Widower single dad Jack isn’t interested in dating. His life is his daughter and the ranch. There’s no room for anything—or anyone—else. When he’s unwittingly caught in the middle of a setup, he can’t be rude, but he doesn’t have to give in.

Emily eagerly agrees when her friend offers to set her up with her boyfriend’s brother. Tired of being single, it seems like matchmaking by a friend is the only way she’s going to meet a good man in this small town.

Their first date doesn’t go well at all, but Emily isn’t ready to give up. She’s intrigued by the hunky, grumpy cowboy, and she wants to know more about his daughter, who is deaf. She knows sign language and is certain she’ll bond with the sweet little girl. But Jack isn’t so sure.

When Emily seems like the perfect choice to help Jack’s daughter learn sign language, Jack gives in. He’s all in to make sure his daughter gets everything she needs. As his daughter falls in love with Emily, Jack’s heart begins to soften. But he can’t let her in. He refuses to lose anyone he loves again. Emily might challenge his fear of loss, though.

Titles in the Sagebrush Ranch series include — When You’re Friends —♥— When You’re Waiting —♥—

This adult romance does not contain graphic violence, swearing, or sexual situations beyond kisses.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  When You’re Waiting
Series:  Sagebrush Ranch #2
Author:  April Murdock
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 7, 2023
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5

When You’re Waiting is the second title in the Sagebrush Ranch series, and brings us a sometimes heartbreaking story of two people who are searching for answers, not always realizing that sometimes exactly what we need is right in front of us.

Jack has known heartache and loss, and at times, he’s clinging to the past in a way that isn’t really honoring the wife he loved so much and lost so tragically but is keeping him and their precious daughter from getting what they both deserve… help and happiness in a different kind of future.

Emily loves the work she’s doing in this small town.  She knows sign language like a second language, which in fact, it is since her brother is deaf.  She’s also longing for what her friend has, a man who adores her and a future to look forward to.  But so far, she hasn’t found what she’s searching for and is about to opt for a small cabin full of cats instead.  A matchmaking best friend is about to change all of that.  It’s too bad that that happy couple didn’t think to let the man they’d decided was perfect for Emily in on their plan because when Jack is blindsided by this “meet and greet’ setup, his reaction is not at all what anyone wanted.

I enjoyed When You’re Waiting so much and fell in love with little Lily.  Jack isn’t ready or trusting enough to let the past go, plus he’s dealing with guilt that goes a little bit beyond survivor’s guilt.  Unwarranted but still real to him.  He believed so strongly that he’d lost the only woman he could possibly love that it took him some time and a hard look at himself before he would begin to accept the possibility that Emily could be the woman he loved in a different way than he’d loved Zoe.  That, frankly, is a hard and difficult conclusion to come to for anyone.  Emily knew that she could and had given her heart to Jack and Lily… it was up to Jack to accept that love.  They are a beautiful couple that shows so strongly that love comes when it does, and the past can still hold loving memories while making new ones.  Their story is well-written, emotional, and so heartfelt.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle as this title is currently in KU