There’s a place where young people go when their world comes crashing down and they need to put the pieces of themselves back together.
Ransh Cyfle Olaf, in Wales, is such a place. A place Nell Dart had absolutely no intention of going to if she can help it but the authorities say otherwise.
Life, however, has other plans for Nell and she finds herself on a bus to the middle of nowhere, knowing not a single soul or remotely interested in anything she finds there. She doesn’t even like horses! Her fellow ranchers are in the same position but if they’re ever to get home they must take on the ranch life whether they like it or not. As they become used to one another, they embrace the animals in their care which in turn helps them reflect on the choices they’ve made so far and the friendships they’ve made.
Nell rages against it all but slowly, over time, she realises that in order for her to be free she must at least attempt to take part in the ‘Get Nell Better’ campaign. There is no ‘better’ for her, she misses her ex, she sometimes misses her family but most of all she misses her freedom. Salvation comes in the form of Fran, the ranch owner’s daughter and their relationship begins just before they learn that there’s a missing guest, along with a horse from the stables. Fran and Nell climb, walk and run to his aid but is there more to his disappearance than she first thought?
Can Nell and Fran lay their past to rest in order to accept happiness?
Will Nell ever consider that there is hope in a place for last chances?
The days on the ranch provide a fantastic backdrop to Nell’s story, allowing the reader a glimpse into her past, the way she thinks of herself and also her hopes and dreams.
Author, Emma Bettridge, creates a genuine and realistic storyline that captures love, loss and new beginnings in a spectacular setting.
With beautiful illustrations and cover by Josephine Birch, The Ranch at the End of the World, isn’t just about LGBTQ+ relationships but acceptance of who we are and how we see ourselves in this sometimes cruel world we live in.
