging parents and her married siblings’ growing families. But she still has dreams—and under the big sky overlooking Ransom Canyon they may come true . . .

There’s no doubt Thomas wants to write characters to immerse in a setting that says they are the “salt of the earth”. A laudable endeavour were it not for the fact that the romance never asks “whose earth?” Silverleaf Rapids exalts the idea of the “pioneer”: that the people of a small-Texas-town, most of whom work for and around the Kirklands’ ranch, are “good people”, honest, stalwart, hard-working. They’re cowboys with cowboy values and even a woman with a tenured university position can find herself a new purpose and the good life teaching high school English and, though she knows next to nothing about it, coach football! Yes, I too would have given up a uni position to teach high school English for the pure country air and eschewing of the city’s “dark satanic mills”…NOT! Charlotte meets another teacher, a former army medic, who teaches history, and together, they can forge a relationship AND find virtue in the history of a people and town who “ranch”, do good, live honestly…and yet, never recognize or see beyond these small-town virtues and the exaltation of the “land”. There are other romances and relationships, Peggy’s with one of the ranch-cowboys and Staten’s love for the “land”, sorry again, and his girl, Amala.

Though I listened with a modicum of pleasure to Thomas’s Ransom Canyon prequel, because she is a competent writer and can turn a phrase, the lauding of the cowboy and his love of the land, the subservience of the women with their veneer of Texas “tough” in the kitchen and the utter ignorance of the Native population’s displacement if not eradication (there’s a nod to the “first” “pioneer”, yes Thomas actually uses the word “pioneer” as if it’s a good thing, marrying a Native woman? it’s not clear and only mentioned in passing) ran through my mind listening to the audiobook.

To anyone who enjoys the Netflix Ransom Canyon series and is keen on praising the so-called “pioneer” spirit will definitely enjoy this audiobook filling in the characters’ backstories and being competently read by Julia Gibson. As for this reader and Canadian, and we too have much to be ashamed of when it comes to our indigenous peoples, I’m out and I won’t be returning. Miss Austen agrees Silverleaf Rapids “had a high claim to forbearance,” Emma.

Jodi Thomas’s Silverleaf Rapids is narrated by Julia Gibson and produced by RBmedia. It released on May 27th. I received an audiobook file from RBmedia via Netgalley. The above is my honest and AI-free opinion.

If you loved the Ransom Canyon TV adaptation like I did, then Silverleaf Rapids is an absolute must-read. This prequel delivers a gripping origin story that’s rich with legacy, learning, and love. Set against the rugged beauty of the West—complete with horses, mountains, and that small-town charm—it’s everything I adore about western romance.

The storytelling is perfectly paced, heartfelt, and full of emotional depth. I especially loved the multiple POVs, which gave the story even more richness and perspective. Add in a tender slow-burn romance and themes of first love, and I was totally hooked.

🎧 The audiobook, narrated by Julia Gibson, was outstanding. Her performance brought every character to life—she nailed the tone, emotion, and atmosphere beautifully.

🌄 Western romance fans, this is one to add to your list!

I picked this up after watching the show on Netflix (hadn’t read the books before), and while I could follow along fine and enjoyed getting some backstory, the book overall felt a little flat. Not bad, not great – just sort of okayish.

I liked the multiple POVs and getting a feel for the whole town, especially the scenes at Double K Ranch – definitely gave Yellowstone vibes, which is what drew me in. But honestly, there might’ve been too many characters and side stories going on. It felt more like snippets than one cohesive narrative, and that made it hard to really connect with the characters or buy into the relationships. .

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Julia Gibson was lovely – she brought the story to life in a smooth, engaging way. My only remark: Duke’s voice sounded way older than he was meant to be, which was a little distracting.

All in all, a decent listen with a great setting and strong narration.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to read this since I saw the Netflix series was coming out. I love that it had so many different characters and can’t wait to see how all of their stories unfold. This basically just gives background stones on the characters and I think the actual series starts 10+ years after this book.

I can’t pinpoint what it is with this prequel story to the Ransom Canyon series by Jodi Thomas, but I’m beyond drawn in. It’s subtle in the storyline, but the reader has no choice other than to be submerged in these small town, western vibes. The development of these characters from multiple generations is phenomenal and the detailed imagery and vivid descriptions by the author paint such a beautiful and nostalgic setting for the stories that are to follow. I hadn’t even heard of this series until I picked up this book, but it has quickly moved to the top of my list of books to drown in this year.

Julia Gibson did an amazing job narrating this audiobook. Her performance was perfect for me as the story is told in 3rd person POV . She is able to convey the emotions and passion of the story characters, as we get multiple POVS, while also separating herself as the narrator.

