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Christmas at the Ranch
A swoony second chance holiday romance, about a woman who escapes family scandal in the city by fleeing to Evergreen Lake for Christmas, where she first found love and heartbreak at Wilder Ranch.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to a run-in with my ex, two flat tires, and a miracle horse to help me find love.
With the holidays around the corner and her father under arrest for financial fraud, journalist Everly Oakes has no idea where to turn. She’s only certain of one she needs to get away.
Fate and her subconscious take her to Evergreen Lake, the picturesque town where she spent her happiest Christmas as a teenage girl – and fell in love for the first time. Stranded due to car trouble and a blizzard, Everly is rescued by Charlie Wilder, father of her first love, who offers her the guest house at Wilder Ranch. Tate, he promises, is out of town.
But kismet and Christmas magic have other ideas, and when Tate comes home early and finds a half-dressed Everly in his cabin, all bets are off for what else the holidays will hold this year.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to a run-in with my ex, two flat tires, and a miracle horse to help me find love.
With the holidays around the corner and her father under arrest for financial fraud, journalist Everly Oakes has no idea where to turn. She’s only certain of one she needs to get away.
Fate and her subconscious take her to Evergreen Lake, the picturesque town where she spent her happiest Christmas as a teenage girl – and fell in love for the first time. Stranded due to car trouble and a blizzard, Everly is rescued by Charlie Wilder, father of her first love, who offers her the guest house at Wilder Ranch. Tate, he promises, is out of town.
But kismet and Christmas magic have other ideas, and when Tate comes home early and finds a half-dressed Everly in his cabin, all bets are off for what else the holidays will hold this year.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2025
630 people are currently reading
22052 people want to read
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April 14, 2025
Christmas at the Ranch is a great romance read! It gave me all the holiday hallmark movie vibes that I love! It is emotional and uplifting. It has all the small town Ranch vibes in it as well. The story was just as beautiful as the book cover! It is all about a second chance at romance! A girl named Emory leaves her family in Toronto and goes back to Evergreen Lake city. Emory unexpectedly sees a familiar face, a guy named Tate she fell for years ago. While this book starts off slow, it begins to unravel and turns into a great story. This story is all about love, hope, Christmas magic and promises! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heartfelt, emotional, Christmas romance! I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Julia McKay and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is expected to be published on September 23, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Julia McKay and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is expected to be published on September 23, 2025!
December 7, 2025
????? baffled, befuddled and bemused as to why this book was allowed to be published. There are so many things I want to have addressed.
Both timelines take place over 2-3 weeks???? In present day she leaves the gym, with her gym bag, and immediately drives to the ranch with a single change of clothes???? Somehow this does not hinder her, but it hinders me. She shows up sweaty and proceeds to spend the week working with horses, getting sweatier. I am INSANELY familiar with Eau de Tate (saddle soap, leather, pine and wood smoke seriously does he walk around with a permanent cloud like Pigpen from Peanuts??) because she mentions his scent no less than 18,000 times, but girl, what do YOU smell like? Stale and rancid is my bet. She can sniff him out across restaurants like a damn bloodhound but can't take a whiff of her own clothing? ITS CALL PRIORITIZATION BABES.
At least if journalism doesn't work out, which it won't because I don't think she is physically capable of finishing an interview, a career as a body sniffing dog might be a successful avenue. Though the only body she might be able to sniff out is Tate, since he is her singular obsession, seeing as she spent 10 YEARS PINING OVER A THREE WEEK FLING. I guarantee you the dick couldn't have been that good at 18.
Also, Emory, more like Memory the way she remembers literally every single detail of her three week fling from 10 years ago which is more impressive considering Tate Wilder has no discernable personality to speak of beyond amber eyes and "a voice like hot maple syrup poured on snow". What does that mean? No fucking clue. Does he speak in steam and whispers? Who's to say, because even if he did he never says anything worth remembering.
Every diary entry made me want to rip my hair out and I did make several breaks to scream incoherently. Every time I saw the nickname "City Girl" mentioned, I pictured Tate saying it a la Jasper Cullen from Twilight: Eclipse saying "Battle Scars". Tate gets points over Jasper for not being in the Confederate Army. Way to go Tate.
Honorable mention to the diary entry that made me wheeze laugh
"Dear Diary,
I am no longer a virgin 😃."
