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Cowboys of Cold Creek #12
A Cold Creek Christmas Surprise
USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings readers back to the ranch for an emotional holiday visit with The Cowboys of Cold Creek!
Hardened rancher Ridge Bowman has long told himself he has no need for love—just work and his little girl are enough to get him through. But when his "cleaning lady," Sarah Whitmore, gets injured on his staircase, well, of course he has to invite her to spend the holidays with him. It's only the responsible thing to do.
Only, Sarah isn't really there to work on his house. She came bearing precious artwork belonging to Ridge's late mother, and possibly a secret that could devastate them both. But as Christmas draws closer, so does Ridge—and Sarah convinces herself that she will tell him what she knows as soon as the holiday is over. She might be the key to his past—if only he could be a part of her future….
Hardened rancher Ridge Bowman has long told himself he has no need for love—just work and his little girl are enough to get him through. But when his "cleaning lady," Sarah Whitmore, gets injured on his staircase, well, of course he has to invite her to spend the holidays with him. It's only the responsible thing to do.
Only, Sarah isn't really there to work on his house. She came bearing precious artwork belonging to Ridge's late mother, and possibly a secret that could devastate them both. But as Christmas draws closer, so does Ridge—and Sarah convinces herself that she will tell him what she knows as soon as the holiday is over. She might be the key to his past—if only he could be a part of her future….
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
314 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
312 books3,861 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews
December 15, 2015
This is the wrap-up for the Bowman family of Cold Creek and thus also wraps the remaining mystery from the family's central tragedy. So yeah, don't start here if you can help it.
Unfortunately, Sarah's family is central to the events from twelve years ago and that means that for the story to work, she has to be weak and keep the secret long enough for them to fall for each other. The book covers about a week and that's so little time. Thayne just barely manages to pull off enough emotional impact to make it work, maybe, but it's tight and requires an active willingness to buy the story.
Which means you have to want to buy the story and I mostly didn't. Some of that is . Which means the setup worked against my immersion and that made me tense.
So it wasn't great. Fortunately, Riley and Destry are all kinds of fun and I really enjoyed their love and willingness to share their holidays with a stranger who obviously needed their care. Having Sarah fit so well into their family dynamic just worked and I loved seeing it happen. Yeah, I was tense and thus unable to fully enjoy the feels, but it wasn't so bad I was tempted to stop and I certainly enjoyed the conclusion.
Unfortunately, Sarah's family is central to the events from twelve years ago and that means that for the story to work, she has to be weak and keep the secret long enough for them to fall for each other. The book covers about a week and that's so little time. Thayne just barely manages to pull off enough emotional impact to make it work, maybe, but it's tight and requires an active willingness to buy the story.
Which means you have to want to buy the story and I mostly didn't. Some of that is . Which means the setup worked against my immersion and that made me tense.
So it wasn't great. Fortunately, Riley and Destry are all kinds of fun and I really enjoyed their love and willingness to share their holidays with a stranger who obviously needed their care. Having Sarah fit so well into their family dynamic just worked and I loved seeing it happen. Yeah, I was tense and thus unable to fully enjoy the feels, but it wasn't so bad I was tempted to stop and I certainly enjoyed the conclusion.
January 14, 2014
Beautiful story dealing with family, secrets and forgiveness. I really liked both Sarah and Ridge. Ridge is the oldest of the Bowman family and the one who runs the family ranch. He is the single father of eleven year old Destry. His marriage was short-lived when his wife couldn't handle the ranch life and left them both, and now he doesn't plan to look for love any time soon. The day after his sister's wedding he mistakes Sarah for the cleaning lady who is supposed to clean up after the wedding. When she falls and breaks her arm at his house he's compelled by responsibility and an unexpected attraction to ask her to stay at the house through the holidays. Sarah doesn't know why she didn't tell Ridge the whole story behind her visit right away. Now she's spending time on the ranch and getting to know both Ridge and Destry. The more she gets to know them the harder she falls for both, and the guiltier she feels about the secret she's keeping.
I really enjoyed the whole story. Sarah came across a whole bunch of artwork belonging to Ridge's family after her father died. Once she learned the story behind the artwork's loss she feared the involvement of her father and brother in the Bowman's tragedy. She's determined to return it all to the family. She doesn't expect the immediate connection she feels to Ridge and it causes her to hang on to her secret longer than she should have. His family is so different than hers and she can't help enjoying being part of it during her stay. When she realizes how hard she's fallen for Ridge she knows she has to tell him the truth and chance losing him.
