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His to Adore: An Apple Blossom Ranch Prequel
A rancher, a housekeeper, and a second chance at love...
Harry Miller has worked the family ranch for decades, but with retirement on the horizon, he must face the reality of leaving behind the land he’s loved. However, one discovery shakes him to his core—he’s falling for Margaret, his late best friend’s widow and the ranch's long-time housekeeper.
Margaret Davis has found comfort in the quiet life she built after her husband's passing, finding purpose in caring for the ranch she once shared with him. But when Harry reveals his plans to retire, she’s forced to confront her own feelings—and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
What begins as an unexpected shift in their lives could lead to a second chance at love. Can two souls bound by the past take a leap of faith toward a new beginning?
******
Author This is a no-steam, no-cursing romance that features a couple finding love later in life. The series features a strong family bond, ranch/cowboy themes, and always leaves you wanting more.
Harry Miller has worked the family ranch for decades, but with retirement on the horizon, he must face the reality of leaving behind the land he’s loved. However, one discovery shakes him to his core—he’s falling for Margaret, his late best friend’s widow and the ranch's long-time housekeeper.
Margaret Davis has found comfort in the quiet life she built after her husband's passing, finding purpose in caring for the ranch she once shared with him. But when Harry reveals his plans to retire, she’s forced to confront her own feelings—and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
What begins as an unexpected shift in their lives could lead to a second chance at love. Can two souls bound by the past take a leap of faith toward a new beginning?
******
Author This is a no-steam, no-cursing romance that features a couple finding love later in life. The series features a strong family bond, ranch/cowboy themes, and always leaves you wanting more.
- GenresRomanceClean Romance
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Tia Marlee
29 books179 followersTia Marlee enjoys delivering swoon worthy HEA's in her clean and wholesome romance novels. A small-town girl at heart, Tia's stories have that small-town, Hallmark charm with a dash of real life, and a laugh thrown in for good measure.
Tia is the author of the Piney Book Wishes series featuring unexpected love stories based in small-town Piney Brook, Arkansas. She is also proud to be part of the multi-author romcom series The Coffee Loft season one and two.
Tia resides in Texas with her husband and three teenaged children. When she's not writing or reading, you can find her standing barefoot in her front yard, loving on her 80 pound lap dog, or hauling kids from one activity to the next.
Tia is the author of the Piney Book Wishes series featuring unexpected love stories based in small-town Piney Brook, Arkansas. She is also proud to be part of the multi-author romcom series The Coffee Loft season one and two.
Tia resides in Texas with her husband and three teenaged children. When she's not writing or reading, you can find her standing barefoot in her front yard, loving on her 80 pound lap dog, or hauling kids from one activity to the next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 5, 2025
This is a beautiful short story of finding love in the latter years.
However, what truly captivated me in His to Love by Tia Marlee was the vivid and heartfelt portrayal of American farm life, especially as the story unfolds on the cusp of apple-picking season.
Marlee paints the setting with such sensory richness that it feels like stepping into a postcard.
The golden-hour sunsets stretch lazily over fields ready for harvest, while the gentle rhythm of farm animals in the distance adds a soothing soundtrack to each day.
There’s a nostalgic comfort in the scenes set around the farmhouse kitchen—where the smell of cinnamon-laced apple pie and fresh bread rising in the oven fills the air, and the clatter of old mixing bowls becomes part of the story’s warm heartbeat.
It’s more than just a backdrop; the farm becomes a character of its own, embodying simplicity, healing, and the quiet magic of everyday love found later in life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, what truly captivated me in His to Love by Tia Marlee was the vivid and heartfelt portrayal of American farm life, especially as the story unfolds on the cusp of apple-picking season.
Marlee paints the setting with such sensory richness that it feels like stepping into a postcard.
The golden-hour sunsets stretch lazily over fields ready for harvest, while the gentle rhythm of farm animals in the distance adds a soothing soundtrack to each day.
There’s a nostalgic comfort in the scenes set around the farmhouse kitchen—where the smell of cinnamon-laced apple pie and fresh bread rising in the oven fills the air, and the clatter of old mixing bowls becomes part of the story’s warm heartbeat.
