The Prodigal Brother Returns

by Susan Lute

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this steadfast cowboy help Malorie rediscover love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Would you be surprised the best things in life come in unexpected packages? No, of course not. An ardent student of human nature, I love ancient history, myth, and dragons. I don’t remember thinking … someday I’ll grow up to be a writer. I just always had stories to tell. I love to travel, take pictures, garden, read, and work on remodeling the house. I live in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains with my husband, the occasional dear, and many hummingbirds. In between all that, I write whenever I can.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story, fabulous setting and wonderful characters, characters that were really easy to get to know, I felt their emotions as I turned the pages, come along and meet the Lohman brothers, book one is Blake’s story the youngest of the three brothers, has he found love again?

Blake was kicked of the family ranch, sixteen years ago, he has not been back since, now he is widowed, has the full time care of his young brother-in-law Timmy and is the author of a very popular children’s book series, when his older brother Jonas demands he return home to run the ranch while his other brother Nathan recovers from an injury, maybe it is time to make amends.

Malory Harper is a nurse, divorced and mother of twins Andee and Reece, they need to get over the divorce it is summer so she takes on the position of nurse for injured rancher Nathan Lohman, she is sure that the time in Colorado will help the children and her start afresh but when she walks into a family argument she is not so sure that this is the place even if the ranch feels like home.

Malory and Blake get on well the three kids help this along and although Malory was not ever going looking for love again seems so drawn to this caring loving man and Blake feels the pull towards Malory from the start, will they be able to find love and happiness again as they both deserve?

This is one that I do highly recommend, filled with emotion and I loved Blake, Malory, Timmy Andee and Reece this made me smile, thank you Susan Lute for a beautiful story and I am looking forward to the next book.

My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story with engaging characters. The three brothers Malory and her children and Timmy. You could feel the connection between them right away.

Blake was asked to leave the family ranch 16 years ago and to never return. Until he got the phone call from his brother Jonas he did just that. But his other brother Nathan needed his help so home he went.
Malory the home nurse walked in just as the brothers were having a family disagreement. Just what she did not want in her children’s life. She was recently divorced and made a promise to herself and her children that they would not see hostility any longer. It took Everything to get her to stay and give them another chance.

Malory ended up falling in love with the ranch as did her children. They seem to be happy and doing very well.

Blake’s adopted son Timmy was not doing well at summer camp so he went and got him and brought him to the ranch. The three children hit it off right away. Timmy is on the spectrum disorder, and Blake was amazed at how well he was adjusting to the ranch to his new uncle’s and to his new friends.

This is definitely a story that I recommend. I don’t want to give anything away so that you can enjoy it all on your own.

Thank you to Tule publishing for your trust, in me to read and review this wonderful book.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really great. I loved how the family came back together and healed. This occurs in the little town of Strawberry Ridge, Colorado and most of the book takes place on the Triple L ranch. Sixteen years earlier Blake Lohmen had done something stupid shortly after losing both of his parents within a very short time and his oldest brother Jonas had kicked him off of the family ranch. Now Jonas is calling and begging him to come home. Their middle brother Nathan, fell off of a horse and broke his pelvis so he is going to be out of commission for a while and they need someone to take care and manage the ranch. Jonas is a very high-powered attorney in Denver so he cannot do it.

In the time that Blake has been gone he has become a children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline. He also got married but his wife passed from cancer. Her parents had a very late in life baby Timmy, that they now have custody of him after the parents both passed away. Timmy is 12 so he is more like a son and Blake is one day going to adopt him and make him his son officially. Timmy is the hero in all of Blake's books.

To take care of Nathan and help him with recuperating Jonas has hired a full-time traveling nurse Malorie, and she will be living in one of the guest houses at the ranch. Along with her 11-year-old twins Reece and Andee his sister. Malorie has recently gotten a divorce from Mark, and this is going to be a fresh start for them all.

They get off to a rocky start as the first day Malorie and the kids walk in on a fight with Nathan almost falling out of bed trying to slug Blake the kids' favorite author. Jonas as usual is being referee. Can Blake forget his past and look ahead to the future, can he help heal the kids and Malorie, and help her discover real love again. Will he win the kids approval of him seeing their mother? What will Timmy think of the ranch and living here?

