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Horses, Heartstrings, and A Later-in-Life RomanceMargie, a successful Colorado realtor, finds herself looking for a change of scenery and a dash of adventure after her only daughter embarks on a missionary journey, so she heads to Redemption Ranch to fulfill a long-held learning to ride horses.Meanwhile, Chaz, having swapped his tailored suits and executive boardrooms for the 'aromatic' allure of horse manure, relishes his new life at Redemption Ranch. The retired businessman and former CEO of Freedom Mountaineering now assists his brother on the ranch, his days filled with hard work, peaceful solitude, and bittersweet memories.When Margie arrives at Redemption Ranch, their lives intersect in the most unexpected ways. Amid horse rides and starlit conversations, they discover companionship and the tender buds of love in their twilight years.As Margie explores this unexpected turn, will she find a love she hadn't planned for? And can Chaz see Margie as a vibrant woman with shared passions and dreams rather than simply his son's mother-in-law?Wooing the Widower invites you on a heartfelt journey of late-life love, faith, second chances, and suspense. Experience the blossoming relationship between Margie and Chaz as they show it's never too late to find—and embrace—love again despite those determined to interfere with their plans.

189 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2023

606 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Elle E. Kay

34 books409 followers
Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.

Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.

In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.

Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.

For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,732 reviews33 followers
October 28, 2024
I truly delightful read. I enjoy stories with older main characters that remind us that romance is not just for the young. Also loved reconnecting a bit with characters from the Freedom Ridge series.
223 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2023
This is a great, sweet later-in-life romantic journey that has a few suspenseful twists and turns. To start with, Margie and Chaz did not see each other as possible love interests; they just knew each other due to business and family connections. As they got to know each other better at Redemption Ranch and felt a definite attraction to each other, they had to decide if they wanted to make the needed changes to their lives that a relationship would require. I enjoyed their journey, as well as getting to know some of their friends and family. I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
9,375 reviews139 followers
November 28, 2023
This is a sweet second chance at love romance during the Christmas season. The author brings strong characters and weaves a story of suspense, intrigue and romance. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Kirby.
865 reviews42 followers
November 13, 2023
Wooing the Widower was my first experience with a novel by Elle E Kay, and I ended up wholeheartedly enjoying this sweet romance that takes readers back for another visit to Redemption Ridge. This particular story is a little different than the others in that it features a romance between a (slightly) older couple, and I liked the originality that came along with this particular storyline.

Chaz and Margie have known each other for years, and more recently, they've become further connected when her daughter ended up marrying his son. At first glance, neither seems to see each other in a romantic light, but soon neither can deny the sparks that are beginning to fly whenever they find themselves together. However, with the connection they already share, is starting a relationship truly the best idea when the fall out could cause reverberating tensions amongst their families?

A sweet and heartfelt romance, Wooing the Widower gives readers a realistic tale about a couple that's brave enough to take a second chance at love while many obstacles stand in their way. With swoon worthy moments, suspenseful bits that keep the reader guessing, and a well thought out plot that revolves around an idyllic setting, this is the perfect book to pick up this holiday season for anyone who enjoys clean, faith based Christmas romances.

I applaud the author for keeping the faith element at the front and center, and I love the fact that she chose to include her personal testimony at the end of the book. This was another wonderful visit to Freedom Ridge, and I'd definitely recommend checking this one out.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Elle E. Kay for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
452 reviews13 followers
November 13, 2023
Wooing the Widower was a cute, later in life romance story with lots of fun winter and Christmas feels. Margie decides to get away for vacation and takes full advantage of all the fun activities provided by Redemption Ridge Ranch. There are horses and trail rides and Christmas decorations and hot cider and a Christmas barn dance, to name a few. It definitely sounded like a great place to spend the holiday season. Add to that, a handsome man in a cowboy hat, even if he was more on the quiet, grumpy side?

There are definitely a few tense scenes towards the end of the book that I wasn’t fully expecting and definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t want to say too much as to spoil anything, but looking back, you can definitely see some sketchy behavior on the part of some side characters. Thankfully the intensity didn’t last a long time because then it stresses me out too much. I enjoyed that this book was fast paced and made for a quick read. The older ages of the main characters made an accelerated time frame feel more realistic because they weren’t playing any dating games.

