The Christmas Ranch

Cowboys of Cold Creek #13

by RaeAnne Thayne

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family's property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holiday—this will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle. 

Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope's tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn't know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him…

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Contemporary, Military Fiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

While technically part of a series, this stands as the start of a new sub-trilogy and can be read without the others. Unless something changed drastically in the last third I didn't read . . .

Anyway, yeah. I loved both Rafe and Hope. They're fun characters with the strong, competent, kind hero and the sweet, determined, courageous heroine being a personal favorite pairing. I typically fall for both in this situation and this is no exception. Only. The author buried all these stupid landmines and then manipulates the characters to trip over them. In really stupid ways. I mean, Rafe kept putting off a really simple "confession" (for something that wasn't even a little bit bad) for reasons that make no sense for a man of his maturity and experience. Let alone a man of his supposed courage and honor. It makes for this really bad split personality that doesn't really cohere at all. Which was bad enough, but then, when it finally comes out, we have Hope overreacting in this really weird way, too—like it was the biggest betrayal since Brutus gave Caesar a pointed critique.

Anyway, with a third to go, I gave up and wrote the ending in my head. Since they already cared for each other and were half-way in love anyway, it was short and made me happy. It also made it impossible for me to actually read the last third so I stopped.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I might be a little obsessed. After finishing the last book in the Nichol's sister trilogy, I came to a surprising realization that somewhere along the way, I did not read the first book. That was unacceptable, so I had to remedy that quickly. I was pleasantly surprised I already had the book on my kindle and dove right in it.

Guys, I cannot believe I somehow put off reading these books. I am totally kicking myself because I just love them so much. I fell in love with all the characters and I find that I truly am going to miss them. I am glad Thayne wrapped everything up on high note and even gave us a glimpse at what's in store for the sisters.

The Christmas Ranch is actually the first book in this awesome, romantic and sweet series. It features Hope, the middle sister. Hope watched her father get shot at a rescue mission that went terribly wrong. Rafe Santiago was a rookie, who felt responsible for not being fast enough to save the young girl's father. The last thing Rafe expected was to end up running into Hope Nichols, the girl he pulled away screaming into the helicopter and the guilt that came attached after. Hope doesn't remember him, but after his nephew puts a nice hole in her car window with a rock, Hope finds a way into his life.

This was super cute. I loved Rafe in the other books and needed to know how it all began. Rafe is so much different than the other men in this series. He is an ex Navy Seal, he rescued Hope and her sisters from the people that held them hostage, and he carries a lot of guilt.

The romance was just what I expected from Thayne, it was sweet, clean, slow, and just what I needed in the past few gloomy and rainy days.  I just can't seem to get enough of her writing.

I adored Hope and how she wanted to restore The Christmas Ranch despite the fact that her sister's at first were so against it. The ranch was failing, there wasn't much money made out of it and most of it was falling apart. Until Hope comes along, and tries to breath life back into the place that has been a staple in the community. With the help of Rafe and his nephew, it might just happen after all.

Rafe was amazing, and I loved watching him try to become a father figure to his nephew. He doesn't tell Hope at first who he is and she doesn't remember him. So it was interesting to see how it would all unfold.

I was confused by Faiths response to him when she sees him. She's angry, but thankful to him at the same time? It was a bit confusing.

Overall, it's a great beginning to a wonderful heart-touching, heart-melting, cozy romance series that will stay with me long after.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne in exchange for an honest review. As I am a huge [go ahead, read that "rabid"] fan of Ms. Thayne's writing, the fact that I loved this book is of no surprise.

TCR is a wonderful, heartwarming, thoroughly enjoyable holiday story but what I want to say in this review is there is a major piece of this book that brings my love of all Ms. Thayne's books to the forefront: she found a "plot" for this story that is so true-to-life, so current, so today, that you will be drawn in from the very beginning. What happened to our hero and heroine oh so long ago affects them both but of course, they don't realize it until they meet years later.

