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Hope Eternal Ranch Romance #4
Christmas Cowboy
He needs to start a new story for his life. She's dealing with a lot of family issues. Can Slate and Jill find solace in each other at Hope Eternal Ranch?
Slate Sanders has been out of prison for a couple of months now. He keeps his head down and his mouth shut around the ranch, and not just because he's only a temporary cowboy. He's not sure what to participate in, because he's still trying to figure out who he is post-prison.
When he encounters Jill Kyle on the beach one morning, he can't help but go see what she's raging about. He's worried for her safety, and it's not until he gets closer that he realizes she works on the same ranch as him. Jill has just learned about her mother's devastating illness, and she's ready to take all of her frustrations out on the beach, the ocean, and the Lord.
As Jill and Slate connect over things lost, things gained, and an uncertain future, they both heal in unexpected ways. Jill didn't think she'd ever find someone to settle down with, and Slate has never had a serious relationship in his life. But together, they seem to make sense in a world where nothing does. With Christmas on the horizon, can Slate and Jill find themselves, create a new story for their future, and let go of the past before their heartache pushes them apart?
Cowboys looking for a second chance at life, love, and happiness.
Slate Sanders has been out of prison for a couple of months now. He keeps his head down and his mouth shut around the ranch, and not just because he's only a temporary cowboy. He's not sure what to participate in, because he's still trying to figure out who he is post-prison.
When he encounters Jill Kyle on the beach one morning, he can't help but go see what she's raging about. He's worried for her safety, and it's not until he gets closer that he realizes she works on the same ranch as him. Jill has just learned about her mother's devastating illness, and she's ready to take all of her frustrations out on the beach, the ocean, and the Lord.
As Jill and Slate connect over things lost, things gained, and an uncertain future, they both heal in unexpected ways. Jill didn't think she'd ever find someone to settle down with, and Slate has never had a serious relationship in his life. But together, they seem to make sense in a world where nothing does. With Christmas on the horizon, can Slate and Jill find themselves, create a new story for their future, and let go of the past before their heartache pushes them apart?
Cowboys looking for a second chance at life, love, and happiness.
Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2020
1165 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,080 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 28, 2020
I was hooked from beginning to end. A sweet, christian journey about two broken & insecure people trying to overcome their pasts. This is a story filled with friendship, family, healing and love. This is book #4 in the Hope Eternal Ranch series. The series is so amazing you never want it to end! Read it! You will not be disappointed! I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
I just love this series, this one is about a VERY sweet cowboy who hates Christmas, Slate has to get over his past, as we all do, his haunts him, He seems to enjoy Jill and like her so much, she is a fun loving sweet girl, with her own set of issues from her past, but mainly she suffers from not feeling good enough. But Slate cannot really give his all to Jill until he faces his demons. The question them becomes, will he? Or will he let Jill go for good? This is a clean book, and I love how Ms. Johnson seems to weave a story that keeps your interest and the characters seem so real. I love that you get a peek into the former character's lives, but all of these can be read stand alone. I LOVE the relationships and friendships in this series with the men especially, it seems we don't often get a peek into how the male bond works in most books. I just love this group of men, and each new book the male lead has become my favorite! I am also so happy to read about the main character's families, as it gives so much context into why they are how they are. Jill's sister is a BRAT, but one I loved to hate!! Another great book by Elana Johnson!! I would recommend this for SURE!!
October 4, 2020
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Addictions are a hard thing to overcome, especially if you have to do it without any support. Slate has to do it while he is in jail awaiting his trial and it is horrible dealing with withdrawals by himself. He doesn't ever want to go through that again.
Slate has just been released from prison after serving a four year sentence. He goes to Hope Eternal Ranch because that is where the rest of his crew from prison was at and they had all found it a place to be happy again. He is afraid that he will go back to being the person he was before prison unless he has the support of Nate, Ted, Luke, and Dallas. He didn't think he was strong enough on his own to stay away from the evils of drugs.