An okay story but the characters felt a bit shallow. I didn’t feel invested in their story, but maybe that is because I did not read Ransom Canyon first.

First, I want to thank NetGalley and RBMedia for giving me this ALC to provide my honest opinion.

After watching Ransom Canyon on Netflix and falling in love with the setting and characters, I was so excited to read Silverleaf Rapids and it completely exceeded my expectations. Getting to read the prequel and see Stanten’s story as a young man added so much depth and heart to the world I already enjoyed on screen. Reading about his journey of self-growth and persistence was incredibly moving. Hearing stories of the family history was interesting as well.

One of the best parts was seeing the early bond between Stanten and Quinn. Their friendship was so genuine, and it was wonderful to watch it develop from the very beginning. It gave so much more meaning to their future connection in Ransom Canyon.

While I wasn’t a fan of Amala, the introduction of new characters like Peggy and Charlotte more than made up for it. They were vibrant, strong, and added fresh energy to the story in such a lovely way. Their romantic relationship stories are so heartwarming and tender.

I loved how I learned how to call for help if I am lost in a large ranch. It's important to know. Who knows, maybe I will go live in a ranch in the future. LOL

I wasn’t a fan of the ending, but that might be because I’m biased from having seen the show first. But it was still a 5 star read!

Jodi Thomas does what she does best, beautifully blending emotion, small-town charm, and authentic relationships. If you’ve seen the show, you’ll love diving deeper into the roots of these characters. And if you haven’t, this book is still a heartfelt, compelling read on its own. Highly recommend both books and series!

3.5 ⭐️s : Narrator was good. Did not detract from the story.

If you’re looking for a romance novel set mostly on a ranch in a small town, then this is the story. Brings in characters new to town, and follows lifelong town members. Late teenage & family struggles. Multiple love stories.

Thank you to NetGalley & RBmedia Recorded Books for a free ARC of the audiobook.

Silverleaf Rapids
by Jodi Thomas
Narrated by Julia Gibson

Silverleaf Rapids by Jodi Thomas was a welcome prequel to the Ransom Canyon series that I recently binged on Netflix. I loved learning about Staten's grandparents and how he came to be the boss of Ranson Canyon. His long-time friendships/relationships with Amala and Quinn were a welcome addition to his back story as well. I'm eager to read the next book in the series, as I want to learn the whole story that led Staten to where he was at the beginning of the Netflix series. Charlotte and Peggy's stories were also enjoyable and while I don't know who they are in the series(or even if they were in the TV series), it helps to create this lovely world that Staten grows up in.

Ms. Thomas has done a great job creating characters that you care about. That is so important in keeping the attention of the reader. This is a gentle Virgin River type origin story, with a little Yellowstone thrown in there, without anyone taking anyone else to the Train Station. IYKYK

The narration was a little hollow to me in the beginning, but I quickly got used to it and had no problem listening to this story. The characters were brought to life though the narration, but moreso through Ms. Thomas' writing. I can't wait to listen to the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and RB Media for the chance to listen to and review this ARC!

I love the 90s set back for these characters. I hadn't read any of this series yet, but have been introduced to them from the Netflix show, so I love being able to get more of a glimpse into their past and taking it back to the 90s and a time I can reminisce and relate to. It's a fun take and I can't wait for more.

What a heartfelt beautiful story! I couldn’t put it down. Just fanatic writing and honesty from start to finish. Wow!

This was such a heartfelt listen and I honestly felt the emotions through the narration. I was instantly hooked and pulled in by the small town charm. Probably one of my favorite second chance stories. Even though its a prequel, I do recommend reading the other books before.

I was gifted an audio eARC of this book by NetGalley. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this book!

This is my first Jodi Thomas book that I've read, and my interest in this author started after I watched the Netflix adaptation of her series. I like a multi-POV story, but it seemed like there was one too many stories happening. I understand Charlotte and Wade's story (and enjoyed it) since it intermingled with Staten in both his personal growth with taking her course and Wade's interest in Staten's family history and the cave. Although Peggy and Duke's story was cute I didn't really see the point of it in this story. Duke working on the ranch was the strongest tie to Staten, and other than that they just seemed like a filler couple. I really enjoyed Staten's view in this book, and it helped me understand him as a person a lot better. Amala, on the other hand, was a very annoying character. I really disliked her, and every time she let Staten down or left without saying goodbye I disliked her a little more. I feel like Quinn and Staten made a lot more sense, and there seemed to be absolutely no substance between Amala and Staten aside from the childhood sweethearts aspect and him just saying that she was the most beautiful girl to him. She didn't support him when he needed it, didn't come to see him when he was injured, and put her sorority above him every time. She doesn't deserve him, and if Netflix follows the books of the series then I'm glad that Quinn and Staten seem like they're going to end up together and that I won't have to suffer through more of Amala. Quinn has done more for Staten than Amala, and they seem to be such a better match. I was also confused by her change of heart after he broke up with him since she clearly was pulling away and putting very little effort into their relationship. I'm planning on reading the rest of the series and hope that they delve more into what happened to Quinn at school

what a cute little story! very cowboy and romance and honestly the vibes were just immaculate. i’d say it was probably a solid 3.5! i have a confession.. i haven’t read or watched ransom canyon, but i really think if you’d have seen/ read it you would especially love this story. but even as someone with no knowledge of the story i still enjoyed it so much! i also will say this was my first Jodi Thomas book and i really enjoyed her writing style and i would love to read more of her works in the future.

i listened to the audiobook version of this book and i found the narration to be super smooth. she really brought the story and the characters to life. i enjoyed my time listening and would recommend to other listeners.

i would say that i recommend this book and am curious to see how other people rate it. especially people who have read and loved ransom canyon! i am so so so happy though that i got the chance to read and review this book for netgalley and RBmedia! thank you so much for the opportunity!

Review: Silverleaf Rapids by Jodi Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 Stars)
Genre: Romance
Series: Prequel to the Ransom Canyon Series

Silverleaf Rapids is a beautifully written prequel that sets the stage for Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series. With its sweeping Texas backdrop, richly drawn characters, and slow-burn romantic tension, I’d describe it as Yellowstone meets Virgin River—the perfect blend of rugged charm and heartfelt connection.

I made the mistake of watching the Netflix adaptation before diving into this ARC on NetGalley, but even so, the book pulled me in right away. Thomas’s writing brought a depth and intimacy to the characters that you just don’t get on screen. If anything, reading the prequel gave me even more appreciation for the world she’s created.

Highly recommend for romance lovers who enjoy small-town stories with grit, heart, and a strong sense of place.

#SilverleafRapids #NetGalley

This was my first Jodi Thomas book, and I feel like I would have enjoyed this book a bit more if I had already read some of the original books in the Ransom Canyon series. As a fan of Robin Carr and the Virgin River series, I was excited to start this series.

This book follows 3 separate story lines/ characters all in the same small Texas town, 19-year-old Staten Kirkland who takes over running his family's ranch, Dr. Charolette Lane who just left her job as a college professor to start over somewhere new as a high school English teacher, and Peggy Warner who is the youngest kid in a local family that is usually overlooked.

I enjoyed the story line for Staten and Charolette more than that of Peggy. I am not sure I have a concrete reason why, but I just did not feel a connection to Peggy's story, and it did not seem to be executed as well. I usually don't mind nicknames/ pet names, but I could not get behind Peggy using "Cowboy".

I also was not a fan of the love interest of Staten, Amallah. I did not feel like the author made an effort to really make you want to root for her, and I even found myself gravitating to Amallah and Staten's friend Quinn. After looking to where the first book in the Ransom Canyon series picks up, that made more sense to me.

I am excited to continue the series and see how their stories continue and to revisit Double K Ranch

The narrator did a good job. My only negative on her performance was the voice she used for some of the men wasn't the best. They came across very animated/ cartoony stereotypical western voice - but that made it harder for me to take them serious. I am also sure it can be difficult to come up with a voice for that many separate characters, but I would prefer there not be distinct different voices than have voices that are over the top.

Silverleaf Rapids
by Jodi Thomas

This is my first reads by Jodi Thomas, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The small town charm was there and I really connected to the ch but I feel like there wasn’t much conflict, the story lacking something. Perhaps this was just a prequel?

This was a heartfelt and sweeping prequel that really pulled me into the world of Ransom Canyon. I enjoyed the strong sense of place West Texas felt vivid and alive, and the generational history of the Kirkland family gave the story real emotional weight. Staten’s journey from college student to reluctant heir of a massive ranch was moving and believable. I appreciated how the story showed his struggle with responsibility and growing up quickly.

Charlotte’s character brought a softer but equally compelling perspective. I liked how her quiet restlessness contrasted with Staten’s more immediate crisis. Their paths crossing felt natural and gave the story some balance. And Peggy’s storyline, though more of a background thread, added another layer of depth.

There’s a good mix of family, personal struggle, and romance, with just enough drama to keep it engaging without going over the top. The writing is warm and steady, and it’s easy to get attached to the characters.

If you enjoy character driven stories with strong rural settings and themes of family, legacy, and change, this one is worth picking up. A great intro to the Ransom Canyon series.