From USA Today Best Selling Author Kathleen Ball Comes a Heartfelt Christian Christmas Story. This 75 page short story is full of second chances, untruths and forgiveness, .A Christmas blizzard pushes music star Joe Douglas to realize the miracles around him.
Joe Douglas has had enough of his rock and roll lifestyle. He leaves his band and drives through a harrowing blizzard to return to his family’s ranch before the bank forecloses on it. His truck skids and crashes in a snowbank at the home of his first and sole love, Iris. Her father had made threats, so he stayed away, but now she’s a single mother and he’s wishing for a Christmas Miracle.
USA Today Best Selling Author of Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sweet story but too many holes left, IMHO, in the storyline. There could’ve been much more development in the storyline with regards to a resolution of what happened to the brother and the money and then suddenly at the end apparently, it’s rushed to a conclusion with the fact that they’re having their third child. It was also briefly mentioned that the band did Charity work and he had to leave so what happened to them that they had a revelation?? Cute but probably not one I would reread
I loved this second-chance romance between childhood sweethearts Joe Douglas and Iris Collins. Joe and Iris were also ranching neighbors, and everyone knew they cared for one another. But that doesn’t mean that people didn’t interfere in their relationship.
Joe’s dream was to be a singer in a band, and when it is time to leave and do that, he is warned to stay away from Iris—that it would be best to cut all ties with her, change his phone number, and don’t look back. When he does come to town or even call home to his brother, Mark, he is fed lies. With a call from the bank that the family ranch has gone into foreclosure, it will have Joe driving in a Christmas blizzard to return home to try and save what his parents worked so hard for. But, before he can make it home, he crashes and is rescued by none other than Iris.
The story has secrets, lies, and being apart from those he loved. Joe has come back and is at the Collins ranch. Many things have changed, her father is gone, and the ranch is hanging on by a thread. Joe will meet the child, Carrie, that Iris had while he was gone, and she is a charming little girl that Joe takes to quickly. Six years later, and Joe still has feelings for Iris, but will she feel the same?
I loved the chemistry between Joe and Iris and how Carrie adds so much to this tale. While dealing with a blizzard, the three of them make the best of the situation. Things are going well between them, even with mishaps—and then Mark shows up.
The story is a clean contemporary western with a delightful cast of characters (well, most of them) and shows that even Christmas has miracles for adults. Best of all, the story does have the coveted happily ever after ending.
Note: This story was previously as "A Christmas Cowboy with a Joy-Filled Heart" and featured in the Christmas Wishes and Cowboy Kisses: A Sweet Contemporary Western Romance Collection that released last year in October. I read the story from that book and sharing my review.
Joe returns home trying to stop the sale of the family farm, but he gets caught in a snow storm and crashed into a snow drift across from his ex-girlfriend, Iris's house. She took him to her house, because the snow was really coming down no one was coming out, until the roads were plowed. She had a daughter, Carrie that he had been told was not his. Iris a single mother was preparing for the power to go off by cooking some food a head that she would be easily able to heat up on the wood heat stove. She was not happy about having Joe in her home, Carrie on the other hand was delighted with a new person to give her attention and play with her. They seemed to hit it off right away enjoying each others company tremendously. Meanwhile, Joe and Iris tip toed around each other somewhat afraid of every single move. Good thing it's Christmas, because it's looks like they need a Christmas miracle. A wonderful heartfelt holiday story for the season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I also purchased a copy.
I had previously read this when it was released in an anthology. I adored the story then and now. Once I started reading this I realized that it was familiar (yes, the memory is bad!) But then I remembered how I loved it so much that I was destined to read it again. How can you NOT love a Christmas second chance with your first love romance?!
This is told in a dual POV format. That is a favorite of mine. Getting the glimpse into the main characters' thoughts really help me to understand and connect to them so much better. It really makes reading a much more enjoyable experience. I was asked once why I read and rarely watch TV or movies. Well I replied that yes it takes more time BUT seeing what the characters are thinking and feeling is so much better in a book.