One area that I felt like I struggled with in this book was the feeling of missing background information. I know this book is part of a spin-off series from the Heroes of Freedom Ridge, which is also a multi-author series. Since I have read some of those books, but not all, I felt slightly lost in some areas. Like I was supposed to know some of the characters better than I did. Though, I will say that I was so intrigued by the background story that I do plan on going back to read the author’s other books in the Freedom Ridge series if I get the chance (you know, that TBR already be huge!). So maybe, despite the fact that I felt out of the loop sometimes, it wasn’t all negative because it interested me enough to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Angeline.
733 reviews23 followers
November 13, 2023
This was an interesting book to read! I have been reading the other books in this series and loving them, so I was excited to try this one. Wooing the Widower is the fourth book Christmas in Redemption Ridge and it is written by Elle E Kay.
Chaz and Margie had lived life and it didn’t seem like a relationship would work out. Chaz was older and not looking for a relationship after his wife had died, he was perfectly fine the way he was. However Margie came along and changed all of his plans. Chaz had to learn to let Margie in. Margie was a little harder for me, she had to grow on me. However, by the end of the book, I understood her. Margie had to learn to wait on Chaz and to also trust God’s plan.
The characters were interesting and I wanted to see how they would end up together. I was also drawn by the story and the hints of suspense that popped up. The side characters were wonderful and I loved seeing some old characters from Freedom Ridge.
Wooing the Widower is a sweet read. I would recommend it for those who enjoy later in life romances with hints of suspense. Wooing the Widower is a clean Christian romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
694 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2023
This was a romantic suspense story with Christian faith elements and it was set at a beautiful lodge/resort in Redemption Ridge, Colorado at Christmas time. I really liked the main characters, Chaz and Margie, who were single, mature adults whose children were married to one another. They were attracted to each other but tried to ignore the attraction at first since they were not looking to remarry but their friendship and attraction won out as they spent time together. The romance progressed quickly since they were older and knew who they were and what they were looking for. I loved their story but wished I had read some of the books (in another related series, I think) that gave their background. It was referred to and explained briefly but I think that there were a lot of characters that were supposed to be familiar and were not. It did not keep me from enjoying the book but I would have enjoyed it more fully if I knew who all of the characters were to one another. I especially enjoyed the Christian elements in the story; too often books claim to be Christian and they are clean but they never mention God/Jesus. I also loved the beautiful setting of the book; it made me wish I could stay at the lodge at Christmas. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest point of view.
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
Author 274 books1,831 followers
November 26, 2023
There is a whole lot to recommend this "mature-age" Christmas romance. For one thing, despite being a novella, there are a couple of subplots, which keep it from feeling super short. Additionally, though there is a bit of near "insta-love," it fits considering the couple has known each other for a long time and they're wise in recognizing that at their age, a very long courtship is wasting precious time.

And yet is it? Is time getting to know someone ever wasted? Is marriage such a pinnacle of an end goal that the journey to it doesn't matter? What I liked was that the author got me thinking about it even though it wasn't part of the story.

Not having read anything from this series, there were quite a few characters whose stories I was supposed to know. I didn't know any of them, obviously, but despite all of it, not knowing didn't make this story hard to follow. It's a strange mixture of a stand-alone that has the series deeply woven in.

The faith elements were strong, natural, and thought-provoking, and the romance wasn't cringe-worthy. All in all, it makes me think that next time I want a romance, I might pick up the first book in this series and check it out.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews358 followers
November 30, 2023
Never Too Late . . .

This is a wonderful story line that teaches it is never too late to find love. Having experienced a successful career, Margie Crawford is ready to do something special for herself. She has always wanted to learn to ride horses, and now is the time to pursue her dream. Martin Charles Buchanan (“Chaz”), former CEO of Freedom Mountaineering, has retired and relocated to Redemption Ranch to help his brother and enjoy a total change of lifestyle. Chaz is her daughter’s father-in-law and thinks of Margie as the “woman who loves to hear herself talk”. So he is not happy when his brother assigns him the task of maybe some “private lessons” as he helps Margie learn to ride.