(Smiley face emoticon included in book, NOT an artistic liberty)
I give this two stars
1. because they mentioned Heartland, the only Canadian creation that makes up for forcing Justin Trudeau upon the world
and
2. because I respect her upholding the creed of save a horse, ride a cowboy (a PETA approved message)
Both timelines take place over 2-3 weeks???? In present day she leaves the gym, with her gym bag, and immediately drives to the ranch with a single change of clothes???? Somehow this does not hinder her, but it hinders me. She shows up sweaty and proceeds to spend the week working with horses, getting sweatier. I am INSANELY familiar with Eau de Tate (saddle soap, leather, pine and wood smoke seriously does he walk around with a permanent cloud like Pigpen from Peanuts??) because she mentions his scent no less than 18,000 times, but girl, what do YOU smell like? Stale and rancid is my bet. She can sniff him out across restaurants like a damn bloodhound but can't take a whiff of her own clothing? ITS CALL PRIORITIZATION BABES.
At least if journalism doesn't work out, which it won't because I don't think she is physically capable of finishing an interview, a career as a body sniffing dog might be a successful avenue. Though the only body she might be able to sniff out is Tate, since he is her singular obsession, seeing as she spent 10 YEARS PINING OVER A THREE WEEK FLING. I guarantee you the dick couldn't have been that good at 18.
Also, Emory, more like Memory the way she remembers literally every single detail of her three week fling from 10 years ago which is more impressive considering Tate Wilder has no discernable personality to speak of beyond amber eyes and "a voice like hot maple syrup poured on snow". What does that mean? No fucking clue. Does he speak in steam and whispers? Who's to say, because even if he did he never says anything worth remembering.
Every diary entry made me want to rip my hair out and I did make several breaks to scream incoherently. Every time I saw the nickname "City Girl" mentioned, I pictured Tate saying it a la Jasper Cullen from Twilight: Eclipse saying "Battle Scars". Tate gets points over Jasper for not being in the Confederate Army. Way to go Tate.
Honorable mention to the diary entry that made me wheeze laugh
"Dear Diary,
I am no longer a virgin 😃."
(Smiley face emoticon included in book, NOT an artistic liberty)
I give this two stars
1. because they mentioned Heartland, the only Canadian creation that makes up for forcing Justin Trudeau upon the world
and
2. because I respect her upholding the creed of save a horse, ride a cowboy (a PETA approved message)
November 26, 2025
“Dear Diary,
I met a guy.
I kissed a guy.
Twice, actually. Three times. Four?
Possibly forty.
I kissed him so many times I lost count.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
🌲Christmas at the Ranch🌲 is a heartfelt, cozy holiday romance that beautifully balances nostalgia, second chances, and the warmth of found family. What makes this story stand out immediately is the way it alternates between past and present—told in part through the diary entries of Emory, the heroine. That structure isn’t just creative; it adds depth and emotional weight as her past slowly intertwines with her present.
Emory grew up in privilege, but her wealthy upbringing left her feeling like a loner, disconnected from her parents and constantly overlooked. One winter, her family rents a cottage in the small town of Evergreen… a trip that changes everything. Restless and lonely, she wanders outside to the frozen lake and meets Tate Wilder, a rancher’s son. Their instant connection is sweet and tender, and in just three weeks Emory experiences the kind of love and belonging she’s always craved. (i was so happy for her 🥹) But good things never seem to last for her… and after a poor decision made on her part, her relationship with Tate goes up in flames.
Fast forward ten years. Tate was once Emory’s first love, but heartbreak drove them apart, leaving her guarded and hesitant to let anyone close again. Now working as a freelance journalist, her world shatters when scandal strikes her family. Suddenly Emory is left feeling judged by her father’s mistakes. Overwhelmed and searching for peace, she finds herself back in Evergreen, the only place that has ever truly felt like home.
Fate intervenes when Emory crosses paths with Tate’s father, Charlie, who insists she stay at the ranch while her car is repaired. That’s when sparks really begin to fly again. (especially after a hilariously awkward kitchen reunion with Tate himself.)
What follows is a story full of unresolved tension, misunderstandings, and the undeniable pull of two people who never truly let each other go. Add in the small-town dynamics, Emory’s determination to make amends, and the swirl of holiday traditions, and you have the perfect recipe for a winter romance.
What I loved most was Emory’s growth. Her honesty with Tate about her feelings, even after years of carrying pain, was raw and refreshing. The family themes near the end also added a beautiful layer of healing and warmth.
If you’re looking for spice, this isn’t it, but that’s what makes it special. Aside from one very light open-door moment, it’s a clean, sweet read with almost no language (maybe two words at most). Proof that a romance can still sizzle with chemistry and emotion without leaning on steam.
Christmas at the Ranch is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cocoa. Cozy, tender, and full of second-chance magic, it’s the perfect holiday read.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”As he spoke, all I could think about was how his smile flashed at me like a shooting star I wanted to chase, to coax out again and again, to keep for my own.
“Diary, I cannot stress this enough: Listening to Tate Wilder croon sweet nothings into a horse's ear was probably the most charming thing I have ever experienced.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🐴 childhood sweethearts/her first love
🌲 second chance
🐴 low spice/clean romance
🌲 dual timeline
🐴 holiday romance
A huge thank you to Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review
I met a guy.
I kissed a guy.
Twice, actually. Three times. Four?
Possibly forty.
I kissed him so many times I lost count.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
🌲Christmas at the Ranch🌲 is a heartfelt, cozy holiday romance that beautifully balances nostalgia, second chances, and the warmth of found family. What makes this story stand out immediately is the way it alternates between past and present—told in part through the diary entries of Emory, the heroine. That structure isn’t just creative; it adds depth and emotional weight as her past slowly intertwines with her present.
Emory grew up in privilege, but her wealthy upbringing left her feeling like a loner, disconnected from her parents and constantly overlooked. One winter, her family rents a cottage in the small town of Evergreen… a trip that changes everything. Restless and lonely, she wanders outside to the frozen lake and meets Tate Wilder, a rancher’s son. Their instant connection is sweet and tender, and in just three weeks Emory experiences the kind of love and belonging she’s always craved. (i was so happy for her 🥹) But good things never seem to last for her… and after a poor decision made on her part, her relationship with Tate goes up in flames.
Fast forward ten years. Tate was once Emory’s first love, but heartbreak drove them apart, leaving her guarded and hesitant to let anyone close again. Now working as a freelance journalist, her world shatters when scandal strikes her family. Suddenly Emory is left feeling judged by her father’s mistakes. Overwhelmed and searching for peace, she finds herself back in Evergreen, the only place that has ever truly felt like home.
Fate intervenes when Emory crosses paths with Tate’s father, Charlie, who insists she stay at the ranch while her car is repaired. That’s when sparks really begin to fly again. (especially after a hilariously awkward kitchen reunion with Tate himself.)
What follows is a story full of unresolved tension, misunderstandings, and the undeniable pull of two people who never truly let each other go. Add in the small-town dynamics, Emory’s determination to make amends, and the swirl of holiday traditions, and you have the perfect recipe for a winter romance.
What I loved most was Emory’s growth. Her honesty with Tate about her feelings, even after years of carrying pain, was raw and refreshing. The family themes near the end also added a beautiful layer of healing and warmth.
If you’re looking for spice, this isn’t it, but that’s what makes it special. Aside from one very light open-door moment, it’s a clean, sweet read with almost no language (maybe two words at most). Proof that a romance can still sizzle with chemistry and emotion without leaning on steam.
Christmas at the Ranch is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cocoa. Cozy, tender, and full of second-chance magic, it’s the perfect holiday read.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”As he spoke, all I could think about was how his smile flashed at me like a shooting star I wanted to chase, to coax out again and again, to keep for my own.
“Diary, I cannot stress this enough: Listening to Tate Wilder croon sweet nothings into a horse's ear was probably the most charming thing I have ever experienced.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🐴 childhood sweethearts/her first love
🌲 second chance
🐴 low spice/clean romance
🌲 dual timeline
🐴 holiday romance
A huge thank you to Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review
June 14, 2025
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, this book is for you. Julia McKay brings us a long-lost love connection in the snow-sparkled town of Evergreen, Canada.
After her father is arrested as an orchestrator of a Ponzi scheme, Emory flees Toronto and on instinct, arrives in Evergreen, a tiny town where her parents brought their friends (and their disconnected daughter) ten years prior for a Christmas holiday. During that holiday, Emory gained confidence in herself and fell in love with Tate, the son of a horse ranch owner. Memories, emotions, and time have filled the space between Emory and Tate, whose relationship ended abruptly on Christmas day a decade ago.