I would highly recommend this delightful tale to anyone. It is a sweet, clean romance that anyone can enjoy!
Joe, who has just quit his rock and roll band, is travelling back to his family farm when he crashes in the snow, just outside his former girlfriend's ranch. They split years previously when he suddenly left to join a band and she hadn't heard anything from him since, leaving her heartbroken. Rescuing him and introducing him to her daughter, who she is bringing up alone, they are snowed in. Cue a very awkward situation. This is a sweet, short story that shows that everything isn't always what it seem. Both have secrets that gradually come to light whilst they struggle in the harsh conditions. I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book and I have already pre-ordered the book.
Joe and Iris were good together but others worked hard to separate them, especially when he left to be part of a band on the road, making it big. He is returning six years later when he gets word of the family ranch in financial trouble. Driving during a snowstorm, he crashes into some drifts near his ex-girlfriend's home and she takes him in until the roads are cleared. The chemistry is still there and soon the twists and lies are revealed that change their lives forever. Just who is Carrie's daddy? Can they get a second chance? Terrific characters, backstories, entertaining situations and steamy moments. Ending brings it all together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
❄️❄️ONE HEARTWARMING TREAT❄️❄️ Blushing bloomers Bob! Kathleen does it again, spreading some Christmas cheer, festive frolicking and magical mischief, watchful of the turbulent trials and shocking triumphs unwinding. Deceptive deeds and brutal tactics descend in a flurry of heartbreaking twists and astonishing turns unfolds as revelation's are revealed and promises are pledged, setting this gem into a tizzy with a life-altering culmination. The scorching attraction and smouldering chemistry are off-the-charts, high-octane and combustible. The characters are spot-on authentic with separate distinctions and engaging attributes, exposing amazing personalities, adding depth and range, playing off one another brilliantly. Fabulous job Kathleen, thanks for sharing this awesome delight with us.
Snowbound Hearts is a second chance story of Joe and Iris. Young sweetheart until lies and threats push them apart when Joe leaves town to purse a singing career.
Years later, Joe has returned to town to figure out what is going on with the family ranch after he received a call from the bank. Headed home it gets in an accident outside Iris's home. When she finds him, she offers to help even though the anger she feels towards for him ignites.
Snowbound Hearts is a quick read with a lot of emotions as Joe and Iris unravel the past, and the uncover the truths. Getting lost in the story had me on the edge as the thought of how bother her and his family treated them and the time they lost.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joe came home to save his family ranch from his foolish brother. He ended up sliding off the road in his truck into a snowbank due to a snowstorm right in front of Iris's house. Iris is a single mother to a beautiful, sweet girl named Carrie. Seeing Joe again after 6 years was a shock to her. They get to spend Christmas together. Joe's brother, Mark is an idiot out to make Joe's life miserable. I loved this story. I love that she included an extended epilogue. If you like clean, modern-day Cowboy romance, you’ll love this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iris rescued Joe when he crashed into a snowbank and took him to her ranch where he met her daughter. Joe was a rock star who felt tired and stopped his career to save his family ranch. On the way to the ranch, a blizzard made his car crash into a snowbank close to his first love’s ranch. Some secrets were unknown to Iris, and a big one was unknown to Joe. I liked Joe, but I disliked Mark as he is unkind to Carrie and very rude towards Iris. I enjoyed reading this book. Iris and Joe’s love story is very romantic and sweet. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joe Douglas is trying to save his family ranch from foreclosure. Weather is NOT cooperating and he ends up in an accident right in front of his old girlfriends home. Iris is now a single Mom and Joe realizes he still loves her. He left at her Father's bidding and walked away without a clue they had a baby on the way.
Christmas, the weather and an unwelcome visit from his brother Mark make for a fun adventure for Joe and Iris to get through and reconnect. This story has so much heart and soul. You will love it!