It’s more than just a backdrop; the farm becomes a character of its own, embodying simplicity, healing, and the quiet magic of everyday love found later in life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2025
His to Adore is Book in the Apple Blossom Ranch by Tia Marlee. I enjoyed this short story about Harry and Margaret. Harry has given everything to his family ranch. Margaret's husband was Harry's best friend. I felt that the story of 2 lonely people finding love was so enjoyable. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 16, 2025
Typical Tia Marlee wonderfully written with feeling. Margaret Davis and her late husband’s best friend Harry Miller. She’s the ranch’s housekeeper. He one of the ranchers. They grow together into an happy reunion ,so organically and beautiful is their new relationship after her husband’s passing ,but when he reveals his plans to retire . Margaret is forced to address her own feelings for this strong, caring man. He’s given everything to the ranch and indeed Margaret too. His care and wooing is her undoing . Her head caught up with her heart she does impart to him..very well written and so endearing ,it had me tearing up. So did I love it? Yup!
July 13, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay first of all, the vibes? Absolutely adorable 🥰 This was my first time reading a romance with older or senior characters and honestly it was kind of refreshing. It’s a cute slow burn that feels mature and emotionally grounded instead of the usual chaos you get when characters are in their twenties.
From the very beginning, I was into it. There’s food (hello comfort read), there’s a fake setup that made me smile, and we get his POV right away and let’s just say… this man is already smitten 😂 The way his feelings are written is actually super sweet and lowkey gave me butterflies.
And can we talk about the scenery? The way the sunset was described had me fully visualizing it in my head like I was standing there too 😭 It was genuinely beautiful and added such a cozy, warm feel to the story.
Also now I want pie. Like badly. Thanks book.
My only wish is that it were longer because once I settled in with these characters I didn’t want it to end. If you’re looking for a gentle, heartwarming romance that makes you smile and maybe crave dessert, this one is worth the read 💛
Okay first of all, the vibes? Absolutely adorable 🥰 This was my first time reading a romance with older or senior characters and honestly it was kind of refreshing. It’s a cute slow burn that feels mature and emotionally grounded instead of the usual chaos you get when characters are in their twenties.
From the very beginning, I was into it. There’s food (hello comfort read), there’s a fake setup that made me smile, and we get his POV right away and let’s just say… this man is already smitten 😂 The way his feelings are written is actually super sweet and lowkey gave me butterflies.
And can we talk about the scenery? The way the sunset was described had me fully visualizing it in my head like I was standing there too 😭 It was genuinely beautiful and added such a cozy, warm feel to the story.
Also now I want pie. Like badly. Thanks book.
My only wish is that it were longer because once I settled in with these characters I didn’t want it to end. If you’re looking for a gentle, heartwarming romance that makes you smile and maybe crave dessert, this one is worth the read 💛
April 16, 2025
This was hard to rate. I've read several books by Tia Marlee, and I've really enjoyed them. This just felt too short to enjoy fully. I read the whole thing in about 25 minutes. I get that they've been friends for years, but I never sensed why they fell in love. What is it about the other one that drew them in, and why do they both realize their feelings at roughly the same time?
I feel like this would have worked best either as a fully developed novel, where we could see their relationship develop (maybe have them notice specific things about the other one), or else as part of the book that is planned after this book, maybe woven throughout the story or as a prologue.
This is a clean story. You won't find any swearing, sexual content, or violence. I would actually give this 3.5 stars. Despite my less-than-stellar rating, I am interested in reading the book set to come out later this year.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
I feel like this would have worked best either as a fully developed novel, where we could see their relationship develop (maybe have them notice specific things about the other one), or else as part of the book that is planned after this book, maybe woven throughout the story or as a prologue.
This is a clean story. You won't find any swearing, sexual content, or violence. I would actually give this 3.5 stars. Despite my less-than-stellar rating, I am interested in reading the book set to come out later this year.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
July 17, 2025
Oh, wow. This was such a sweet read! As I grow older, I am becoming increasingly drawn to romance stories about older characters, as I relate more to them than the young, spicy 20-somethings with their lusty thoughts and heaving body parts. Not that I'm knocking those books; I just like this type of mature romance where two people are drawn together by more than just physical attraction. And I definitely liked this couple.
Harry and Maggie have been friends for years, working side by side at the ranch, and while they only recently discovered romantic feelings for each other, their love story felt inevitable to me. They just belonged together.
This is a short prequel to what promises to be a great, clean romance series. The writing was solid and almost poetic at some points. I hope to delve more deeply into the world of Apple Blossom Ranch soon.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harry and Maggie have been friends for years, working side by side at the ranch, and while they only recently discovered romantic feelings for each other, their love story felt inevitable to me. They just belonged together.
