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Texas Matchmakers #7
Next Door Daddy
When rancher Nate Talbert asked for a miracle to change his reclusive life, he wasn't sure he meant Pollyanna McDonald. The city woman, her eight-year-old daredevil and menagerie of unruly pets had moved next door, driving him crazy. But he was surprised to learn how much he and the widow had in common...and how much they were drawn to each other. Then, too, Pollyanna's son was sorely in need of a father figure. But Nate a dad? Pollyanna gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up, but proving it to Nate would take a real miracle!
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
279 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Debra Clopton
135 books1,186 followersInternational Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.
A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.
Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest
COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction
1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF
SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US
Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY
WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW
2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)
What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!
Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.
A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.
Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest
COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction
1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF
SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US
Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY
WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW
2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)
What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!
Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 13, 2017
Great book
I was only disappointed that I didn't laugh out loud as I read this book but that was the only thing that disappointed me😁 I especially loved the characters in this book. The bird, dog, and turtles were delightful. The son was so full of energy that I felt energized. A great book in a fun, clean series.
I was only disappointed that I didn't laugh out loud as I read this book but that was the only thing that disappointed me😁 I especially loved the characters in this book. The bird, dog, and turtles were delightful. The son was so full of energy that I felt energized. A great book in a fun, clean series.
November 1, 2017
Widow Pollyanna McDonald has recently moved to Mule Hollow with the intention of opening a B&B for the women arriving in town seeking a husband. She, on the other hand, has no desire to seek love again. She's been there, done that before. After her husband died, she is not willing to give up his memory.
Nate Talbert lost his wife 3 years ago and is finally willing to emerge from his hermit status. Aware that someone has moved into the large Victorian house next to his property, he decides it's finally time to be a good neighbor. As he gets to know his new neighbor and her son, he realizes that he finally has purpose in life and a reason to get up each morning. But, is he ready to move on from the memory of his wife? Can he love again?
What follows is a very tender and sometimes raw look at two people still grieving their spouses and struggling with the thought of new love. I thought that the author was very respectful and gentle in her approach. I also appreciated the humor that is interspersed throughout. There are some truly funny moments.
Romance - PG, kissing
Language - clean
My rating - 5 stars
Nate Talbert lost his wife 3 years ago and is finally willing to emerge from his hermit status. Aware that someone has moved into the large Victorian house next to his property, he decides it's finally time to be a good neighbor. As he gets to know his new neighbor and her son, he realizes that he finally has purpose in life and a reason to get up each morning. But, is he ready to move on from the memory of his wife? Can he love again?
What follows is a very tender and sometimes raw look at two people still grieving their spouses and struggling with the thought of new love. I thought that the author was very respectful and gentle in her approach. I also appreciated the humor that is interspersed throughout. There are some truly funny moments.
Romance - PG, kissing
Language - clean
My rating - 5 stars
April 8, 2008
Pollyanna McDonald relocates to a small town in Texas, hoping to start a successful bed-and-breakfast. And hoping to restart her life that stalled with the death of her husband.
Rancher Nate Talbert knows it’s time to move past the death of his wife… but it’s hard to start liking someone else when you’ve got a big hole in your heart. Plus the women in town are man-crazy and he’s not too sure he likes that characteristic in a woman. When Nate comes to his new neighbor’s rescue (more than once!) and he invites Polly’s son to learn farm chores on his ranch, he feels the hard edges of his heart start to soften. But both he and Polly have know loss before… do they have the capacity to find love in each other?
Clopton’s Texas charm invites the reader to “come on in” to the story and relax in these pages. Peppered with humor, readers will enjoy a gentle laugh while also falling in love with the characters.
Rancher Nate Talbert knows it’s time to move past the death of his wife… but it’s hard to start liking someone else when you’ve got a big hole in your heart. Plus the women in town are man-crazy and he’s not too sure he likes that characteristic in a woman. When Nate comes to his new neighbor’s rescue (more than once!) and he invites Polly’s son to learn farm chores on his ranch, he feels the hard edges of his heart start to soften. But both he and Polly have know loss before… do they have the capacity to find love in each other?
Clopton’s Texas charm invites the reader to “come on in” to the story and relax in these pages. Peppered with humor, readers will enjoy a gentle laugh while also falling in love with the characters.
July 21, 2017
I have read the previous six books in this series and have really enjoyed them. But I have to confess, this one is my favorite so far.
If you have not read the previous ones, no worries, since it’s a stand alone. For those that have read the previous books, know the style is a little different in this one. Less comedy , and less interaction with the matchamakers but still wonderful.
The plot centers around Pollyanna, a widow with a young son who has moved to this unique town to open a B & B. She loved her husband to no end and has no desire to re-marry. Nate is a widower , a cowboy and her neighbor. He has become a hermit since he lost the love of his life, and definitely doesn’t want to ever get married. But somehow these two develop a friendship and Pollyanna’s son ,Gil , benefits as well. The menagerie Pollyanna and Gil have will make you chuckle .
