The second book in the Copper Creek Cowboy series THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK is another story by R.C. Ryan. Once again Ryan has penned a wonderfully touching and somewhat inspiring story that just happens to take place on a ranch. This is a timeless piece about acceptance, love, integrity and inner strength. THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK brings us back to the larger than life MacKenzie family. Ryan introduced us to this family in The Maverick of Copper Creek and candidly left me waiting eagerly for this next installment. Anyone who loves cowboys and cowgirls, horses, dogs and just plain hard working people will be smitten with this very warm and touching story about people with grit and staying power.

THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK centers on two newcomers to this area of Montana where life is full of legacies -- ranches are handed down generation to generation. Griff Warren was brought up by a single mother who upon her death left behind the knowledge of his birth father's name. She had already started the legal process to prove to his father -- Bear MacKenzie -- that Griff was indeed a son that he had never known about. So much about Griff was like his father Bear including the indisputable physical likeness. In fact once at the MacKenzie Ranch Griff found something he had missed all these years -- family. His legacy. One of the joys in reading this story is the reference by almost anyone Griff meets as he is commonly greeted as Bear's other son. Love it.

Also new to the area is Juliet Grayson -- commonly referred to as the widow Grayson. Her husband succumbed to injuries sustained in combat leaving Juliet with a three year old son and a child on the way. After Buddy's death Juliet moves lock, stock and sons to Buddy's family ranch as per her husband's wishes. This ranch was his legacy to his sons. For Juliet it meant a huge adjustment but she needed this change for herself and for her two little boys. Adjusting to the death of her husband also meant dealing with issues that included her son's adapting to life without a father -- especially difficult to the six year old Ethan.

Juliet decided to use the ranch as a means to help veterans cope with life altering injuries. Help them with a few hours of freedom so to speak -- back on the saddle - - help these heroes win back some of their independence from wheelchairs. This was her way of helping men just like her husband. It was a noble cause and Juliet found it satisfying and challenging.

Juliet's group of veterans called themselves the Romeos and as luck would have it Griff met up with one of them at the local bar. Call it luck -- or perhaps fate. But that was why Griff found himself at the Grayson ranch meeting Juliet and her sons. This was to be a defining moment in all their lives.

The MacKenzie family is still reeling over the recent murder of Bear MacKenzie. His killer is still at large and the family is determined to get to the bottom of this callous and cowardly act. The MacKenzie's are a tough bunch totally devoted to each other and when they begin to realize how important Juliet is to Griff well the family of course takes her and her boys under their collective wings. Juliet and Griff haven't really cemented any sort of a relationship but their attachment is strong. There is of course a lot at stake here so both are going to move real slow. However as you will find -- the MacKenzie bunch doesn't do anything half way. There is strength in numbers and this family never backs away from a challenge.

THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK is a great continuation of a family legacy story but it surely stands on its own merit. I have loved both of the first two books in the Copper Creek Cowboy series and once again find myself awaiting the next installment. R.C. Ryan has created rich wonderful characters who are definitely larger than life and have great personalities that jump off each page. In THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK Ryan has added a few new ones that will surely be around for a long time. It's a story with just the right amount of drama you won't want to miss.

Book Summary

A love worth fighting for . . .

The last thing widow Juliet Grayson needs is a man in her life. Between caring for her two young sons and maintaining her husband's ranch, her hands are more than full. Then she meets Griff Warren. With his quiet strength and his easy way with her boys, she's tempted to trust him. But if there's anything she's learned, it's that love only leads to heartbreak.

Former Marine Griff Warren never thought he'd settle down. Rebellious and proud, he's always been on his own . . . until the father he never knew he had died, leaving him with land that is his legacy and brothers to share the load. He doesn't need more than that. But Juliet touches something deep inside him-and he wants nothing more than to protect her and her sons. Now if only he can convince her to take a second chance at true love.

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