With all the activities going on, Chaz and Margie start to enjoy their encounters. This could be a new experience for both of them. But will Chaz get over seeing Margie as his son’s mother-in-law and see her as the independent, fun woman she truly is? And is Margie willing to open her heart and find love and companionship with Chaz? Second chances are a rare gift not to be tossed away, and worth fighting to keep.
Profile Image for maiaisreading.
550 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2023
#BookReview: WOOING THE WIDOWER by Elle E. Kay

Chaz and Margie were already acquainted, thanks to the marriage of their children. It's interesting to read a romance novel with mature characters. Their perspectives on life and relationships are more nuanced and cautious, yet the excitement of new love is universal.

Based on her past experiences, Margie is more wary of things but she felt the attraction with Chaz. I found their navigation of their attraction and the realities of their circumstances to be sweet. I liked how they both prayed and sought God’s guidance. Their love for their children and families is quite endearing.

I enjoyed this standalone book in the series, which has a hint of danger and mystery, like the others. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

Rating: 4 ⭐
Series: Christmas in Redemption Ridge Book 4
Pub date: Nov 15, 2023

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
484 reviews7 followers
November 18, 2023
Margie is a successful realtor. Her daughter has married and is a missionary so she'll be spending the holidays alone. Her ex-husband was a police officer and went to prison. So she decides to go to Redemption Ranch for 6 weeks. When she arrives, Chaz is there. Margie's daughter and Chaz's son are married. Chaz's brother owns Redemption Ranch. When he retired, his brother invited him to work on the ranch. Chaz loves being out of the corporate world.

Margie has always been intrigued by Chaz, but he has raised his kids and isn't interested in a relationship. When he and Margie spend time together at the ranch, he is hot and cold. One minute he's friendly. The next minute he's ignoring her. Margie doesn't know what to think but decides to get involved with the ranch activities.

The book is wooing the widower, but I really think Chaz was the one wooing Margie. I really enjoyed the banter between Chaz and Margie.
Profile Image for Jerrye  Tellmeagreatstorylove.
819 reviews17 followers
January 12, 2024
Just finished this lovely new story from Elle and I loved it so much. It’s my first story from her but it will definitely not be my last. It was a love story between a more mature couple and it was so sweet and swoony that I cheered extra hard for their love to make it work. Chaz and Margie were both delightful characters and their families are encouraging to them to take a chance on love again. I really like how realistic everything in the story was. It wasn’t insta-love but felt like a light bulb type of realization. I also liked the addition of some moments of suspense that gave the story some nice depth beyond the excellent conversations. Definitely get this one on your holiday TBR, it’s one I’m positive romance readers will love.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
2,193 reviews12 followers
November 19, 2023
Wooing the Widower

What a sweet Christmas story. When Margie agrees to go to Redemption Ridge for an adventure while her only daughter was away on a mission trip, she never imagined the changes it would bring to her life. Chaz was an uptight CEO in his old adult life but his son marrying and taking his new wife on a mission trip across the world helped him to rethink his priorities. Retiring from his company, he moved back to his childhood home to help his brother run the ranch. He finds the lifestyle much more to his liking. After seeing Margie, his son’s mother-in-law at the ranch he reluctantly helps her with some of her adventures. It never occurred to either of them that they might develop feelings for each other. Nor did they realize the danger Margie was in by being in Redemption Ridge. Will Chaz be able to protect Margie before it is too late?
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,429 reviews82 followers
November 27, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Margie and Chaz's story! There's something to be said about a later in life romance. While I may not be their age just yet, I am not too far off that I cannot enjoy their circumstances. At first, admittedly, I was a little unsure how I would feel about them getting together. But as their story continued, and I saw them come together in such a sweet way, I found myself loving them and their story.

Kay packs a lot into this story too, and in a short amount of time. And while it is part of a series, I feel that it could be easily read as a stand alone. With a sweet romance, engaging characters, and a well written faith theme, readers will find themselves enchanted by Margie and Chaz.