This story is about love , loss, second chances in love and life, and in trusting God’s plan. We don’t always understand it, but things happen for a reason. Whomever we have given our hearts to will always be part of us and our hearts. This doesn’t mean that someone else cannot join that love and heart. That independence is great, but having someone beside you , si even greater, and that love and hope helps in moving forward.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
If you have not read the previous ones, no worries, since it’s a stand alone. For those that have read the previous books, know the style is a little different in this one. Less comedy , and less interaction with the matchamakers but still wonderful.
The plot centers around Pollyanna, a widow with a young son who has moved to this unique town to open a B & B. She loved her husband to no end and has no desire to re-marry. Nate is a widower , a cowboy and her neighbor. He has become a hermit since he lost the love of his life, and definitely doesn’t want to ever get married. But somehow these two develop a friendship and Pollyanna’s son ,Gil , benefits as well. The menagerie Pollyanna and Gil have will make you chuckle .
This story is about love , loss, second chances in love and life, and in trusting God’s plan. We don’t always understand it, but things happen for a reason. Whomever we have given our hearts to will always be part of us and our hearts. This doesn’t mean that someone else cannot join that love and heart. That independence is great, but having someone beside you , si even greater, and that love and hope helps in moving forward.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 1, 2017
Cherish Me, Cowboy by Debra Clopton
Texas Matchmakers Series Book Seven
Nate Talbert had stopped living three years ago. He died right along with his wife. The day he decided his late wife would want him to take the time to greet his new neighbors...was the day his heart started beating again. Walking into a flooded house, a screeching bird, funny looking dog, cute boy, and a green-eyed lady—apparently had the power to restart that dead organ.
Pollyanna McDonald had loved and been loved deeply. Her husband was gone but she had their son, Gil, to help remind her of the love her and Marc had shared. She knew about the matchmaking town she moved to and had let the ladies know she wanted to open a bed and breakfast—not participate in finding a husband. Ha! Like those gals listened to anyone.
Another fun filled...and at times tear-jerking...adventure to Mule Hollow, Texas. I love these books and the characters inside them.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Texas Matchmakers Series Book Seven
Nate Talbert had stopped living three years ago. He died right along with his wife. The day he decided his late wife would want him to take the time to greet his new neighbors...was the day his heart started beating again. Walking into a flooded house, a screeching bird, funny looking dog, cute boy, and a green-eyed lady—apparently had the power to restart that dead organ.
Pollyanna McDonald had loved and been loved deeply. Her husband was gone but she had their son, Gil, to help remind her of the love her and Marc had shared. She knew about the matchmaking town she moved to and had let the ladies know she wanted to open a bed and breakfast—not participate in finding a husband. Ha! Like those gals listened to anyone.
Another fun filled...and at times tear-jerking...adventure to Mule Hollow, Texas. I love these books and the characters inside them.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
July 11, 2017
This was a well-written, sweet, faith-based romance. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is the seventh in the Texas Matchmakers series. Some of the women in Mule Hollow, Texas have started a campaign to bring wives to the single cowboys in town. Widower Nate has new neighbors, beautiful widow Pollyanna and her son, along with a menagerie of animals. She wants a fresh start and to open a B & B. Neither of them are looking for new love, but it just might be looking for them... Pollyanna was sweet, Nate was a true gentle cowboy, Pollyanna's son was a sweetheart and the animals were a lot of fun. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in the series as well as others by this author.
May 20, 2017
I absolutely loved this story. Even though Pollyanna and Nate are the two main characters, you can't help but fall in love with Polly's son Gil. I also like how the other residents are weaved into the stories. I can only hope that at some point Stanley and/or App will get a story of their own - don't spoil it for me, I haven't looked ahead to see who are the main characters for the remaining books. If you have read any of this author's book, I highly recommend that you read this series. While I was gifted a copy of this book, this are my honest views.
August 25, 2017
Cherish Me, Cowboy is the seventh book in the Texas Matchmakers series. This book has some new extras and was previously published as Next Door Daddy. In the town of Mule Hollow where women are coming to answer the "Wives Wanted" advertisement, Pollyanna decides this is the place to open a Bed and Breakfast while still being able to raise her son. Slowly she becomes friends with her hermit cowboy neighbor. Will this friendship help heal the broken heart of losing a spouse? I really enjoyed this story, and I definitely recommend it.
July 1, 2020
Sweet Story
I have loved Debra Clopton's clean romance novels since I read Rafe a couple of years ago. She weaves tales of interesting and relatable characters overcoming obstacles in a way unlike other romance authors I've enjoyed. This tale was sweet and tugged at my heartstrings. It's a clean inspirational romance, without being sanctimonious or wordy. The characters just live life and their quirks, dialog and experiences just keep me wanting to know more. If you haven't read any of Debra Clopton's work, give this one a try.
I have loved Debra Clopton's clean romance novels since I read Rafe a couple of years ago. She weaves tales of interesting and relatable characters overcoming obstacles in a way unlike other romance authors I've enjoyed. This tale was sweet and tugged at my heartstrings. It's a clean inspirational romance, without being sanctimonious or wordy. The characters just live life and their quirks, dialog and experiences just keep me wanting to know more. If you haven't read any of Debra Clopton's work, give this one a try.