I got this great book from Book Sprout and will be very happy to leave my review.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Prodigal Brother Returns” is a GREAT start to the Strawberry Ridge series. I am very excited to read the next books in this series because I feel like the brothers are now family to me. This was a standalone book, with no cliffhanger, and had a lovely HEA.
I have 4 brothers, and this book hit home for me on so many levels. Even if you don’t have siblings, this book is so deep and well-written, with a beautiful storyline, I believe you will enjoy it. Anyone who has gone through a divorce, lost a spouse, or lost their parents will be able to relate to this book too. In fact, anyone who has ever been a teenager will find common ground in this FANTASTIC book.
The author was able to give each character an honest, and believable part in this book. There were many, many wounds that needed healing. But this was not a sad, cry-my-heart out type of book. It dealt with redemption, owning your past mistakes, and making amends. It also brought up how tight family ties can be, even though those ties may be fragile, we’ve got to try our best to hold them together.
This WONDERFUL book also had a FABULOUS setting. The author described the range in vivid detail, I felt like I have visited it before.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this clean, sweet, tender novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first story in the series introduces the readers to the Lohmen brothers. This one belongs to widower, Blake Lohmen, who sixteen years ago was thrown out of the homestead by his brothers.
When he gets a call from his oldest brother telling that he is needed back home due to an accident, Blake reluctantly returns to the family home with his young brother-in-law, Timmy. But also realizing that maybe it’s time to atone for his destructive teenage behavior.
Malorie Harper, a traveling nurse, divorced and with two kids, is hired to take care of Blake’s injured brother Nathan.
An attraction develops between Malorie and Blake but both have been hurt in the past. One by losing his wife, the other by an ex. So they keep their feelings to themselves.
Will Strawberry Ridge and the ranch be the place to heal everyone ? Will it be the place where they get a second chance in life and love?
The story, a clean contemporary romance, had an engaging plot with interesting and well developed characters.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns (Strawberry Ridge Book 1) Susan Lute is a wonderful introduction three stubborn brothers who need to forgive and be forgiven to move on in positive ways with their lives. Widower Blake Lohmen, the youngest brother is called home after being told to leave sixteen years ago. He now is a responsible adult and caregiver to his young brother-in-law. I admired the changes he had made in his life. Making peace with his past and brothers is what this story is all about from the beginning to the end. Yes, there is a romance too, children that need a guiding touch and brothers who are not as eager to forgive as they should.