Joe was a singer in a band, but he decided he's had enough. His brother is losing the family ranch so he's come back to try to save it. Iris was his love when he was young, but due to circimstances he left her. He manages to spin his truck and end up in a snowdrift. Imagine his surprise when Iris rescues him. She's been running her ranch alone, since her father died, her young daughter, Carrie, has been helping as much as a six year old can.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joe is headed home and a snow storm is making travel risky. He's almost to the childhood ranch his brother has been managing when he loses control and hits a snowbank - Iris hears the crash and goes to investigate - he is slightly injured and they make it back to her house - a lying brother and a 6 year stretch of time brings many truths out in the open and a stupid cooking stunt nearly ends their lives - Kathleen never disappoints me - always a good written story!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a good second chance romance. Iris and Joe’s story would have been so different, but not necessarily better, if so, many hadn’t interfered. I wanted to cry over the missed opportunities but who’s to say it would have worked if Joe hadn’t left? Maybe they were too young, and he would have come to resent being tied down or she might not have been able to handle all the groupies. Clearly though, the others were working for their own selfish needs and not for Joe, Iris or Cassie. I really enjoyed this story.
Snowbound Hearts is a rekindling of loss love. Joe Douglas left Iris Collins behind to pursue his music career. He has regretted that choice is day one. Returning home, Joe is pleasantly surprised to discover Iris is still single. Iris is excited and hurt by Joe's return. They have truths and lies to untangle before a happy ending can be found.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful second chance book by Kathleen Ball. Six years ago Joe broke up with Iris to pursue his singing career. Now he’s back in town to try and figure out why his family ranch is financial trouble. He crashes his truck in front of Iris’s place and she’s the one to find him. Lies and threats from both families have kept them apart. Will a Christmas miracle be in their future?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joe and Iris dated in high school. Jer dad threatened him when he left for a music career. Years later he is headed back home to save his families farm before it is foreclosed on when he wrecks his truck in a snowbank outside her home. Theu reunite but will they have smooth sailing or will there be more interference from family and friends again?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet second chance romance. Joe and Iris were torn apart when they were younger. Her dad and his brother told them lies about each other to keep them apart. When they are unexpectedly stuck together during a snowstorm, the truth comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this awesome book. Kathleen Ball writes so beautifully. Her stories have everything you could want in a book to read. She continues to draw you into her stories. I love reading her cowboys theme books. There very hard to put down, you have to finish it first. I highly recommend her books.
This is one of the sweetest Christmas romance I've read this year. Iris and Joe's story is a sweet heartwarming second chance romance that keeps you turning the pages. I fell in love with Carrie, she is absolutely precious! Loved it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A heartwarming second chance romance. With a snow blizzard, past and present family drama and romance you have a very interesting storyline. Great characters that are well written as is the book. It was an easy, interesting and very entertaining sweet holiday read that luckily ends with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read a lot of books written by Kathleen Ball; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written another good stand-alone short story. The story is about Iris & Joe; he returns home to try to save his families ranch from foreclosure; she was his first love.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this second chance love story between two characters who deserved to get their happily ever after. Joe and Iris were childhood sweethearts torn apart only to reunite years later and get a second chance at love. This is a sweet, short story with believable characters and a perfect ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
For a short story, this one was pretty good. The last person he expects to see when he wrecks his truck is his ex-girlfriend Iris. Iris allows him to stay with her during the snowstorm. They catch up on each others life and eventually Joe works things out. This story has a nice twist and is a good read for Christmas.
I recommend this book and story. Kathleen Ball is a great author. There's a bad snow storm as Joe drove when he started sliding into a snowbank. He was dazed his head and shoulder had hi the steering wheel. There was a knock on the window it was a girlfriend from the past. You must read to see what happens.
This is a sweet second chance Christmas romance between Joe and Iris. The author brings a heartwarming story with perfectly painted scenes and delivers an emotional read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I really enjoyed Joe and Iris's story. This is a really good second chance Christmas story. These two had others interfering in their lives that caused them to spend years a part. It was good to see things work out for them. A really great read.
The story of snow brings them together with many revealed secrets. The charming girl, his friend from his youth and his brother all have a part in the secrets. Grab your copy and read how he finds out.