The Mistletoe Baby

by Heidi Main

They both long for a true home.

Can the holidays bring opposites together?

Saving his family’s Texas ranch is former bull rider Reggie Evermore’s Christmas wish. And he’s sure socialite Natalie Patterson can help him plan the perfect event to bring in cash. Pregnant, recently divorced and ready to prove her independence, Natalie needs a paycheck and a place to stay. So she accepts Reggie’s job offer. But planning a fundraiser is harder than attending them! When Reggie learns the truth, he’s less than happy. Can they work through their differences to transform the ranch and give love a chance to grow?

From Love  Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Romance

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Heidi Main is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author. Her sweet inspirational romance novels celebrate small-town life, faith, and the beauty of second chances. Though she lives in the suburbs, Heidi dreams of acreage and horseback riding—longings that find their way into her novels through wide-open ranches and loyal horses. A perfect Saturday is spent relaxing on the deck with her husband and watching the birds that visit their backyard. Learn more about heidi at heidimain.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Main]

♥️🎄COMING SOON 🎄♥️

If you love opposites attract holiday romances with heart, hope, and the wonder of Christmas, come join me on a Texas ranch for this uplifting inspirational cowboy romance!

Here’s what you can expect:
​💕 A former bull rider with a guarded heart longing for home
🌟 A determined woman searching for belonging and a fresh start
🎄 A heartwarming Christmas filled with second chances and family healing
🤠 Small-town charm, faith, and the joy of the season

[Elaine]

This was a sweet, heartwarming story that touched on so many heartstrings along the way…

Natalie is VERY pregnant, and, newly divorced. Not only that, but her husband AND her parents were brought up on charges… because of her testimony. But, she did the right thing! And now, they want no part of her…
And, she’s lost. She came from a well to do family and never wanted for anything… until now.
Pregnant, with no work experience, and nowhere to go…

She attends a wedding at a posh venue and meets up with a well-known cowboy who is looking for help in raising money for his ranch. He’s heard that she helped with a huge fundraiser, and asks if she’ll help him and his family…
He was a foster child and his “family” are other foster kids that all became close, and now work together at the ranch.
He has secrets of his own… and swore he’d never get involved in romance or a relationship again…

He can’t offer her much of a salary, but he can offer room and board… which is EXACTLY what she needs.
She’s not really sure she can help him, as she was only ‘helping’ with the previous fundraiser. BUT, the more time she spends with the family, the more comfortable she feels… and the more she WANTS to help them get whatever they need!

There are roadblocks. There are lots of miscommunications. There are lots of hurts from past relations. And then there’s the two of them… just trying to figure out what’s going on…

In the end, the fundraiser/gala not only comes together, but goes on with flying colors… after much consideration and many bumps in the road… but Natalie seems to be really good at thinking on her feet and making things work!

I also loved that Christianity was interspersed in little snippets throughout. Not that it was overpowering, but more of an uplifting presence shrouding them like a warm hug, throughout…

4 beautiful, heartwarming, small town vibes, community coming together vibes/stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#TheMistletoeBaby by @HeidiMain and narrated nicely by @KimChurchill.

*** This one has not been released yet, but look 👀 for it on 9.29.26!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarlequinAudio and @LoveInspired for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Kristina Anderson]

Wrap yourself in holiday cheer with The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main, a heartwarming seasonal tale full of warmth, hope, and festive charm. Main’s storytelling is warm and approachable, drawing readers into a character-driven plot led by two endearing protagonists. Reggie and Natalie are thoughtfully developed, and their chemistry adds sparkle to the story’s themes of family, new beginnings, love, and the comforting magic of the holiday season. Uplifting, cozy, and full of feel-good holiday spirit, this is the kind of festive read that leaves your heart merry and bright.

[Heather Pickett]

Reggie wants to help save his family's ranch and get their business plan off the ground. Pregnant Natalie is recently divorced and now needs a job and somewhere to stay. The family hires her to plan a fundraiser. Reggie isn't sure this fundraiser attendee can turn into an organizer.
I loved this story! I read it in one day. Reggie and Natalie both lack self esteem and confidence. I loved seeing how the Lord worked through each of them to build that up. They learned much about themselves and each other working together to pull off the fundraiser. I especially love the Evermore family, a family who came together by choice. I can't wait for the next Evermore story! Plus y'all know how much I love an epilogue, and this one is top notch.
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves]

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main is a inspirational opposites attract Christmas cowboy romance, and what is there not to love about that? Natalie Patterson has been through so much with her family. She is pregnant, divorced and not even sure where she is going to live in the future. She is thrilled when Reggie Evermore asks her to help plan a fundraiser for his family’s ranch. Reggie is a former bull rider and foster kid, and this ranch and how it will help others means so much to him and his found family. Can Natalie and Reggie be more than friends?