Ridge's immediate connection to Sarah surprises him. I really liked the way that he brought her into the family. His delight in the way that she takes to Destry and seems to like the ranch just makes his feelings for her grow that much stronger. I really liked seeing him let go of the unhappiness that had been a part of his life for so long. He really wants to make Sarah a permanent part of his life, but he senses that something is bothering her. When he finds out what it is, he goes a bit crazy with his accusations and really messes things up. I loved the scene in the barn with his two brothers as he tells them the story and they tell him what an idiot he is. I loved how the ending turned out, with their relationship following a logical progression after they got their issues sorted out.
It's wonderful that the mystery behind the Bowman's parents' deaths is finally solved and they are all able to move on. The characters throughout this book and the others feel real, without being too perfect or too bad to relate to. The emotions were very intense, especially at the end.
I really enjoyed the whole story. Sarah came across a whole bunch of artwork belonging to Ridge's family after her father died. Once she learned the story behind the artwork's loss she feared the involvement of her father and brother in the Bowman's tragedy. She's determined to return it all to the family. She doesn't expect the immediate connection she feels to Ridge and it causes her to hang on to her secret longer than she should have. His family is so different than hers and she can't help enjoying being part of it during her stay. When she realizes how hard she's fallen for Ridge she knows she has to tell him the truth and chance losing him.
Ridge's immediate connection to Sarah surprises him. I really liked the way that he brought her into the family. His delight in the way that she takes to Destry and seems to like the ranch just makes his feelings for her grow that much stronger. I really liked seeing him let go of the unhappiness that had been a part of his life for so long. He really wants to make Sarah a permanent part of his life, but he senses that something is bothering her. When he finds out what it is, he goes a bit crazy with his accusations and really messes things up. I loved the scene in the barn with his two brothers as he tells them the story and they tell him what an idiot he is. I loved how the ending turned out, with their relationship following a logical progression after they got their issues sorted out.
It's wonderful that the mystery behind the Bowman's parents' deaths is finally solved and they are all able to move on. The characters throughout this book and the others feel real, without being too perfect or too bad to relate to. The emotions were very intense, especially at the end.
August 31, 2023
Mistaken Identity
Ridge mistakes the young woman at his door for the cleaning lady. Little does he know she has a secret that would help solve his parents' murders.
Ridge mistakes the young woman at his door for the cleaning lady. Little does he know she has a secret that would help solve his parents' murders.
March 10, 2014
This was a heartwarming story, that just left me smiling, and happy. I loved the cast of characters in this sweet story. The story even had a three legged dog named tripod that weaved its way into my heart.
Ridge bowman had been a single dad raising his daughter Destry. His sister, and twin brothers always played a huge part in making Destry feel cherished. I loved Destry's energy in this book. She was a pre teen, and very animated. She also had a huge heart, and cared for other people. Her mother left when she was little, and then died. The Bowman family was big, and always surrounded her with love. I love books with big happy families. Ridge and his sister and brothers had a happy childhood that kept them close. When Caidy, the youngest of the four, was 16 someone killed their parents. The questions surrounding the murder, and theft had haunted them all for years. I love the suspense in this story.
Sarah was taking care of her father's affairs after he passed away. She found something, and wanted to talk to the Bowman family. She flew to the small town, and rented a car to drive out to the ranch. When she rang the door bell, Ridge thought she was there to clean the house. That weekend his little sister had gotten married, and the house was a disaster. He just assumed his sister had hired someone from the cleaning service. He really didn't give Sarah an opportunity to say why she was there. She thought if she helped him clean the house, then she would sit down and talk to him. Before that happened, she had a accident, and feel down the stairs. She had a concussion, and a broken arm. Ridge found out she was all alone, and she didn't have anyone to call. He took it upon himself to take her back to his house, after she was released from the hospital.
This is just one of those stories you have to read. I loved the pages that talked about them sitting around the fire, as the snow storm howled outside, while they sipped on raspberry hot chocolate. I've never had raspberry hot chocolate before, but after reading this book, I think I will buy some. It sounds good.
Ridge bowman had been a single dad raising his daughter Destry. His sister, and twin brothers always played a huge part in making Destry feel cherished. I loved Destry's energy in this book. She was a pre teen, and very animated. She also had a huge heart, and cared for other people. Her mother left when she was little, and then died. The Bowman family was big, and always surrounded her with love. I love books with big happy families. Ridge and his sister and brothers had a happy childhood that kept them close. When Caidy, the youngest of the four, was 16 someone killed their parents. The questions surrounding the murder, and theft had haunted them all for years. I love the suspense in this story.