September 6, 2017
I really like the Mule Hollow series. In an effort to save their town, some of the oldsters get together to find a way to attract single women to Mule Hollow for all the single ranchers, farmers and cowboys. Debra Clopton has populated Mule Hollow with varied eccentric, interesting, odd and some almost normal folks to create a series you want to read all of. I plan to.
December 4, 2023
A great read
How do you survive losing the love of your life? Well, in this 'Mule Hollow' book, it seems in different yet similar ways. I truly enjoyed this story about a second chance at love. Well written, awesome characters and pets, laughter and maybe a tear, this book held my attention!
How do you survive losing the love of your life? Well, in this 'Mule Hollow' book, it seems in different yet similar ways. I truly enjoyed this story about a second chance at love. Well written, awesome characters and pets, laughter and maybe a tear, this book held my attention!
December 6, 2020
Beautiful love story
This was a good book. I have known other couples who have lost their love ones and finally found a love match. I also like your stories because my mother's middle name was Adela.
This was a good book. I have known other couples who have lost their love ones and finally found a love match. I also like your stories because my mother's middle name was Adela.
July 3, 2025
Very very good
Having lost my spouse of 7 days shy of our 35th anniversary I truly enjoyed this book. I cried, a lot and laughed just as often. It actually helped me , especially in explaining my reluctance to going back to church the first few weeks. Thank yu Debra Clopton ☺
Having lost my spouse of 7 days shy of our 35th anniversary I truly enjoyed this book. I cried, a lot and laughed just as often. It actually helped me , especially in explaining my reluctance to going back to church the first few weeks. Thank yu Debra Clopton ☺
November 9, 2025
Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton was a sweet, easy read. Clopton took a tough situation, loss of spouses, and made a tender-hearted story while treading lightly on the tough subject of grief. I recommend this sweet story.
May 8, 2017
This is one of my favorites of the series. I really liked this couple, Gil, and the funny animals. It had humor and heart. I teared up a couple of times but overall it was fun.
May 22, 2017
Seemed to follow the normal cycle of the Love Inspired series but it was a good book. Loved the energy between the two families.
April 21, 2020
Wow
This one's a really good,enjoying story.Funny,the characters grab hold of you from the very beginning and don't let go.Thanks for a wonderful a,adventure,plus a nice time.
This one's a really good,enjoying story.Funny,the characters grab hold of you from the very beginning and don't let go.Thanks for a wonderful a,adventure,plus a nice time.
September 25, 2020
Sweet Romance
This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance with vulnerable and endearing characters that will steal your heart and touch your soul love story.
This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance with vulnerable and endearing characters that will steal your heart and touch your soul love story.
November 30, 2020
Oh my Heart!
I laughed, cried, smiled and cried some more. I hated to see this gem end. A book I will re-read many times!
I laughed, cried, smiled and cried some more. I hated to see this gem end. A book I will re-read many times!
November 10, 2022
Love after widowhood
Each lost a much loved spouse. They bond over their losses. Her son finds a hero in him. But both had decided they could never love again.
Each lost a much loved spouse. They bond over their losses. Her son finds a hero in him. But both had decided they could never love again.
September 9, 2025
A really good book on how God helps us overcome grief.
June 4, 2008
this is the 2nd book in this series i've read (went thru the 1st one, which was actually the last one in the series, before i realized there WAS a series).
i don't really believe that any place like this exists, BUT, boy do i wish it did! i'm married, so it's not because i want the "club" to matchmake for me. i just fell in love w/ the people in the town, and how they all stick by each other, and take care of each other. NOT because they want dirt to gossip w/, but because they truly are a caring bunch of people.
i don't really believe that any place like this exists, BUT, boy do i wish it did! i'm married, so it's not because i want the "club" to matchmake for me. i just fell in love w/ the people in the town, and how they all stick by each other, and take care of each other. NOT because they want dirt to gossip w/, but because they truly are a caring bunch of people.
September 12, 2009
a wonderful story. made me cry over and over again as I read it. especially today on September 11th. moving on in is so hard when you've lost someone you love. I want to find the first 6 books of this series and read them.
October 12, 2008
This book is truly a heartwarming romance. I fell in love with all the main characters, especially the little boy! The rest of the characters in this small town made a perfect supporting cast. Very enjoyable, light read.
January 11, 2016
Nate Talbert and Pollyanne McDonald are both widowed and lonely. Polly is raising her son, Gil and doesn't think she will ever try again for love. Nate's wife died a slow death with cancer and he's not ready to move on. Looks like God has other plans for these folks!
September 12, 2009
reread 9/12/2009 as part of the complete Mule Hollow series
October 21, 2010
This book is part of a series of books. You don't have to read the others to enjoy this one but it does help. The story in this book is emotional and well worth the read.
September 13, 2016
I loved this book. The characters were hilarious especially the animals!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews