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.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Harlequin - Romance via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. An uplifting romance between two people who face adversity differently, ”The Rancher’s Unlikely Match”, by Jill Kemerer, is also a very enjoyable and often amusing read with adorable adult and young characters. I loved the leads, Ben and Jessica, and the secondary characters, particularly the hero’s kids, so full of innocence and mischief, and inspiring such tenderness with their delightful personalities. Ben and Jessica both experienced pain and trauma and react and adapt differently; the hero’s ressentment is a bit annoying but he has a heart of gold underneath the grumpiness. Jessica is a resilient woman who tries to see the best in life’s hurdles. I found myself laughing often with the leads’ musings, particularly Ben’s. The goats and their antics are funny. The small-town atmosphere is also interesting.
Thank you to Harlequin Love Inspired and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
In the fourth installment of the Tumbleweed, Texas series, Jill Kemerer brings the reader 'The Rancher's Unlikely Match. While I have not read the other novels in this series, I found that this novel can stand-alone. In this novel, we meet Ben Wright, a grumpy, widowed rancher with three young children and his new neighbor, Jessica Howard, who has inherited a goat farm from her aunt. Jessica decides to stay at the farm, but while going through her aunt's papers finds that the farm is in debt. She has to find a way to make some money fast, while also learning how to manage the goats.
She is able to rent her hay field to Ben and watch his three adorable children. She also decides to use the goat milk and make some products to sell at the upcoming festival. The goats and their many escapes from the farm lend a humorous touch to the story. In her previous employment, Jessica decided not to marry and have a family. While watching the children and involving them in her entrepreneurial activities, she is slowly coming to care for them a great deal. Also, while go through her aunt's things to have a sale, the emotional toll it takes on Jessica is true to life. As Ben and Jessica find themselves spending more time together, they come to realize that they are developing feelings for each other.
True to form, this Love Inspired novel is filled with family, community, faith, hope and love. It is a wonderfully, well written novel perfect for an afternoon escape.
Ben, the MMC, is a rancher who became a widower 5 years prior and he is busy trying to run his prosperous ranch as well as raise his three kids. It’s hard work and he feels grumpy and a bit resentful that he has to deal with these hard things while other people seem to have an easier time. Jessica never knew her dad but the single mother who raised her was an addict and often it felt like Jessica was the one parenting her mother. She inherited her aunt’s farm house next door to Ben and learned that she was about to lose it due to the loan being in arrears. She wasn’t sure how she was going to manage but she kept a positive outlook and trusted that God would help her. It was a difficult meet-cute as some of the goats from Jessica’s farm escaped and were found helping themselves to Ben’s mom’s garden—they meet when he and his kids return them to Jessica who is clueless about how to manage them. This is a grumpy-sunshine romance about two people who face life’s difficulties with totally different attitudes. It challenged me to examine my own responses when life is hard. If you enjoy a clean romance with an inspirational twist this book is for you. Although it is part of a series, you can read and enjoy it even if you haven’t read the other books or at least I did. Rating 4.5. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
A burnt-out former social worker turned goat inheritor and soapmaker meets an older, gruff, single dad of 3. What could go wrong 😂
Although Ben and Jessica butt heads a few times, this was a super sweet romance as Ben acted on his growing concern for Jessica's tough circumstances, started taking a more active role with his kids, and even accepted ownership for a lack of connection with his late wife.
I enjoyed the fun townspeople and events such as the daddy daughter dance and parade, which added both light conflict and levity at different times. I love finding witty, new-to-me authors who are passionate about romance and sharing the truth that God is there for us in all our troubles. I received an early copy to review, and a positive review wasn't required!
Favorite quotes:
🐐 "He didn't have time for this. He had three kids to raise, a cattle ranch to run and a baseball team to coach. The last thing he needed was a pretty neighbor. And her renegade goats."
🐎"Surely, one steak dinner with a cowboy wouldn't hurt her. They didn't have a future, but they could be friends. Just friends."
❤️ "Love and conflict went hand in hand. Having an argument wasn't the end of the world. It was how views expanded."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Set in the small town of Tumbleweed, Texas, The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is inspirational, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and filled with love. This is the fourth book in the series, and all are written by different authors.
Easily read as a standalone, we get to know Jessica and Ben, along with his three children and some of the others from their town. They live on neighboring parcels, and he’s always there with a helping hand. She’s trying to save her late aunt and uncle’s farm from foreclosure and also earn a living. She inherited goats, too, and some of them always seem to end up in his mother’s garden. Ben’s a widower and the last five years haven’t been easy.
Ben and Jessica are trying to fight their attraction, but it’s not going too well. She calls him out on some of his behaviors, and when he reflects on her comments and concerns, he agrees. But change definitely isn’t easy. Emotions often run high until they reflect on what was said. His children, along with the goats, add another layer to the story. There is some closure and a few happily-ever-afters, but the ending seemed rushed, and the story ended abruptly.
