The Birch Creek Ranch Series

Two widows, six kiddos, and a will that leaves them a massive cattle ranch, but only if they work it for a year.  Abigail and Amanda may have married brothers, but they have almost nothing else in common (and really, they never did get along very well). After their husbands both pass away, they have no reason to interact. Their connection drops to an awkward phone call on birthdays and an exchange of holiday cards. Until an eccentric uncle of their husbands' leaves a massive cattle ranch to the women's minor children. . . if they work the ranch themselves. A ranch that's located near a small town on the border of Wyoming that isn't too keen on outsiders. They're both going to turn the bequest down, clearly. It's not like either of them could properly raise their kids or find love again in a backwater province like Birch Creek. But when things at home change dramatically—for both moms—they decide to give it a try. . . just for the summer. What could possibly go wrong in a mere three months? (Or more importantly... what might go right?)   What are the experts saying?  Publisher's Weekly says, "The Bequest [is] an endearing work of women's romantic fiction and the first in the Birch Creek Ranch series. [It] offers a compelling setup as two wildly different women are thrown together in the aftermath of their husbands' deaths. Baker's prose is candid, warm, and allows readers to feel immediately connected to the two protagonists. Baker brings freshness and fun to the story of two 'couldn't be more different' individuals who find they have more in common than they'd anticipated." Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley said, "B. E. Baker takes you right to the heart of the small town that two widowed sisters-in-law land in very unexpectedly. Can they survive the year they need to spend there to keep it? I really enjoyed reading Bridget's romantic women's fiction debut."   USA Today Bestselling Author, Tamie Dearen said, "B.E. Baker is an amazing storyteller! Wow! Women's fiction at its best. When you open this book, you might want some snacks handy, because you won't be able to stop until you finish. Highly recommend!" USA Today Bestselling Author, Amelia Addler said, "A sweet, feel-good story! Loved reading about these two women forging a new life for themselves and their children with all the challenges and joys of a ranch!"   USA Today Bestselling Author, Emma St. Clair said, "I'm a huge fan of Baker's writing and this book is no exception. At once both a BIG story and one that's very intimate, you'll get two women's stories as they're forced together because of a will. Relocating to a ranch, these sisters-in-law and their families face challenges that bring them closer together and change the course of their lives. A great read if you love family sagas!"

Three stubborn women each made a promise. Who will yield, and who will break?  Abigail made a vow to her husband before he passed, one she could not, would not break. But life hasn't been easy without him by her side, and her children grow more with each passing day. Sometimes it feels like she'll be alone forever. Amanda is tired of being a mess. She wants to achieve, to impress, to excel. If that means changing who she is, even changing her entire life, then so be it. Donna has learned the truth about the world the hard way. You either attack, or you're attacked yourself. She doesn't like being the villain, but she's done being a patsy. She's determined to carve out a place for herself, no matter what. These women have all returned to Birch Creek with big plans, but the future loves to surprise us. Can their vows keep them on target? Or will they decide it's more important to follow their hearts, no matter how bad the fallout?

A ranch they didn't expect to love. A family they didn't expect to find.  Amanda and Abigail Brooks didn't even want a ranch. They should be pleased the secondary beneficiary is trying to take it away. But now they've been in Birch Creek for a while and they've started to put down roots. They won't give up without a fight—even if the odds of winning are bleak. Donna Ellingson started on the wrong side of things, but she's eager to rectify past mistakes. But when helping one widow harms the other, none of the choices she's presented with are clear. Can the women save the ranch that has brought them all together, and learn to love openly and boldly, even when life keeps getting in the way?

You can't win until you learn when to fall back. . .   Amanda Brooks can't seem to find a job that suits her. She's really hoping her new plan is a good one, because she needs something to keep her busy while her boyfriend's gone.   Abigail Brooks is opening a new legal practice in the middle of nowhere, but she's positive she can make it work. With more flexible hours, she's finally prepared to settle herself and her family into their new life out West.   Donna Ellingson's brother may be a grade-A jerk, but she's grown a lot in the past year. She's not afraid of a fight anymore, as long as she's on the right side.   But when a rival developer breaks ground on a retreat in nearby Flaming Gorge, he steals all of Amanda's best contractors. Abby's nearly as frustrated when her big sister drops in, eager to "help" as usual. And Donna discovers that sometimes no love life is better than too much. . .   Can these three friends-turned-family learn when to go all-in and when to let go before their various battles meet with unhappy endings?

If you're starting a thousand mile journey with a single step, you better make sure you're wearing comfy shoes.  Abby Archer's life has rarely been better. As a newlywed, she and Steve have things just as she wants them. But when a big surprise leaves Abby confused, can she trust Steve to do things the way she needs them handled? Amanda Brooks' business had a rocky start, but she and Mandy are more energized than ever. Eddy's back too, and they're trying to navigate a new way forward. Work and love are both shaping up nicely when disaster strikes. Can the new presence in town wreck all their plans, or will Amanda square her shoulders and persevere? Donna has finally accepted her feelings for Will, and she's enjoying her job too. But working far from home has its own share of difficulties, and eventually her current job will end. When the retreat is built, will Donna find that tiny Manila is big enough to fulfill all her dreams? Return to Birch Creek to see how your favorite friends are navigating career, family life, and love with just a little laughter.

Romeo and Juliet's families caused all sorts of problems, but the two lovers took that poison themselves, the idiots.   When Beth Ellingson meets Ethan Brooks, it's because her aunt and father are conspiring to steal the Birch Creek Ranch from the handsome young man. It wasn't the cutest way to meet, but just as roses grow best when fertilized with manure, sometimes beauty springs from tragedy.   Beth's father's definitely a stinker, and she wants to spare Ethan the misery of affiliating with him. But Ethan's never been afraid of a fight when the cause is just. Can these two young but beloved Birch Creek characters find their happily ever after? Or will the biggest surprise of their young lives derail all their plans and poison their future?

Amanda Brooks has made a new home for herself in Birch Creek, and she's finally learning to love the right way. But our past always catches up to us, and when her family surprises her with a visit, it slams into her plans like a bowling ball, knocking pins in every direction. Donna Ellingson has a new job and a fresh resolve to embrace happiness with both hands. But every big change has its difficulties, and she's not sure whether she made the right choice. It's hard to move ahead when you keep looking back. Helen Fisher has never deviated from her life plan. When things go wrong, she handles them, one way or another. When her family in Birch Creek needs a little of her attention, she resolves to deal with it quickly and get right back on track.  Can these three women navigate their respective setbacks and move forward with grace and hope? Or will these life changes alter their futures forever?