Amy Deerson is the kindest person living in Sweet Dreams, possibly the kindest in Wyoming. She wants to mentor a child and make a difference in the kid's life. Her pastor has recommended her to former bull rider Nash Bolton, whose little girl could do with some female company. What Pastor Moore didn't realize is that the two adults were childhood sweethearts, until Nash left town and never looked back. REUNITED WITH THE BULL RIDER is not at all what shocked Amy had in mind, but if she refuses to mentor his four year old, she may never get another chance.

Nash tells Amy it's not what she thinks. Little Ruby is his half sister and ward. He has moved back to stay, now she needs stability. He did have a reason for leaving, one he thought was adequate at the time, but that choice is also his biggest regret. Amy is still too angry to hear his explanations, but she tries to put that aside to focus on Ruby, whose troubled upbringing to date means she needs more help than most.

Well, there's nothing like putting all the conflict up front. We learn later that Nash retired from bull riding with plenty of money, but at thirty-one he's unemployed, so he'll probably need an income. He's considering breeding horses or training others for rodeo. I'm not sure why he didn't have a relationship with a lady on the rodeo circuit, but we're told Amy, who makes and sells quilts, had another relationship which failed, so she has decided to be independent.

With Ruby at the center of many scenes, this inspirational romance is family friendly, and we see the little girl made marvelously happy by the gift of a pony, just like any girl I should imagine. Her insecurity and distrust of adults are shown in various ways, so anyone considering fostering a child might find a lot of help and encouragement from the read. We see that what kids need most is someone reliable.

To me, it doesn't make sense that Nash didn't even keep in touch, or drop home when the rodeo came to Wyoming. The cast of characters is also tiny, so all the opinions of Amy and Nash we are shown are highly subjective. But it's quite believable that a man should turn over a new leaf when he has to be responsible for someone other than himself.

I enjoyed this as a nice light read. REUNITED WITH THE BULL RIDER by Jill Kemerer will suit those interested in second chances in life.

Book Summary

Goodbye rodeo, hello hometown But is this Wyoming Cowboy ready to face his past? Amy Deerson wanted to mentor a child. Her plan did not include former bull rider Nash Bolton—the little girl’s brother and guardian. It’s been a decade since Nash left town without a word, breaking Amy’s young heart. Now they must put their painful past aside to help fragile, traumatized Ruby. If only getting over their first love were that simple.