Outerwear Edit from Shopbop
To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $17.46

Save: $9.97 (57%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Third Time's the Charm: Christian Contemporary Romance (Three Rivers Ranch Romance™ Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,462 ratings

He’s her brother’s best friend, and she’s so broken she’s sure not even the strong Army cowboy and his therapeutic riding program can help her…

In the wake of two failed engagements, Chelsea Ackerman returns home to Three Rivers Ranch, seeking refuge from her past and the painful memories of her fiancé's death. With her family leaving her in charge of the homestead, Chelsea finds herself drawn to the ranch's newest addition, Courage Reins, a therapeutic riding program for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Specifically, she’s drawn to the cowboy who runs the program: First Lieutenant Peter Marshall.

Pete carries the scars of war and is determined to help veterans like himself heal through equine therapy. He’s enchanted by his best friend’s older sister, but he knows who and what Chelsea is—and that’s off-limits.

As Chelsea and Pete work side-by-side to train the horses and launch the program, they forge an undeniable connection that transcends their individual heartaches. Amidst the sun-soaked Texas landscape, they discover solace in each other's company and the healing power of faith. But with Pete's mounting debts and Chelsea's vow to never wear another engagement ring, they must confront their insecurities and learn to trust in love, acceptance, and the promise of a brighter future together.

Embrace the heartwarming journey of two wounded souls, brought together by destiny, as they find redemption and love through faith, courage, and the healing power of horses in this inspirational Christian cowboy romance novel by USA Today Bestselling author, Liz Isaacson.

Shop this series

See full series
This option includes 10 books. This option includes 18 books. See included books
Shop this series
There are 18 books in this series.
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

This option includes 3 books.

This option includes 5 books.

This option includes 10 books.

This option includes 18 books.

Something went wrong.
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
Bundle price: Kindle price
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Second Chance Ranch, Book 1 in the Amazon #1 bestselling Three Rivers Ranch Romance series: "Isaacson artfully combines disparate threads in her contemporary Western Christian romance, the first of seven installments in her Three Rivers Ranch series." ~BookLife, Publisher's Weekly

From the Author

★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★Read all of Liz's books!Three Rivers Ranch Romance Series:1. Second Chance Ranch2. Third Time's the Charm3. Fourth and Long4. Fifth Generation Cowboy5. Sixth Street Love Affair6. The Seventh Sergeant7. Eight Second Ride8. The First Lady of Three Rivers9. Christmas in Three Rivers10. Lucky Number Thirteen11. The Curse of February Fourteenth12. Fifteen Minutes of Fame13. Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love14. The Sleigh on Seventeenth Street15. Eighteen Years at Three Rivers Ranch16. Nineteen Bow Ties and CountingSeven Son's Ranch in Three Rivers Romance:1. Rhett's Make-Believe Marriage2. Tripp's Trivial Tie3. Liam's Invented I-Do4. Jeremiah's Bogus Bride5. Wyatt's Pretend Pledge6. Skyler's Wanna-be Wife7. Micah's Mock MatrimonyHorseshoe Home Ranch Romance Series:1. Falling for Her Boss2. Falling for Her Roommate3. Falling for His Best Friend4. Falling for His Nanny5. Falling for Her Ex's Brother6. Falling for Her Old Boyfriend7. Falling for His Next-door Neighbor8. Falling for His NurseBrush Creek Brides Romance Series1. A Wedding for the Widower2. A Companion for the Cowboy3. A Bride for the Bronc Rider4. A Family for the Farmer5. A Home for the Horseman6. A Refuge for the Rancher7. A Marriage for the Marine8. A Fiance for the Firefighter9. A Treasure for the Trooper10. A Date for the Detective11. A Partner for the Paramedic12. A Catch for the ChiefSteeple Ridge Romance Series:1. Her Billionaire Cowboy2. Her Restless Cowboy3. Her Faithful Cowboy4. Her Mistletoe Cowboy5. Her Patient CowboyGrape Seed Falls Romance Series:1. Choosing the Cowboy2. Craving the Cowboy3. Charming the Cowboy4. Courting the Cowboy5. Claiming the Cowboy6. Catching the Cowboy7. Cheering the CowboyChristmas in Coral Canyon Romance Series:1. Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Friend2. Her Cowboy Billionaire Boss3. Her Cowboy Billionaire Boyfriend4. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bodyguard5. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bull Rider6. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bachelor7. Her Cowboy Billionaire Blind Date8. Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Man9. Her Cowboy Billionaire Birthday Wish10. Her Cowboy Billionaire Butler11. Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Friend's Brother12. Her Cowboy Billionaire BeastLast Chance Ranch:1. Her Last First Kiss2. Her Last Billionaire Boyfriend3. Her Last Make-Believe Marriage4. Her Last Second Chance5. Her Last Secret Sweetheart6. Her Last Cowboy ChristmasQuinn Valley Ranch:1. Contracted Cowboy2. Secret Sweetheart3. Landscaping Love4. Birthday Boyfriend5. Fall Fireside

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B015U3083K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ AEJ Creative Works (December 1, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1930 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,462 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Liz Isaacson
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

★USA Today Bestseller ★ Top 10 Kindle Unlimited All-Star ★

Liz Isaacson® writes inspirational cowboy romances. She has multiple #1 bestsellers in over a dozen categories, is a USA Today Bestseller, and a Top 10 Bestselling Author in Kindle Unlimited. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas or Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more on her website, Feel-Good Fiction Books.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,462 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers enjoy the story and find it well-told. They appreciate the healing method and how God can help others through rough times. The characters are interesting and engaging, learning to find themselves and heal. Readers describe the book as heartwarming and touching with a touch of pathos. They praise the writing style as well-written, easy to read, and realistic. The series is described as great and a wonderful continuation. The pace is also fast-paced.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

233 customers mention "Story quality"226 positive7 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's story. They found it enjoyable, entertaining, and touching. The plot included rebuilding lives and forgiveness. Readers described it as an inspirational western romance.

"...This was an amazing book, and is centered around healing past trauma,,, something we all need to live our lives to the fullest...." Read more

"...Personal Enjoyment: 4 -- I liked it a lot. Highly enjoyable and very entertaining, with perhaps an issue or two that tempered my pleasure...." Read more

"...For the most part, I found the author’s creative way of writing fun, but occasionally I needed to reread some of the sentences to puzzle out the..." Read more

"...Third Time's the Charm was delightful to read!..." Read more

58 customers mention "Healing method"58 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the healing method described in the book. They find it uplifting and encouraging, with a story of how horses can help people physically and mentally. The book provides detailed information about rehabilitation therapy and offers an inspiring perspective on mental and physical health issues.

"...This was an amazing book, and is centered around healing past trauma,,, something we all need to live our lives to the fullest...." Read more

"...I liked the honest glimpses of life with scars of all types--his physical scars and PTSD from the war and his injury, and her emotional scars from..." Read more

"...I loved the in depth information about rehabilitation therapy. Courage Reins is a place of miracles...." Read more

"...It was amazing to see the two of them heal together and work as one to help others heal as they did...." Read more

48 customers mention "Character development"44 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed and likable characters in the book. They find them interesting and engaging, with past characters included to keep readers up to date. The characters learn to find themselves and heal, with both being hurt and flawed yet deeply in love with each other.

"...Characters: 5 -- Relatable, realistic, interesting, dynamic characters. Even minor characters have depth...." Read more

"...There are so many emotions soaring around and the characters learn to find themselves and heal...." Read more

"...The characters were well developed and likable...." Read more

"This wasn't a horrible book, the plot was okay and the characters were okay. My problem with it was the author's way of phrasing things...." Read more

44 customers mention "Emotion level"41 positive3 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and touching with a touch of faith. They appreciate the gentle ways the characters respond to God and how therapy horses help people cope with fears. The story touches on themes of acceptance and trust among couples, making it an intense read.

"...No sinister happenings here, shoot-em-up or otherwise. &#..." Read more

"...of Pete's injuries- it was unexpected and yet was a perfect example of how acceptance and love look in a relationship...." Read more

"...This poignant and profound story deals with PTSD, anorexia, anxiety, and depression as two broken people find their way together to healing and love..." Read more

"...Once again, Isaacson does a great job letting the emotions feel real and progress naturally. They do happen fast, but it all makes sense...." Read more

44 customers mention "Writing style"44 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the book easy to read and realistic, with no bad language or sex. The author handles difficult topics like PTSD well and makes them think. The book flows nicely with the other books in the series. The dialogue is great, and the narrator does a nice job bringing the story to life.

"...I like it as an example of the author's unique style, but when it is part of the narration from multiple characters' POV, it seems a bit strange...." Read more

"...I thought that was done really well. *The descriptive writing:..." Read more

"...became pivotal characters in this story with their compassion and understanding. They love and accept with judgment...." Read more

"...though it dealt with many difficult topics such as PTSD, the author handled them well and had me thinking more about the positive parts like how the..." Read more

16 customers mention "Series"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series. They find the book an inspiring continuation of the Three Rivers Ranch series, with a nice return to the setting and characters.

"...wording but this is an inspiring story and a wonderful continuation of the Three Rivers Ranch Series...." Read more

"I liked he characters, the plot, the setting, and the series. I liked the gentle ways they responded to God...." Read more

"...Liz Isaacson writes such great series, each book alone and yet begging you to read the rest." Read more

"This is my favorite of the Three Rivers Ranch series of books...." Read more

12 customers mention "Pace"9 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's pace fast and enjoyable. They appreciate the narrator's narration and appropriate expressions. The emotions feel natural and progress naturally.

"...Isaacson does a great job letting the emotions feel real and progress naturally. They do happen fast, but it all makes sense...." Read more

"...I like the speed she narrates and her expressions are appropriate for the situations they portray. *..." Read more

"...It did seem to move slow, I found that I was not really caring about the characters...." Read more

"...her characters come alive to me and builds the story line at an enjoyable pace. Looking forward to reading book 3 in the Three Rivers Ranch Romance." Read more

11 customers mention "Adorability"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the books. They find the cowboys and their lovely ladies charming. The books provide clean entertainment and are enjoyable Christian romances. Readers appreciate the special support for veterans.

"...a true treasure Anyway, fun, clean, sweet, and I like the way Isaacson talks about the hidden scars we often carry around with us...." Read more

"...This book is a cute, clean, fun romance that you will love reading. Chelsea is hurting...." Read more

"...Excellent Liz. Starr as Ruby Slippers" Read more

"Sweet, Wonderful, adorable, Cowboys and their Lovely Ladies, I've enjoyed every book in this series. Thank you so much Liz Isaacson." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
    I read the first book in this series years ago, and just revisited these wonderful books a couple days ago. This was an amazing book, and is centered around healing past trauma,,, something we all need to live our lives to the fullest. I wish there was a program like this one close to me,,,,I would run to it with open arms.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2016
    Chelsea is struggling in the aftermath of her depressed fiance's suicide, and reluctantly admits that Pete's therapy horses (and Pete himself) are helping her heal.

    (Though reviews are inherently subjective, I prefer to provide some organization to my opinions through the use of a personal rubric. The following notes may contain spoilers.)

    Plot and Setting: 4.5 -- Plot has unique elements and no major holes, but a few shaky bits. Setting is clear, believable, and consistent. I'm puzzled about why Pete has signs for Courage Reins up along the road when he apparently hasn't actually shared his plans with Squire or Garth. And I could've used a bit more explanation about why after showing her he built a house for her and their future children, they then waited another 6 months to be engaged. I don't necessarily disapprove of knowing each other longer first, but it seems a bit odd in this case.

    Characters: 5 -- Relatable, realistic, interesting, dynamic characters. Even minor characters have depth. Both Chelsea and Pete have good and bad traits, but their actions and reactions all seem very consistent with their characters. I liked the honest glimpses of life with scars of all types--his physical scars and PTSD from the war and his injury, and her emotional scars from struggling to love and fix someone who was dangerously depressed.

    Writing and Mechanics: 4.5 -- Few, if any, typos or word errors. Intelligent use of alternating POV. Generally skillful writing. More of that characteristic triple-repeating style, which worked better in some places than in others. I like it as an example of the author's unique style, but when it is part of the narration from multiple characters' POV, it seems a bit strange. Not everybody actually thinks that way. And other than that one thing, they do have unique ways of speaking and thinking.

    Redeeming Value: 4 -- Incidental uplifting themes. Small mentions of God's role in healing us, but mostly it's about the horses. Sex, alcohol, drugs, violence, etc, are not glorified at all. Pete has a positive view of the Army, but we also see the negative aspects of war and injury. Again, very little actual listening to sermons.

    Personal Enjoyment: 4 -- I liked it a lot. Highly enjoyable and very entertaining, with perhaps an issue or two that tempered my pleasure. I’d enjoy reading it again.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2017
    Fascinating. Two of my friends have read this book, and they both disliked it. But I really enjoyed it! In my own life, I am not at all into ranching (or farming or camping or horses or…) but I find that I enjoy stories with a ranch setting. Why? I don’t know! After recently confiding to my mother-in-law that I seem to like Western romances, she treated me to a movie based on a Louis L’Amour|858 book. I enjoyed it thoroughly! Lest I be misleading though, this book is completely centered on healing and romance. No sinister happenings here, shoot-em-up or otherwise.

    "Third Time’s the Charm" (2015, AEJ Creative Works), second in the "Three Rivers Ranch" series by Liz Isaacson, is a contemporary romance set on a ranch in Texas. The novel is a standalone even though the couple from book one does appear. The first story is not rehashed, but there is one line in the first chapter of this book which gives away the mystery in book one. So starting at the beginning of the series is probably best.

    Rating: 4 1/2 stars

    The heroine: Chelsea Ackerman, 28, is returning home from her high finance job to take care of the Three Rivers Ranch homestead when her parents move to town. She’s having a terrible time bouncing back from the loss of her fiance and needs to distance herself from Dallas. Her fiance had problems with depression, and now Chelsea is struggling with a variety of feelings, including guilt. “Her tears weren’t for what she’d lost when Danny had ended his life. They were because she was beyond relieved to be free from him… What sort of monster did that make her?” Chelsea is also having trouble with anxiety attacks and a lack of appetite.

    The hero: Peter Marshall was in the army, a lieutenant serving with Chelsea’s brother. A year ago, he survived an explosion in Afghanistan, but was badly burned in the attack and has since suffered from PTSD. Now he is a cowhand at the Ackermans’ ranch, but he is also has a pet project he’s trying to get off the ground. "Courage Reins" is an equine therapy program to help strengthen people suffering from physical or mental trauma. “His hope was that by bringing people to the ranch they’d find the same comfort, the same peace, the same rehabilitation he’d felt in his body and soul when he’d come to Three Rivers.” Pete is concerned about Chelsea the first time he meets her, crying outside of the house, and “he felt certain God wanted him to aid in her rehabilitation.”

    Christian elements: Ms. Isaacson is an LDS author, but her descriptions of moral choices, attending church, and how a relationship with God positively affects a person are rather generic and could apply to a Christian as well. Unless I find otherwise, I will continue reading her books.

    “Dear Lord, she prayed. Help me.”

    “The past few months of attending church with the Ackerman’s [sic had helped him accept God’s will.”

    Clean? Yes! Super clean. No swearing, nothing more than kisses, and no violence.

    What I liked:

    *Chelsea’s emotional turmoil felt real to me, including the complex feelings that come from being in a relationship with a severely depressed person. Ms. Isaacson doesn’t make the mistake of healing Chelsea instantly, but does a great job of writing in a gradual healing process. At the beginning of the story: “Chelsea followed the conversation but didn’t participate. Just like she’d been doing for the last couple of months. Living, breathing, watching. But not participating.”

    *I really enjoyed that the romance played out so naturally. To my mind, this story is a picture of how a modern day romance would develop between two people with strong morals. I thought that was done really well.

    *The descriptive writing:

    ”She turned toward the man and found a tall specimen with more muscles than she knew could be contained by skin.”

    “The sky turned the color of a deep bruise…”

    What I didn’t like:

    *For the most part, I found the author’s creative way of writing fun, but occasionally I needed to reread some of the sentences to puzzle out the meaning. (This issue was why one of my friends disliked the story, though it was mostly a non-issue for me.) Examples below:

    “He was leaving, the same way Danny had left.” (This is a complete stranger to whom she had just given a cold shoulder. )

    “He paused outside the horse barn, regret singing through him.” (singing?)

    “Chelsea’s withered heart pumped out an extra beat, which caused her lips to sink. Her stupid body must not have gotten the message that she was out of the dating game for good.” (I had to read this 2-3 times before figuring this out.)

    ------------------------------------------------

    I recommend this book to fans of Christian or LDS western romance. I will continue to read more of Ms. Isaacson’s stories, and have "Fourth and Long" (book three) on my to-read-list for some time this year.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Judy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2018
    great book
  • Rosemary Hughes
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great story, with lots of emotional turmoil dealt with.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 6, 2017
    After listening to the audiobook "Three Rivers books 1-3" I have submitted this review.
    We make promises to ourselves, trying to ensure that we don't go down a road that we have already traveled, or because we have seen someone else journey along that way and have tried to learn from their lesson.
    This is a a book about two such promises, by two different people. Both people have to find if sticking to their own self commitment, will let them have the life they want.
    The backstory of the rehabilitation riding is something people should be aware of. The calming and relaxing presence of animals, is well known and this is just another method of using the animals powers for the good of us humans.
  • Teresa Moran
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2016
    This is the second book in the Three Rivers Ranch series and I found it to be a well written, interesting and thought provoking book.
    Without giving too much away Pete and Chelsea, who are the main characters, have both had problems in the past, completely different types of problems, but equally hard for them to forget. Until they can come to terms with their past and accept it, they won't be able to move on to a happier future.
    A good story, pulling in characters and places that we met in the previous book, so we get an idea of how they are getting on too.
    It has a cosy feel to it, as if this ranch and these people do really exist. You find yourself hoping and wishing for them to conquer all the roadblocks in their way and get to the end in one piece and in a much better state than they were in when the book started.
    I am just glad that there is another book to follow in this series.😃
  • Cathy Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2017
    Clean and well-written, an enjoyable book even when it feels like the characters are being idiotic! Good Christian romance, recommended.
  • Ymo3
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2016
    Have definitely found a new author whose future books I shall be eagerly awaiting. This is a wonderful love story with well thought out and "real" characters. Both Chelsea and Pete have had their troubles and are still going through their own unique experiences whilst stumbling into love. Subtle Christian values/ emphasis but used to build and strengthen the characters rather than as the main focus. Cannot wait for more from this series.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?