Barbara BrannonReseñas

A story of a woman who ran far from home in her efforts to become a respected college professor, only to be brought back to care for her injured, crotchety mother. Her family doesn't understand why she gave up her husband (infidelity) and let her daughter be raised by her ex-husband. Through the responsibility of caring for their mother, the three siblings draw together (somewhat), and the professor realizes what is important in life. An interesting enough book with a bit of a mystery, but didn't really "grab" me.

"The Paragraph Ranch" by Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon was a bit of a crazy ride for me. The entire reading experience started poorly upon notification that I was receiving an electronic copy. Since I don't and won't do e-readers, I was forced to print a copy. For me, most of the story was predictable and simplistic, and the only real attempt to develop a character was with the central figure, Dee. I typically wouldn't even attempt to finish something like this, but I couldn't put it down because of G.H. Templeton storyline, I was initially annoyed by the writing advice at the beginning of each chapter, but as I came to appreciate the borderline brilliant mystery surrounding Dee's research subject, I was also able to accept that device. Two authors usually makes me cringe, as their efforts are often apparent, and I wonder if that's the case in this book. Parts of it were almost literary in quality, and parts sleep inducing. In the end the Dee research angle kept me engaged and warranted a higher rating than otherwise.

The Paragraph Ranch (The Paragraph Ranch Series Book 1)

by Kay Ellington , Barbara Brannon

This book was very nice. I liked how each chapter had a little writing tidbit before getting into the story line. The story has a good plot and still manages to enlighten the reader on some key information about writing and getting published.

I loved the title it just suits the book so well! I look forward to reading the next book since I see now the heading on Goodreads says book 1.

I received this book through LibraryThing Early readers for my honest review.

I have to admit when I seen the book was written by two authors I was a little worried. I was not sure that the book was going to be choppy. I was very wrong this was such a great read. You could see how in sync the authors were. The characters were well written and easy to relate to.

Dee has decided to focus on her writing, then she gets the call that her mother has been injuried in a car accident. She goes back to her home to take care of her mother. This book shows the bond of family and friendship.

I can not wait to read more. I think anyone who enjoys a good, heart-warming story will enjoy this one.

(I was given a copy for a honest review)

I received an epub format ebook copy from Library Thing, in return for a review.

Writing professor Dee answers the call, when her mother needs care, what with broken wrists, etc. Known since Dee's childhood as Mo-Malice for her acerbic mouth and intolerant outlook, Doctor Dee dreads her return to the old home place. Dee must finish a research book that will let her keep her 'publish or perish' teaching position without reliable internet access, track down her college-drop-out daughter, line up reliable nursing assistance that will tolerate her outspoken and biased mother, and establish whether the accident that started it all represents a mystery or her mother's declining mental health.

On the way to losing her summer fellowship (needed to finish the book that will let her keep her job), and finding her daughter and then losing her again Dee unwittingly makes friends and a place for herself back in the old home town. And a friend helps her connect to the West Texas landscape she missed growing up.

Doctor Dee repeatedly postpones her plans as events conspire to begin to bind her to the farm, her mother, and the local photographer that becomes nature guide and friend.

The Paragraph Ranch is a great story about one woman’s understanding and realization of just who and what she is as well as what family and career really mean. Mary Alice Bennett has had an accident and will require care and rehab for quite some time. Dee, her daughter and an aspiring writer moves back with her mother to help her through this difficult time. However, Dee has to give up her dreams of participating in a writing workshop. She also must come to grips with how to accept and manage her feelings for her daughter. Finally, the question of how the accident that resulted in her mother’s injuries remains a mystery to everyone. Of course, there are underlying themes/questions about rural west Texas, whether small towns are still viable and have a future, how family ties affect us all, etc. The book provides a fantastic insight into some of the myriad of problems/questions facing us today, while also giving the reader a great taste and feeling for west Texas. The author had produced a marvelous modern work that confronts today’s problems and challenges. I think anyone who enjoys a good, heart-warming story will like this one. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

First, I received this ARC e-book from Library Thing for my enjoyment and an honest review. This was a delightful read by Ellington and Brannon, just like good comfort food to eat! The story of Dee Bennett and her decision to return to her home farm in Texas when her mother suddenly needed her, it carried the reader so nicely through all her adventures and challenges that come along with rediscovering her home town. It was the kind of old farm and small town where most people dream of
living a fantasy life, at some point while growing up. The story ends as nicely as it starts, but does run into a few bumps along the way with “Mama”, Theresa, their home aide, Max, her developing male relationship, and her friends at the local library. I completely enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very comfortable book that flows along so nicely. Thanks, Ms. Ellington and Brannon – bring us more!

I really enjoyed the book. I like the writing tips at the beginning of each chapter. Although, I knew some secrets were going to come to light, I was still surprised by it. As a librarian, I like that the author highlighted the importance of the librarian and their research skills. Good book overall. I would recommend it.

This book was provided to me in exchange for a review.
Dee is a college professor whose career has not been as successful as she'd planned. She is very anxious to get a book published and has been granted time off to complete the project. Her publisher wants the final draft soon, and Dee is confident that he can meet the deadline. However when her mom is in an accident and needs help during her rehab, neither of her siblings are able to help. Dee is not wild about returning home, but she plans to use the time to finish her book and to do her part to help the family.
Her mom is a feisty character who struggles to retain her independence, though she realizes she is getting too old to manage the home place. As they work through the mystery surrounding the accident, Dee considers what 'home' means to her now that she is an adult. I enjoyed getting to know Dee's rebellious daughter, loved her cranky mother, and admired Dee for the effort she put into keeping her mom healthy and safe. While I thought the plot was a little thin, the characters make the book interesting.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Dee is a writer/professor who is called home to West Texas where her headstrong mother was injured in a mysterious accident. Dee puts her life on hold to rediscover family, community, and the forces that drove her away and also pull her back in.

There's a strong sense of placement in West Texas along with the displacement of returning home when everything, including yourself, feels different.

The Paragraph Ranch is a sweet, fast, and honestly sort of boring read. The lackadaisy vibe isn't a bad thing, but really another reason to read this book, it carries us with a Texan drawl. Lacking a major crux of conflict, it moves in a way that reflects life - focusing on family, aging, and uncovering yourself to live authentically.

Perfect for whenever you want a book that allows you to easily sink into, no questions asked.

"The Paragraph Ranch" by Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon is the kind of novel that evokes emotion from you in a charming way, having you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. It's a well-written story that explores the concepts of going home, of self-discovery, family, friendship, love, triumph, heartaches and finding your way through the mire. The authors are extremely talented, creating characters that endear themselves to you in all their complexities, from quirky personalities to emotionally charged scenes. The story is vividly written with a fast pace, a strong quirky yet enchanting vibe and a level of world-building that just leaves a smile on your face as you get immersed in Dee's struggles to find a balance between her wants and the life she is forced to lead. Overall, this was entertaining, engaging and emotionally charged... just the kind of novel that I like to sink my teeth into.

The authors gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.

I love the language in which this novel is written. The first line: “There wasn’t a soul in eleven hundred square miles of Caprock County, Texas willing or able to take care of Mary Alice Bennett, not for love or money.” Despite the expectation set, “Bless your heart” is never once uttered by a character in this 291 page work and I must admit a bit of disappointment on that count. Still, this is a tale chock full of southernisms and stock southern female characters written with respect and round edges instead of cheap stereotypes.

“The Paragraph Ranch” is a character driven story. We are with Dee for this experience and, in a sense, her evolution as a woman and writer. It was interesting to watch her research and writing process. At its heart, “The Paragraph Ranch” is simple and direct but without any loss of the softness appropriate to a female driven story. Dee’s flaws aren’t hidden and her awkwardness isn’t concealed.

What most surprised me about “The Paragraph Ranch” is how seamlessly it’s written. Had I read other works by either author a signature style may have been evident. As a first time reader of both, I could not detect a duality of style in the work.

Overall, “The Paragraph Ranch” was a delightfully warm read. I really enjoyed the relationship between characters and the awkward fun of encountering people from years before. I enjoyed how Dee was roped into the book group and her relationship with her mother, a woman not afraid to say what she thinks. There was a kinship between Dee and me in that I saw my own relationship with my mother reflected. Sometimes the point of a novel is to develop a bond with the person reading under a warm blanket with a cup of tea in hand. This novel delivers that in spades. If you like a good story, pick up “The Paragraph Ranch” today.

The Paragraph Ranch
Key Ellington & Barbara Brannon
Booktrope
978-1-62015-461-8
$16.95, 312 pgs

When Mary Alice Bennett, fiercely independent and often cantankerous widow and mother of three, suffers severe injuries in a car accident her children must decide how best to help and (hopefully) how not to hurt. They have all moved far from their tiny West Texas hometown with its agricultural roots, decamping for economic and entertainment opportunity in the city.

The task falls to Dee, a professor of literature in North Carolina, to return to the farm and assist their mother in her recovery and grapple with what would be best for everyone going forward. The questions are important and painful: is Mama Bennett too elderly and infirm to continue to live by herself in her home? Should they hire help? Can they afford to hire help? Must she move to a retirement home or nursing facility? Is it time to sell the farm, the family's homestead? What responsibilities do adult children owe their aging parents?

Dee must also grapple with a looming publish-or-DIE deadline that could determine the future of her career, a daughter who seems to have lost her focus on her own future, ghosts from the past that threaten to haunt the present, and a mystery: how did Mama Bennett's car end up in that ditch in the first place?

The Paragraph Ranch, in its determination to be authentically Texan and its emphatic devotion to a very specific setting, will give Texans a kick out of recognizing themselves and being able to nod their heads and say, "I know exactly what they're talking about." This book effectively paints a picture of the issues confronting contemporary Texas: rural migration, legal and otherwise, to urban centers and the resulting decline of small towns, especially in the plains and West Texas; economic diversification; environmental tensions regarding oil and alternative energy sources; drought; fears held by older generations that the youngsters are going to toss tradition overboard and we will be the poorer for it; younger generations who believe, correctly, that some traditions deserve to be tossed.

The Paragraph Ranch, the first in a new series, illustrates the tenacious hold Texas exerts on its children and asks the classic question, "Can you go home again?"½

18A5