I received a complimentary copy of this story. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
513 reviews
December 3, 2023
Wooing the widower is a sweet Christmas romance set in a small town in Colorado called Redemption Ridge. The trope is one I have not read before in that our main characters, Margie and Chaz, have not only known each other for a long time, but his son is married to her daughter. There’s also a bit of insta love, which I’m normally not a fan of, but it worked in this story.

I really liked Chaz and Margie together. She is talkative and adventurous while Chaz is quiet and dependable. I enjoyed the originality in this story, especially with the added suspense and intrigue, which I was not expecting. The faith thread was prominent throughout and the story was full of Christmasy feels!

While it is book 4 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, it can be read as a standalone. I’m really enjoying this new series and getting to know all the people who live there!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,448 reviews25 followers
November 11, 2023
Margie’s daughter has just got married and she feels that she needs a break. She has always wanted to learn how to ride a horse so what better place to go than Redemption Ridge Ranch.
Chaz is working now at Redemption Ranch which is run by his brother and his wife. He feels good there and in peace. When he sees Margie there, some of that peace blows away.
This is a Christian romance where two people who already knew each other, Margie’s daughter married Chaz’s son, met again and fell in love.
One thing I liked about this book is that both characters and their children are very humble and helpful. The mystery and some suspense added to the story made the reading of this book more interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,062 reviews23 followers
November 17, 2023
I started Wooing the Widower and didn't stop until I got to the end. The characters are engaging, and I enjoyed the romance between these two mature adults and the little bit of suspense in the story. I loved the support that Chaz and Margie received from their children and from Chaz's brother and sister-in-law for their romance. There's a great proposal scene. Christmastime at Redemption Ridge sounds like a great vacation. I would recommend this book to readers of Christian romance, to readers of clean romance, to those who love all things Christmas, and to those that enjoy stories with a western setting. I would read more from author Elle E. Kay and more in this multi-author series.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this delightful, well-written book.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2023
She decided to take some time off from her real estate career in Freedom Ridge to relax at Redemption Ridge Ranch. She wants to learn to ride horses and one of the first people she runs into is her daughter's father-in-law. He has retired from his corporate business and is now helping his brother out at the Redemption Ridge Ranch when he sees his son's mother-in-law. The encounters between these two are like mini hit and runs. One could get whiplash from all the back and forth. Then you can add in missing inventory, mysterious people sightings, problems overseas with their kids and meddling relatives and you will have a book that will keep you wondering what on earth can possibly happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,071 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2023
This is a sweet Christmas story that takes place in Redemption Ridge.

Chaz is a widower who retires from his high-powered career and goes to Redemption Ridge to help his brother and to help on the ranch. Margie is a successful real estate agent whose husband betrayed her. When she goes to Redemption Ridge for a month-long adventure, she ends up with more than she expected. Chaz is the father-in-law of Margie's daughter so they are sort of related. As they spend more and more time together, feelings of a romantic nature become more and more prominent.

This is a sweet story of love and romance at a later age that proves that you are never too old for a happy ending.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanine Reed.
595 reviews20 followers
December 12, 2023
Margie had him all tangled up. One minute he was as agitated as a bull trying to throw his rider, and the next moment he was ready to cuddle kittens. The woman had him turned all inside out and upside down. ~ Chaz

The Christmas at Redemption Ridge series has struck again with a great holiday read! I so enjoyed Chaz and Margie and their later in life romance.

Chaz has been a widower for many years now and hasn’t had love or romance on his mind for quite awhile. He retired from his fast paced business life and now spends his time on the ranch with family. When his son’s divorced mother-in-law, Margie, comes to the ranch for a some adventure, he quickly discovers that she has a little more depth and grit to her than he first gave her credit for. And the two cautiously begin to test the waters of a relationship with more than friendship.

This story isn’t all hearts and stars though. There is danger and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. And lots of faith to uplift your heart.

I can’t finish this review without talking about the author’s notes. I appreciate her openness and honesty. I found her testimony very moving and know that it will touch others also.