Sarah was taking care of her father's affairs after he passed away. She found something, and wanted to talk to the Bowman family. She flew to the small town, and rented a car to drive out to the ranch. When she rang the door bell, Ridge thought she was there to clean the house. That weekend his little sister had gotten married, and the house was a disaster. He just assumed his sister had hired someone from the cleaning service. He really didn't give Sarah an opportunity to say why she was there. She thought if she helped him clean the house, then she would sit down and talk to him. Before that happened, she had a accident, and feel down the stairs. She had a concussion, and a broken arm. Ridge found out she was all alone, and she didn't have anyone to call. He took it upon himself to take her back to his house, after she was released from the hospital.
This is just one of those stories you have to read. I loved the pages that talked about them sitting around the fire, as the snow storm howled outside, while they sipped on raspberry hot chocolate. I've never had raspberry hot chocolate before, but after reading this book, I think I will buy some. It sounds good.
December 22, 2019
This is a great story, even if it was too drawn out for my taste. I wish there had been more focus on dealing with the problem rather than attempting to create suspense with a withholding of information. That drives me a little crazy.
Having said that, it was a great Christmas story that I enjoyed. Even more so with the narration by Jorjeana Marie (whom I love!)
Having said that, it was a great Christmas story that I enjoyed. Even more so with the narration by Jorjeana Marie (whom I love!)
December 24, 2019
Enjoyable Christmas romance. Can easily stand alone for readers who haven't read previous books in the series.
January 15, 2016
Great book.
November 11, 2019
Sarah and Ridge' s Christmas Revelations!! 3.25***** Spoiler Alert
Sarah Whitmore, a CA Elementary School teacher and abandoned daughter of a deceased, Russian mafia boss, discovered Ridge' s murdered parents' stolen paintings twelve years ago, taken during their house robbery. She attempted to deliver the painting, one of many, from the art collection she found/inherited in her father's storage unit, but was mistaken for a cleaning lady by a gruff, classist, elitist, bullying Ridge, post Caidy' s Christmas wedding. While looking for a way to deliver her painting and disclose her find and suspicions, she broke her arm and became an incapacitated Christmas guest to Destry, Ridge and the the Bowman' s Idaho wintry Christmas. Riddled with guilt, she finally tells him after being caught sneaking out of the ranch after their Christmas celebration. Ridge, located her in Jackson Hole where he professed his ' love' to her, after only knowing her for two days, and it looked like he was about to repeat his horrendous 'Melinda Marriage' mistake again in his life.
Okay story line/plot with these perfect, Christian-like, uni-dimensional characters with a predictable HEA ending, but with good editing. The novel left me wondering why a CA girl would move to a freezing, winter haven in Idaho, to live on a cattle ranch, while teaching, most likely at a lower pay rate. Very saccharine novel, so read at ones own risk!!
11/10/19-11/11/19.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
✨ fave quote ✨
She was falling in love with him. The realization didn’t tumble over her like an avalanche, hard and wild and terrifying. Instead, it whispered down like a single, soft, plump snowflake, gentle and pure, followed by another and then another.
✨ review ✨
If you go into this knowing it is a Harlequin Romance and setting your expectations accordingly, you’re in for a lighthearted, warm-and-fuzzy Christmas read!
What I loved: feel-good story for the holidays, completely unrealistic in every way, tender and refreshingly mild, great holiday vibes
While this is by no means a masterpiece work of fiction, I enjoyed it and think anyone who is willing to suspend their expectations of literature being realistic would as well!
✨ overall rating ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️▫️▫️
✨ rating breakdown ✨
Concept: ⭐️
Freshness:⭐️
Character Development: ⭐️▫️
Main Characters: 💫
Supporting Characters: 💫
Voice: 💫
Style: 💫
Intrigue: ⭐️
Enjoyability: ⭐️
She was falling in love with him. The realization didn’t tumble over her like an avalanche, hard and wild and terrifying. Instead, it whispered down like a single, soft, plump snowflake, gentle and pure, followed by another and then another.
✨ review ✨
If you go into this knowing it is a Harlequin Romance and setting your expectations accordingly, you’re in for a lighthearted, warm-and-fuzzy Christmas read!
What I loved: feel-good story for the holidays, completely unrealistic in every way, tender and refreshingly mild, great holiday vibes
While this is by no means a masterpiece work of fiction, I enjoyed it and think anyone who is willing to suspend their expectations of literature being realistic would as well!
✨ overall rating ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️▫️▫️
✨ rating breakdown ✨
Concept: ⭐️
Freshness:⭐️
Character Development: ⭐️▫️
Main Characters: 💫
Supporting Characters: 💫
Voice: 💫
Style: 💫
Intrigue: ⭐️
Enjoyability: ⭐️
May 8, 2017
Do the actions of the parent need to reflect on the child
An first grade teacher finds paintings stolen from a murdered family. She decides that she needs to return them, herself, because she believes her brother and, maybe, her father were involved in the theft and murder.