While reading this book, it struck me that Rafe's & Hope's back story could be about two people out in the world today -- living their lives and getting into situations that we who live our own lives safe and relatively sound have no idea happens all the time. But of course, it does. And Ms. Thayne takes one of those real-life stories and turns it into TCR; it will touch your soul. It made me think of all the people in this world who are out there "protecting" me while I sit at home and read wonderful novels. And I get my HEA!

I highly recommend this book. No worries, it is a fairly quick read, but so worth it and I am looking forward to the next two books of the trilogy.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I admit it! I am a Holiday Romance Junkie! Who knew? When I can get my hands on one of those warm-your-heart romances and it just happens to have a holiday theme and two people who need all the magic of the season, just stick me with pin and call me done! The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne is pure feel-good magic!

Two troubled people, each with pasts that formed them into the adults they are today, one magical holiday, and a family tradition to restore and I’m ready to grab my hammer and help! Hope has finally come home for the holidays, after years of avoiding pain, only to have her visions of the warmth of the family ranch sucked right out of her heart. There will be no holiday magic unless she takes it upon herself to turn the tired ranch into the Christmas Fantasy world that is an annual town event. Rafe, a trained soldier has seen his share of the ugly side of life and has come to town to take over the care of his young nephew as his sister is facing prison time. He becomes the muscle Hope needs, but can they pull the ranch together in time for the holidays? There is more than hope, love and the magic of season at work here as the hearts and lives of these people are drawn together.

RaeAnne Thayne has taken her magic wand to this tale and created something beautiful, contemporary and so filled with the holiday spirit, even Scrooge will love it! Grab a cozy chair, and get ready to feel the sparkle of romance in The Christmas Ranch.


I received an ARC edition from Harlequin Special Edition in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: December 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Special Editon
ISBN: 9780373658534
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 224 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Nichols is a floater in life. After suffering harsh tragedy as a young girl, she’s chosen to float around and be adventurous. She goes where her heart takes her to teach English in less established countries. Finally missing her siblings, her nieces, nephews and her family’s Christmas Ranch, she’s headed home, to Pine Gulch, Idaho and the family’s ranch in Cold Creek Canyon, for the holidays. Only to be greeted by crushing disappointment.

Rafe Santiago, ex Navy Seal, has seen his share of bad; bad wars, bad people and bad situations. The one he is currently in is not the best but he’s trying to help his sister. She’s facing jail time and can’t take care of her son. He comes back to Pine Gulch, Idaho for a brief time to assist in his care but after Christmas, they are headed back to San Diego, his real home. What he doesn’t want is his past to come driving by his house, which is precisely what it does.

Another perfect story from Ms. Thayne. Her character development is truly beautiful. They are deep and feeling creatures, that garner all of your attention. Her plot twist and her zest for the fairy tale, brings the reader in for a story time like no other. She has such a flowing writing style that is perfect for her characters voices. It’s amazing how real these characters felt to me. I couldn’t put it down.

ReaAnn Thayne came storming through to break in to my top ten list of must read authors. I can’t wait to one click the rest of her books.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas story, full of love, hope, family and fun. After years of teaching English in foreign countries, Hope has decided it's time to come home. She and her sisters grew up on the ranch, raised by their aunt and uncle after their medical missionary parents were killed. With the deaths of her uncle and brother-in-law, Hope feels she needs to be there to support her family. On her way to the ranch she has an encounter involving a small boy, a snowball and a broken car window, and the boy's good-looking uncle. As she arrives at the ranch she discovers that the yearly holiday attraction, The Christmas Ranch, is not going to open this year. She refuses to accept it, and plans to do whatever necessary to make it happen.

I liked Hope a lot. She is determined to see the Ranch open, in spite of her sisters' negative attitudes about it. I loved her optimism and her refusal to quit. Her encounter with the little rock thrower also showed a lot about who she was. I liked seeing her get him involved in the Ranch as a way to pay for what he did. She isn't quite sure about the boy's uncle at first. Rafe is a bit more intense than the men she is usually around. When he offers to help with the renovations, she isn't sure if she should accept, but she's getting desperate about everything that needs to be done. As they work together she finds that she really likes him, and that liking starts to grow into more. There's also a strong attraction between them that Hope tries to fight. Rafe doesn't plan to stay in Pine Gulch and she doesn't want to risk her heart. When she discovers the secret he's been keeping from her, she doesn't know how to deal with her feelings.

Rafe had come to Pine Gulch to take care of his nephew, leaving his career as a SEAL behind. His sister is his only family, and as she faces jail time Rafe is the only one who can take care of Joey. He's feeling out of his depth as a surrogate parent when Joey breaks the window on Hope's truck. His first reaction is attraction, but when he hears her name it's another feeling altogether. He knew when he came to Pine Gulch that he might encounter the Nichols family, but he was quite ready yet. He has a connection with them because of his time in the SEALs that has left him with feelings of guilt that he has carried for years. When he finds out that Hope is trying to reopen the Christmas Ranch, he feels compelled to offer his help. It isn't long before those guilty feelings are joined by an entirely different kind of feelings. Rafe is falling for her, but those other feelings have him certain that there is no way for them to have a future. I loved seeing young Joey be the one to show Rafe that anything is possible.

The secondary characters all added extra depth to the story. Faith, the new widow, coping with her grief and having the stresses of running their ranch. Her feelings of being overwhelmed are obvious and understandable. Her kids, their happiness at having Hope back and the fun that slowly returns to their lives is moving. I enjoyed seeing them act like normal kids and loved the way that they made Joey part of their world too. Hope's other sister, CeCe, was really sweet. I loved her job as a children's librarian and the story she wrote about the reindeer. Her reaction to what Hope does with the story shows that she has some issues of her own to overcome. Rafe's nephew Joey was a real sweetie, though he sure didn't make the best first impression. He has a lot that he's dealing with and I loved seeing the way that working with Hope helped him and Rafe grow closer together. There was also a passing reference to another series, Hope's Crossing, that was fun to see.

I felt like the Ranch itself was a character in the book. The memories that Hope had of the way it helped ease her grief showed how important it was to her. Each description of something that she or Rafe was working on made it feel like an important part of the family. I loved seeing how it all came together.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As some of you may know I adore RaeAnne Thayne's work. So when Ms. Thayne has a new release I get really excited and I can not wait to read it. When it's a Christmas story oh my goodness, I'm in my glory!

The Christmas Ranch is an awesome Christmas story that has a lot of emotions and Christmas spirit. I would LOVE to visit a place like the Christmas Ranch.

Hope Nichols has spent years traveling the world because she is not quite sure where she belongs in the world. She suffered a traumatic event when she was a young girl that has an effect on her life. She has been through a lot and her family has recently suffered another tragedy. So she goes home to The Christmas Ranch to spend some time with her family. Her first interaction in town is an interesting one. Her second surprise isn't a pleasant one either. Her family plans to close The Christmas Ranch and not open for the holiday season.

Hope takes on the challenge and gets the ranch ready for the holiday. She receives some unexpected help from Rafe Santiago and his nephew. Rafe has some things in his past to deal with as well. He has been through so much and now has his nephew to parent for a while.

There are so many things I loved about this story. The first being The Christmas Ranch and the Christmas spirit that goes with it. The second is I love a story when the family is included. Both Hope and Rafe's families play a huge role in this storyline. The third thing is the little kids in this story. Oh my goodness they are all just adorable and certainly add a nice addition to the story. The fourth thing is the emotions of both Hope, Rafe, and Hope's whole family. They have so many emotions and drama to deal with. There is so much going on in this book that I could not flip the pages quick enough to see what was going to happen next.

Overall I just loved this book. I felt like I really did get a chance to visit The Christmas Ranch. RaeAnne Thayne has done a fabulous job of describing such a beautiful Christmas location.

I always enjoy Ms. Thayne's stories and I am anxiously awaiting the release of more of this series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for Hope's sisters.

If you enjoy small town romance stories as much as I do then you are going to love this story. If you enjoy RaeAnne Thayne's work hurry, go grab your copy now because you will adore her latest release. If you enjoy a wonderful Christmas story then give this one a try. See you just can't lose there are so many things to love about this book.

I was given the wonderful opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on The Christmas Ranch.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything RaeAnne writes! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review but it would have been strange if I didn't love it! I adore the Cold Creek Cowboys series. Although this is loosely associated with that series, it is set in the same small town in Idaho. There are a couple characters that "visit" this book from the other books in that series but they don't have much of an impact to the overall story. The Christmas Ranch is the name of the ranch where Hope Nichols lived with her aunt & uncle after her parents died. She, along with 2 sisters and the aunt & uncle always had a big attraction for the area every holiday season. Hope hasn't been home for several years because she's been overseas teaching English & such but her brother-in-law recently died so she feels she should come home and help out the family. She's shocked when she finds out no one in the family wants to run the Christmas Ranch that year. She decides she's going to do it by herself, even though it's a huge job. Enter, Rafe Santiago! He's only in town for a short time to take care of his nephew because his sister is in jail. He has a connection with Hope but he's not going to remind her what it is at the moment! He'll just help her get the Christmas Ranch up and running to help with all the guilt he feels! As with al books, the "secret" comes out and Rafe has to deal with the fallout. The characters have to learn forgiveness, letting go of the past, looking towards the future and deciding what will make them happy. This book got me in the mood for the holidays and I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline! I recommend!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to appreciate RaeAnne Thayne's sweet romance ... it feels refreshing to read stories not over-abundant with sex scenes so I can focus on the relationship built between the hero and the heroine. I bought this one for only 1.99 since it was part of 10 Years Harlequin series eBooks celebration (10,000 titles for $1,99) and I was satisfied. It is a lovely holiday read, complete with hunky former Navy SEAL who is in charge for a seven-year-old boy and well, few reindeers!

I admit that the Nichols sisters past that tangled Rafe and Hope somewhat -- their whole family kidnapped by leftist rebel in Colombia for large ransom and Rafe was part of the rescue team -- felt a little too dramatic for a holiday theme. It needs a little suspension of disbelief in my part. Also, Hope is a little too good to be true; she speaks many languages, she can draw cute illustration, and she can pull the impossible task of opening the ranch in matter of days (although Rafe does help a lot there).

BUT, this is also a Christmas story at heart... it's about believing in your dream and pulling a miracle, and I had to leave my skeptical self at the door. I loved Rafe and Hope together; they are pretty cute (I loved that Hope called Rafe 'sailor'). Their romance has a little playfulness but can be pretty intimate. And there are the kids, most especially Rafe's young nephew, that just stole my heart away.

I look forward to Celeste's story that should be available within a month time.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Ranch is a Cowboys of Cold Creek book by RaeAnne Thayne. It is a very good book that keeps your interest. The characters are quite believable even if the plot is a little farfetched in parts.
Holly Nichols has returned to Hope’s Crossing and the Star N Ranch where she and her sisters had been brought up with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Claude after their parents were killed in Colombia. She has been away from home teaching and has come home to stay for a while and help out with the Christmas Ranch. It was an enterprise set up by her Uncle Claude which ran from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and parts until New Year’s. Holly believes Uncle Claude started the Christmas Ranch to give the girls something to do and to have in their minds instead of the deaths of their parents. It had worked then so maybe it would help her niece and nephew get over the death of their father. The others had determined the Ranch would not open this year; but Holly decided it would and she would get it open. Could she get that much work done in the short amount of time she had?
Special Warfare Operator Rafe Santiago had retired from the SEALS to take care of his nephew, Joey. His sister was in jail for drugs and it looked like she would be going to prison. Rafe was the only relative she had left so she begged him to take care of Joey. He had tried to help raise his sister after he joined the Navy and failed. He knew he couldn’t raise Joey from long distance, so he took an early retirement from the SEALS. He had come to Hope’s Crossing to get Joey and spend what little time he could with his sister who was in jail. After her sentencing which would be close to Christmas, he planned to take Joey back to San Diego with him. What he would do there, he didn’t know yet; but had some possibilities.
As Holly was driving through Hope’s Crossing, a snowball with a stone in it hit her side window and smashed it. She was furious as she approached the young boy who was now hiding behind a man she assumed was his father. When things were cleared up, Joey was in trouble for throwing the snowball and Holly had offered to forego payment on the broken window if Joey worked it off at the Christmas Ranch. Rafe offered to help get the program running by using his organizational and carpentry skills. He also had a hidden reason to help.
Would Holly get the Christmas Ranch up and going and viable? What secret was Rafe hiding from her? Could their friendship and budding romance continue in spite of his lying to her? Would Joey accept Rafe as his guardian?

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Nichols is on her way home to Pine Gulch, Idaho, after years away, when her windshield is broken by a snowball with a rock in it. The rock thrower is 7-year old Joey, who is living with his uncle while waiting for his mom’s sentencing on drug charges. To pay for the damages, Joey agrees to help Hope restore The Christmas Ranch in time to open for the upcoming holiday season. Hope’s family had decided not to open the attraction this year following the death of Hope’s brother-in-law, but Hope is determined to carry on the family tradition of opening the ranch for the holidays. Joey’s uncle, Rafe Santiago, decides to help. He knows that his life has been tangled with Hope’s for years, since he was part of a rescue team that saved Hope’s missionary family years ago. Unfortunately, it was Rafe’s first SEAL mission and Hope’s dad died during the rescue. Rafe blames himself, so doesn’t tell Hope about the connection, at least not right away.

Over the course of bringing back the Christmas Ranch (which is the main theme in the book), Hope and Rafe fall in love. The story is sweet and the backdrop of the ranch is inviting. Ms. Thayne has a way of developing characters that makes you want to love them, even the incorrigible ones. The Christmas Ranch is another winner for Raeanne Thayne. If you like Christmas stories and you enjoy happily-ever-afters, you will like this book!

--- I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. ---

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

I was sad to see the end. I wanted to spend more time at Christmas Ranch. The characters were real. I want to read more Sparkle books. Really magical. This is fun clean Christmas story.

Hope Nichols decides to come home from teaching school abroad. She finds Christmas Ranch is closed for good and wants to reopen it with only a short time to get things fixed up and ready.
Her sisters do not want too.

Faith has two children. She lost her husband just months ago and has enough just to keep the ranch going with help.

Celeste is a librarian who has wrote a children's book just for her niece and nephew.

Aunt Mary Nichols helped raise the three girls in their teen years after they lost both parents. She has slowed down a lot now though.

Rafe Santiago has come to the small town of Pine Gulch to take care of his nephew after his sister is in jail. Rafe retired from being a Seal. He is going to take his nephew back to California after his sister is sentenced. Rafe feels guilty about the mission in his past when he first met the Nichols sisters. He wants to help Hope fix up the ranch while he is in town.

Christmas Ranch has reindeer petting zoo, Christmas lights scenes, tow rope for sledding, Santa Claus. It has been a tradition for years.

It leaves you feeling good when your reading The Christmas Ranch. I want to read the next two books now not wanting to wait.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of The Christmas Ranch.

[Kortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of The Christmas Ranch from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased review. This was the first story of RaeAnne's that I have read that is not part of a series. The reason I bring this up is that some authors that I have read can not do stand alone novels well and do better sas series. For RaeAnne this was not a problem. I thought she did a great job with this novel giving you enough backstory on the characters that I felt comfortable with this just being one book if she meant it to be. In addition, I really love in all RaeAnne's books that she does a great job of knowing what she is writing. What I mean by that is that you could tell that she did research because she went more in depth on certain situations that some other writers might refrain from.

I can't say there was any negatives in this book for me. I felt again that it was well written and that the characters were very well developed. If I had to say one negative it would be that if this isn't a series it should be because I would love to know more about Hope's sisters as I feel there is a lot more to know about them.

I would recommend this book to romance, fiction and holiday readers as I think all would enjoy it.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

Looking for a light hearted feel good romantic holiday story? Well this isn’t it. While a really good story there is a number of sad things in this story. First the family is sad because of the loss of Hope’s brother-in-law and Uncle who usually ran The Christmas Ranch. Hope comes home with a hero complex (for lack of a better word) and figures she will make everything right and get the ranch working again while her sisters and aunt want to wallow. And while we can appreciate it the background makes the story sad.

Then there is Rafe who brings a sadness all his own. He has left the SEALS to care for his nephew because his sister has gone to jail and he has a history with Hope and her sisters that Hope doesn’t realize and that history is sad as well. Honestly while there is a HEA and romance and a sweetness there is more sad than happy.

Now all that being said it really is a sweet story. The time it takes to get the ranch ready for Christmas and the time Rafe and Hope spend together is nice. The romance growing between them is lovely. All-in-all this is a really good read it is just not a light hearted romance so be ready.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Nichols is back home in Idaho to spend the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with her family and is looking forward to the festivites at the ranch which has ran a Holiday-Themed attraction since she was a young girl. But as she pulls in at the ranch she sees a sign that says Closed Indefinitely. She finds that the ranch has fallen on hard times and she comes up with a plan to reopen it and finds some help in the form of Rafe Santiago who has left his military career to raise his troubled seven year old nephew Joey, and while Joey is in school he is at loose ends with time on his hands and he is very willing to help out the beautiful Hope.
Oh there is such a heart warming story here, with the budding romance between Hope and Rafe and even the way Rafe has stepped up to the plate to raise Joey and build a relationship with him while Joeys mother serves
some time for a drug related crime she was pulled into.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel good read.
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review.(Lucky me!)

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enchanting Christmas story full of the essential family-ness of the season, and oh so much more. Thayne brings her characters’ pasts and present together in a big way to create an intimate yet shocking story for those who enjoy romance with a little bit more. Her seamless writing allows you to flow through this story and enjoy it.

This is definitely a very character driven story. The main characters are such phenomenal individuals, so well developed and approachable, that you can’t help but love them. At the same time, it is their thoughts and decisions that propel this story into the realm of loveable. I also love the way that children and their wellbeing play a prominent role in this story. This isn’t just about 2 adults falling in love. Their families and friends are taken into account throughout.

As a whole this was a very enjoyable Christmas read. It was definitely unlike any other I’ve read.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, another winner from RaeAnne Thayne. Such a great Christmas story. Hope arrives home to discover that the family Christmas Ranch is closed for the season. All of her hopes for a Christmas like she remembered from her youth seem to be dashed, but she decides to dig in and make it happen, even if her family wants nothing to do with it. Hope might have bit off a little more than she can chew, but Rafe Santiago comes along to help get things rolling.

I love the ranch setting and the close knit family feel of the story. Each of the characters have their own obstacles that they must overcome in the course of the story.

I pretty much love anything that RaeAnne writes and The Christmas Ranch is no different. Her story telling is fantastic and characters all believable. I have yet to be disappointed when I grab a book by RaeAnne Thayne.

*I received a free ecopy of this book in order to provide my honest opinion

[Cecelia Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has wandered the world teaching school. This Christmas she has decided to come home and help her family run the Christmas Ranch. Her family has always done this for the people to enjoy. Faith, Celeste and Hope have lived at the ranch with her Aunt and Uncle since their parents were killed. She finds the ranch closed. Her Uncle just died and Faith lost her husband recently. Faith is having a hard time and trying to raise her children. Faith decides to open the Christmas Ranch despite her sisters denial that she can achieve in a short time.

This book will have you laughing, crying and believing in miracles before you reach the last page. I have never read a 'bad' book by RaeAnne Thayne but every books seems to get better. I loved this book and could not put it down. It is a great Christmas story and book!

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Ranch is a beautiful Christmas story of two people, Hope and Rafe, who has experienced loss and grief, but they survived to find love and happiness. I loved how the author intertwined their lives from the past to the present and the way she brought them together. The novel setting is in a small town and that's one of my favorite places. For me, The Christmas Ranch has a great plot and RaeAnne Thayne is a fabulous author. I believe this is a wonderful book to read for the Christmas Season. The novel shows the hope, peace and joy, we all wish for at this time of the year. I truly enjoyed reading The Christmas Ranch.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

RaeAnne Thayne has done it again. The Christmas Ranch is a wonderful story. It will fill you with the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this book and meeting the Nichols sisters. I am looking forward to more stories about this family.
Hope has returned home to her family for the holidays. She meets Rafe on her way. The story of their history and their meeting in Pine Gulch is filled with passion. Together they both learn to overcome the tragic past and build a happy future.
I was given this book in advance for an honest review. I would highly recommend this book. It is a heartwarming story that will put you in the Christmas spirit.

[Lynne Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas returns to Pine Gulch. Hope has returned home and Rafe is here to care for his nephew. The Christmas Ranch has been in Hope's family for years and wasn't supposed to be open this year. Faith's memories of Christmas' past nudge her to open the ranch. Rafe (a former SEAL) has a history with Faith and her sisters. He's looking for something to do with his time until New Year's. As they work together, Christmas magic happens!!

I received this book early for an honest review. This is a sweet holiday story and a quick read.

[Virginia Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Ranch
by
RaeAnne Thayne

Who says you can't go home again? Hope Nichols had high expectations of home being, well home. Even though sorrow had hit the homeplace in recent months, Hope assumed all would be sparkly and bright.

What she finds is just the opposite. Can she fix what needs to be fixed? Will Christmas come to The Christmas Ranch this year? Will Hope find roots and purpose in her life?

Read RayAnne Thayne's The Christmas Ranch for another story of family, hope, and all things Christmas!

[Sherry Bohrmueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
What a wonderful heart warming Christmas story! I haven't read the Cold Creek series, but I am now. The characters came to life in this book , it was great how the characters felt so real and the story was so believable. It was so descriptive that you have no problem visualizing what RaeAnne is writing about. Another wonderful book by RaeAnne Thayne!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like good clean romance and romance set at Christmas this one if for you. The Christmas Ranch is set in Pine Gulch on the ranch owned by Hope Nichols and her family. There is a Christmas tradition at the ranch. It is decorated and open to the public and has been for many years but this year Hope's family has decided to skip that tradition. Enter Hope who has just come back to the ranch and Rafe Santiago who needs something to occupy both his and his nephew time and magic happens.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of RaeAnne Thayne and this is another book that does not disappoint. Sparkle the reindeer my goodness! I want a reindeer! This was such a wonderful, emotional read, and that is what she does best. It gives a great picture of family, holidays, trying to start over again and the pain of losing family both by death and by the choices they make. Buy this book today! This is another keeper for your shelf!

[Elaine Ford scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

RaeAnne takes her readers on a journey to Pine Gulch, Idaho for a visit to The Christmas Ranch in Cold Creek Canyon. The reader will be filled with a sense of true Christmas spirit while getting acquainted with the Nichols sisters and Rafe Santiago. Grab a cup of "cinnamon hot cocoa" and curl up by a fire, for a feel-good trip that will bring "sparkle" to your holiday reading!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Raeanne Thayne. Christmas Ranch doesn't disappoint. Hope and Rafe are the couple in this book who take center stage and they have a wonderful romance. This is the first in a new series that feature Hope and her two sisters. All will be centered around the Christmas season. A great book 1 .

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have not found a RaeAnne Thayne book that I didn't love. I think that this book brings the true spirit of the Holiday to light. I love how when you read one of RaeAnne's books you feel like you are there, the descriptions, the feeling you get while reading is like no author I have ever read.
I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Christmas story

The true meaning of what Christmas should be and how people survive what life throws at them. I really love how RaeAnne brings her books to life with real love and real day to day crisis.