Jill has been working at Hope Eternal Ranch for years and has dated many, many guys trying to find the right one to be her one true love. She has about given up when Slate sees her at the beach after she finds out her mom has cancer and she is throwing rocks into the water and yelling at God. She cries on his shoulder and Slate finally calms her enough to get her in his truck to give her a ride back to the ranch.
They both feel the electricity between them and start to see if there is something more than just the spark. What will happen when his past comes back to haunt him? What will he do when Jill tells him she loves him? Will he leave with Luke to see what else the world holds or will he realize that he loves her and doesn't want to leave? How will he face his past so he can make a future?
Addictions are a hard thing to overcome, especially if you have to do it without any support. Slate has to do it while he is in jail awaiting his trial and it is horrible dealing with withdrawals by himself. He doesn't ever want to go through that again.
Slate has just been released from prison after serving a four year sentence. He goes to Hope Eternal Ranch because that is where the rest of his crew from prison was at and they had all found it a place to be happy again. He is afraid that he will go back to being the person he was before prison unless he has the support of Nate, Ted, Luke, and Dallas. He didn't think he was strong enough on his own to stay away from the evils of drugs.
Jill has been working at Hope Eternal Ranch for years and has dated many, many guys trying to find the right one to be her one true love. She has about given up when Slate sees her at the beach after she finds out her mom has cancer and she is throwing rocks into the water and yelling at God. She cries on his shoulder and Slate finally calms her enough to get her in his truck to give her a ride back to the ranch.
They both feel the electricity between them and start to see if there is something more than just the spark. What will happen when his past comes back to haunt him? What will he do when Jill tells him she loves him? Will he leave with Luke to see what else the world holds or will he realize that he loves her and doesn't want to leave? How will he face his past so he can make a future?
September 28, 2020
This is my favorite in this series - so far!!! Jill and Slate are an adorable couple as well awesome people individually. I can't quite put my finger on why this my favorite book in this series but even the angst didn't ruffle my feathers like normal - in most books. It seemed to me to be needed. They both have things going on that they are dealing with. Their story just touched my heart and kept me engaged and reading until the very last page. I was left smiling but a little sad that it was at the end. Great addition to the series!!! gotta read
September 23, 2020
This cowboy is incredibly insecure, but so sensitive to the feelings and needs of those around him. And he's so smart and so brave.
As fearful as he is, he does the scary thing to protect those he loves.
As fearful as he is, he does the scary thing to protect those he loves.
October 23, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Christmas Cowboy is book 4 in the Hope Eternal Ranch series by Elana Johnson and am loving this sweet, second chance at life and love series!
Up next is Slate Sanders and Jill Kyle. Slate is trying to figure his life after prison and all he’s lost thinking the ranch is just a stop gap. When he sees Jill at the beach he finds she is dealing with some devastating news and wants to help in any way he can...what happens next is...dealing with heartache, forgiveness, accepting the past, finding that with the help of the Lord all things are possible...second chances, happiness and love!
Christmas Cowboy is book 4 in the Hope Eternal Ranch series by Elana Johnson and am loving this sweet, second chance at life and love series!
Up next is Slate Sanders and Jill Kyle. Slate is trying to figure his life after prison and all he’s lost thinking the ranch is just a stop gap. When he sees Jill at the beach he finds she is dealing with some devastating news and wants to help in any way he can...what happens next is...dealing with heartache, forgiveness, accepting the past, finding that with the help of the Lord all things are possible...second chances, happiness and love!
