i really enjoyed this!! i was new to this series when i saw it on netflix and loved the small town setting! i am excited to read more of this series

This was my first Jodi Thomas novel and while I realize it was a prequel it took me a minute to catch up with the characters. I enjoyed the overall story and can’t wait to read more of Ransom Canyon. The book has extensive character development.

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

This book seriously lived up to its "hype" Yellowstone...Meets Virgin River. I could not think of a more perfect union, call me crazy, but like my friend Anu has said, "Give me a cowboy romance". I love a mans man, a guy who does not journal (IYKYK), know what a man bun is and only drinks his coffee black. The male characters in this book were every bit of that! I loved the character development and seeing them grow into who they are meant to be.
I requested this book because I saw Netflix was releasing the series Ransom Canyon, I had not read any of that series, but I thought it would be helpful to know the backstory and with the hopes piquing m interest. Well Jodi Thomas, congratulations you did! I am now locked into these characters and want to see all the Cowboy Romance and drama that unfolds in Silverleaf Rapids.
This book did have some early 90's "Cheese" feel to it, but I am here for it. I would much rather read about this. I devoured the innocense and lack of any political agenda. Bravo!

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this advanced reader copy of Silverleaf Rapids . I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.

Sadly this book wasn’t for me. There were a lot of story lines and eventually they all got jumbled and I couldn’t keep the stories and the characters apart. The story is written from a few different POVs and the characters eventually start to interact with each other, this makes the story more difficult to follow. Eventually I just couldn’t keep up with the book anymore and I was only half listening.
Maybe the book would be more enjoyable if you have read the other books in the series.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and I liked the production. The narrator was really great.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely don’t read this as a stand alone. I actually think Winters Camp should be book 0 and this second. I went in already have watched the show on Netflix, but hadn’t read the books yet. I followed along just fine, and it was good to see some backstory. But it was kind of a blah book. Not awful, not amazing. I read Winters Camp next and it was amazing! So, this author can produce some good books, this one just fell flat for me. Some of the story didn’t pan out the way it was set up. I expected Amalah to cheat on Staten at college from the way it was being set up. I am not disappointed she didn’t, it just didn’t flow. The whole book was wonky like that.
Oh, and I like the book romances better than the shows interpretation for all except Lauren and Lucas, their show story line seems better so far.

Three story lines at once makes it a bit confusing in the beginning but hang in there as it clears up and flows better. This is a prequel which I have not read the previous books by Jodi so this is a good starting point for the reader. Throughout the book, we find out how Staten, Charlotte, and Peggy grow and adapt to the kind of people they want to be. This story is heart warming and sweet. It lays the perfect foundation to continue a series of books because you have a solid base to start. While three characters could be annoying it really works out because their lives are integrated in interesting ways and I really enjoyed seeing it all play out. Stunning setting, good story and characters this leads this series to be turned into a Netflix series following the footsteps such as Virgin River. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.

A wonderful prequel that introduces us to the characters, the beautiful setting and a slice of what’s to come. A thoroughly enjoyable easy listen. Life out in the country, truly small town, love, loss and more. I already downloaded the next few in the series.

Multiple povs a prequel to the series. Low angst and a feel good romance. I am new to the series this was a great introduction to the books. Listened to the audiobook great narrators lively and engaging voices

A Warm, Emotional Journey Through the Heart of Texas

Ransom Canyon: The Beginning is a heartfelt and beautifully written story that pulls you right into the rugged landscape of West Texas. Jodi Thomas blends the charm of Virgin River with the grit of Yellowstone, creating a world that feels both raw and deeply comforting.

What really stood out to me were the characters. Staten’s journey from college student to ranch boss is emotional and relatable. You really feel his struggle to step up when life throws a curveball. Charlotte’s storyline, about finding purpose and starting over in a small town, is just as moving, and Peggy’s quiet strength and longing for more is something I think a lot of readers will connect with.

The setting is stunning. It almost feels like another character in the story, and the themes of love, family, and resilience are woven in so naturally. The pace is a little slow at times, and I found myself wanting just a bit more depth with some of the characters, but overall, this was a touching and satisfying read.

If you love stories about small towns, strong roots, and second chances, this is definitely worth picking up. I’m looking forward to seeing where the Ransom Canyon saga goes next.

As most people know, Silverleaf Rapids is the prequel to Ransom Canyon. I haven’t read that series, but I’ve seen that there is a show on Netflix and it looks good so I knew I wanted to check it out and I’m so glad I did. I was hooked by the storyline from the very beginning. I love the characters, setting, plot… well everything! If I could move there, I would!! I will say, I do with this book had a bit of spice - but that’s a personal preference. Silverleaf Rapids is the first book I’ve read from Jodi Thomas and it will not be my last. I’m so excited for the rest of the story to unfold, as I will definitely continue on. And I can’t wait to watch the show. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job. 💛🧡

I would like to thank RBmedia and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

I LOVE Virgin River (series) and when I saw this it looked like something similar. I am always down for a small town romance. However, 37% in I still couldn’t find myself liking the characters of the story. Peggy seems to be too naive for my liking. Stanton is okay but lacking. He does seem to be understanding and mature though so I got to give him credit. Otherwise, I feel like nothing’s happening.

Thank you NetGalley for providing the ALC.

DNF at 20%
I think it was the narrator that was just awful. I could not get into this at all. The reading was so monotone, it was hard to follow.

SilverLeaf Rapids by Jodi Thomas is the prequel to Ransom Canyon. The narrator Julia Gibson did a great job except for Dukes narration…he sounded like an old man which he wasn’t, so confusing. I didn’t see at all the comparison to Virgin River and Yellowstone in this book. You could loosely compare it to Yellowstone only because you are on a family ranch. There were three sets of characters, which was confusing because they switched back and forth. I feel like you lose the depth and connection to the characters worth so many storylines going on. Thank you to #NetGalley and #RB media for this Arc. This is my honest review.

This is a prequel to the Ransom Canyon series.

Set in the 90s, this has a few storylines. Staten Kirkland has to leave college to help at the ranch- causing tension with his girlfriend. College professor Charlotte Lane needs a change- and accepts a teaching position at the local high school. Local Peggy Warner is used and abused by her family and has accepted her place in life. Until a cowboy appears and begins to woo her.

I read this before reading the series- it has been on my TBR, I just never made time. So I have read the series chronologically. I liked the look into young Staten. It made me dislike Amalah. This made it harder to enjoy Ransom Canyon (book 1). I liked Staten and Quinn's dynamic in this book. Plugging Amalah back in for the two decades between kind of ruins it.

There are also a lot of consistent families throughout the series. It baffles me why four random people- Charlotte, Wade, Peggy, and Duke- were included in the prequel. You'd think that you'd get a peek at the past of other locals instead of random people.

Basically, I am not sure this really adds to the series as a whole.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set in West Texas on sprawling ranch. The Kirklands have owned this land for many generations. The youngest Kirland is away at college when he receives a call that his grandfather is fighting for his life. Stanten Kirkland doesn't think twice when he leaves college and his longtime girlfriend to head home to help take care of the ranch. Little does he know that he will be taking over and becoming boss.

Definitely, has Hallmark vibes. But that is just fine with me. It is about growing up, figuring out what you want, fighting for what you need and finding your way. There are multiple POVs, which I found confusing on how they all fit together. But as the story went on, they all clicked into place. I really enjoyed this closed-door romance and plan on buying it for our library.

If you love old fashioned, character rich stories, Silverleaf Rapids by Jodi Thomas is for you! As the prequel to the Ransom Canyon series, this book provides the history of the town and the ranch and gives a great view into the types of characters you will find in the series. I love that there are so many more books to follow this one because I love getting fully invested in a place and a group of people. If you're like me, you will love this cozy series starting with this comforting, satisfying start.

After only reading the first book in the Ransom Canyon series, I loved being able to go back in time with this prequel to learn more about Staten. There's also two other couples featured in this story and I was just as invested in their stories as well! Great world building and I was nervous about which characters I could trust. Definitely makes me more excited to read more in the series now!

I enjoyed the audiobook of Silverleaf Rabids. The narrator did a great job and it truly felt like someone was sitting here reading me a story.

It was so interesting to find out exactly how Statton became the caretaker of the ranch and what he went through and chose to sacrifice all for his family's ranch. I was a little unsure of why there were seemingly separate stories of two other characters but it all sort of came together at the end.

Thank you for the advanced copy of the audiobook.

3.5 stars

Thanks for the advance audiobook copy. The narrator was enjoyable & did not detract from the experience. This is a good, easy love story read. I had a hard time following so many characters as it jumped around from 6 perspectives (3 couples) every chapter. I struggled to feel connected to any of the characters. The story felt spread too thin. All that being said, if you want an easy-read cowboy love story, this is for you.

Thanks to Jodi Thomas, RBMedia, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF 66%. I've been getting more and more bored since about 40%. Now I'm only half listening and just really want to get back to Laurie King's Russell and Sherlock series. Time to call it.

I read the entirety of the Ransom Canyon series back when they were being newly released; it coincided with a change in my reading tastes, so while at first I liked them, I grew to dislike them and Thomas's writing. One of my biggest peeves as a reader is head-hopping, and that's all Thomas has done for the last couple decades as in each book she follows several characters from the same geographical location. Drives me nuts.

I've also complained of purple prose in her writing in the past, and while I didn't notice much of that here, her stories have the feel of a children's fairytale, the characters very in touch with their emotions and hopes and dreams. Lots of thinking and little doing. That's all her characters do is hope and dream and wish for someday until it miraculously happens and they live happily ever after.

Those are the stakes here in Silverleaf Rapids--all the tension is simply the possibility that what the characters are hoping for won't happen. Staten hopes his grandpa will get better and Staten will be able to return to college and fix his relationship with his girlfriend. No apparent problems running the ranch, no apparent problems with his parents, not even all that bothered by blue balls--we're just holding on to hope and getting bored.

Charlotte hopes to find love and live a more meaningful life; she could have had trouble transitioning to the town, to the job, finding a decent man. She had to coach the football team without knowing the first thing about football, in Texas, and we never heard of a single conflict. At 66% everything's going pretty swimmingly for her, and it's BORING.

Peggy's hoping to have her own life, but her Cinderella bells are always ringing and she's too afraid to stand up for herself. No fights, no anger, no substance abuse. All the conflict is just sitting there, waiting to be played with, and the character just trudges by with her persistent meekness. It's 66% and she's just now starting to tentatively, quietly put her foot down. Too late, I've lost interest. (Plus, she was just weird--she randomly digs a 2-foot-deep grave, no small thing, and lies down in it for a while. No, she's not gothically inclined or suicidal; that would make her interesting, can't have that. And Duke just waltzes up (if he had a reason for being there, I missed it), sees her laying in her shallow grave, and thinks, "Aw shucks, that's cute." What?)

The thing I hate about this kind of storytelling--multiple A-plot storylines happening at once--is that none of them, or their characters, get the attention they deserve. Instead of one fully fleshed-out story, you get three or four half-assed ones. And in my opinion, that's not okay.

So why did I request this book if I knew I probably wouldn't like it? Ironically, hope. I was hoping to like it as much as I loved Thomas's earlier novels, the ones that focused on one storyline at a time. She used to be one of my auto-buys. I thought about attending Texas A&M just because she was the writer in residence, for shit's sake. Also, I noticed the ads for the Netflix show and wanted to be part of the conversation. I'm very curious how they pitched it--Bridgerton meets Yellowstone? *snorts*

So I still don't like what Jodi Thomas is writing these days. Noted. Congrats on the Netflix deal, though, Ms. Thomas.