I adored Natalie and Reggie with their sweet romance, kind hearts, and willingness to make the best out of what happened to them in life. I was so engaged with their story and loved how they grew and matured as characters. All of the characters in the story seemed so real to me that I felt like I had made many new friends by the end of the story. The town of Serenity was wonderful and I loved the community. I was so invested in this book and loved the Christmas setting.

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Mann is delightful inspirational romance. I enjoyed myself hanging out at the ranch, visiting the town of Serenity, and attending the delightful gala. I very highly recommend The Mistletoe Baby and this will be a 2026 highlight for me.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

[Carolyn Frazier]

Two people dealing with previous hurts and betrayals must work together on a fundraiser to save a family’s ranch and dreams. Both feel ill-equipped for the task before them. They must work through their differences and personal issues if they are going to make the event successful. Forgiveness, of self and others, plays a major role in this sweet second chance story.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Mistletoe Baby. The hero and heroine are relatable, as are the secondary characters. Heidi Main tells the story in a way that makes it easy to visualize the setting and feel as if you are there. I definitely recommend The Mistletoe Baby for an entertaining, inspirational read. I received an advance copy from the author. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

[SARAH TAYLOR]

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main! If you Love Inspirational Romance books about small towns and wonderful characters than this book will draw you in from the beginning to end! As Reggie Evermore feels he is not good enough for Natalie can he put his feelings aside and let God show him he is good enough to be The Guy she needs in her life! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion I highly recommend this book!

[Carolyn Bryant]

The Mistletoe Baby is the debut book for the Home to Evermore Ranch series. The story features former rodeo star Reggie Evermore, weighed down by past failures, and Natalie Patterson, bound by the emotional scars of her family's rejection. They come together to plan a gala to save Evermore Ranch while navigating the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The book snagged my attention from the beginning and kept me reading to see how everything would unfold and be resolved. A well-paced storyline that explores the meaning of home and family, endearing and realistic characters who captured my heart, an atmospheric Texas small town setting, and a faith thread with reflections on learning to trust God combine to make this an engaging, inspiring contemporary holiday romance read. I look forward to reading more about the Evermore family.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen]

I am a big fan of this author. This novel revolves around Natalie Patterson and Reggie Evermore. Natalie did the right thing. She told the truth about her ex-husband and her parents but because she did that she is now on her own. Reggie is a former foster child who has trouble trusting others as well as himself. Because of the baggage these two have, the relationship takes awhile to come together. It is nice to go on their journey to learning to trust. I also really enjoyed reading the parts where you can tell Natalie realizes she does not want to go back to her old life. This novel also had some great secondary characters. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait until the next one in the Home to Evermore Ranch series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[January]

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main (2026)
Home to Evermore Ranch #1
6h 22m narrated by Kim Churchill, 208 pages

Genre: Christian Romance, Seasonal > Winter, Holiday > Thanksgiving & Christmas

Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13 for adult situations

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🐎🤰🏻🎄✝️

​A Heartwarming Start to a New Series

​The Mistletoe Baby is a sweet, Christian romance that serves as an encouraging and heart-filling opening for a brand-new series.

​It leans right into the cozy holiday romance vibe while giving us a fun setup: a group of foster siblings running a ranch together. While Natalie comes across as a little too good to be true at times, watching the characters grow spiritually and emotionally creates an uplifting storyline. The faith-based plot points and festive Christmas backdrop are woven in naturally, driving genuine character development and giving the overall story a sweet, comforting atmosphere. It sets a strong foundation for the rest of the foster-sibling dynamic, leaving me genuinely excited to see what the next book has in store for this group!

Recommend to others: Yes! This was such a good vibe. Perfect for readers seeking a wholesome, faith-centered romance with strong family bonds.

