Description

Episode 177

When Historical Romance Meets Modern Realities

Welcome back to the LiteraryScape podcast! This week we’re diving into book three of Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, A Wife for the Rancher, and let us tell you—this one had us hooked from start to finish.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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About This Episide

The Story

Millionaire heiress Genevieve Hollis has everything money can buy, except the one thing she desperately wants: freedom. With her controlling stepmother overseeing her every move, Genevieve feels trapped in her gilded cage. When she spots a newspaper advertisement from rancher Ryder Oakley seeking a mother for his newborn baby, she sees her chance to escape—even if it means hiding her true identity.

Ryder has experienced more than his share of loss and heartbreak. Now a single father fighting to keep his son, he’s looking for a practical solution: a marriage of convenience without the messy complications of real feelings. But as Genevieve and Ryder navigate their new arrangement, attraction begins to bloom—just as the secrets of their pasts threaten to tear them apart.

Read more about A Wife for the Rancher

What We Loved

One of the standout elements of this book is how Hedlund brings contemporary issues into a historical setting. The custody battle storyline felt surprisingly modern and relevant, tackling themes that many historical romances shy away from. As we discussed in the episode, Ryder’s situation—dealing with a birth mother who abandoned their child and then wants to reclaim him—isn’t your typical historical romance scenario.

We appreciated how Hedlund handles this sensitive topic with care, showing both the struggle and the hope that exists even in difficult situations. It’s intense and emotional, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

The Characters That Stole Our Hearts

While we loved Genevieve and Ryder’s journey, we have to give a shout-out to some of the supporting characters. That young lawyer who shows up from Denver? We all fell a little in love with him. He comes in, completely unruffled by Genevieve’s doubts about his abilities, and proceeds to save the day in the custody battle. Seriously, Jody—we need a love story for this guy!

And then there’s the ongoing mystery with Ryder and his brother Tanner. Those vivid flashback dreams that start revealing Ryder’s forgotten past? Fascinating. Watching Ryder naturally slip into business dealings in New York, discovering talents he didn’t know he had—it all adds another compelling layer to the story.

The Villains

Let’s talk about Genevieve’s stepmother and the...