A Rancher for Easter by Susanne Dietze: Book Review & Giveaway

Book promo banner for "A Rancher for Easter" by Susanne Dietze. Features a cowboy on the cover against a scenic mountain backdrop, with event details: "Takeover + Review Blitz, February 26" and a "JustRead" logo.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Rancher for Easter by Susanne Dietze,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I wanted to read some good Easter novels this year and, oh my goodness, good doesn’t even begin to describe it. This series keeps getting better. But you know what? I just realized I haven’t read book one yet. I’m aghast! It’s now on my priority list. But if you want to start here because you love Easter reads, too, then you’ll be perfectly fine to do so.

Cowboy in denim with a black hat leans on a wooden fence in a colorful flower field, mountains in background; cover text: “A Rancher for Easter.”

A Rancher for Easter by Susanne Dietze
Series: Home to Foxtail – Book 3
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

This book is so full of Jesus, it made me want to weep. Actually, get out my Bible. There was no preaching, just teaching through examples of trial and pain. So real, so close, that it just touches your heart to the very core. Not only do I want to read more books by Susanne Dietze but I want to Bible study with her because you just cannot fake a joy like that.

Oh, the characters. I adore them all. Thatcher is strong and sensitive. He cares so deeply but doesn’t believe deep love, especially the kind found in a good marriage, is for him. He believes it is not an emotion he can possess. And, Bliss, sigh. She is just a good woman who had a rough first marriage. Juniper is at a fun age in the book, just shy of ten. An age where children aren’t grown up but you get glimpses of who they are and the adult they will be by the things they say. The things that make you realize that maybe they are mature and knowledgeable. You just don’t want them to be quite yet. Case in point, Juniper caught on to the real relationship in this marriage of convenience way before her guardians did. Some things you just can’t hide.

Bliss is in the process of adopting Juniper but she still cares for Juniper’s biological grandmother as if she were her own family. The fact that she could extend that compassion and care beyond the child she hoped to adopt and into her provides such a lovely message about what a family truly is. That isn’t the only example. Many of the characters, such as Beatie, are treated with the same warmth and affection as one would treat someone bound to them through a family tree. It makes the already growing family, feel stronger because they know that family isn’t just on a tree. Family extends beyond roots and branches.

The plot twist in this one! I want to tell you. But I can’t tell you. Ugh! The tension is real. In and outside of the story.

The number of times the characters prayed or acknowledged that they weren’t relying on God, hit the sweet spot for me. It was very much appropriate for a book with Easter in the title. But there are also moments where I just annotated with the word “cry”. Sometimes happy tears, sometimes sentimental. It was all woven together so beautifully.


“He was a family man now. Something he never thought he’d be.

But he didn’t care about Bliss more than that.

He might not even be capable of love. Not like that. So he mustn’t touch her like that again.” p. 79


Because the specific references to Bible passages were so minimal, it kept the book from feeling like it was preaching at you. Any specific thoughts or discussions of God were written the way one would think them or speak them. Or at least the way I do.

Whenever Dalton would get upset about the way someone treated Bliss (past or present), I just wanted to squeal with delight. It seems odd to be happy over a character’s anger but if you could hear Bliss’s inner thoughts, she needed this. And Juniper, too.

If you enjoy marriage of convenience, slow burn romance, and found family books, then you are in for a real treat. Themes of ongoing transformation in Christ, prayer, and generosity and stewardship are woven in throughout. This is the type of book that will make you want a stronger relationship with family, friends, and God.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author via JustRead Publicity Tours.
All opinions are my own.


Mountain Homecoming Her Pretend Holiday Beau


Smiling woman with short, blonde hair wearing a pink lace top and beaded necklace. The background is a blurred, lush green suggesting a sunny outdoor setting.

#1 Publishers Weekly, best-selling author Katy Lee writes character-driven romantic suspense that thrills and inspires her readers, keeping them coming back for more. She is a multi-award winner and nominee for the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, Holt Medallion, and Selah Award, celebrating excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah’s beautiful, rugged mountains and is also a special education teacher. She runs a literary nonprofit called Story Haven Writers, helping people write their healing stories from trauma. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, “Novel Ideas” at www.KatyLeebooks.com.


(1) winner will receive a copy of A Rancher for Easter and $25 Starbucks gift card!

Book cover of "A Rancher for Easter" by Susanne Dietze next to a Starbucks gift card. Giveaway text above; backdrop is a scenic mountain view.

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 26, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 5, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


This book is one to treasure. Whether you’ve been with the series from the start or are ready to dive right in, this one will put Easter in your heart any time of year.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

11 responses to “A Rancher for Easter by Susanne Dietze: Book Review & Giveaway”
  1. Dreaa Drake Avatar
    Dreaa Drake

    This sounds like a great book! Ty for sharing!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you for coming by, Dreaa!

  2. Jcp Avatar
    Jcp

    Sounds awesome

  3. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Terrific cover

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It is a good one, Nancy!

  4. Carrie @ JustRead Tours Avatar

    what a spectacular & heartfelt review, Carla! Can I get in on that Bible study with you & Susie too? 🙂

  5. Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) Avatar

    Sounds like a good one! I’m going to read an Easter romance too, but the author I’m reading is not at all like this one, will be pretty steamy and crazy. Glad you enjoyed this, thanks for sharing!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yes, I’m a kisses only reader. I’m glad you found an Easter romance that you’re enjoying.

  6. Rita Wray Avatar
    Rita Wray

    Sounds great, thank you for sharing.

  7. Reading in the Heartland Avatar
    Reading in the Heartland

    I love hearing that there is a big plot twist!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Oh, yes! It’s a good one.

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Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush where I share my favorite clean, Christian reads. I review everything from Amish and historical romance to suspense, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and the occasional devotional. If it has heart, hope, and a message that points back to Christ, it’s probably on my shelf. I also love chatting with authors and featuring interviews that give you a peek behind the pages. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a cozy weekend read, or just something uplifting and well-written, you’re in the right place. Clean stories. Encouraging faith. Books worth reading.

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