What she finds is a loving wonderful family who love each other deeply, an 11 year old girl and a life she had always dreamed of. Through an accident, she is brought into their lives and cannot bring herself to tell them about her father and brother.
This story is about her feelings and longing and fears and the man she meets and how they get past her family's history.
Interesting fun story with lots of details about life on a ranch and living in a small community that takes care of each other.
An first grade teacher finds paintings stolen from a murdered family. She decides that she needs to return them, herself, because she believes her brother and, maybe, her father were involved in the theft and murder.
What she finds is a loving wonderful family who love each other deeply, an 11 year old girl and a life she had always dreamed of. Through an accident, she is brought into their lives and cannot bring herself to tell them about her father and brother.
This story is about her feelings and longing and fears and the man she meets and how they get past her family's history.
Interesting fun story with lots of details about life on a ranch and living in a small community that takes care of each other.
December 9, 2017
Ridge Bowman thinks the woman who shows up after the wedding of his sister is there to clean up the house. However, she really is there to tell him she might know who murdered his parents. Sarah Whitmore hurts herself on the stairs so ends up being his guest. Soon their feelings grow for each other, especially when Sarah helps his daughter with her Christmas gift for her father.
Another great romance from Thayne.
Another great romance from Thayne.
December 23, 2019
I debated between a 4 and 5* rating and went with 4, just because I would have liked to see the relationship develop a little more. I liked the characters, though Ridge seemed to have a bit of a personality change from how he first treated Sarah - it was really quite rude, and didn't seem to mesh with how he's portrayed in the rest of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this Christmas themed story.
December 24, 2025
Great
I just finished book 12 The Cowboys of Cold Greek. Every book is wonderful no one can create a story like RaeAnne Thayne. I waited until I had purchased all the books in the series and it took awhile to get the collection. Expensive but worth it as I said I just finish book 12 and I highly recommend the series and I'm on to book 12. Enjoy
I just finished book 12 The Cowboys of Cold Greek. Every book is wonderful no one can create a story like RaeAnne Thayne. I waited until I had purchased all the books in the series and it took awhile to get the collection. Expensive but worth it as I said I just finish book 12 and I highly recommend the series and I'm on to book 12. Enjoy
December 30, 2019
Sweet Story
Courage, forgiveness, and understanding are just a few of the lessons learned in this sweet Christmas story. There is also heartache and happiness. This is a must read or listen holiday story. The narrator does a great job.
Courage, forgiveness, and understanding are just a few of the lessons learned in this sweet Christmas story. There is also heartache and happiness. This is a must read or listen holiday story. The narrator does a great job.
July 10, 2017
Another sweet read
I'm having a Christmas read-a-thon in the middle of summer. Great story and I'm going back through the authors titles to find more.
I'm having a Christmas read-a-thon in the middle of summer. Great story and I'm going back through the authors titles to find more.
August 18, 2017
My favorite of the series so far.
December 10, 2017
Outstanding book! Loved all the amazing characters and the building suspense. A Christmas family story at it's best!
December 10, 2017
Outstanding book! Loved all the amazing characters and the building suspense. A Christmas family story at it's best!
December 23, 2017
Decent wrap up to the mystery. Once again great interesting characters, backdrop and side stories.
May 21, 2018
Another great book by RaeAnne!!
I love how her books resonate with real life situations. Being afraid of rejection, right through to conquering your fears and feeling happy!!
I love how her books resonate with real life situations. Being afraid of rejection, right through to conquering your fears and feeling happy!!
October 15, 2018
Good book but they fell in love within days of meeting. I do appreciate them not jumping into sex within those few days.
January 15, 2019
Loved it. Really liked Ridge.
May 10, 2019
Protagonistas: Rigde & Sarah
Profesiones: Ranchero & Profesora
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Ranchero & Profesora
Pais: USA
August 30, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author's books!!
January 6, 2020
A sweet Christmas story. Not a huge fan of Christmas story plot lines so it was good. Clearly part of a series that I have read out of order and was able to follow along just fine.
December 15, 2021
Easy read
November 15, 2024
A good Christmas romance - just fun, not great literature, but great for the Christmas season.
December 15, 2024
Great story with a twist!
December 20, 2024
A great story to read around this time of the year!
Although it’s slightly on the cheesy side, it ticks off all the good stuff and gets you into a very Christmassy mood in no time. 👍🏼
Although it’s slightly on the cheesy side, it ticks off all the good stuff and gets you into a very Christmassy mood in no time. 👍🏼
Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews