Description

Episode 178

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week we’re diving into Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund, the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series. This historical romance set in the Colorado Rockies delivers all the drama, suspense, and tender moments we’ve come to expect from this series.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

 Share Episode

[dssb_sharing_buttons use_sharing_title=”on” sharing_title_inline=”on” use_global_sharing=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dssb_sharing_button _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dssb_sharing_button][/dssb_sharing_buttons][dssb_sharing_buttons _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dssb_sharing_button social_network=”twitter” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dssb_sharing_button][/dssb_sharing_buttons][dssb_sharing_buttons _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dssb_sharing_button social_network=”pinterest” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dssb_sharing_button][/dssb_sharing_buttons]

About This Episide

The Story

Maisie Merritt has made herself a promise: she’ll never marry a mountain man. Despite her love for the Colorado Rockies and the wild creatures she helps, she’s witnessed firsthand how her father’s wandering ways destroyed her family and led to her mother’s death from loneliness. She’s ready for a normal life with a normal man.

Gaetano “Tanner” Oakley lives the wandering life of a trapper and trail guide. Having seen how hard his lifestyle is on Maisie and her sister when their father disappears for long stretches, Tanner has convinced himself he’s not husband material for any woman. He’s restless and unsettled, having long ago given up hope of finding the family he lost.

When Tanner returns to the mountains and finds Maisie in serious trouble, his attempt to help only makes matters worse. With Maisie injured and her reputation in tatters, he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her. But can two people who’ve sworn off this kind of life find happiness together?

Our Discussion Highlights

The Mystery Continues

One of the most satisfying aspects of this book is the continuation of Tanner’s search for his lost family. Without spoiling anything, we can say that Hedlund wraps up this storyline in unexpected and interesting ways. It made us think about how many people in history had similar experiences—losing family during Indian attacks, wagon train journeys, or other tragedies—and never finding answers about their origins.

Edge-of-Your-Seat Moments

The book opens with Maisie in a truly precarious situation, literally hanging from a cliff edge. (Thank goodness for her pet wolf!) The tension had us on edge. We recently saw a YouTube video of a real-life mother-daughter hiking accident with a similar scenario, which made this scene hit even harder. The mountains are beautiful but unforgiving.

Family Drama

Maisie’s father might be one of the most frustrating characters in the series. His complete disregard for his daughters—even after losing his wife, one daughter, and a grandchild—is heartbreaking. The way he forces Maisie and Tanner into marriage just so he can continue trapping without worrying about her made us furious. At least the situation ultimately works in Mais...