After June Meyer's devastating divorce six years ago, she remained devoted to her children and their home in Ohio. Now her youngest child is off to college, and June faces her future with a mix of anxiety and excitement. The Walker Horse Ranch in isolated Peakview, Colorado, provides the perfect setting for Jeff Walker to hide from the pain of losing his wife to cancer eight years ago. He’s raised his sons and now his ranch and horses are his life. It’s just simpler that way. Avoiding making any long tern decisions about her life, June embarks on a cross country road trip to visit her son and grandchildren in California. After car trouble strands her in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, she lands at the Walker Ranch, where she encounters the handsome, rugged rancher, Jeff. While neither is looking for a relationship, they can’t deny the chemistry that draws them together. Can they drop their barriers and take a second chance at love?
Jill Haymaker writes contemporary romances centered in her home state of Colorado. After growing up in Indiana and Ohio, she moved to Colorado and feel in love with the beautiful mountains. She writes about adventurous women and the rugged cowboys they fall in love with. She currently has published 25 novels in her three series that take place in Peakview County, Colorado: The Peakview Series, The Aspen Ridge Series, and The Peaktop Dude Ranch Series. She is currently working on her new Montana Pines Series.
Would have been 3.5 stars but it needs to be re-edited. I found at least 8 mistakes. I enjoyed the story. It's nice to read about older H/h once in awhile.
I had thought this was supposed to be Christian fiction but maybe I was mistaken. Also, it is inconceivable that a man and woman can fall in love on their third meeting. The whole premise of the book is wildly inexplicable and I would call the writing juvenile if it weren’t for the premarital sex.
This was a sweet, quick read, or I should say listen. I listened to the Audiobook. It was really nice to hear about a more mature couple and their feelings about romance and intimacy as compared to when they were younger. You don't often get that in a book.
The Audiobook narration was ok. The narrator was wonderful with the female voices. It might have been better with a man reading at least J. W.'s part. There was something really missing in the reading of J. W. and Luke. The other male parts were not that extensive so you could overlook them.
The story missed the mark for me because June and J. W. hardly spent any time together before declaring their undying love for each other. June, never having lived on a working ranch felt comfortable enough to make that move because she could ride a horse? Really?
It bothered me that she was admittedly rude to Jeff the first time they met, and she never apologized to him. Even after he apologized to her for blocking the pump and then found her to let her know he was done.
The entire drive across country as a single woman with a dog threw me. I guess I am entirely too cautious to even consider driving across country by myself with my dog. Or too chicken.
I understood June was trying to figure out her life after being responsible for other people for so long, so it was all about her. BUT, when she decided that she was attracted to Jeff, it still seemed to be all about her. Not their life together going forward. Not how she would adapt to being a ranch wife. Not informing her children that she was even thinking about making that kind of decision.
I accept she didn't need her children's approval to make the decision, but wouldn't you at least want them to know you were seeing someone before you married him?
I have to address the elephant in the room. Jeff and June have met each other a total of 3 times. 4, if you include the last night at the dude ranch. No communication at all in between these meetings.
If you overlook some of the less realistic aspects of the book, it is not a bad read, or bad listen. Suspend some of your need for realism, and it is a sweet romantic book with a HEA.
I own the book, but I voluntarily listened to and reviewed the Audiobook received from the author.
Love and romance is ageless or it should be viewed that way. The heart doesn’t see numbers, the heart feels the connection between people – and when I find an author who can give me a fantastic romance for a couple who now have grown children, well I’m on that one immediately.
When June sent her youngest daughter off to college she realized it was time for changes in her life. What started as a road trip to visit her son’s family, instead also became a taste of what a fresh start could feel like. And it was addicting, just like the man who has captured her imagination, her attention and perhaps already a piece of her heart.
Jeff believed he’d buried his heart along side of his wife, Susan. For eight long years he’s raised his sons, worked his ranch and survived – but he knew he wasn’t living, not really. When one sassy woman with an infectious smile and a heart as beautiful as the sunsets he watched from his front porch comes along only a fool would let her go. So, he might have been a monetary fool but he’d fix that.
I loved this story so much. Colorado Sunset shows us that love can come along at any stage of our lives, and we don’t have to say no to the possibilities it brings along with it. June and Jeff were likable, realistic characters. They weren’t perfect, who is? But they were people with fears, concerns, worries that anyone could relate to – and I enjoyed them more for their human-ness. This first story got me hooked on finishing the series which I’ll be catching up on over the coming weeks.
