It took me a few chapters to get used to the different couples being formed in this book. Three of them to try to keep straight. Once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed the story. I was a little surprised by the ending I did not see Staten's out come going that way though.

For fans of the Ransom Canyon series this is a prequel set in the 1990s. It features rancher Stanton Kirkland who is forced into a life-changing decision, teacher Charlotte Lane who needs to learn to step outside her insular life, and Peggy Warner, a young woman whose family has always assumed she lives to serve them. In Jodi Thomas' warm and charming story they will be faced with opportunities to alter their lives in challenging ways. I really enjoyed it and hope to reread the entire series. That almost never happens for me. Silverleaf Rapids is a great time to start the Ransom Canyon series and then watch the new Netflix series which is available April 17, 2025.

The publisher markets this prequel to the Texas set Ransom Canyon series as Virgin River meets Yellowstone.

I chose this book on the cover alone; I’d never read a Jodi Thomas book and haven’t watched Virgin River nor Yellowstone.

I enjoyed this family saga highlighting love for family and the land. Thomas easily transported me to the Double K Ranch where Staten Kirkland showed me the challenges and emotional struggles of giving up a dream for the sake of a legacy, and the value of welcoming change. Dr. Charlotte W. Lane showed me the danger of burying myself in work and forgetting to live, and encouraged me to embrace change regardless of age or ease. Peggy May Warner showed me that despite obligations sidelining a dream, it’s still possible to achieve them.

I can see why this is such a well-loved saga and just know that the Netflix show will be welcomed and successful.

I was gifted this copy by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This story takes the readers to Ransom County and the lives of a multitude of characters we get to meet.
Amongst them are Staten Kirland, Quinn O’Grady, Lucas Reyes, and Yancy Grey to name a few.
One of my favorite was Staten Kirkland who owns the Double K Ranch. Staten has had great losses in his life and has closed himself off to romance and life in general. When in need of solace he turns to Quinn O’Grady, his deceased wife best friend. A woman who secretly has loved him for a long time, but who knows he’ll never truly love her back.
Lucas Reyes is full of goals but somehow meeting Laura Brigman might just changed them. Yancy has just left prison to start a new life.
As a new reader to this author, I am sorry to say this story just didn’t grab my attention as I had hoped it would. I found that it had too many characters introduced at once, as well as a bit slow moving for my taste.
That said, I am sure others will likely truly enjoy the pace and the various plots.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I always enjoy her books. This story was especially entertaining. A lot of excitement. A variety of interesting characters a truly good read.

Great look at the things that started this series. Three couples make up this part of the series. Great story god characters, interesting plot and a great backstory.

Jodi Thomas is one of my favorite authors. She is very good at developing characters. Makes you want to keep reading and when the book is finished, makes you want to read more of the story.

It’s been a while since I’ve read anything by this very prolific author, Jodi Thomas. Her stories always focus on families and most often ranching families. SILVERLEAF RAPIDS is her newest installment in the Ransom Canyon series. We find ourselves at the Kirkland Ranch where the older JR is recovering from a life altering stroke. JR and his wife Tabitha is the elder generation in charge of this ranch filled with a legacy of history, love, and life on a ranch. Life at times has a way of interfering with plans. And in this story we find several folk that are discovering what life has in store for them. For certain, changes are in their future. Good changes making them face down their pasts and finding the courage to follow where the future might take them. Life is an ever-changing journey. And Jodi Thomas in SILVERLEAF RAPIDS has taken on three couples whose futures are facing challenges.
Staten Kirkland has to leave the university to take over running the family ranch when his grandfather is incapacitated. Hopefully, it is a temporary problem. But he really doesn’t have much of a choice since he is the only family willing to live on and work the family business. Unfortunately, it also means leaving his long-time love Ama at the university. As far as Staten is concerned she is entitled to follow her dreams even if it means time and distance are going to possible challenge their long-time relationship. Under the watchful eye of his grandfather and supported by amazing ranch hands Staten is going to take on a huge task.
Charlotte leaves her job as an English professor. Looking for a life as she puts it. Teaching at the small-town K to twelve school will take some adjustment. Part of her first days at the school means temporary coach of the football team. She meets Wade the history teacher who walks her through this task she is absolutely not qualified for. Small country schools depend on your ability to help with many unusual tasks. But Charlotte finds many enjoyable challenges and more importantly finds friends.
Lastly we have Peggy who has lived her life in the shadow of the other members of her large family. She has never been able to find a place she can call her own. It’s only by sheer luck that Peggy and Duke’s paths cross. Both of them suffer from feelings of being invisible. But to each other they find something really special and important.
These stories all intertwine in the most wonderful way with these characters winning a place in the reader’s heart. Pure Jodi Thomas, which is why I’ve always sought out her books. You can’t help but leave a Jodi Thomas tale without a warm cozy feeling about characters that have touched your heart. Her dialogs are honest. Her characters are flawed. Her relationships are warm.