“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”
——A Cherokee proverb

Rescue Ranch Rising, an uplifting novel by Heidi M. Thomas, is book three of her “Rescue Series.” The contemporary western takes place on a Montana cattle ranch.

Samantha (Sam) Moser’s dreams went up in flames when her barn burned to the ground. Although her horses escaped the fire, her plans to both rescue horses and people are also threatened to turn to ashes. As Rescue Ranch Rising begins, Sam observes the burned remains of her barn and is overwhelmed with the now dimming possibility of restoring her dream of having her own arena to help guide traumatized people, especially veterans, heal by equestrian therapy.

Sam lives on the Montana ranch her grandparents once owned. She’s made headway toward realizing some aspects of her dream. She’s made a positive influence on a teen who was once a Gothic girl; she’s made real headway toward helping veterans suffering from PTSD, and she’s rescued neglected horses and abandoned dogs. Sam strongly believes that horses have the power to heal. In a program at an agriculture college, vets have responded favorably to Sam’s sessions to help them gain emotional strength and self-esteem through their involvement with horses.

Possibilities seem to brighten when builders give her a quote to build a new barn, but then betray her when they leave the area and abscond with her down-payment. In the meantime, Brad, the man she loves, seems to be pre-occupied, leaving her doubting their relationship.

Sam’s life and dreams are in turmoil. Will her faith and her solidly loyal friends be enough to turn her bad luck around?

Heidi M. Thomas writes with heart. Growing up on a working Montana cattle ranch, she writes from first-hand knowledge both the satisfaction and the concerns of a modern-day rancher. Although Rescue Ranch Rising would stand alone, I would recommend reading this intriguing series from the beginning starting with Rescuing Samantha, Rescuing Hope and this third story, Rescue Ranch Rising.