A wonderful story but with a conclusion that felt rushed. Suddenly the brothers are all on the same page which should have taken a longer conversation or time to happen when one had been so at odds. Up until the ending the book is well-developed the characters fleshed out so you can understand and sympathize with them. I especially like the slow burn relationship building between Blake and the traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper. Then the kids just made the story fun to read.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, love, family, intrigue, twists and turns. Blake is the brother who is pushed out of his home after his parent's death. He starts drinking and crashes his father's pickup into a tree. After 16 years , he receives a call from his brother, Jonas, telling him that he needs to come back to the ranch as his other brother was hurt. His wife died two years ago and left him with her brother, Timmy, to care for. Malorie is the nurse hired to care for Nathan by Jonas. She has two children who team up with Timmy and get along great. They all find out that Blake is a writer of a series of children's books. Nathan and Blake have unresolved feelings that need to be dealt with before they can save the ranch. As Blake and Malorie spend more time together, feelings develop between them. Has lots of action happening for them all. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Blake and Malorie‘s story, the first in Susan’s Strawberry Ridge series. Blake comes home to the family ranch sixteen years after being kicked out by his older brothers. Blake is now a successful children’s author and also a stepfather to his deceased wife’s younger brother. Nurse Malorie is a divorced single mother who comes to the ranch to care for Blake’s brother Nathan. I loved this story, it was full of heart and hurt, learning to love again, learning to forgive and work together to heal and maybe, just maybe save the family ranch. The family dynamics and the forming of new relationships was beautifully written and I really enjoyed getting deeper into the family and the characters and their fractured relationships and their deep emotional feelings. I can’t wait to read more of this series! Thanks to the author and to Tule Publishing for allowing me to read and share this one!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a great new series, Strawberry Ridge. 3 very handsome hardheaded brothers that are trying to save their parents ranch. Can't wait for book 2.
Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.
Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series. It is a clean romance novel. Blake was kicked off his family ranch sixteen years ago. Now he is back helping out on the ranch while his brother recuperates from an injury that has his laid up for a while. The ranch is not is as good of shape as it was when he left all those years ago. He needs to find a way to convince his brothers that they can work together to save the ranch. Malorie has been hired as the nurse to take care of Nathan. She is a divorced mom of twins. This is the fresh start they need. She has sworn off men and all the heartbreak that comes with them. When Blake meets her they share a connection. He didn't think he would ever love again, but she has him rethinking his position. Can they find their way to each other and heal their damaged souls? Can they make a family with his and her kids? Good story.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake was a troubled teen when he was told to leave his family home by his brother Jonas. He’s changed a lot since then, is a successful author, and cares for his preteen autistic brother-in-law. Malorie and her children were abandoned by her selfish ex and she jumps at the job opportunity to get away for the summer and take care of Blake’s injured brother Nathan, but she didn’t expect to fall for Blake. Even though Nathan keeps pushing him away Blake is trying to help him save the family ranch and he quickly falls for Malorie, but then Nathan stakes his claim. I loved how quickly Andee and Reece welcomed Timmy and included him in their activities. Blake and Malorie’s relationship escalates rather quickly for only knowing each other a few weeks, but this was a kisses only romance.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I liked that there really wasn't a lot of push and pull in the sense of a ton of drama. I liked that it was a simple love story that really got to the heart. If you have ever lost a loved one or a relationship you can feel the emotions throughout this book for sure. I really liked Blake you faced a lot alone but also had a huge heart to do what was right. I like Malorie as well she was no nonsense woman what was not about to let crazy bad behavior affect your children or her. I think what I like most about this story were the kids in the story the author did a good job and sharing there story with out getting to far away from the main story line. Overall I liked that the author kept this a clean read and I can't wait for more from these brothers.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake was banished by his brothers from the family farm when makes a horrible mistake. Sixteen years later, his older brother commands him to return when his brother ranch manager breaks his pelvis. The ranch is still home for Blake. What he did not anticipate was Mallorie and her twins. She is the home health nurse for his brother and displays compassion and love. It hits widow Blake between the eyes and when he brings his divergent brother-in-law, age twelve, to the ranch, she continues to make her way into his heart.
A heartwarming story with family love and grudges.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake's brother, Jonas, rings and demands he goes back to the family ranch, as Nathan has broken his pelvis falling off his horse. Blake is cross but his wife, Tina, had told him he needed to make up with his brothers after being told to leave years ago.
Jonas seems to think that Blake can drop everything!
When he arrives at the ranch he meets Nathan's nurse, Malorie, and her twins. They are there to get away from home and recover from divorce.
Malorie and Blake have feelings for each other but are pretty rubbish at communicating!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

An interesting read from Susan

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns is the first story in the Strawberry Ridge series. The Prodigal Brother Returns follows the story of Blake and Malorie. I thoroughly enjoy reading Blake and Malorie’s story, I found it to be well-written, entertaining and enjoyable to read. Author Susan Lute is a fabulous writer and storyteller, I think she writes quite intriguing romance stories that are quite captivating to a reader. I would most certainly suggest this amazing book for anyone to read. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from this amazing author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aurelia Radcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Return by Susan Lute is a heartfelt, beautifully written story about forgiveness, family, and second chances. Blake Lohmen’s return to his family’s Colorado ranch after sixteen years sets the stage for a moving journey of reconciliation and healing. I loved how the author wove together Blake’s emotional struggles, his unexpected connection with Malorie, and the warmth of small-town life. Malorie’s resilience and devotion to her twins make her an instantly likable heroine, and her chemistry with Blake feels genuine and tender. This touching romance reminds us that sometimes coming home is the hardest and most rewarding journey.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixteen years ago, Blake was told to leave the ranch and never come back. He's had no contact with his brothers since.
When the middle brother, Nathan, is hurt and laid up for 3 months, the oldest, Jonas, calls Blake home.
Malorie went through a divorce that let her and her twins devastated. She takes a job as a traveling nurse to help with Nathan's recovery.

A beautiful story about love, forgiveness, family, and healing.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns is book 1 in the Strawberry Ridge series by Susan Lute, a new to me author.

This is Blake Lohmen and Malorie Harper’s story of finding a way to heal the past, redemption, raising kids on the ranch, attraction, keeping feelings bottled up, misunderstandings, grudges, and more…will they find their HEA or will this just be temporary…read on to see what happens…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from Tule Publishng. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns ~ Strawberry Ridge #1 by Susan Lute

A new author to me, and I enjoyed reading this book and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
I found this book to be written well, with wonderful characters that feel real. The storyline is believable and strong, so I was kept engaged from the start.
It's a fantastic start for a new series and I hope to read the next book.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns is the first book in this new series. It was wonderfully written. It is full of misunderstandings, forgiveness, drama, family and so much more. Blake and Malorie are both looking for a new start and neither is looking for a relationship. Sometimes things find us when we are not expecting them. Both of them have to learn to let go of their pasts and focus on the now. I loved their story and I cannot wait for the next book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some tense moments there wondering just how and if things would work out for everyone. The ending did come a bit quick - perhaps not realistically, but quite satisfyingly - and because it was a story it did work out for everyone (which of course you know going into the book given what kind of book it is).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hilda Etherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returrns is a book about two people who meet at a ranch that belongs to three
brothers who own a ranch that they work at and a nurse, Malorie, who is caring for one of the brothers who had a very bad accident. I like the way the story keeps your attention and i flows so nicely.

Thank you for letting me read such a great book. If you really want to read a great book, buy it and enjoy it.

Hilda

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was hooked from the start and this amazing book was hard to put down. I loved the storyline and the authrntic and likeable mix of characters. It was entertaining and full of family drama, forgiveness, love, laughter and tears.Very well written and I highly recommend this wonderful new series. I'm really looking forward to the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake & Malorie: Book 1 of Strawberry Ridge: Children’s book author & traveling nurse/ widower & single mom/ coming home & new beginnings/ small town romance: Great start to a new series. This was a slow build sweet romance with some past family conflicts being sorted out. Looking forward to more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake is going back home to help take care of his brother's ranch. He had a bull riding accident that left him having to have a full time nurse for awhile. He has some secrets they don't know about because they haven't spoken in years. Malarie is that nurse and she comes with her own set of issues. Really wonderful storyline and how you can set right whats wrong if they'll let you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For being the very first book I have ever read by Susan, I enjoyed it. The setting and characters Blake and Malorie were AWESOME. The situations seemed very realistic as well as the family dynamics. A wonderful book with a great ending. The cover really is fitting for the book as well sweet and romantic.

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest opinion.

A storyline of coming home, family issues, new connections, and possible romance. The Prodigal Brother Returns by Susan Lute gives you that and so much more. The first book in the Strawberry Ridge series. I look forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series and more books by Susan Lute.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is going home for the first time in years, seeing his brothers, hoping to make amends. With his brother injured and unable to run the farm, Blake has no choice. I’m sure it would be a hard decision to come home with hard feelings all around. It’s an uphill climb for all, especially with the attraction Blake has for the nurse, Malorie. A sweet romance story with a feel good ending.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of the time spent reading this book I was misty eyed. Many heartwarming moments. The ending seemed abrupt but since it appears to be the first of a series that is okay. There is a happily ever after. I look forward to reading more about the people of Strawberry Ridge. Thanks to Booksprout for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Brother Returns by Susan Lute, book one in her Strawberry Ridge series, is a beautiful story about coming home, family, love, forgiveness, and healing. Blake Lohman was a troubled teen when he was told to leave his family home by his brother Jonas, sixteen years ago. He’s changed a lot since then: became a widow, a successful author, and cares for his preteen autistic brother-in-law. Malorie Harper and her children were abandoned by her selfish ex and she jumps at the job opportunity to become a traveling nurse to get away for the summer. She was hired to take care of Blake’s injured brother Nathan, but she didn’t expect to fall for Blake. Even though Nathan keeps pushing him away Blake is trying to help him save the family ranch. Blake is also falling for Malorie, but then Nathan stakes his claim. I loved how quickly Andee and Reece welcomed Timmy and included him in their activities. Blake and Malorie’s relationship escalates rather quickly for only knowing each other a few weeks, but this was a sweet romance.

Ms Lute wrote an enjoyable story that was full of heart and hurt, learning to love again, learning to forgive and work together to heal and maybe, just maybe save the family ranch. The family dynamics and the forming of new relationships was beautifully written and I really enjoyed getting deeper into the family and the characters and their fractured relationships and their deep emotional feelings. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.