Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby

Rate this book
A sweet holiday surprise
could help him make peace with the past.

Brody Hudson is ready for a fresh start after inheriting Hudson Ranch Incorporated, and the last thing he expects to find is his ex-girlfriend’s best friend on his front porch…with a baby. Lillian Splendor desperately needs help when she’s appointed guardian of her late friend’s child, and though seeing Lillian reminds him of his former love’s abrupt abandonment years ago, Brody agrees to take them in until she gets back on her feet. As Christmas approaches, Brody begins to see Lillian in a different light. Can they confront the past and open their hearts to a love they never expected?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wyoming Inheritance

Book 1: The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

12 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Jill Kemerer

118 books623 followers
Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels with Harlequin Love Inspired. Nearly a million of her books have sold worldwide.

A former electrical engineer, Jill now writes full-time. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She rarely passes up a bookstore and spends too much time at the library. She resides in Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
42 (70%)
4 stars
12 (20%)
3 stars
6 (10%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
932 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2025
There’s nothing like a new Love Inspired Christmas book to get you in a holiday mood, and Jill Kemerer’s book, The Rancher’s Mistletoe Baby, definitely does that. The first book in the Wyoming Inheritance series introduces six siblings and cousins that have inherited their grandfather’s ranch. Brody Hudson stars in this book along with his ex-girlfriend's best friend, Lillian Splendor. When Lillian shows up at the ranch destitute and needing help badly as she has guardianship of a baby, Brody agrees to help her out for a while.

With both Brody and Lillian trying to guard their hearts, will they be able to form a new relationship and have a happy holiday season? I loved seeing them grow and change as they heal past wounds. This is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of hope, healing, and family. This author is an expert at writing uplifting small-town stories. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jenny x Carolena .
152 reviews8 followers
November 14, 2025
I'm a huge fan of the Love Inspired Suspense line, but this was my first time picking up a Love Inspired Romance. I'm so happy to say that it absolutely did not disappoint! This book was incredibly uplifting and exactly the kind of heartwarming story I was hoping for, all set in a super cute series in Wyoming.

Both Brody and Lillian are going through their own significant trials making it very realistic. He's trying to make a fresh start but is still healing from his ex's abandonment, and she's suddenly a new guardian to her late friend's baby. They are each on a healing journey, and it was so inspiring to watch them navigate their pasts and find a new, unexpected future together.

A wonderful read about faith, forgiveness, and unexpected second chances.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
October 11, 2025
Get into the Christmas mood with this story of friends to more, that includes a beautiful baby who needs a family.

Kemerer writes the best western inspirational stories, with true to life characters and a story line that makes you feel warm inside, and keeps you turning the pages quickly.

We learn from watching both Lillian and Brody that we aren’t called to do life alone. That we need the help and love of others. God created us that way! Yet both are strong and stubborn. Can they patch their severed relationship? Learn to trust again? Read The Rancher’s Mistletoe Baby to find out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own

4,529 reviews38 followers
October 29, 2025
The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby is an uplifting, Christian romance of found family. Despite being busy with Hudson Ranch Incorporated, Brody agrees to house Lillian as she struggles with guardianship of her friend's baby. Brody and Lillian have to heal - themselves and their past friendship - as they prepare for Christmas. This well written book reminds us that we all need God's grace, that relying on Him brings peace and joy to replace the loneliness of relying only on ourselves. Ms. Kemerer's characters are always realistic, flawed individuals who grow and become stronger as they embrace their faith. I am looking forward to reading the stories of some of Brody's siblings. Do not miss this inspiring, Christmas romance.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books190 followers
October 7, 2025
A heartwarming story that brings smiles and hope for the future. Families and friends can have special relationships. In this sweet story, the reader is reminded that God has a purpose for everyone. Relying on self can bring loneliness and heartache. Trusting God can bring peace and joy. I enjoyed this story. I recevied a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
2 reviews
January 7, 2026
Jill Kemerer hit it out of the park with The Rancher’s Mistletoe Baby! Solid story, likable characters, and a big Wyoming ranch setting. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers trope, as the characters worked through issues they both had in their pasts. This is a great start to a new series, and I am looking forward to all the following stories.
457 reviews19 followers
October 13, 2025
Love, love, and love this story! A beautiful reminder that God always wants us, even when those around us may not. He sees us exactly as we are and loves us anyway. That's the best Christmas gift ever!
Profile Image for Lori Jorgensen.
327 reviews17 followers
November 12, 2025
Brody Hudson and his ex girlfriend Lillian Splendor have quite the walk in life when she lands on Brody’s front porch. Can they work through past hurts and miscommunication in order to find their everlasting happiness. Grab this book it’s a great read!!
155 reviews
October 12, 2025
The beginning was rather convoluted due to the introduction of five or six characters at once. Good Christmas read.
Profile Image for Joann.
29 reviews
October 25, 2025
Oh my word, I loved this book! Yes, it has the usual romance "frustrations" LOL, but it was well-written. I loved the characters, & I'm excited to see what happens in the rest of the series!
58 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2025
Great author, can't wait to find the other books in the series.
470 reviews
November 24, 2025
a great story

The characters are so good and the storyline outstanding. I’m excited for the next stories in the series. Thank for such a good story
Profile Image for Ranie.
897 reviews17 followers
December 4, 2025
Beautifully written, intriguingly emotional and spiritually uplifting....highly recommend
149 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. First because I did not have to strain my eyes, to read. Larger print really makes it easy for me. I did enjoy the story line.
Profile Image for Amy.
126 reviews
December 24, 2025
This is the best Love Inspired book I’ve read in a long time.
Profile Image for Cynthia Herron.
Author 6 books64 followers
January 6, 2026
Heartwarming holiday hope with all the Christmas feels ~ Enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Melissa.
345 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2025
The Rancher’s Mistletoe Baby is a great start to a new series by Jill Kemerer. I am so intrigued by the premise of a set of siblings and cousins inheriting a ranch and deciding to live there. The first sibling to live on the ranch is Brody. He is all ready to settle in when Lillian Splendor shows up on his porch with a baby. There past connection is one that brings hurt and bad memories. Not a great beginning for a romance, but Kemerer gets us there!

Jill Kemerer’s books are a must read for me. They are warm and romantic, but not without a little tension to make the story interesting. Her characters are realistic and her writing has me invested in the story from the very first page. I am looking forward to this series.

I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.