Rafe

New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow #2

by Debra Clopton

When runaway bride, Sadie Archer’s car breaks down on the outskirts of Mule Hollow, Texas, she’s not exactly dressed to fix the blown tire. Then again, she hadn’t planned on this road trip or her life falling apart a week before her wedding. But now that she’s hit the road, destination unknown, Sadie’s decided it’s time to disappear for a while and find out exactly what it is she wants out of life. But first she needs to change her flat tire and that is easier said than done when one is wearing…

A bunny suit!

Ex-cowboy star Rafe Masterson thinks he’s seeing things at first but yes—that is definitely a female head sticking out of the furry white bunny suit, tangling with a spare tire. A cowboy who guards his heart carefully, he’s still always willing to help someone in need…even one wearing white fur from top to bottom. Completely captivated by the unusual woman, Rafe senses she’s in trouble in more ways than the flat tire. He’s part owner of the New Horizon Ranch and offers her a job as cook—even though they don’t need a cook.

Sadie accepts even though she can’t really cook but this is the perfect answer to her needs right now…and how hard can it be anyway?

These two might be down-on-love but love hasn’t given up on them and the Matchmaking Posse of Mule Hollow has just gotten them in their sights...

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction, Novella, Western Romance

164 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2015

About the author

International Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.

A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction

1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF


SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US

Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY

WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW

2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)

What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!


Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton

Reviews

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet.
If you want a chuckle, great dialogue and a swoony romance, this is the book for you. And look out for the matchmaking posse of three old gals with Texas twangs! I’ll look for the other books in this series to find out what happens next in Mule Hollow.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on iBooks today (11/14/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
When runaway bride, Sadie Archer’s car breaks down on the outskirts of Mule Hollow, Texas, she’s not exactly dressed to fix the blown tire. Then again, she hadn’t planned on this road trip or her life falling apart a week before her wedding. But now that she’s hit the road, destination unknown, Sadie’s decided it’s time to disappear for a while and find out exactly what it is she wants out of life. But first she needs to change her flat tire and that is easier said than done when one is wearing…

A bunny suit!

Ex-cowboy star Rafe Masterson thinks he’s seeing things at first but yes—that is definitely a female head sticking out of the furry white bunny suit, tangling with a spare tire. A cowboy who guards his heart carefully, he’s still always willing to help someone in need…even one wearing white fur from top to bottom. Completely captivated by the unusual woman, Rafe senses she’s in trouble in more ways than the flat tire. He’s part owner of the New Horizon Ranch and offers her a job as cook—even though they don’t need a cook.

Sadie accepts even though she can’t really cook but this is the perfect answer to her needs right now…and how hard can it be anyway?

These two might be down-on-love but love hasn’t given up on them and the Matchmaking Posse of Mule Hollow has just gotten them in their sights...

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rafe was one of those reads that had SO much potential but then just...didn't happen. I didn't hate it but it didn't inspire me to rush off and buy more from Clopton either.

The Gist: Rafe's on the way to his brother's engagement party when...he spots a human sized rabbit on the side of the road with a flat tire. One thing leads to another and he hires said bunny to be their ranch's new cook.

Rafe and Sadie were nice enough characters. Rafe's a sexy cowboy that's happy on his own post rodeo injury and broken engagement. Sadie's a nice girl who's fleeing a cheating fiance. They were easy to like and nice together. Their romance was whirlwind as she took up at the ranch and they fell in together.

Honestly there wasn't much to this one, unfortunately. It had so much potential but was like the author wrote out an outline and then...that's it. Less than 2 weeks from meet to engagement. Just touching the surface of any issues. Some poor editing (ex--they're having toast for breakfast but pull frozen biscuits out of the freezer) It wasn't bad overall and had a hilarious set up but it was far from anything special. It was a freebie so that's fine but I'd have been rather annoyed if I paid for this one.

[Dixie-Lee Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally enjoyed this book. (Review to follow.)

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa! This was a quick book. It felt like it just started and then it was over.

Sadie ran away from a cheating fiancé. Car trouble, a strong cowboy to the rescue, an offer of a job with room and board, and voila, two days later there's love.

The problem with novellas is they’re novellas instead of books. They leave a person wanting more of a real story. But some people love a short story with immediate results. Those people will probably love this. 🤷‍♀️

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was great but there were some Editing problems. First we are told she caught her fiancé with her bridesmaid and then later it is changed to his secretary. It even has the parenthesis telling the author to check the girlfriends name. A few other run on sentences and disconnected sentences that made it a little confusing. Usually I give Debra Clopton 5 stars but I just couldn't this time.

Rafe finds our run-away bunny bride on the side of the road with a flat tire. At the moment she hates men and has a hard time letting Rafe be the gentleman that he is. But he ends up giving her a job, finding her some clothes to wear, and introducing her to the "Posse."
Both Rafe and Sadie were great characters and it was fun watching their relationship develop. Andrew, the ex-fiancé was quite the prize.

[Janeiowa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed that again the author has neglected to have several people proof read her manuscript. As in the first in the series, she messed up the female ranch owner. In first book she called her Maggie and then Maddie. In his second book, she calls her Maggie again, then switches to Maddie. As another reviewer notes, the story of what woman the fiancé is kissing changes...another editing/proofreading error.

There are other editing problems that should have been picked up by a competent proofreader. Here's one example:" ...said he just couldn’t do it that." couldn't do it that???

The story is very predictable and probably could be considered "sweet" since there is barely kissing, yet people who've known each other a couple of weeks or less are going to get married. I find that unrealistic.

[Robin Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
So, why do the best book always have to be too short? This book is the second in the New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow series. Much better than the first book. Rafe is so lovable, who would want him. My only complaint would be that I wanted the book to last longer. I will be awaiting the next book anxiously.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Debra Clopton and I will be reading more of her books! This is the second book in the series Mule Hollow, and I will be reading the rest in the series...Loved the begining of the story on how Rafe and Sadie met..Once I started reading I didn't want to stop.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I love about Debra Cloptons Mule Hollow series is that you can read them in out of order and still know what is going on in the rest of the books. You meet new friends and catch up on the old. That is the way with Rafe: Book 2.
Rafe is one of the owner of the New Horizon Ranch who comes upon a runaway (almost) bride in a bunny suit that has a flat tire. Sadie Archer found her fiance in the arms of another woman and ran. She had just finished entertaining the children at the local hospital in her bunny suit.
Rafe Masterson thought he was seeing things at first when he came across the giant bunny, but was intrigued and decided to help her change the tire.
After changing the tire he offers her a job as cook at the ranch. Even though he knew nothing about her except she needed help. Sadie excepts even though she can’t cook.
Fun begins when he is on his way to one of his partner’s engagement party when he comes across Sadie so he brings her along. Sparks fly between the two and of course they deny it.
In comes the famous Matchmaking Posse of Mule Hollow.
This was a fun book to read and not a disappointment. I didn’t want to put it down and read it when I should have been sleeping.
So if you want a book that can hold your interest and makes you laugh this is your book.

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Archer is on the run. Running away from her problems. But, in the process of running away from them, she finds herself in a completely different sort of problem - an amazing cowboy that sets her heart to racing.

Rafe Masterson can't pass by the woman he discovers along side of the road wearing a bunny suit while attempting to change her flat tire. However as he helps with the tire, he quickly senses that she's in some sort of trouble and offers to help. But, will she eventually help him break down the walls around his heart?

What follows is a sweet story of two people who finally find the right person in their lives. Each helps the other overcome past betrayal and hurts and see the reality of what true love can bring.

I loved the story of Mule Hollow continuing in the background - all of the various characters that I've grown to love from the previous books.

My one critique is that it's barely long enough. It's more in line with a novella .

Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / clean
Violence - One character grabs another's arm in a threatening way.
My rating - 4.5 stars

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a good fun read, quite clean and charming. A young lady wearing a bunny costume (there is a reason) is stuck on the roadside after a car mishap. Rafe stops to assist, and offers to bring her back to the family ranch to have some hospitality until her car is ready. The lady, being somewhat unexpectedly at a loose end, offers to take on the job of cook for the staff.
Finding out more about the two young people, and getting to know the ranch folks and townsfolk, fills the rest of the tale. Maybe Rafe has found the lady he's been waiting for, or maybe this city girl will hop off back where she came from when she's spent a week burning food and getting muddy chasing calves.
A very pleasurable read, and I took it up a few times during a couple of days, but always found reminders of who everyone was and what was happening. This is part of a series, and you don't need to have read the others, but will enjoy meeting characters from earlier books if you have.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, this book hooked me. What a great way to begin a story and a romance at that! I could've read a few more chapters because when I got to the end, I was disappointed to be there. :) The characters in 'Rafe' are interesting because they're dealing with a lot of past hurt. In order to be free they have to learn how to overcome that hurt and allow healing to take place.
That's something I think everyone struggles with. That being the case, the characters were pretty easy to relate to, at least for me.
The setting painted itself beautifully in my mind's eye, too. Having once lived in Texas, this story transported me back there for a time. I can't thank the author enough for that! I really miss it.
I laughed. My heart hurt and I teared up. What more can you say about any kind of story? This one is a win. :)

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe had a rough childhood, his no-good father used to beat his mother, so when he saw Sadie at the side of the road in a white bunny suit trying to change a tire he recognized the signs of a lady with man trouble and he decided to help her,because he was a man now, it wasn’t like when he couldn’t help his mom cause he was just a kid.
Loved the story of Rafe and Sadie’s relationship, all the ways he helped her, and Sadie’s story, why she was on the run. It’s an awesome story with some funny stuff, some all out romantic stuff and some of it will touch your soul, it kept me all out entertained from page one.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe is the second book in the New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow series. It is about the Matchmaking Posse of Mule Hollow, Texas. A group of ladies is determined to find a bride for every cowboy in Mule Hollow, and now they have their sights set on Rafe. Rafe finds Sadie stuck on the side of the road wearing a bunny costume. While rescuing her, he senses that she has more than car issues and takes her to the ranch with a job offer. I really did enjoy this story, even with the distractions of it needing to be proofread. I still will recommend it!