This is a short prequel to what promises to be a great, clean romance series. The writing was solid and almost poetic at some points. I hope to delve more deeply into the world of Apple Blossom Ranch soon.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
Harry has owned and worked his ranch for many years. He is tired and wants to move somewhere warm and enjoy life. Margaret has worked at his ranch filling everyone's bellies with her wonderful cooking. Her now deceased husband was Harry's best friend. These two are closer than they have ever been, but neither wants to admit their feelings for other one, but the heart wants what the heart wants. You just have to convince the head to agree.
This was one of those sweet romances that just warmed my heart. It was proof that it is never too late in life to find love. As Harry and Margaret fight their feelings for each other, I found myself rooting for them. This novella was just the right amount of pages for a sweet morning read to get my day started out with a smile on my face.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was one of those sweet romances that just warmed my heart. It was proof that it is never too late in life to find love. As Harry and Margaret fight their feelings for each other, I found myself rooting for them. This novella was just the right amount of pages for a sweet morning read to get my day started out with a smile on my face.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
Like a Lavender Bubble Bath for the Soul
This story was like slipping into a perfectly warm bubble bath—the kind where you can smell the calming lavender, feel gentle kiss of the bubbles, taste the bath salts, and where the water turns cool long before you're ready to get out. That’s how this book felt: tender, immersive, and quietly beautiful.
Tia’s writing is so vivid, it makes you feel like an invisible extra in the room—watching, listening, feeling everything right alongside the characters. The story is sweet, achingly realistic, and full of gentle emotion. It’s not flashy or dramatic, but that’s exactly what makes it shine. It’s about real people, real feelings, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you’re not looking.
I personally loved this story and Tia’s writing style. I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
This story was like slipping into a perfectly warm bubble bath—the kind where you can smell the calming lavender, feel gentle kiss of the bubbles, taste the bath salts, and where the water turns cool long before you're ready to get out. That’s how this book felt: tender, immersive, and quietly beautiful.
Tia’s writing is so vivid, it makes you feel like an invisible extra in the room—watching, listening, feeling everything right alongside the characters. The story is sweet, achingly realistic, and full of gentle emotion. It’s not flashy or dramatic, but that’s exactly what makes it shine. It’s about real people, real feelings, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you’re not looking.
I personally loved this story and Tia’s writing style. I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
July 29, 2025
Maggie & Harry
This prequel volume is a later in life, friends to more, sweet ronance. Harry has spent his life tending his family's farm/ranch. Now in his mature years, he is trying to imagine a life not consumed with the toil and stress of running the ranch business.
Maggie has been the ranch's cook/housekeeper for decades, having arrived as a new bride to support her husband's best friend Harry.
I loved that both main characters slowed down enough to reflect on their lives and realize they were catching feelings for the other. That realization, the feelings, weren't comfortable at first because both were afraid of losing the comfortable companionship they had come over the years to rely upon.
I received a free advance copy of this story from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This prequel volume is a later in life, friends to more, sweet ronance. Harry has spent his life tending his family's farm/ranch. Now in his mature years, he is trying to imagine a life not consumed with the toil and stress of running the ranch business.
Maggie has been the ranch's cook/housekeeper for decades, having arrived as a new bride to support her husband's best friend Harry.
I loved that both main characters slowed down enough to reflect on their lives and realize they were catching feelings for the other. That realization, the feelings, weren't comfortable at first because both were afraid of losing the comfortable companionship they had come over the years to rely upon.
I received a free advance copy of this story from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to share my review.
April 27, 2025
I feel this short story would have been better served as a prologue in the first book in the Apple Blossom Ranch series. This made it difficult for me to rate.
I didn't love it as it wasn't long enough for me to develop feelings so I couldn't rate it a five but it wasn't awful so I wouldn't rate it three or lower.
It was well written, drew me in from the start and flowed well. It gives hints of who will be in the next books in the series which I believe starts with Harry's nephew, Finn.
I have read & enjoyed quite a few of Tia's books and look forward to book 1 in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't love it as it wasn't long enough for me to develop feelings so I couldn't rate it a five but it wasn't awful so I wouldn't rate it three or lower.
It was well written, drew me in from the start and flowed well. It gives hints of who will be in the next books in the series which I believe starts with Harry's nephew, Finn.