Back in present day, upset by her family and the destruction that they caused, Emory slowly blends into the town, which is “home” in her heart. Balancing regrets of the past with the emotional strain of her family’s financial and social situation, Emory doesn’t want to risk additional vulnerability by sharing her feelings with Tate.
Beautiful horses, heartfelt emotions, honest conversations, Heartland references, and hope abound in Christmas at the Ranch. McKay’s imagery and characters make the reader feel like they’re part of the small town, giving off Gilmore Girls and Virgin River vibes.
I had the pleasure to receive a gifted ARC on #NetGalley from the publisher, @PutnamBooks, and will happily recommend Christmas at the Ranch to my friends who are looking for a feel-good holiday read.
#ChristmasattheRanch #NetGalley @PutnamBooks @PenguinRandomHouse #romance #romancenovel #christmasromance #bookstagram #booksta #BookReview #fictionreview #romancereview
After her father is arrested as an orchestrator of a Ponzi scheme, Emory flees Toronto and on instinct, arrives in Evergreen, a tiny town where her parents brought their friends (and their disconnected daughter) ten years prior for a Christmas holiday. During that holiday, Emory gained confidence in herself and fell in love with Tate, the son of a horse ranch owner. Memories, emotions, and time have filled the space between Emory and Tate, whose relationship ended abruptly on Christmas day a decade ago.
Back in present day, upset by her family and the destruction that they caused, Emory slowly blends into the town, which is “home” in her heart. Balancing regrets of the past with the emotional strain of her family’s financial and social situation, Emory doesn’t want to risk additional vulnerability by sharing her feelings with Tate.
Beautiful horses, heartfelt emotions, honest conversations, Heartland references, and hope abound in Christmas at the Ranch. McKay’s imagery and characters make the reader feel like they’re part of the small town, giving off Gilmore Girls and Virgin River vibes.
I had the pleasure to receive a gifted ARC on #NetGalley from the publisher, @PutnamBooks, and will happily recommend Christmas at the Ranch to my friends who are looking for a feel-good holiday read.
#ChristmasattheRanch #NetGalley @PutnamBooks @PenguinRandomHouse #romance #romancenovel #christmasromance #bookstagram #booksta #BookReview #fictionreview #romancereview
December 10, 2025
Lads I don’t think I have another “30 year old woman pines after a guy she knew for a month as a teenager” left in me… The main couple interacted maybe 5 times (with no chemistry or angst to speak of) and the rest of it was just talking about horses and the local businesses and listing the same four things this guy smells like… exhausting, I fear
December 23, 2025
age rating: 17+
spice: 🌶️🌶️ (1 vague scene, 1 open door)
closed door modifications: skip pages 224, and 289-290
language: 1.5/5
i needed a fast paced, hallmark-y little christmas romcom—and this book mostly delivered, though the romance itself was lighter than expected. i thoroughly enjoyed the country setting and food descriptions, though!!
emory, the FMC, has been pining over a boy she dated for three weeks—ten years ago. her journalist career and personality made her likable enough, though her obsession with the four things the MMC smelled of got old pretty fast. (saddle soap, leather, pine needles, and woodsmoke).
tate—the MMC, felt flat and distant, and the fact that this book was single POV didn’t do him any favors. i had zero idea what was happening inside his head, and genuinely couldn’t tell if he even LIKED emory for the majority of the time.
prior to starting the book, i read some reviews claiming it was a “no spice, closed door read,” so those few little scenes were a jump scare for me—don’t be fooled, this book DOES have spice. 😭 compared to the mellowness of the rest of the book—nearly no language for example—it felt especially weird and out of place. (note that i’m not sure how detailed it got, since i skipped).
despite all of that, this was very much an entertaining read, and i got through it pretty fast. family dynamics and relationships were a main storyline, and i thought it was executed pretty well. romance wise—tate and emory didn’t have many scenes together. i got more insight on their relationship through emory’s diary entries from ten years prior.
thank you putnam for sending me a gifted physical copy 🥹✨
🎵: christmas magic - laufey
exile - taylor swift
i wish you would - taylor swift
spice: 🌶️🌶️ (1 vague scene, 1 open door)
closed door modifications: skip pages 224, and 289-290
language: 1.5/5
i needed a fast paced, hallmark-y little christmas romcom—and this book mostly delivered, though the romance itself was lighter than expected. i thoroughly enjoyed the country setting and food descriptions, though!!
