I released a book last week in a new genre
I’ve been writing romantic suspense for a few years, but until recently it was only for my agent. Things changed with her when she became her own agency, allowing me to write romantic suspense both as an independent publisher and traditionally, which led to this passion project.
Operation: Restoration
I envisioned a healing ranch where victims of human trafficking could heal and acclimate to life “as normal” again. But, they would need somewhere they felt protected and a way to connect with something . . . like horses or dogs, because relating to people wouldn’t be easy.
That’s how the second aspect of the series came about. The ranch is run by a group of former military heroes, wounded warriors, who want to continue in service but different from how they did as servicemen.
Finally, I write romance (which also helps lighten a series that could get heavy with these topics) so I needed a series trope that people really love. Since the whole point of Wayside Ranch is to help victims heal and form healthy relationships, what if the guys were also tasked with healing from former relationships?
And with that, a series of second chance romances was born
I then started hunting for information on various horse therapy ranches. If you ever have a chance to look any up, do so. It’s really interesting. I found out that many of them use rescue horses (which means that literally every being on Wayside Ranch is there to heal).
Junior Morrison walked away from her to start a life with the military.
Now he works at a special ranch to help rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. When his boss is challenged to fix his one regret, he passes that challenge to all his men. Junior wants to see Gabby, the woman he left behind, again, but how can he explain that he’s not the man he was before?
Gabby Loftens abandoned her girlhood dreams of marrying Junior and went off to school to be a counselor, convinced she could help others heal where she couldn’t help herself. Her life is not full, but she gives wherever she can.
When Junior calls her to come help with a patient, Gabby is skeptical. Why call her? Especially when the ranch is an hour away and he hasn’t talked to her in ten years. She can’t deny she’s curious and what she finds at the ranch draws her in. She wants to help, but more than that, she wants to know what she did to make Junior walk out of her life. Because she wants him back, if he’ll accept her.
When Gabby unwittingly leads a victim back to her trafficker, Junior and Gabby, along with the team at Wayside Ranch, must keep her protected. If they don’t, their ranch, and all the people safely living there, could face their worst enemies all over again.
Grab your copy here.
I’ll give away an ebook copy of Operation: Restoration to one commenter today. Do you think you would find a ranch therapeutic?
Where western meets happily ever after.
Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn't) South Dakota.
Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one's listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.
Yes. Being outside, away from everything and everyone, would be helpful. Sometimes, animals can sense what we need before we do.
Absolutely! I don’t have a horse, but my cat can totally tell when I’ve had a hard day and (very un-cat-like of her) she gives me snuggles.
I have a farm so I know that animals are therapeutic.
They really are, even when they don’t try to be.
I would think it would be so. Getting away from the demands on our lives and the peaceful atmosphere would be therapeutic.
Yes, I think you’re right. Part of the healing would be in the peaceful surroundings.
Yes, I love animals.
I do too. They make life so much better.
Yes, I do! My friend lives on a farm. I go out there to visit just to get away from everything.
That’s wonderful that you have a place to get away.
yes
I absolutely love the idea of using an animal as therapy. They’re so loyal and smart and loving. It’s amazing how tuned in they are to human emotions.
Here in Omaha, a young woman has one to fight her debilitating anxiety. This horse was seen with her in my grocery store. A fascinating video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPRrW3strM
Flirty even has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FlirtyTheMiniServiceHorse/
That is so cool!
We have a therapeutic horse ranch in Brainerd that helps so many people, especially kids. The bond between a horse and rider is special. Congrats on your new book Kari!
Thank you! I was in Brainerd today. I stopped by Emily’s Used Books on my way home 🙂
No way! I go there all the time! We could have had lunch!
Yes I do, animals are a wonderful way to cope with any kind of problem.
They certainly are. 🙂
I definitely feel a stay at a ranch would be therapeutic as I grew up on a farm and so much about outdoor living is pleasant. You are outdoors most all of your day and there is much to be said about the fresh air (yes, even with the smell of animal excrement!) Working with your hands is rewarding in itself. I would love a week or two on a dude ranch, even at my age.
I would too! It’s actually on my bucket list.
I think it would be a very therapeutic place to relax. I have never stayed at a ranch or farm, although I have been around horses. One of my nieces worked at a horse farm and I visited her in the barns and been round the horses. I am not sure I could actually work at it, but it would be nice to be around them.
I imagine owning horses is a lot of work. I don’t think I’d be up to that, but would love to visit.
I think I would find it therapeutic. I’ve been on farms for vacations, as my uncles had farms, and we’d help with feeding the chickens and the hogs, and even tried milking one of the cows!
I only tried to milk a cow once. My cousins had dairy cows when I was young and dared me. I wasn’t good at it. LOL
Absolutely!
Yes I believe so.
absolutely – I love seeing my horses out in the pasture every day!
I would bet that is relaxing.
I knew a horse trainer who felt her horse was the best therapy.
I also know there’s a facility near here which works with kids who have medical and other differences and the horse therapy program is wonderful for them.
denise
There is a horse therapy ranch close to me, Ironwood, but I haven’t been there. It does so much good for kids that I don’t want to “gawk” so I’ve never asked to tour it, as much as I’d love to.
Working with animals, especially those who need help is something that gives back. At a ranch, there is a rhythm to life. This dictates your schedule, keeps you busy, and gives you the structure that is so often lacking in those with problems. Everyone must work together for things to work properly. It gives a sense of community and belonging. The people, animals, and place give a feeling of belonging and safety. It is just the type of setting that gives many a chance to settle, reflect, deal with their issues, and heal.
Thank you, that perfectly explains the feeling I was going for.
Yes. It would be wonderful to be out in wide open land, breathing the fresh air. It is a wonderful way to be close to God away from all the noise of city life. I love being with animals and nature. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Yes. I think being outside and around animals would be super calming.