The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is filled with love and hope as Jessica and Ben try to navigate their growing attraction as they each try not to get hurt.
Jill Kemerer’s charming addition to the Tumbleweed Texas collaborative series stars grumpy, overextended, widowed rancher and father Ben Wright and his new neighbor, Jessica Howard, who has inherited a goat farm from her aunt. Jessica is hoping for a new start with the farm but finds she’s also inherited a big debt. As she tries to find ways to pay the debt so she can keep the farm, while also keeping her goats from escaping and eating the neighbor’s garden, she ends up watching Ben’s three adorable children and involving them in her activities. I enjoyed seeing Jessica’s interaction with the children and the developing relationship between her and Ben.
With themes of found family, community support, faith, and hope, this tale is delightful and entertaining. I loved the small-town camaraderie and support for one another. The other books in this series are written by other authors but revolve around the same Tumbleweed town.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
What a way to wrap up this series set in Tumbleweed, Texas. I'm sad to see it end, but thankful I have read all four books and each one was wonderfully written. How do you think a few wandering goats can bring two different people together? That's just how this story starts when Ben Wright looks outside and sees goats in his Mama's garden and his youngest children thinks it's fun. You have to feel sorry for Jessica who has just inherited her aunt's house and the goats that go with it, especially when her angry neighbor brings them back to her. I enjoyed the banter between the two. Will they be able to let the past go and possibly have a future together? I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are what I thought of the book.
The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is a cute story. I like the author’s friendly and engaging writing style. The main characters are developed and likeable. I particularly appreciated Ben’s three children, whose presence contributed humor and positivity. The goats and their behavior were also quite entertaining. I liked the cozy town of Tumbleweed, Texas with its friendly residents. The romance between Ben and Jessica is sweet and progresses at just the right pace. While The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is the fourth book in Tumbleweed, Texas series, it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed reading the series, and I am sorry that this is our last visit. The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is a heartwarming tale with galloping goats, a new neighbor, formulating lotion, baseball troubles, a daddy daughter dance, and, hopefully, a happily ever after.
Widower Ben Wright has his hands full with his three children, farming, and coaching a baseball team, he doesn't have time to deal with the constantly escaping goats of his new neighbor, Jessica. Jessica moved home to reset and help revitalize the family farm.
A heartwarming grumpy-sunshine romance, with cute kids (of the human and goat kind), good interaction, and a small town community setting. I liked how the Wright kids befriend Jessica, and enjoy spending time with the goats.
A fun read, with an opposites attract romance. I like how they lowly start inviting each other into their lives in the everyday moments through all the craziness around them. Enjoyable and compelling, it has a lot going on, themes of faith and great interaction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
While The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is book 4 in the Tumbleweed Texas series, all are written by different authors and can be read in any order, so just jump in.
Author Jill Kemerer writes a story that includes my favorite, goats. In this case runaway goats. And let’s not forget three neighbor children, baseball, and a grumpy neighbor. Can the sunshiny Jessica bring light to Ben? Can he learn to love her goats, was my big question.
I really loved this story. There’s so much packed into it. The need for healing and acceptance. The decision by Jessica to never marry. A slow build to sweet romance. The Rancher’s Unlikely Match has something for everyone. I know it will become one that I reread!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
This is a sweet and clean Christian romance of a reluctant widower cowboy and father of 3 young children and a woman who grew up with a not-so-ideal family life becoming neighbors and more. This forced proximity, grumpy vs. sunshine book with 3 adorable children and a group of meddlesome goats is the perfect book to read when you want an escape from some heavier reads. I like contemporary romance books set on farms and with the homesteading lifestyle so this one was right up my alley!
This book also has a wonderful Christian faith message in it! I love how the author weaves biblical truths into this story to encourage the reader through her story. She highlights biblical truths in times of struggle and overcoming obstacles with Christ's strength.
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to the author for the free digital ARC of The Rancher’s Unlikely Match in exchange for my honest review. This fourth installment in the Tumbleweed Texas series gives us a charming setup involving goats that bring two people together. The adorable cover pulled me in and the story kept me hooked from the start. The author’s writing flows beautifully and I loved every character, Jessica, especially stood out. The small town vibe and the sweet, gentle romance made this such a heartwarming read. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to any reader, especially those who enjoy inspirational romance.
Y'all this is such a cute and fun read! I loved every minute of it! From grumpy cowboy to cute kids and goats along with a sweet woman named Jessica what's not to love about this heartfelt story? The goats and kids made me giggle through the whole book I assure you. This is a fast paced story that will have your heart the moment you open this story. This is why I love Jill Kemerer. She's quite the storyteller that will keep you turning the pages until the end. "Sigh" The cover is what made me want to read it. I'm glad I did. If you like 2nd chance romance then I guarantee you'll love this one. 5 stars for a job well done!