October 22, 2020
I just love this series, this one is about a VERY sweet cowboy who hates Christmas, Slate has to get over his past, as we all do, his haunts him, He seems to enjoy Jill and likes her so much, she is a fun loving sweet girl, with her own set of issues from her past, but mainly she suffers from not feeling good enough. But Slate cannot really give his all to Jill until he faces his demons. The question them becomes, will he? Or will he let Jill go for good? This is a clean book, and I love how Ms. Johnson seems to weave a story that keeps your interest and the characters seem so real. I love that you get a peek into the former character's lives, but all of these can be read stand alone. I LOVE the relationships and friendships in this series with the men especially, it seems we don't often get a peek into how the male bond works in most books. I just love this group of men, and each new book the male lead has become my favorite! I am also so happy to read about the main character's families, as it gives so much context into why they are how they are. Jill's sister is a BRAT, but one I loved to hate!! Another great book by Elana Johnson!! I would recommend this for SURE!
October 20, 2020
I have enjoyed each story in this series centering around Hope Eternal Ranch and the lives that are transformed and healed there. When Slate arrives from prison, he is happy to join his friends Nate, Ted, Luke, and Dallas--all who met and grew a strong bond in prison. He keeps his head down and does his job while trying to figure out who he is and what he's supposed to be doing with the rest of his life. Slate is a recovering addict who also hates Christmas and one day meets Jill (a ranch employee) at the beach as she is dealing with her mother's cancer. He sees a woman in need and comes to her rescue. I love their relationship of helping each other as they dealing with past hurts. As Slate tries to decide where his future leads, will he stay at the ranch with Jill? And what about the plans he's made with Luke? I love how this story interweaves the lives of past stories and characters in this series and evolves around the theme of second chances. Christmas Cowboy is a wonderful clean romance, suitable to read any time of year! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
January 18, 2022
I’m all about a cheesy Christmas book, but this was not even that! I forced myself to finish the story. How many times was the word “said” used in this book? I have no idea, but it was often enough that I wondered who wrote this. She said. He said. Luke said. My word! I’m so glad it’s over!
February 15, 2021
I really enjoyed reading about Jill and Slate. They make a perfect pair even if he doesn't believe it yet. This is a super sweet, clean romance.
December 19, 2024
Cute modern cowboy/rancher reformed bad boys second chance to work & play. This was rather serious, and did not down play the problems that cropped up.
October 1, 2020
This was a sweet and emotional romance. I loved how they worked to be free from the past and found true love. Slate was an amazing hero. :)
October 12, 2020
Christmas Cowboy is the fourth book in the Hope Eternal Ranch. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the series is so good. The book is better if you have read the previous books because you know all the history of all the side characters. I feel in love with this series when I read the first book. They are all clean Christian romances and are based on a group of men that formed strong friendships while in prison. They all go to work at Hope Eternal Ranch looking to find themselves and the future once they are released. The men’s bond is strong and their willingness to help each other is wonderful. This book was fast-paced and grabbed my attention right away. The characters were heartwarming and perfect for each other. The author has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like they are part of the story and experiencing all the emotions. Slate Sanders had been out of prison for a few months and was working at the ranch. He wasn’t sure what his future held but he thought it would not be at the ranch. He was helping to build more cabins on the ranch and keeping to himself. While out driving one day he ran into Jill Kyle who worked on the ranch. Finding her on the beach when she was upset, he took her home to the ranch. Slate little experience with women but his connection to Jill was strong. Jill had just discovered her mother had cancer and she was upset. She never committed to long relationships but her connection to Slate was so strong that she wanted to commit. Just as their relationship starts to grow Slate’s past comes to find him. Can their relationship withstand Slate’s past?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2020
This story gives the reader two strong, and resilient people who are determined to make better lives for themselves than the ones they have had in the past. Neither is feeling worthy of love, but love finds them anyway. Their story is one of faith, of redemption and of choosing to follow a path toward love, and it is very captivating.
Slate is a man who is seeking redemption and reconciliation. His addiction led to desperate behaviours that landed him in prison for four years. Now he is living and working on Hope Eternal Ranch as part of his transition back to civilian life. His soul is restless, weary and seeking peace. That isn’t possible until he reconciles with his family, asks for forgiveness and redeems himself not only in the eyes of others, but in his own eyes. When he witnesses Jill, who also lives and works on the ranch, railing against God for the terrible illness her Mom is facing, he steps in to comfort her and act as her sounding board. Both are attracted to each other, but Slate’s very conscious of his past and doesn’t want to taint Jill’s life. When she is told about his past, Jill doesn’t back away and tells him that lots of people have pasts that shame them, including her, and she admires him for his determination to move forward and to do better. Not sure of his future plans, they both take things slow....a few passionate kisses, hand holding and a few dates. It is not too long before both realize that their hearts are now invested in their relationship. When a part of his past is resurrected, Slate has choice to make....give in to his demons, run from them, or confront them and build a future with Jill. What choice will he make?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Slate is a man who is seeking redemption and reconciliation. His addiction led to desperate behaviours that landed him in prison for four years. Now he is living and working on Hope Eternal Ranch as part of his transition back to civilian life. His soul is restless, weary and seeking peace. That isn’t possible until he reconciles with his family, asks for forgiveness and redeems himself not only in the eyes of others, but in his own eyes. When he witnesses Jill, who also lives and works on the ranch, railing against God for the terrible illness her Mom is facing, he steps in to comfort her and act as her sounding board. Both are attracted to each other, but Slate’s very conscious of his past and doesn’t want to taint Jill’s life. When she is told about his past, Jill doesn’t back away and tells him that lots of people have pasts that shame them, including her, and she admires him for his determination to move forward and to do better. Not sure of his future plans, they both take things slow....a few passionate kisses, hand holding and a few dates. It is not too long before both realize that their hearts are now invested in their relationship. When a part of his past is resurrected, Slate has choice to make....give in to his demons, run from them, or confront them and build a future with Jill. What choice will he make?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2020
I received an ARC from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review
Christmas Cowboy by Elana Johnson is a contemporary romance. It’s the fourth book from the Hope Eternal Ranch series and it’s about Slate Sanders and Jill Kyle.
This story is so sweet and innocent. It takes part in a ranch named Hope Eternal, in Texas. It’s focused on Slate and Jill’s brewing romance. We follow their journey, we see how they truly met and how they slowly helped each other move forward with their lives.
We learned about their pasts which explained how they ended up there. I loved the family/friendly vibe they had.
The characters were amazing. All of them were from Texas they were super polite and had that southern drawl. Slate was a lot different from Jill. He was more closed to himself and distant while she was a ball of energy, helpful, and organized.
The rest of the crew were great as well and made several appearances.
Even though the book is referred at Christmas on the title it doesn’t evolve in that particular time. It started months before but the climax happened during that holiday. The romance is very innocent which makes it appropriate for all readers. (It kind of reminded me of stories my grandma used to say about the young couples back in her days).
I enjoyed reading Christmas cowboy so much that I would highly recommend you to buy it for you or for a fellow romance addict. It can be a perfect Christmas gift!!! I will rate it with 4 stars.
Christmas Cowboy by Elana Johnson is a contemporary romance. It’s the fourth book from the Hope Eternal Ranch series and it’s about Slate Sanders and Jill Kyle.
This story is so sweet and innocent. It takes part in a ranch named Hope Eternal, in Texas. It’s focused on Slate and Jill’s brewing romance. We follow their journey, we see how they truly met and how they slowly helped each other move forward with their lives.
We learned about their pasts which explained how they ended up there. I loved the family/friendly vibe they had.
The characters were amazing. All of them were from Texas they were super polite and had that southern drawl. Slate was a lot different from Jill. He was more closed to himself and distant while she was a ball of energy, helpful, and organized.
The rest of the crew were great as well and made several appearances.
Even though the book is referred at Christmas on the title it doesn’t evolve in that particular time. It started months before but the climax happened during that holiday. The romance is very innocent which makes it appropriate for all readers. (It kind of reminded me of stories my grandma used to say about the young couples back in her days).
I enjoyed reading Christmas cowboy so much that I would highly recommend you to buy it for you or for a fellow romance addict. It can be a perfect Christmas gift!!! I will rate it with 4 stars.
March 17, 2021
Christmas Cowboy will take you on an emotional ride that wouldn't fit on any map! Slate and Jill find love, lose it and he leaves the ranch for months before coming home.
All 5 of the cowboys that have came to Hope Eternal Ranch from prison where they had plenty of time to get their lives back to showing how good of men they are now has made excellent cowboys and hard workers willing to do whatever needed doing on the ranch. The Mulbury Boys had defiantly stood together and become thicker than blood while serving their time in River Bay prison. Though they are no longer businessmen as they were before going to prison, they are hard working cowboys that love their families and will be there at just a phone call to help each other out. Luke wanted to leave to do construction work and after Slate had a visitor from his past he left Hope Eternal Ranch with Luke to keep them safe. But, months later Luke got tired of Slate's depression even though they both worked on a construction site everyday in Colorado in snow. He tells him to go back home. Slate is scared, but he needed to hear Luke tell him to do it. It turns out to be one of the best decisions he ever makes. And like the story in the Bible of the Prodigal Son, he is welcomed back home, especially by Jill. Slate has a lot of apologizing to do to get back in Jill's good graces. One was he had to agree to be the Cowboy Santa Claus for their very first Christmas festival at Hope Eternal Ranch.
All 5 of the cowboys that have came to Hope Eternal Ranch from prison where they had plenty of time to get their lives back to showing how good of men they are now has made excellent cowboys and hard workers willing to do whatever needed doing on the ranch. The Mulbury Boys had defiantly stood together and become thicker than blood while serving their time in River Bay prison. Though they are no longer businessmen as they were before going to prison, they are hard working cowboys that love their families and will be there at just a phone call to help each other out. Luke wanted to leave to do construction work and after Slate had a visitor from his past he left Hope Eternal Ranch with Luke to keep them safe. But, months later Luke got tired of Slate's depression even though they both worked on a construction site everyday in Colorado in snow. He tells him to go back home. Slate is scared, but he needed to hear Luke tell him to do it. It turns out to be one of the best decisions he ever makes. And like the story in the Bible of the Prodigal Son, he is welcomed back home, especially by Jill. Slate has a lot of apologizing to do to get back in Jill's good graces. One was he had to agree to be the Cowboy Santa Claus for their very first Christmas festival at Hope Eternal Ranch.
June 21, 2025
A Sweet Christmas Romance, Full of Love and Joy, But Mainly About Learning to Forgive Yourself!
Elana Johnson continues her Hope Eternal Ranch Romance series with book four, Christmas Cowboy. I have enjoyed all the novels in this series thus far. However, Christmas Cowboy walloped me. This story has more than Elana's usual feel-good emotions. Christmas Cowboy contains struggles with dysfunctional family relationships and an inability to let go of the past and forgive ourselves. The opening scene with Jill, where she has a breakdown at the beach and begins to throw rocks in the water while raging at God, really hit home. I know what it is to blame God for troubles that are man-made, not God made! I know what life is like when you find yourself praying to a God you are no longer sure you believe in. Elana Johnson's characters resemble people we know and can relate to. They are believable, and as Slate and Jill transform into better selves, Elana instills hope in all readers, especially me! So, get your tissues ready, because before you get to the happily ever after, you have to ride an emotional roller-coaster! I can guarantee that it is well worth the price of the ticket!
Hope Eternal Ranch is appropriately named! If you decide to read this series by Elana Johnson, you too can experience Eternal, unconditional Hope!
Elana Johnson continues her Hope Eternal Ranch Romance series with book four, Christmas Cowboy. I have enjoyed all the novels in this series thus far. However, Christmas Cowboy walloped me. This story has more than Elana's usual feel-good emotions. Christmas Cowboy contains struggles with dysfunctional family relationships and an inability to let go of the past and forgive ourselves. The opening scene with Jill, where she has a breakdown at the beach and begins to throw rocks in the water while raging at God, really hit home. I know what it is to blame God for troubles that are man-made, not God made! I know what life is like when you find yourself praying to a God you are no longer sure you believe in. Elana Johnson's characters resemble people we know and can relate to. They are believable, and as Slate and Jill transform into better selves, Elana instills hope in all readers, especially me! So, get your tissues ready, because before you get to the happily ever after, you have to ride an emotional roller-coaster! I can guarantee that it is well worth the price of the ticket!
Hope Eternal Ranch is appropriately named! If you decide to read this series by Elana Johnson, you too can experience Eternal, unconditional Hope!
October 24, 2020
Much more than a simple cowboy romance story
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. What strikes me the most is the raw emotion these pages contain: Slate’s fear of falling back into old ways after his release from prison, his doubt and fear of his family’s reaction should he reach out, Jill’s difficulty accepting a loved one’s diagnosis, her lack of faith in herself. There was also the sizzling attraction they had from the start. I enjoyed reading about characters who are at the same time tough and resilient yet as awkward and nervous as seventh graders on a first date!
The author paints a very vivid picture of the difficulty of re-entering society and putting your past truly behind you. I love the way the group of five friends (and former inmates) will do absolutely anything for each other, even if they are miserable doing it. This is what true friendship looks like. I was immediately pulled into the story and the plot had surprising twists and humorous scenes that gave it balance and kept me interested until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. What strikes me the most is the raw emotion these pages contain: Slate’s fear of falling back into old ways after his release from prison, his doubt and fear of his family’s reaction should he reach out, Jill’s difficulty accepting a loved one’s diagnosis, her lack of faith in herself. There was also the sizzling attraction they had from the start. I enjoyed reading about characters who are at the same time tough and resilient yet as awkward and nervous as seventh graders on a first date!
The author paints a very vivid picture of the difficulty of re-entering society and putting your past truly behind you. I love the way the group of five friends (and former inmates) will do absolutely anything for each other, even if they are miserable doing it. This is what true friendship looks like. I was immediately pulled into the story and the plot had surprising twists and humorous scenes that gave it balance and kept me interested until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
Slate Sanders was a changed man after his time in prison and the Hope Eternal Ranch, where he was released to finish the last few months of his prison sentence. It was the same place some of his friends before him had been released too and still worked. We were introduced to some amazing characters in this story. Several we had met before, but many new ones. One new person was Jill Kyle, whom Slate met one morning down on the beach when she was having a meltdown after her parents had told her and her siblings that her mother had cancer and what the treatment plan contained. After that Slate and Jill started hanging out some until they eventually started seeing each other. This time around more of the extended family for both Slate and Jill were brought into the story to add greater dimension and depth. Slate had a great many unresolved issues in his life making for a very turbulent relationship ride for Jill. It did make for excellent reading as I could not put this book down until I finished it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
Slate Sanders got out of prison several months ago and came to Hope Eternal Ranch. He’s trying to keep off everyone’s radar while he reconnects with life on the outside. The ranch is very healing because others have issues as well and tend to not criticize others.
Jill Kyle also lives at the ranch, dealing with debt and family issues. When Slate sees Jill acting out on the beach after being overwhelmed with bad news, the two talk and get a new understanding and perspective on things. Is there a chance that maybe they are connecting to the one they need in their life? Can they help heal and settle each other so that both can trust in a future together?
This is a good story of hope where the right people make a special connection that starts them off in a new and better direction. It’s difficult to figure it out alone, and finding someone you can relate to or talk to makes all the difference. Grab your copy and see if Jill and Slate are ready to become a couple yet.
Jill Kyle also lives at the ranch, dealing with debt and family issues. When Slate sees Jill acting out on the beach after being overwhelmed with bad news, the two talk and get a new understanding and perspective on things. Is there a chance that maybe they are connecting to the one they need in their life? Can they help heal and settle each other so that both can trust in a future together?
This is a good story of hope where the right people make a special connection that starts them off in a new and better direction. It’s difficult to figure it out alone, and finding someone you can relate to or talk to makes all the difference. Grab your copy and see if Jill and Slate are ready to become a couple yet.
October 26, 2020
It is Thanksgiving when the book starts. Slate has come to join Hope Eternal in the summer, after he had done all of his time. He likes being with his friends, but as he went to prison at 24, and full of drugs, he did not have much experience to have a normal relationship with others. So he avoids most of the people working there, just trying to do one day at a time. When he flees the festivities he meets Jill, another member of Hope Eternal. She had just heard that her mother was terminally ill and to make things worse - her car did not work. This starts the friendship between them and a slow--burn attraction. Both with baggage slowly find their way not only towards each other, but also a way to heal.
A nice story - a little heavy at times due to the topics, but all in all engaging and entertaining to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A nice story - a little heavy at times due to the topics, but all in all engaging and entertaining to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2020
Two Wounded Souls Help Each Other
I love this author's writing style. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about a story that centered around someone who had been in prison, especially a Christmas book. But I can't seem to pass up any holiday books when I see them at my favorite book review sites. I am so glad I picked this one up. The author's writing style is immersive, and she shares what goes on in the minds and hearts of the viewpoint characters. Both halves of the couple were wounded souls, broken in different ways, who found friendship and fellowship with each other. I also really liked the secondary characters. Unusual for a romance, we got to see the strong bonds between the men who had shared time in prison. I liked the way they took care of each other. I found this to be a surprisingly excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I love this author's writing style. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about a story that centered around someone who had been in prison, especially a Christmas book. But I can't seem to pass up any holiday books when I see them at my favorite book review sites. I am so glad I picked this one up. The author's writing style is immersive, and she shares what goes on in the minds and hearts of the viewpoint characters. Both halves of the couple were wounded souls, broken in different ways, who found friendship and fellowship with each other. I also really liked the secondary characters. Unusual for a romance, we got to see the strong bonds between the men who had shared time in prison. I liked the way they took care of each other. I found this to be a surprisingly excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 22, 2020
The Hope Eternal Ranch Series is Great! This is another book about second chances. Slate’s college addiction to pain killers leads him to Federal Prison after errors at his banking job. When he is released he heads to Hope Eternal Ranch for a job with the friends he made in prison. There he meets and falls in love with Jill who is dealing with paying back debts from college and her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Both have family issues that have to be resolved and Slate has to realize that he is no longer the same person that was a junkie. All the characters in this series are more mature and they have flaws that they are working through while seeking God’s help. I like being able to catch up on the characters from the other books and see how they are growing. You will love this new romance by Elana Johnson.
October 22, 2020
I have gone and fallen in love with these cowboys and the emotional rollercoasters they take me on. I was a little better prepared for it this time because I actually remembered how wildly my moods swung while reading the previous book. Slate wrenched my heart right out of my chest. I couldn’t help but feel for him and his desire to never fall back into his old habits and patterns. Jill is facing her own mountain of obstacles that made my heart hurt for her. Can these two be the support each other needs or will their own demons drive an impossible wedge between them? That was the question that kept me quickly flipping pages in this book. I needed to know if and how they were going to work everything out. And after getting to know more about Luke, I’m desperate to know the rest of his story.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
October 16, 2020
I enjoy these books about people getting a second chance in life. We all need multiple chances as we don't always make wise decisions. Slate got hooked on drugs when he was given pain pills for an injury. His life spiraled out of control until he wound up in a minimum security prison. Jill works at the ranch that helps rehabilitate guys when they left the prison. Jill had her own secrets involving a past relationship and the financial hardship she was facing now. They fell madly in love but circumstances from his past caused him to run from the ranch. Where does he flee to? What happens with his relationship with Jill? Does he mend things with his own family? I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.