Thank you to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Suzette Lawes.
110 reviews
August 11, 2025
Older Love

Chaz and Margie's narrative seamlessly continues the series, offering a compelling blend of suspense and intrigue. The well-crafted "whodunit" elements elevate the story, creating an engaging reading experience that keeps readers guessing. Relatable characters and authentic scenarios draw readers into the plot, making it a natural progression from previous installments.

While the story stands strong on its own, occasional references to past events might momentarily disorient readers unfamiliar with the broader series context. Despite this minor narrative challenge, the book maintains its momentum and provides an enjoyable reading journey that will appeal to fans of the genre.
2,668 reviews21 followers
November 15, 2023
This was a beautiful addition to the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series. I really liked the characters as they pulled me into the story. Margie was a real estate agent in Freedom Ridge and she had decided to take some time off and stay at the Redemption Ridge Ranch for a month . While she was there she ran into Chaz, her daughter's father-in-law and someone she used to work with until Chaz retired and moved to the ranch that his brother and sister-in-law owned. I liked the romance, the Christmas activities, and the suspense that followed. I could not put the book down! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,540 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2025
A swing worthy book For older couples

This author has written about a middle age couple And she's done a great job of it. The characters are engaging And realistic And realistic realistic And very well rounded. I have haven't read any of I have read any of the previous other books by this author so even though it probably falls in line with the other previous books, it didn't bother me at all it's a story read without reading the previous Books at all. There's not enough books for older or middle age people In the book world war. Romance book are seemingly only for the young So it's refreshing Have somebody who writes for older women who still value romance.
1,745 reviews33 followers
November 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this story between Chaz and Margie. They are mature adults who were married before and their children are married to each other, so they have that complication if things don't work out! There is definitely sparks between them and things to work out. I liked that they felt insecurities because of their age and life experiences. That would be true to life. I especially liked the suspense that was part of the story and the side story of what was happening their married children. An excellent holiday story all around!
1,413 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2023
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Margie, a successful realtor decides to take a vacation at Redemption Ranch where she runs into her daughter’s father-in –law, Chaz. As they interact, he begins to fall for her, but she is wary of men after her experiences. Chaz proves he is different than most men, and she falls for him too. Both are willing to move so they can further their relationship. An inspiring and heartfelt book about family, love, and working together.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,664 reviews65 followers
November 9, 2023
Another lovely book set in picturesque Redemption Ridge. I enjoyed this later-in-life romance between a mother and her daughter’s father-in-law. It held some unique circumstances with them having known each other before their kids were together, missions, vacation, faith, and some suspicious and suspenseful circumstances. It was a lovely, sweet, clean romance. Plus, it had a great Christmas feel to it also.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,861 reviews29 followers
November 10, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

Margie and Chaz behave as though they don't really like each other, but is it an act? They aren't really friends, though they are kind of extended family now that their children have married each other.
Being out on the ranch and away from their respective businesses they learn what the other is like outside of work and... maybe they can be friends or more...

I like the story. There's a bit of mystery and suspense, but mostly it's a story of two older people taking a chance on love.
58 reviews
November 16, 2023
“I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.”

When Margie's daughter and son-in-law becomes missionaries, whe feels it's time for a change. She books herself a vacation at Redemption Ranch. Chaz is working for his brother at Redemption Ranch and is surprised to see Margie, his son's mother-in-law there. She's not what he expects and soon sparks fly. But there's someone who is not pleased to see those sparks. What will happen?

Great read and a good series! I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,669 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is written in a dual POV format. Getting the glimpse into both of the main characters' thoughts really help me to connect and understand them better.

I loved that the protagonists were both older in age than most. Getting another chance at love for these two really was inspiring.

The story was a good one but I felt the plot was just a little chopping.

This is a wonderful Christian romance.
445 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2023
I loved the premise of this story, a later in life romance, and was looking forward to reading it. I have to admit I was disappointed.
The story itself was good and maybe if it was longer I might have enjoyed it.
It didn't really flow well and felt disjointed.
It is part of a series, so there were references to events and characters that made me feel like I was missing something, so this is definitely a series that should be read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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