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Review: Finding Family at Griffin Ranch - Found at Griffin Ranch #1

Finding Family at Griffin Ranch book cover on blue background

One of the nicest things about being on Christian Bookstagram has been in following the journey of debut authors!

Celia Dodge is someone I connected with several years ago, so it's been wonderful that I've been able to read Finding Family at Griffin Ranch, the first book in the Found at Griffin Ranch series, set in Colorado.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

She left it all behind once before. Will love be enough to call her home?

After leaving her small town to become a nurse in a big city hospital, Lanie figured she was done with mountain life forever. But when Lanie’s hometown clinic needs help, she returns after a decade away.

Being home means reconnecting with Connor Griffin, an old crush from church youth group. Now a single dad after losing his wife to a car accident that left his son in a wheelchair, Connor is struggling to keep his family’s ranch going on his own. Over ranch chores and farmhouse dinners, a childhood crush blossoms into adult love - but Lanie still isn’t sure what her future holds.

When tragedy and opportunity crash into each other on a dark mountain road, Lanie faces a choice. Chasing the answers just might lead her back to the faith she thought she had left behind.

When coming home comes at a cost, who pays the price?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What a joy to read Celia Dodge's debut novel after enjoying her recently released novella, Her Mountain Ranger. Both books feature charming mountain settings along with the most delightful people in town. I love that Lanie comes with the background and expertise to care for those with disabilities, allowing her to tend to Connor's son, Noah, in a way that allows him to enjoy life as a five-year-old after he experiences a rough transition and continues to act out. It's exactly what Connor needs without realizing it, allowing him some reprieve as a single father with heavy responsibilities.

While Lanie is tentative about the plans in her life, I appreciate her honesty in that she doesn't have all of the answers. Seeing her grow in her walk with God is encouraging after she realizes just how much she has veered away from the faith of her youth. Connor's steadfast presence is a gift, and these two characters demonstrate what it means to bless others. This first book in the Found at Griffin Ranch series reveals just how many lives can be changed through Christian hospitality and faithful obedience. Readers who enjoy small town settings and seeing answers to prayers will appreciate this second chance romance that comes with a powerful story about found families in all shapes and forms (including piglets!).

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

The drive was just as breathtaking as Lanie remembered. The mountains surrounding the town of Ternell were called the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which meant "Blood of Christ." Some said that was because of the rich red color the stones took on during sunrise and sunset, while others said it was because of how soaked the area clearly was in God's presence.

Could it be that Lanie’s return wasn’t just some coincidence? Was it possible that God’s plans for Connor and Noah, and for Griffin Ranch, might be unfolding before his very eyes? He almost didn’t want to let himself think so. After all, he’d never expected to lose his wife so soon in their marriage, or to find himself the single father of a disabled son. So it wasn’t like God’s plans were always in line with what Connor thought the future ought to look like.
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