October 22, 2020
I love the Hope Eternal Ranch series and this newest one is no exception. I love the way everyone on the ranch tries to care for everyone else – even to setting someone up for a date. Most of these men were in prison and were sent to this ranch to help them get used to being free again. The characters are very well defined, and I love that it isn’t all mushy. (I like some mush, though!) This story shows how hard it can be to get used to making your own decisions after being in prison. The ladies enjoy helping the guys to see that they are worthy of love. I hope you will enjoy this – I certainly have.
(I received an advance reader copy through Booksprout. This is my honest review.)
(I received an advance reader copy through Booksprout. This is my honest review.)
October 22, 2020
Sweet holiday romance.
A man just released from prison and looking for another chance is the hero of our story. Slate Slanders is working at Hope Eternal Ranch when he out to the beach he meets Jill another resident of Hope Eternal and she is having a really bad day. Jill and Slate are two lost souls both dealing with issues of family and their feeling of self-worth. This was a good story showing the power of faith and love. I just loved the ending I was happy all the rest of the day after reading it. High praise and I highly recommend this sweet holiday romance it is just what everyone needs during that time of year. No, I am wrong it is a book that everyone needs any time of the year. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A man just released from prison and looking for another chance is the hero of our story. Slate Slanders is working at Hope Eternal Ranch when he out to the beach he meets Jill another resident of Hope Eternal and she is having a really bad day. Jill and Slate are two lost souls both dealing with issues of family and their feeling of self-worth. This was a good story showing the power of faith and love. I just loved the ending I was happy all the rest of the day after reading it. High praise and I highly recommend this sweet holiday romance it is just what everyone needs during that time of year. No, I am wrong it is a book that everyone needs any time of the year. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was humorous, however it was emotional as well.
Slate was a criminal who was just released from a correctional center to a ranch to work the rest of his time out. He was addicted to pain pills and whatever he could get off the streets for a fix.
Jill worked on the ranch that he was on. She just wanted what every other woman on the ranch had and that was someone to love her.
She took a chance on Slate and it did not turn out the way she had hoped.
Will they get together or will Slate disappoint her and run?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Slate was a criminal who was just released from a correctional center to a ranch to work the rest of his time out. He was addicted to pain pills and whatever he could get off the streets for a fix.
Jill worked on the ranch that he was on. She just wanted what every other woman on the ranch had and that was someone to love her.
She took a chance on Slate and it did not turn out the way she had hoped.
Will they get together or will Slate disappoint her and run?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
This is just a wonderful insperational holiday read. The characters are Slate who is recently released from prison and is working on a ranch. We have Jill who works on the same ranch. One day Slate see Jill and thinks she is going to hurt herself, later to find out that she received some news about her mother and her health. They start a friendship that grows. They both have things that they need to come to terms with. Can these two heal and find a way forward with theirs lives? This was a great book and great characters. This is not my usual story but it was well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
4.5 stars.
One of the things I have liked the most about this story is the sweetness of Slate and Jill together, their connection was so sweet and it was so lovely to see them enter into a relationship together. I liked getting to know them through their faith, their friends, their struggles and their honesty. I loved how supportive, understanding and forgiving everyone was and the love that shines through as you read. I have smiled a lot and cried a few times reading this and I am looking forward to Luke's and Hannah's story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of the things I have liked the most about this story is the sweetness of Slate and Jill together, their connection was so sweet and it was so lovely to see them enter into a relationship together. I liked getting to know them through their faith, their friends, their struggles and their honesty. I loved how supportive, understanding and forgiving everyone was and the love that shines through as you read. I have smiled a lot and cried a few times reading this and I am looking forward to Luke's and Hannah's story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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