​I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Audio and Love Inspired via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Home to Evermore Ranch
1. The Mistletoe Baby (2026)

Featuring: Retired Bull Rider, Orphans, Foster Siblings, Fictional Small Town Near Dallas Texas; Tricenarians, Cattle Ranch to Guests Ranch Renovation, November, Fundraiser, Pregnant Divorcée, Event Planner, Estranged From Family, Thanksgiving, Found Family, Community, Dog - Labradoodle, Baby Kicks, Kissing, Judgement, Matthew 6:21, Insecurities, Trust Issues, Letter from Author

[Sandy Edwards]

The Mistletoe Baby is the first book by Heidi Main that I have read, and it won’t be the last! It is a heartwarming, inspirational holiday story about a pregnant woman who needs a fresh start and a life she can be proud of.
Reggie Evermore is a former bull rider who with his “siblings” is transforming a cattle ranch to an elite guest ranch. To do this, they need funds. Reggie
meets Natalie at a fundraiser and wants to hire her as an event planner, although she doesn’t have any qualifications.
Through no fault of her own, Natalie Patterson recently lost everything. She needs a job and a place to live, so she accepts the job. However, can she succeed at something she’s never really done before?
Living on the ranch, she realizes how genuine the Evermore family is, and their genuineness helps her learn that she does not want to return to her prior life.
As Reggie and Natalie work together, they both begin to have feelings for each other. Natalie makes Reggie feel alive and Natalie has an undeniable attraction to Reggie. Things seem to be going well until Reggie overhears a comment from Natalie’s mother at the gala that makes him doubt and convince himself that they could never work. So, will this be the end of their relationship? I highly recommend that you read this first book in the Home to Evermore Ranch series and I look forward to reading the next one in the series!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth St. Germain]

Heidi Main has woven a heartwarming book with a plausible storyline and characters that exhibit layers of depth. Even her secondary characters struggle alongside the primary ones. She details her characters' logical thought processes in a writing style that reflects realistic emotional reactions. Natalie Patterson and Reggie Evermore grow together as they learn to trust each other - not an easy path for either of them, given the trauma each has survived and the challenges they face in the pages of this book: Natalie expects to raise a child on her own with no job and no money, having been abandoned by her (now-ex) husband and her parents; Reggie fears his failing investments will leave in ruin the only family he's ever known, the only people who have loved him for who he is. Yet, Heidi's characters approach these uncertain futures with growing faith, inspiring readers to do the same. I read this book twice because it was just that good!
The author shared this book with me for free, but this review reflects my own opinion and assessment.

[Melissa]

OMS! I fell in love with this cute Christmas Story from page 1. Reggie and Natalie’s journey had all the feels. Reggie has trust issues eversince he was a little boy. Natalie has had a rough time of it lately losing her husband and parents along with the wealth they provided. She’s all alone with a baby on the way & no way to provide for herself. Then she meets Reggie & he hires her to be a fundraiser coordinator for his family’s ranch. Although as Natalie figures out they need put on an event not a fundraiser. I really enjoyed my time in Serenity, Texas. I love the whole concept of this series. I can’t wait to read the other siblings stories. I also enjoyed going along with Natalie as she figured out how to do an event for the ranch. It was fascinating. The girl has talent. I loved the epilogue at the end. I did tear up a time or two. I’m ready for book #2. I’m trying to figure out which Evermore is next.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles]

Heidi Main pens such beautiful sweet stories. And introduces us characters with flaws that navigate together to bring the best of each other out.

In this Christmas story, we have Natalie and Reggie. Natalie is known to live a carefree life. But when her husband and parents do the unthinkable she is thrown to a world she doesn't know. A world of work, and finding her independence. Reggie is a former bull rider with a family that he adores. But trying to make his new family happy and proud of him he has landed himself in a pickle.

With both needing help and reassurance. They find themselves thrown together to work in establishing a gala fundraiser. Natalie known to attend them not plan them is now finding ways to transform Reggie's ranch into the safe haven they both need.

Both with troubles, hearts hurt, unsecure of being good enough for anyone. Reggie and Natalie bring these two characters into life. And the small town filled with Christmas wraps their two hearts into a sweet sincere love. That a little baby needs.

I received an ARC from the author. All stated here are my own opinions. Was not asked for a positive comment.

[Betti]

Natalie had been introduced as a queen of fundraisers to Reggie Evermore. Only problem - she had never planned an event like this. She hadn’t realized that planning an event was much more difficult than attending one. Now she was situated at the Paradise Guest Ranch and they expected her to set up an event that would bring in the money they needed to get this dream off the ground.

Reggie, a pro bull rider, is not comfortable trusting anyone but himself.Trusting others forces him to give up some of the control. How can he explain this to his foster siblings? Natalie knows she was right about being honest regarding her husband and her parents. She lost everything, no longer had a place to call home and is expecting a baby very soon. Will she be able to trust that God will provide what she needs?

An early copy was received through Love Inspired Romance and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Jo|Ruth Reads]

This was such a sweet romance! I hope we get more romances from the family ranch!

Reggie needs a way to raise the funding for the family ranch. The pressure is on, and due to past expenses, he needs to fundraise the money. Enter Natalie. When she’s hired on the spot, she tries to warn them that she has no experience, but she is hired and it’s too late! Together, her and Reggie need to raise the funds for the ranch. She needs to prove her independence, and he needs to prove himself capable. Along the way, sparks fly, but with both of them having such mixed backgrounds, the question arises if they are a match that can truly work. And then, where does that leave Natalie’s little one on the way?

I liked this story! It’s a bit of a slow burn, waiting for Reggie and Natalie to open up to each other and learn to work together. But once the sparks start flying, I was rooting for these two for sure!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Clean Book Hoarders]

This is a really heart warming, Christian romance. I am a sucker for a Christmas romance, add in a baby and I’m here for it! I loved how the author kept the focus of the book on one scripture passage, and really drew the point home in multiple scenarios. I listened to the audiobook and loved the story and narration. You should add this to your TBR!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin audio for the audiobook. These are my honest thoughts.

[Sherry]

Natalie has reached a low point in her life, newly divorce, disowned by her parents, eight months pregnant and no home. She needs a miracle. Reggie needs to find someone to help him raise money for the families ranch development and rumors say Natalie has the skills to help. Prayers, faith and the right connections just might help them both. I enjoyed this book because of the strong Evermore family ties that help Natalie and provide her with what she needs.

[Tina]

This is an enjoyable story about redemption and learning to adjust to what life has dealt someone while trying to remember to lean on faith. My heart broke for both Natalie Patterson and Reggie Evermore and what they went through in their lives. I rejoiced over how they overcome and continue to work to improve their lives, their families’ lives, and their community. They struggle, but they work at trusting themselves, others and each other. I voluntarily read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kay Garrett]

THE MISTLETOE BABY by Heidi Main is the exceptional, heart-tugging story of Reggie Evermore, former bull rider and co-owner of Paradise Guest Ranch, and Natalie Patterson, recently divorced, pregnant and determined to prove she can be independent. Both with baggage. Both working on a similar goal. Could it add up to more – much more!

Reggie had a rough and emotionally scaring childhood. His mother died and he was tossed around in foster care until he ended up in a group home for orphans. He still has a great issue with trusting. A group of orphans all met as teenagers and created their own family. They each changing their last name to Evermore when they turned 18 forming a ‘cobbled-together family’. They purchased the ranch together with dreams of opening a guest ranch. The problem is money. Can they find the finances to actual turn the ranch into a profit-making venture?

Natalie was adopted into a rich family and had always had everything she needed and wanted. However, life isn’t always as ideal as it sounds. Her parents never let her forget she was adopted making her feel she was never really part of the family. She married and was pregnant with her first child when things fell apart. Seems her parent and husband were guilty of a tax fraud scheme. In order to prove her innocence, she had to testify against them. Her parents disowned her and her husband divorced her. Single and pregnant, she’s determined to find independence and a way to support herself and her baby. But how and where?

A chance meeting at the wedding of Natalie’s best friend led to Natalie finding a place to live, instead of couch surfing with the few real friends she found she had, and a way to earn a living – even if only for a few months. Having only gone to fundraisers, can she actually create and carry it out? Reggie’s been at wits end trying to figure out how to finance the Evermore’s dream. Seems he’s been elected to be the one to handle a financial fundraiser. When introduced to Natalie, he was told she was the Queen of fundraisers, he was sure his prayers were answered. Were each of their problems solved? Or will they both be a work in progress?

THE MISTLETOE BABY is the marvelous, heartwarming book that you will feel tugged to read in one sitting. With a Christmas setting, it would delight your heart any time of the year. Heidi Main gives us a story of desperation, family, joy, hardships, compromise, finding out what’s really important, friendship, proving that life is a learning experience, romance and wraps it all with a wonderful thread of faith. THE MISTLETOE BABY is positively a FIVE STAR book and I highly recommend to everyone!

I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheMistletoeBaby #HeidiMain #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance

[Joy Burke]

I hope that when you read this book that you will fall in love with the characters like I did, and truly hope there is more books about the Evermore family. Reggie and his siblings, not by blood but by love, have rented a cattle ranch to build a destination guest ranch on. They want to have a fundraiser to help with the cost of renovating along with buying the land and have a place to call home. Natalie has just been disowned by her parents and her husband who has divorced her, because she turned them in for illegal activities. Plus she is expecting with no money and no job. When Reggie and his siblings hire her for the event coordinator and her with no experience , the ups and downs they go through had me turning the pages as quick as I could. Can Natalie step up into a brand new role and bring in the profits needed for the ranch? Can Reggie get past his doubts and fear and actually put his trust and faith in people and God? This book touched my heart and I can't wait to read more of this series, at least I hope there will be more. I need to know more about the rest of the Evermore family. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book.

[Jane Weaver]

Reggie Evermore and his "family" are trying to get their Texas ranch up and running. Reggie's family is made up of former a foster care brother and sisters shepherded by their former foster mom. Natalie Patterson has been shunned by her parents and divorced by her husband because she told the truth about them and their illegal activities. Natalie needs a place to live especially before her baby is born in less than two months. Reggie needs Natalie to create a fundraiser two weeks before Christmas to raise money for construction at the ranch. Natalie comes up with ideas, but it can't be a fundraiser because they aren't non-profit. Instead, a gala with a silent auction and a bachelor auction has to work. Reggie and Natalie both have self-worth issues that have to be overcome. I highly recommend this book as Reggie and Natalie see that both have great contributions to life. I was given an advance copy by the author, but these are my own thoughts and words.

[Lela]

Reggie Evermore, former bull rider just wants to help his family get their Texas Ranch dream off the ground but they need more money in order for it become a reality. He'll do anything for his family in order to make up for the money he put into investments and can't access and to show his worth. Reggie thinks Natalie Patterson can help him put on an event that will help bring in the cash to help the ranch. He's told she's the fundraiser queen. However, Natalie is pregnant, recently divorced and in need of housing and a job. She's never put on a fundraiser by herself but thinks she can make a go of it. Will Reggie and Natalie be able to work through their own personal hang ups and get this event planned? This was a nice book about moving forward through the past and that the past doesn't make the future you, that you still have a say as long as you don't stay stuck in the past. I enjoyed this read and hated to see it end.

[Debbie]

The perfect Christmas read - or anytime read, for that matter. I love this "opposites attract" story - down and out pregnant single mom (who was raised in a rich family) and a cowboy who feels she is out of his league. Natalie is looking for a place to stay and a job to support herself and her unborn baby. Reggie and his family need someone to plan a gala to help raise money for their ranch/guesthouse project. Natalie moves in with Reggie and his Evermore family and we get to discover the backstory of both characters along with some information about the Evermores. This is such a great story. I am hoping since it says "Home to Evermore Ranch, 1" that we will get stories about the other members of the Evermore family. Can't wait! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter]

Oh my. Things can sure get messy when we only hear what we want to hear. Reggie learned that eventually. Natalie tried to tell him. Will these two ever learn to communicate?

Strong, well developed characters made this an enjoyable read. I’d love to go visit with them on the ranch. I appreciated how Natalie grew as a person and was able to stand up to her former circle of “friends”.

In this opposite attracts story we get fresh starts for both Reggie and Natalie in a small town, which is my favorite setting. And it’s Christmas! My favorite theme. I hope we see more from the Evermore family!

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

[Melmo2610]

A sweet winter/Christmas time romance. The back stories of Natalie and Reggie, made me really want to root for these two to find happiness and home. The premise of them trying to plan a benefit to help Reggie and his found family get their business off the ground was really sweet, and it was nice way for Reggie and Natalie to get to know each other while working on the benefit gala. I liked the faith thread in the story and how Reggie and Natalie both were able to get past their insecurities and past hurts. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for Reggie‘s siblings to get their stories!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are mine.

[Evelyn Foreman]

I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of “realness” in this story. Was it entertaining? Yes, but I also felt the disappointments, the insecurities, the uncertainties while simultaneously rejoicing in the healings from past hurts and the peace filling hearts lifted in faith to God! A book written to inspire and encourage each and every reader.

[Betty Sandlin]

WOW, What a great book to read, it is about forgiveness, getting over past hurts and learning to trust again. Once I started this book I couldn’t put in down and after I was done it stayed with me, I didn’t want it to end. It is about family the way it should be rather by blood or just because you choose to be family. I will be watching for other stories about this family.

[Nicole]

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Mains is a hearteningly sweet romance of opposites attract. Can Natalie get her second chance at happily ever after for her and her baby girl? Maines draws you into her characters and you can’t help but falling in love with them. Didn’t want to put it down. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review. Releases Sept 29, 2026

[Debbie Earls]

Welcome to country life and the Evermore family. When Natalie takes an event planner job to help the Evermore family raise money for their expanding ranch, her life will be forever changed. This is a sweet story about family, faith, trust, love and second chances. An inspiring story filled with wonderful characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.