I would recommend Colorado Sunset to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys believable characters, a solid story and can imagine finding love at any age when the time is just right.
I received a loan from the author and then I bought it; this is my honest review. -I loved the premise of the book: older couple, long-distance relationship, cowboys and ranches. -There is not much interaction between Jeff and June and I wonder how they can fell in love when just seeing each other 2-3 times. It was a bit unbelievable. -It was a fun, quick read but it's missing the heart. The story was stating and describing a lot of things but there wasn't any warmth in it, like it was an obligation to do so. -The author has to decide if this is a Christian book or not. For ex. they pray to God and yet they have no guilt having sexual relations (closed doors) before the wedding (on their 3rd day). -Editing needs a serious pass - 1 star off: missing/misspelled words, one word too many, wrong person/noun, switched letters, or errors like she grabbed her jacket but she was already wearing it. One time the apostrophes are missing from a conversation. -Not funny at all: "June ignored her strict "always wear your seatbelt" motto and slid..." It's the law! Wearing your seatbelt saves lives! One in three road accidents happen a mile (1.4 miles) from home.
Divorcée, June, has just said goodbye to her youngest child, who is off to college. She’s now alone in a huge house with her dog as her only companion. June decides to head to California to visit her son and his family...driving! She takes a detour in Colorado and ends up stranded. She’s then rescued by a young rancher...days later she meets his dad and the chemistry is off the charts. She is sad to leave CO, and confused by her feelings. Jeff Walker lost his wife to cancer 8yrs ago and has never felt attracted to another woman...until June. He can’t believe that he let June go without getting her info. June When June decides to sell her house and move to CO, will she find that everlasting love with Jeff? After all, she was burned by her cheating ex-husband. A sweet second time around romance...keeps you rooting for June and Jeff...and the adorable dog, Laddie. Narration was on point! Looking forward to more in the series. I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Colorado Sunset is not your usual romance. This story let us live through June and her chance at finding love the second time around. She is divorced, was cheated on and not looking for a relationship. Traveling cross country to visit her son, her car breaks down and she is taken to a ranch where she meets Jeff. Jeff, a widower vowed never to love again after the death of his wife, but now somehow these two find their second chance at love. They come with histories, baggage and all those things that being married before, having kids and living a life bring. It's sweet, the visual imagery of Colorado is beautiful and it's a story that will leave you knowing there is always hope and love out there.
The choice of narrator for a book like this is important.You need someone that can voice kids and middle aged characters, and Sarah Sampino brings it. She has such a wide variety of voices and each one tailored to the character she is portraying. I loved her performance of this!
I absolutely loved the first book in the "Peakview, Colorado" series. I plan on reading the whole series at some point. I love the fact that two people can come together after the death or divorce of a spouse - fall in love, get married and share the rest of their lives together. Living on a ranch makes it all worth wild. There is nothing like spending time in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, where snow and romance are sure to find you
Here is a part of the story from page 175:
'Don't let life pass you by while you're working. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it.'
There are eleven books in this series. I have read many of Jill's books from other series like Aspen Ridge. There is nothing like a good mountain/ranch/cowboy romance. Enjoy and happy reading!
This is my first Jill Haymaker book! I love how the main characters were much older. They both had the freedom to do as they wished, but both had things they had to work through to get their HEA... He needed to reconcile with the fact that he could still hold his love for his late wife in his heart while moving forward. She needed to leave the constant reminder of her former marriage behind while assuring her children that home was indeed wherever she was. They were both deserving of a second chance at love and the journey they took to get to their HEA destination was heart-warming to hear.
Sarah Sampino does a stellar job as narrator for this novel! I love the accents she has for each character, so easily distinctive for each one.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which I received from the author and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This is the first book of the Peakview series. I really loved this small town romance about June, who’s feeling quite alone after her divorce and no more kids around the house to take care of, and Jeff. Jeff lost his wife to cancer 8 years ago and he lives with one of his two sons at his ranch in Peakview, Colorado. On her solo road trip across the country to visit her son, June’s car breaks down. Lucky for her it happens on the road to Peakview. A nice young cowboy helps her out. Luke happens to be the son of Jeff. I loved how the story develops from there. The title is well chosen, by the way.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in line.
And his castle is a ranch in the Colorado mountains. June is a woman whose last child has recently left for college and she finds herself wanting a complete new start out of the town where her cheating ex husband lives. She goes on a road trip to see her best friend, children and grandchildren, but finds herself taking a detour through the Colorado mountains. Her car breaks down and she is stranded until a nice young Cowboy becomes her hero. Long story short she meets his father who is the same man she had words with in Montana. Love sizzles for these two. Great story and I love love love the ending.