I have read & enjoyed quite a few of Tia's books and look forward to book 1 in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
This is a cute and clean, later in life romance. It is a novella and the beginning of a series.
Harry has owned an apple orchard/ranch for along time. He's been single and with winter setting it, he's realizing it might be time to retire. His bones are feeling the colder weather. Margaret has worked on the ranch most of her life. She came there with her husband and they worked with Henry. She has been a widow for a number of years. It seems as if both Henry and Margaret's eyes are starting to open to something more. Is there a possibility for love later in life?
This was a cute novella and I enjoyed the characters. I think you're definitely never too old to find love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Harry has owned an apple orchard/ranch for along time. He's been single and with winter setting it, he's realizing it might be time to retire. His bones are feeling the colder weather. Margaret has worked on the ranch most of her life. She came there with her husband and they worked with Henry. She has been a widow for a number of years. It seems as if both Henry and Margaret's eyes are starting to open to something more. Is there a possibility for love later in life?
This was a cute novella and I enjoyed the characters. I think you're definitely never too old to find love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
His to Adore is a short, sweet, older couple romance. Harry, a rancher, and Margaret (Maggie), Harry's best friend's widow, have spent many years quietly working Harry's family ranch. As Harry deals with aging and the realization that he should retire, the thought of leaving Maggie is not something he wants to do. It was sweet to watch these two realize that they loved each other. Nothing terribly exciting happens. It is just a slow journey of two people comfortable with each other who come to realize that they actually have more than friendship in common. I enjoyed the time I spent with them.
April 9, 2025
Such a short, yet heartwarming story! This is a perfect warm-up read since it's only 46 pages long, but gives you push to grab the next book and lose yourself in it.
Harry is ready to retire and wants to move to warmer place, but his feelings confuse him. Isn't he too old to fall in love?
After finding out that Harry plans to move, Margaret realizes she hates that idea and slowly understands what her heart knew long ago.
Although not much happen, we stay in characters' heads and watch them struggle with their feelings, I enjoyed reading this. I'm excited to read the next part of the series.
I received an ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Harry is ready to retire and wants to move to warmer place, but his feelings confuse him. Isn't he too old to fall in love?
After finding out that Harry plans to move, Margaret realizes she hates that idea and slowly understands what her heart knew long ago.
Although not much happen, we stay in characters' heads and watch them struggle with their feelings, I enjoyed reading this. I'm excited to read the next part of the series.
I received an ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2025
Such a sweet, tender story about finding love in the twilight years!! For such a short story, it’s overflowing with huge emotions!! I can feel the love flowing through the pages, not just romantic love, but love of family, heritage, a way of life. I can hear the characters as they speak to me, drawing me into their world, sharing their hopes and dreams, along with their concerns, doubts, and fears. Loved this book, definitely recommend you read this one!!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, truthfully written.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, truthfully written.
May 3, 2025
This was a truly endearing and charming story. I love reading books where the romances are between older folks. I enjoy Tia Marlee's books. However long or short they are the books always are full of details and pack a punch. I liked the characters very much and enjoyed their romance. I enjoyed the side characters and how they fit into the story. I always enjoy Tia's conversations. They are so very well written. I definitely want to know where we go from here and would like to thank Tia Marlee for my ARC copy of this book.
May 5, 2025
What a sweet, later in life short story! Harry owns and runs Apple Blossom Ranch, and Maggie has worked there for years. She is a widow and her husband was Harry’s best friend. Recently, they had both begun to see each other in a different light, as more than a friend, but they’re both scared to say anything and ruin their years of friendship. Harry is looking to retire and move away from the farm. This is such a well-written story and I’m so glad they took the leap and admitted how they feel. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
May 7, 2025
An endearing short story
Elderly rancher, Harry, realises that he is not looking forward to the annual apple harvest with the same energy and enthusiasm as he used to. He and Maggie, the ranch cook, have established a comfortable routine, which evolves into a new relationship as they contemplate the future.
Ms Marlee has created a ‘very later in life’ romance with warm-hearted, authentic characters who have to make decisions that many older readers can relate to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elderly rancher, Harry, realises that he is not looking forward to the annual apple harvest with the same energy and enthusiasm as he used to. He and Maggie, the ranch cook, have established a comfortable routine, which evolves into a new relationship as they contemplate the future.