emory, the FMC, has been pining over a boy she dated for three weeks—ten years ago. her journalist career and personality made her likable enough, though her obsession with the four things the MMC smelled of got old pretty fast. (saddle soap, leather, pine needles, and woodsmoke).
tate—the MMC, felt flat and distant, and the fact that this book was single POV didn’t do him any favors. i had zero idea what was happening inside his head, and genuinely couldn’t tell if he even LIKED emory for the majority of the time.
prior to starting the book, i read some reviews claiming it was a “no spice, closed door read,” so those few little scenes were a jump scare for me—don’t be fooled, this book DOES have spice. 😭 compared to the mellowness of the rest of the book—nearly no language for example—it felt especially weird and out of place. (note that i’m not sure how detailed it got, since i skipped).
despite all of that, this was very much an entertaining read, and i got through it pretty fast. family dynamics and relationships were a main storyline, and i thought it was executed pretty well. romance wise—tate and emory didn’t have many scenes together. i got more insight on their relationship through emory’s diary entries from ten years prior.
thank you putnam for sending me a gifted physical copy 🥹✨
🎵: christmas magic - laufey
exile - taylor swift
i wish you would - taylor swift
December 5, 2025
3.75 stars.
December 22, 2025
such a quick read! I was shocked that I finished it so quickly, but I thought it was really cute and couldn't put it down. This was hardly a Christmas romance, but it was wintery and cute.
November 17, 2025
Stuck between a 3 ⭐ and 3.5..
I read this book in an evening which I can’t believe as I’ve not done that in a long time!
It was what I needed, light, warm, fuzzy, easy. I loved the ranch aspect. Did find it slightly repetitive at the beginning but once we were going, we were going 🤠
Loved the family aspect - the positives and negatives, quite enjoyed the criminal dad / apologetic trope 🤣
All in all, a lovely little light read at Christmas 🎄
I read this book in an evening which I can’t believe as I’ve not done that in a long time!
It was what I needed, light, warm, fuzzy, easy. I loved the ranch aspect. Did find it slightly repetitive at the beginning but once we were going, we were going 🤠
Loved the family aspect - the positives and negatives, quite enjoyed the criminal dad / apologetic trope 🤣
All in all, a lovely little light read at Christmas 🎄
December 7, 2025
Literally a hallmark movie with spice
Some parts were so slow
And they didn’t reconnect 10 years and suddenly then meet again. Lack of chemistry
They didn’t talk literally 70% of the book
Chapter 21: vague open door (2 pages)
Chapter 30: open door (4 pages)
This was so boring I’m sorry it was so disappointing
Has no strong language
Some parts were so slow
And they didn’t reconnect 10 years and suddenly then meet again. Lack of chemistry
They didn’t talk literally 70% of the book
Chapter 21: vague open door (2 pages)
Chapter 30: open door (4 pages)
This was so boring I’m sorry it was so disappointing
Has no strong language
December 10, 2025
ugh dare I say this book was a waste of time
July 11, 2025
Merry Christmas in July!!!! 🎄
After reading and enjoying The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by this author last year, I was excited to pick up her next release.
And boy was this a Hallmark movie in book form!!! (That’s definitely a compliment!)
Fleeing family scandal, Emory drives back to the small town where she and her family enjoyed one magical Christmas when she was a teenager. While there, she gets reacquainted with Tate, who broke her heart 10 years prior.
I thought this book was so cute! I loved the small town and the fun and quirky inhabitants. I also loved both Tate and his father. They had such a nice bond and the father was really sweet to Emory as well.
I will say that the story isn’t terribly Christmassy. There are references to Christmas songs on the radio and such but it really has more of a winter vibe since there are a lot of snow storms and such. It also takes place in Canada which was a fun change. I haven’t read many Christmas books set there.
There is some miscommunication, but I didn’t mind it in this book since it worked for the story with Emory being somewhat shy. I also enjoyed the segments following the couple as teenagers. I liked seeing Emory fall for him in the past (and present as well).
Overall this was a really cute Christmas/wintry read.
After reading and enjoying The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by this author last year, I was excited to pick up her next release.
And boy was this a Hallmark movie in book form!!! (That’s definitely a compliment!)
Fleeing family scandal, Emory drives back to the small town where she and her family enjoyed one magical Christmas when she was a teenager. While there, she gets reacquainted with Tate, who broke her heart 10 years prior.
I thought this book was so cute! I loved the small town and the fun and quirky inhabitants. I also loved both Tate and his father. They had such a nice bond and the father was really sweet to Emory as well.
I will say that the story isn’t terribly Christmassy. There are references to Christmas songs on the radio and such but it really has more of a winter vibe since there are a lot of snow storms and such. It also takes place in Canada which was a fun change. I haven’t read many Christmas books set there.
There is some miscommunication, but I didn’t mind it in this book since it worked for the story with Emory being somewhat shy. I also enjoyed the segments following the couple as teenagers. I liked seeing Emory fall for him in the past (and present as well).
Overall this was a really cute Christmas/wintry read.
October 25, 2025
I love when books are set in Canada and now I want it to be Christmas so I can go to Muskoka and be festive.
December 10, 2025
What a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas read with a promise of second chances!!!! Really enjoyed this one!!!
December 11, 2025
2.5 rounded down💫
I’m sorry I was just capital B bored! And will now be taking, at least a short, break from holiday reads. Too many back to back just is never a good idea😅
I just didn’t feel any chemistry here! What do you mean you haven’t seen each other/spoken in 10 years, dated for only a few weeks when you were teenagers, barely speak now, and I’m supposed to believe you’re meant to be!? I don’t think so, y’all!!
It was definitely Hallmark-y! Small town cowboy, rich girl coming back after a big city corporate scandal, and had funny side town characters - but it was repetitive, lacked depth, and often felt YA? but then had a couple random explicit scenes?? Not my cup of tea☕️
I’m sorry I was just capital B bored! And will now be taking, at least a short, break from holiday reads. Too many back to back just is never a good idea😅
I just didn’t feel any chemistry here! What do you mean you haven’t seen each other/spoken in 10 years, dated for only a few weeks when you were teenagers, barely speak now, and I’m supposed to believe you’re meant to be!? I don’t think so, y’all!!
It was definitely Hallmark-y! Small town cowboy, rich girl coming back after a big city corporate scandal, and had funny side town characters - but it was repetitive, lacked depth, and often felt YA? but then had a couple random explicit scenes?? Not my cup of tea☕️
December 7, 2025
I’m not quite sure what this book was going for. I was possibly mislead by the placement in the bookshop or by the blurb.
It was set in a Canadian winter and there were mentions of Christmas things, but was it really a Christmas at the Ranch? No. More horses than romance. The Hallmark vibes did not vibe.
I feel like this one was written one Christmas at a ranch with lots of episodes of Heartland very early on in the author’s writing career and very little was dusted off and modernised for a 2025 release.
The diary passages were very juvenile, which made me wonder if I picked up a YA book. But then the main character is 28, so I don’t know. The slow burn doesn’t really spark, mainly because aside from diary entries we don’t properly meet the love interest until 1/3 of the way through.
The other relationships are hollow. And the fact that she only had one set of clothes really annoyed me.
There are so many ways this could be a good book: romance as B-story, be YA, ditch all the diary entries for dual pov, more Christmas or call it ‘Return to the Ranch’ … but this book got published so maybe I just need to take a Panadol.
It was set in a Canadian winter and there were mentions of Christmas things, but was it really a Christmas at the Ranch? No. More horses than romance. The Hallmark vibes did not vibe.
I feel like this one was written one Christmas at a ranch with lots of episodes of Heartland very early on in the author’s writing career and very little was dusted off and modernised for a 2025 release.
The diary passages were very juvenile, which made me wonder if I picked up a YA book. But then the main character is 28, so I don’t know. The slow burn doesn’t really spark, mainly because aside from diary entries we don’t properly meet the love interest until 1/3 of the way through.
The other relationships are hollow. And the fact that she only had one set of clothes really annoyed me.
There are so many ways this could be a good book: romance as B-story, be YA, ditch all the diary entries for dual pov, more Christmas or call it ‘Return to the Ranch’ … but this book got published so maybe I just need to take a Panadol.
September 23, 2025
I’ve read all of Marissa’s holiday RomComs and this one did not disappoint. Teens Tate and Emory meet in rural Ontario at Christmastime and fall in love. He lives on a horse ranch and she was staying with her family at a nearby inn. They do not part on good terms and ten years later, circumstances bring Emory back to Evergreen and the ranch. The book is mostly told in present day but uses Emory’s diary entries to flashback to the Christmas spent together as teens.
This is a very cozy RomCom. Marissa always does a great job writing about small towns in Canada so the side characters were a lot of fun too. I also loved the Heartland references but that show is still on the air with new episodes! A fun holiday read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.
This is a very cozy RomCom. Marissa always does a great job writing about small towns in Canada so the side characters were a lot of fun too. I also loved the Heartland references but that show is still on the air with new episodes! A fun holiday read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.
April 22, 2025
This book was adorable. Very "Hallmark" vibes on this second chance romance. I flew through this book in 4 days - very easy and fast-paced read. I really enjoyed the overarching conflict of the main character's life situation and thought that was a unique twist from typical romance books. After I finished, I was left feeling very warm and fuzzy which is exactly what I wanted.
July 28, 2025
This was a sweet, feel-good, second chance city girl x country boy holiday romance that takes place in Cottage country in the small town over Evergreen where Toronto native Emory visits one Christmas with her parents and falls for the rancher's son next to their vacation rental. Fast forward ten years later and Emory's life has exploded with her father's arrest for corrupt business practices and she escapes to the last place that felt like home and the one she never got over. Can she and Tate find a way to heal past hurts and fall in love again this Christmas? Read to find out. I think this is my new fav holiday romance from Julia McKay (aka Marissa Stapley)! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This was the perfect cozy Hallmark Movie holiday style romance!
Steam level: one open door scene at the end, mild details
Steam level: one open door scene at the end, mild details
December 10, 2025
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this novel.
This was a sweet Christmas romance that although didn’t feel super Christmasy to me it did give me all the cosy winter vibes. I am not a horse girl but this book made me want to go for a horse back ride in the woods in winter. It really brought the setting to life and sounded so lovely.
The side characters in this book were great too and I felt really added to the story.
My biggest complaint was Tate. I just found him so stand-offish. And I know we got all the explanations at about 85% of the way into the novel but in my opinion that doesn’t excuse the bad behaviour. I just wish we had got my insite into him earlier so I could have spent more time rooting for him.
Overall, I think this is a cute romance and would recommend. Especially if you enjoy the small town setting.
3.25/5 stars.
This was a sweet Christmas romance that although didn’t feel super Christmasy to me it did give me all the cosy winter vibes. I am not a horse girl but this book made me want to go for a horse back ride in the woods in winter. It really brought the setting to life and sounded so lovely.
The side characters in this book were great too and I felt really added to the story.
My biggest complaint was Tate. I just found him so stand-offish. And I know we got all the explanations at about 85% of the way into the novel but in my opinion that doesn’t excuse the bad behaviour. I just wish we had got my insite into him earlier so I could have spent more time rooting for him.
Overall, I think this is a cute romance and would recommend. Especially if you enjoy the small town setting.
3.25/5 stars.
November 18, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook, so it was a tad confusing at times. But a very sweet closed door romance. Very much gives hallmark movie, but she doesn’t have to lose her family to gain the cute small town life!
December 7, 2025
this was really cute re kindeled love, no spice and just perfect
December 11, 2025
SUCH A CUTE BOOK! I loved all the mentions of local places
December 13, 2025
Perfect little christmas read! No smut, a little cheesy but a cute romance. Predictable as expected but this is what we want for all the holiday feels. I would definetley recommend, if you are just looking for a feel good Christmas book.
November 16, 2025
What a great holiday read!
Toronto and Ontario cottage country.
Second chance romance
Canadian cowboy
Horses
Small town
What more could you ask for?
Toronto and Ontario cottage country.
Second chance romance
Canadian cowboy
Horses
Small town
What more could you ask for?
November 30, 2025
Christmas At The Ranch, what a sweet Christmas romance book. It’s a make you feel good book.
December 23, 2025
merry christmas i guess
November 24, 2025
Cute and quick little holiday rom com
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down for goodreads.
This was an okay book. Unfortunately, the main couple had like, no chemistry. Making this dual POV would have helped that immensely. (FMC had more chemistry with MMCs dad, in my opinion). There was also one spice scene (and I say this because I picked it up due to its marketing as spicy) and the spice scene was not descriptive and in the last 10? pages.
The 3.5 stars is purely because of the Canadian vibes.
This was an okay book. Unfortunately, the main couple had like, no chemistry. Making this dual POV would have helped that immensely. (FMC had more chemistry with MMCs dad, in my opinion). There was also one spice scene (and I say this because I picked it up due to its marketing as spicy) and the spice scene was not descriptive and in the last 10? pages.
The 3.5 stars is purely because of the Canadian vibes.
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