I thought the reference to the virgin River series was a nice touch. It was lovely to watch 2 lonely people overcome their insecurities and find each other. it was still quite I also enjoyed the fact that some of the characters prayed, and that even though they got together before they knew what was going to happen in their future, it wasn’t a trivial decision. or not a hard road for them though. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A cute and entertaining story of two people who meet who both are feeling a period of adjustment in their lives. After her divorce many years ago, she has raised her children on her own plus getting them into College. Now she is feeling that she needs to make changes to find her next direction in life living for herself. He has been a widower for many years and although having raised his boys feels like something is missing in his life. Once they meet there seems to be an immediate attraction. A sweet and love me story.
Kills first full length novel is very current and sweet. Being divorced and a conservative person of a certain age can leave you feeling as if you will never find that special someone to spend the rest of your life with. Jill has woven a rich picture of strong characters that you keep rooting for. I look forward to the next story in Peakview, Co. PS. I've been up Poudre Canyon when I lived in the Ft Collins area, and it is just as beautiful as described.
Jill Haymaker’s first installment in the Peakview Series titled Colorado Sunset is a sweet second chance romance for empty nesters. The characters are lovable and relatable. I enjoyed the possibility of love for the middle aged couple.
I listened to the story and enjoyed Sarah Sampino’s clear voice as she brought the varied characters to life.
This is a story of two middle aged people, who appear to have been brought together by fate. They recognize that they were attracted to each other. However, it took a little manipulation from a family member to get them together fully. It's a sweet, poignant romance, one with past loves remembered and a future life dreamed off. I did enjoy this encounter, and look forward to more stories from Peakview.
Fun story of older people finding love again. Cute how they ran into each other and what first impressions are... sometimes very different than the next time you meet the person. So this story develops and is quite cute, however, the ending takes a turn I didn't like... I believe sex comes AFTER marriage.
I received a free copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
A well-crafted story focusing on two individuals in their 50's. June, divorced and living in Ohio, and Jeff, widowed and living in Colorado. Thank goodness for Luke, Jeff's son, for pushing his father. June and Jeff are so tentative that without Luke, the two would still be apart. But when Jeff finally makes up his mind about June, he does gilo all out! I will be reading more in this series.
This is a charming romance. It reflects the possibility of finding love in midlife. It is a welcome reminder that even a chance encounter can grow into love.
This is a charming romance. It reflects the possibility of finding love in midlife. It is also a welcome reminder that even a chance encounter can grow into something beautiful.
Great romance story for those who are looking for something more than an YA adventure or angst. This writer gets to the heart of matters for those who are struggling with empty nest syndrome, divorce, loneliness and all the emotions that go along with it for those 40+ yoa - and how blended families can and should look/be. Looking forward to reading the complete series.
A nice story with older main characters. June’s husband left her for a younger woman, her last child has gone off to college, and she’s taken off to visit son and family in CA. She gets sidetracked and meets widower and father of two adult sons, JW who presides over the Walker Ranch outside Peakview, CO.
This is a beautifully written story. You are never too old to find love. June has been divorced for five years and she isn't looking for love when she runs into Jeff at a fuel stop. Fate brings them together again and this time there is no denying their attraction. From this point the story takes off, I found myself needing to know how they'd get their HEA.
A sweet lovable story of life and love after death and/or divorce. After losing spouses, June and Jeff devoted their time to raising their children. But when an empty nester meets a real live cowboy, the longing and feelings of coming home makes itself known. Good story.
June Meyers and Jeff Walker a great read with help of his son and friends. Luke Walker thinks June is a nice woman and she good for him dad. Jeff was too late and she left without him getting her phone or anything. June came back in November and Jeff got his wish. Great read😊😁
Enjoyable, but maybe at times a bit unrealistic. Still a fun read. I think it was fairly easy to figure out what was going to happen next. I like being surprised. I did like that the characters were about my age, which is unusual.
Starting off with a road trip emphasis on trip and go from there as a midlifer youthful and attractive heads out to seek the tomorrow she denied herself. Loved this book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to read a book where the main characters were close to my own age. Very nicely written. A few typos that could be fixed, but other than that, I enjoyed the story very much!
Great book. I love Colorado and reading about the mountains and seeing them in my mind made me homesick for them! And who doesn't love a good love story. Great book!
This book was holding my attention from the start. Makes me want to go to Colorado and see those majestic mountains for myself. I want to read the next book and the rest of your books.