Ms Marlee has created a ‘very later in life’ romance with warm-hearted, authentic characters who have to make decisions that many older readers can relate to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2025
A sweet older generation friendship book. The book was a quick read. I want to read the rest of the books in this series. Henry owns an apple orchard. His good friend,Larry (deceased), and wife Maggie have also lived on the farm helping Henry. I loved reading about Henry and Maggie and their growing friendship. It was a very good prequel to the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2025
This prequel short story was a delightfully quick yet heartwarming later-in-life romance. This kind of romance is just beautifully pure and genuine. No fuss, no drama; just real, tender, honest love.
If you want a quick yet highly gratifying read to pass the time while you're having your precious alone-time, this is a great book you can read and indulge in with relish.
I am thankful to the author for granting me an early review copy of this book through BookSirens for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you want a quick yet highly gratifying read to pass the time while you're having your precious alone-time, this is a great book you can read and indulge in with relish.
I am thankful to the author for granting me an early review copy of this book through BookSirens for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
"A rancher, a housekeeper, and a second chance at love..."
His To Adore is a clean romance, short story about a couple who finds love later on in life in this Apple Blossom Ranch Prequel. I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series. The author wrote this well and it was such a heartwarming story. I enjoyed this one a lot and would recommend this book to any reader who likes romance reads. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
His To Adore is a clean romance, short story about a couple who finds love later on in life in this Apple Blossom Ranch Prequel. I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series. The author wrote this well and it was such a heartwarming story. I enjoyed this one a lot and would recommend this book to any reader who likes romance reads. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2025
This is a very sweet short story that allows the reader to “witness” a second chance at love through the eyes of two wonderful characters. Harry and Margaret are giving, devoted, steadfast, honorable, hard working, and loving individuals who experience a “spark” later in life that they didn’t expect. It was touching to read about their road they travel getting to their HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
The story was endearing.
The two main characters have grown to love the other after years of knowing each other but just realize it within the story.
But what do they do with that realization?
Why now?
Could their feelings be reciprocated?
This was a short, sweet story, and I really enjoyed it.
The story was endearing.
The two main characters have grown to love the other after years of knowing each other but just realize it within the story.
But what do they do with that realization?
Why now?
Could their feelings be reciprocated?
This was a short, sweet story, and I really enjoyed it.
April 4, 2025
3.5 - 4 *
Harry and Maggie, his housekeeper have reached retirement age and the weather is taking a toll on sore joints and aching parts. A future opens for them in a sunnier climate.
This was such a cute introduction to this author's style of writing and I look forward to reading more in my future.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Harry and Maggie, his housekeeper have reached retirement age and the weather is taking a toll on sore joints and aching parts. A future opens for them in a sunnier climate.
This was such a cute introduction to this author's style of writing and I look forward to reading more in my future.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 21, 2025
Harry is getting on in years and thinking about retirement. Maggie has been housekeeper and cook for Harry since she married his best friend Larry. This is a sweet late in life romance, heartwarming and clean. A simple storyline that is quick and easy to read. I really like Tia Marlee’s books and can’t wait for the rest to come.
May 2, 2025
I really liked Harry and Margaret's story. They are finding their love for each other but life seems to throw them some twists in their plans. I was a beautiful story whey they found their second chance to have love in their lives. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this late in life friends to lovers sweet short story. I love how easily I could imagine the characters and the farm. I loved the sweet friendship they had for so many years, the way they leaned on each other. Their families being so supportive and the underlying feelings of love that blossomed. What a sweet book to read.
August 3, 2025
This is a quick and sweet read focusing on Harry who is planning to retire and hand over his ranch to his family. He has known Maggie for the longest time as she is his best friend’s widow, and also the resident chef at his ranch.
The years of friendship has blossomed into something more, and I loved the sweetness that permeates their interactions. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
The years of friendship has blossomed into something more, and I loved the sweetness that permeates their interactions. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
April 2, 2025
A cute short story, later in life romance between two who have known each other for a very long time. Tia Marlee weaves the story of the changing feelings they experience. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
April 6, 2025
This is a very short coming-of-(old)age story. It was very well-written and demonstrates that even mature couples have uncertainties when it comes to love.
I will be waiting for the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will be waiting for the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2025
A sweet, short and easy read about an older couple, Harry and Margaret, turning their long time friendship into a loving one. There was plenty of intrigue and interest that I enjoyed reading this story til end.
I received an early, free copy ARC and giving my honest, free and voluntary review
I received an early, free copy ARC and giving my honest, free and voluntary review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews