The Rancher's Christmas

Hearts of Kittering Creek #1

by Carolyne Aarsen

Asher Chastain figured five years was long enough to get over his break-up with Brielle Kittering. To get over the fact that she ghosted him, then married his brother.

So when his dad asks him to come home for Christmas, he figures why not. He was only staying two nights. Long enough to have some turkey, give his nephew his present.

Crack a few jokes to show that Brielle marrying his brother didn’t matter to him - even though he would be lying.

Re-connect with his father, even though they hadn’t gotten along for years.

But Asher didn’t count on a snow-storm stranding him and Brielle and his nephew alone on the ranch. Or his surprising affection for his brother’s son.

Or, even worse, the way Brielle could still make his heart race and his breath catch in his throat.

Genres: Christmas

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

About the author

Even with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher's Christmas

I enjoyed this second chance romance for Brielle and Asher. The characters are likeable. They were engaged several years earlier but Brielle told Asher in a text that she was pregnant. The text she got back was questioning if she was sure the baby was his. Then Asher left to take a high paying job in another state. Brielle ended up marrying Asher's brother, Nathan, who was tragically killed two weeks later and Brielle decided to stay with Asher's Dad, Charles, to help raise her son, Bennett. When Charles asks Asher to come home for Christmas, the mystery of the text that ended the engagement of Asher and Brielle is revealed. Asher also finds out that Charles has terminal cancer. You will have to read the book to find out who sent the text that Asher knew nothing about, and finding out he has a son, and his estranged Dad is dying,and will he and Brielle become an item? I highly recommend this clean Christian romance. This is !y voluntary and honest review.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher and Brielle were both lied to from a mostly trusted advisor his father. This treachery caused extream hurt feelings. Asher showed up at his father's request, but went straight to the farm instead of to the coffee shop. He met up with Brielle shocking both humans herself. Due to a blizzard, Asher was forced to return to the farm and stay at least overnight. Once Brielle put her little boy to bed for the night, they had time to talk and figured out the truth. Both were shocked to realize they had both been betrayed. This was an excellant book that for this reader hit very close to home. Carolyne shines again bringing us into the story and making us part of it. Definitely worth the five stars and the time to read.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful second chance romance set at Christmas time. Asher Chastain is reluctantly returning home after being asked by his estranged father. Four years ago, his former fiancé Brielle broke up with him, ghosted him, and married his now-deceased half-brother. He never knew why. Now he will find out. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. A lot is packed into this engaging story. This is one of the best second chance romances that I have ever read.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting prequel to the new Hearts of Kittering Creek series.  One of the Kitterings was in this book as it focused on Brielle and her son, Bennett.  They lived with Charles Chastain who was Bennett's grandfather. Brielle's husband had died and suddenly his half brother, Asher showed up at the house. The book was full of secrets, faith, and forgiveness which I liked. It made the book intriguing to read as I pondered what was going to happen next. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed Asher and Brielle's story. Asher was engaged to Brielle, until she broke it off and married his half-brother. Now, Asher is back home after his father asks him to come home for Christmas. There is a bit of mystery, and loss Asher and Brielle must deal with. It gives them an opening to finally talk about hard decisions. I read this way past my bedtime, but I had to know what happened. If you like clean stories of second chances, you can't go wrong with "The Ranchers Christmas". I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good story; the only problem was that it was over too soon. The characters had both been through a lot of difficult things and just as things were getting to the happy part, the story ended abruptly. Since this book is part of a series I hope that we will get more news from Asher and Brielle in upcoming books. I loved this book in every other way and gladly recommend it. Rating: 4.5. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story to start off a new series! This is a prequel to the Hearts of Kittering Creek that gave me an overview of the ranches, families and history of the area. I loved Asher as he came home to visit with his father, renew his acquaintance with Brielle and her son, as well as settling old hurts and feelings. My favorite character in this book is Bennett who immediately grabbed my heart. I look forward to the rest of the stories in the series.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher's Christmas is a Christian, second chance romance. Ms. Aarsen never disappoints. This prequel focuses on secrets, deception, family, faith, forgiveness and second chances. I enjoyed reading about Asher and Brielle and watching them overcome what kept them apart in the past. I am looking forward to the next book in this interesting new series. Bennett, Brielle’s son, and the Christmas setting are added perks!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Asher and Brielle’s story which includes a sweet little boy, Bennett. Theirs is a second chance story involving lots of forgiveness and love at Christmas. This author writes wonderful characters and stories. I look forward to reading what comes next in this Hearts of Kittering Creek series.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story of Undeserved Forgiveness

This really is a great story of Undeserved forgiveness. However it was distracting that the author couldn't decide between Bennettt, Benet, or Benett - one "t", two "t's" or 3 "t's", and sometimes multiple spellings on the very same page! She obviously needs a new proofreader!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely!

Asher and his father have been estranged for years when he is summoned home. Twists and turns and revelations ensue. A lovely story of second chances and reconciliation! Highly recommended!

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher’s Christmas

This story was very entertaining and well written by an aspiring writer who has a great series in the Kittering’s of Kittering creek. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Erwin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

It didn't take long to see who was doing all the texting in this story. But it was interesting to see if he was going to fess up to it.

[Donald And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

This was a very good book. I think this will be a great series. Looking forward to the next book. Caroline is a great author.

[Medenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

Good story and great ending. I guess I’ll stick around for more books in the series. Hoping they will be good as well.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher and Brielle's story was so sad, and their separation could have been avoided. I'll admit I wasn't as forgiving as they were. Loved seeing them reconnect. Her son was adorable and adapted quickly to the changes. Sweet reunion and ending.