The Rancher's Unlikely Match is a Christian, small town, grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved watching Ben and Jessica fall in love. The kids, both human and goat, add a lot of charm to this well written novel. I admired Jessica's determination to do everything she could to pay down the debt she inherited along with the farm. Poor Ben is seriously overcommitted with his farm, his children and baseball! I loved the supportive townspeople and the daddy/daughter dance. Ms. Kemerer's characters are likable and realistically portrayed. I felt like I was visiting with friends. It makes no difference whether or not you have read the other books in this series, this book stands alone just fine.
This is book #4 in the Tumbleweed Texas series but can be read as a standalone book.
From trying to find ways to pay the debt on the goat farm she inherited from her aunt, to keeping the goats from escaping to the neighbours garden and watch 3 children there is lots to keep you interested in reading.
Love the small town atmosphere where everyone supports one another.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
I absolutely adored this book! It had so many things that I love, Christian values, family values, goats, and soap making! I loved that I was able to jump right into this book even though I hadn’t read the other books in this series. This book gives you a wonderful glimpse into the town and its people. I’m definitely interested in reading the rest of the series!
I feel like the book could have been longer. I know I definitely would have liked it to be! But overall, I really enjoyed reading it. I recommend you read it if you love small town romances!
Love, love, and love this story!! We all have moments where the people closest to us can hurt us the deepest, and it can be so difficult to heal from it. Or we feel like everything is unfair because of all the losses we constantly walk through. Thankfully, we have a God who loves us more than we could ever imagine. When others fail us, He never will. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
The Rancher's Unlikely Match is a Christian, small town, grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved watching Ben and Jessica fall in love. The kids, both human and goat, add a lot of charm to this well written novel. I admired Jessica's determination to do everything she could to pay down the debt she inherited along with the farm. Poor Ben is seriously overcommitted with his farm, his children and baseball! I loved the supportive townspeople and the daddy/daughter dance. Ms. Kemerer's characters are likable and realistically portrayed. I felt like I was visiting with friends. It makes no difference whether or not you have read the other books in this series, this book stands alone just fine.
The Rancher's Unlikely Match is a Christian, small town, grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved watching Ben and Jessica fall in love. The kids, both human and goat, add a lot of charm to this well written novel. I admired Jessica's determination to do everything she could to pay down the debt she inherited along with the farm. Poor Ben is seriously overcommitted with his farm, his children and baseball! I loved the supportive townspeople and the daddy/daughter dance. Ms. Kemerer's characters are likable and realistically portrayed. I felt like I was visiting with friends. It makes no difference whether or not you have read the other books in this series, this book stands alone just fine.
The Rancher's Unlikely Match is a Christian, small town, grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved watching Ben and Jessica fall in love. The kids, both human and goat, add a lot of charm to this well written novel. I admired Jessica's determination to do everything she could to pay down the debt she inherited along with the farm. Poor Ben is seriously overcommitted with his farm, his children and baseball! I loved the supportive townspeople and the daddy/daughter dance. Ms. Kemerer's characters are likable and realistically portrayed. I felt like I was visiting with friends. It makes no difference whether or not you have read the other books in this series, this book stands alone just fine.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just okay for me overall. The biggest issue I had was with the main male character - he came across as so miserable and prickly that I struggled to really care about him.
That said, the rest of the characters were decent enough, and the storyline was fine. The book wasn’t bad by any means, but it’s definitely not a book I’d pick up again.
Loved reading the inspirational and entertaining story. When Jessica finds out how much in debt she is, she doesn't know what she will do, watching Ben's younger two children helps, learning how to milk the goats, make soap, and lotion helps, but trying not to have feelings for Ben is impossible. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting romance story.
The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is the 4th book in her Tumbleweed series. This was my first book I’ve read by her and loved it. Mischief goats, cute kids, and Sunshine meets Grumpy trope. Wonderful sweet read. Thank you to #NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance for this Arc. This is my honest review.
Inspirational story with wonderful characters and ranch settings. Lessons in family relationships, love, healing and self awareness combine to make this a enjoyable read.worth the read. This book was supplied by the author, publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
The characters are well written and the storyline is interesting It was great to visit Tumbleweed,Texas again and see some old characters and enjoy another small town holiday. Happy reading
I received a copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own. Sweet Story and Wonderful Characters . Definitely Recommend. looking forward to reading more books by this author. .
Such a comfort read! The story was an enjoyable mixture of grumpy + sunshine, ornery goats, found family, and small town. It kept me reading past my bedtime.
A quick, easy, "Hallmark" style novel. Nothing too deep, but just a clean, sweet Christian romance. It's part of a multi=author series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you, Love Inspired Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.