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story about how love can make the heart whole and not to settle for someone out of fear that you will not find that special person. I really enjoyed reading this story because it moved along at a good pace and kept my interest. It made me laugh at times, especially the beginning with the bunny suit. You have to admire Sadie, she is a strong woman even though she doubts herself. Rafe is one of those honest men who will help anyone in need but has closed off his heart. If you want to read a story that will make you feel good, this is the story for you.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

Sadie was running to heal from seeing her fiancee kissing his secretary a week before their wedding. She is dressed in her Bunny suit she uses for her volunteer work. Now she has a flat and is trying to change it when Rafe comes up upon her. Rafe was on his way to Cliff & Maddie's engagement party when he see her tail hanging out from her truck and he stops to help.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bunny suit!

I am a big fan of this author and anything about Mule Hollow Texas but the story line just didn't do it for me. I had to laugh at the whole bunny facade - the critter had a flat tire, a bunny in distress and the Bunny Woman.

However, "God has a way of bringing his plans for each of us together - in the most unexpected ways sometimes."

Keep reading everyone and see where the next adventure takes you.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mule Hollow Book Two

This is the story of Rafe and Sadie. Rafe comes to her rescue, when she has a flat tire. Imagine his surprise seeing a white bunny trying to change a tire, lol. This is a second chance for both of them, after being hurt in the past. Grab your copy and read the story of Cliff’s twin brother.

[Tammy Ketring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I love this series of books by Debra Clopton!! These books are heartwarming with sexy cowboys and their true ladies who want to find forever love in an old fashioned way....a have read some of her books, and each one is different, but always has a perfect ending....

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was even faster than the first book in the series! It’s definitely a guilty pleasure read, and I enjoyed it, there were just the same issues with this book as the first book: major grammar/editing errors, the fact that you just didn’t get to know the characters very well... 🤷‍♀️ But it was fun.

3 1/2 stars.

[J. Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddie meets Rafe while running away from home, more or less. She is dressed as a bunny and has a flat tire. Rafe stops, helps her, offers her a job, and takes her to his ranch. From there the book gets … well … sometimes funny and sometimes serious.
This is what I call an "Easy read book."
I like Debra Clopton's books, and I enjoyed reading this one.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet read

Sadie ran from her wedding after catching her fiance with his secretary. She was wearing her bunny suit after visiting kids at hospital not planning on flat tire. Rafe happened on her and fixes her flat and offers her job. Within a week they are in love. Mule Hollow is not called the match making town for nothing.

[Sue Ferryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Read

This book was entertaining from the beginning. A bride to be runs away when she finds her groom in a compromising embrace with someone else. She left with impulsively with on a bunny costume on her back. She had a flat tire & was trying to change it when Rafe stops to help a big floppy bunny in distress. A fun, warm read!

[Mindie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clean romance that I finished in one sitting. I wish it had been a longer story. Boy and girl meet, fall in love in a couple of days, the end. The story could have used another 100 pages with more detail and storyline. Also, it seems like it was written really quickly as there are quite a few grammatical errors.

[Debbie Odachowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun series that is a great summer read!

I love books that go with a beach chair in the sand and a glass of wine while you have your toes in the water. This series makes a wonderful addition to summer reading . I love happy endings where the cowboy gets the girl and the girl is made of strong stuff!Enjoy!

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly sweet story of finding your true connection. Sadie Archer finds herself on the side of the road in a bunny costume with a flat tire and frustration. Rafe Masterson is a former rodeo roping star and now rancher who happens upon Sadie and helps her. Hot cowboy rancher meets Sadie in this sweet, clean read.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mule Hollow stories.

This was a fun story and I do like cowboys. This is a light read that was a good escape and I am sure I will read more stories about this special small town.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing better than a cowboy romance and the bunny

Loved the sweet story. Very clean, funny and downright enjoyable. The romance is real and great, but this bunny is something else! :)

[Linda White · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute, quick read! I really enjoyed Rafe and Sadie. The way he ragged on his brother for the same thing to happen to him was kind of predictable but in a really nice way. I'll be reading the next installment with Chase. Hopefully everyone else will also get a story.