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Cowboys of Cold Creek #14
A Cold Creek Christmas Story
Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More
Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children's stories becomes a major success, she's suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone , special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?
Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter's sake. Yet all the millionaire's resources can't help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?
Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children's stories becomes a major success, she's suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone , special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?
Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter's sake. Yet all the millionaire's resources can't help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?
233 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
377 people are currently reading
1333 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,839 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
November 27, 2017
While part of a very long series of Christmas-themed romances, the only predecessor with any effect on the story is The Christmas Ranch. Okay, that's not entirely true. Half the novel had pop-ins from previous couples and that was more than a little annoying. Also, this story is tons better than that book, so it’s sad how much setup is there that this story leans on. So I kind of hate having to encourage others to endure that one to fully appreciate this one. Maybe stop at ¾ in like I did?
This story might have been designed for me. Flynn and Celeste are exactly my kind of people with the strong/capable guy and the thoughtful/kind woman who find each other and realize how much better they are together. Add Thayne’s adroit handling of children for Flynn’s daughter, Olivia, and you have a killer cast that’s right up my alley. And let me tell you, Thayne did an incredible job with Olivia whose emotional journey from trauma to the start of healing had to have been very difficult to pull off. Some of the emotional payoff drew satisfied tears, it was so well-done.
So why only 3½ stars? Okay, I’ll probably round to four, but there are some very distracting problems with the story. Most of it is the really bad case of negative motivation*. For both main characters. This was terribly confusing for Flynn because his main motivation seems to be taking care of Olivia and seeing to her health/healing. Which is very much a motivation to do things and not negative at all. Only. Every interaction he has with Celeste is completely “don’t do stuff” and firmly, even pathologically, negative—despite how well she fits in with his only stated motivation. So the whole “can’t do this thing” was unexplained and contradictory and that frustrated me mightily even above and beyond my normal issue with negative motivation.
So yeah. 3½ stars. Only I’m rounding up to four because did I mention the cathartic tears? Add the multiplier that it’s the perfect time of year for a strong Christmas-themed story (and one unusually well-grounded in the message of finding happiness in serving others) and I just couldn’t grinch this down to three.
A note about Chaste: There are a couple amazing kisses. And that’s it. Thayne’s mastery of chaste romances makes this not a surprise. But it’s still gratifying to experience it so well-done.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
This story might have been designed for me. Flynn and Celeste are exactly my kind of people with the strong/capable guy and the thoughtful/kind woman who find each other and realize how much better they are together. Add Thayne’s adroit handling of children for Flynn’s daughter, Olivia, and you have a killer cast that’s right up my alley. And let me tell you, Thayne did an incredible job with Olivia whose emotional journey from trauma to the start of healing had to have been very difficult to pull off. Some of the emotional payoff drew satisfied tears, it was so well-done.
So why only 3½ stars? Okay, I’ll probably round to four, but there are some very distracting problems with the story. Most of it is the really bad case of negative motivation*. For both main characters. This was terribly confusing for Flynn because his main motivation seems to be taking care of Olivia and seeing to her health/healing. Which is very much a motivation to do things and not negative at all. Only. Every interaction he has with Celeste is completely “don’t do stuff” and firmly, even pathologically, negative—despite how well she fits in with his only stated motivation. So the whole “can’t do this thing” was unexplained and contradictory and that frustrated me mightily even above and beyond my normal issue with negative motivation.
So yeah. 3½ stars. Only I’m rounding up to four because did I mention the cathartic tears? Add the multiplier that it’s the perfect time of year for a strong Christmas-themed story (and one unusually well-grounded in the message of finding happiness in serving others) and I just couldn’t grinch this down to three.
A note about Chaste: There are a couple amazing kisses. And that’s it. Thayne’s mastery of chaste romances makes this not a surprise. But it’s still gratifying to experience it so well-done.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
December 26, 2016
A feel good romance that was just not for me. Not bad characters, but, I kept waiting for the end and then... there is a second book I did not go onto.
December 2, 2015
I’ll admit I started A Cold Creek Christmas Story with a bit of trepidation due to it being the 14th in a series (about Cowboys??) that I had yet to start. I am so glad that I didn’t let that deter me! Lately I’ve been on a bit of a romance kick and RaeAnne Thayne has definitely made my list of new favorite authors.
Thayne delivers in the charming tale about a father and daughter in need of some holiday healing and the amazing town and family that embrace them and make them one of theirs.
As with most small town romances…setting is almost half of the puzzle that makes up a wonderful read. From the moment I stepped between the pages and entered Cold Creek, I loved it and could so see myself living there. There is nothing like that small town feeling where everyone knows each other and genuinely cares abut their neighbors. I can only wish I lived in such a location.
Celeste is a great protagonist. An awkward shy bookworm who works in a library? Yes…I could so relate to her and I absolutely loved to see how she struggled on a daily basis to work through her social issues. Not all of us can be the outgoing butterflies that the media seems to love…it was great having a very relatable character.
Flynn is just perfect. Guarded with others but obviously 100% devoted to his daughter…and a more than competent carpenter to boot. What’s not to love?
And all of Celeste’s family and the ranch just added to the warm cozy feel of this read. (I’m definitely going looking for Hope and Rafe’s story now!!)
A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a delightful holiday read with plenty of heartwarming and swoon worthy moments.
Thayne delivers in the charming tale about a father and daughter in need of some holiday healing and the amazing town and family that embrace them and make them one of theirs.
As with most small town romances…setting is almost half of the puzzle that makes up a wonderful read. From the moment I stepped between the pages and entered Cold Creek, I loved it and could so see myself living there. There is nothing like that small town feeling where everyone knows each other and genuinely cares abut their neighbors. I can only wish I lived in such a location.
Celeste is a great protagonist. An awkward shy bookworm who works in a library? Yes…I could so relate to her and I absolutely loved to see how she struggled on a daily basis to work through her social issues. Not all of us can be the outgoing butterflies that the media seems to love…it was great having a very relatable character.
Flynn is just perfect. Guarded with others but obviously 100% devoted to his daughter…and a more than competent carpenter to boot. What’s not to love?
And all of Celeste’s family and the ranch just added to the warm cozy feel of this read. (I’m definitely going looking for Hope and Rafe’s story now!!)
A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a delightful holiday read with plenty of heartwarming and swoon worthy moments.
March 24, 2020
Sweet and cute but forgettable romance story.
December 16, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
December 7, 2015
Such weakness I have with Christmas stories that involved single dads *sigh* and the latest offering from Thayne's Harlequin SSE,
A Cold Creek Christmas Story
just hit me in all the right places. This is the second story of the Nichols sisters and book #14 on Thayne's Cold Creek Cowboy series; although rest assured, you will be fine if you haven't read the previous 13 books.
I admit, Celeste is written as a bit stereotypical -- a meek, shy, introverted librarian. Like all librarians are introverted and worked in the library because they prefer to be with books than with people. ALTHOUGH, I can definitely see the charm, being an introvert myself, books seems to always be a better option *LOL*.
How could I not love Celeste? She was amazingly kind and lovely; she was 'magical' in her gift of storytelling. I loved the way she made connection with Flynn's daughter, Olivia. I loved her overthinking self, I loved that she never wanted to be in spotlight and she struggled with it, but most of all, I loved her gentle heart.
Flynn, on the other hand, well okay I admit that it must've been scary to find out that his ex-wife had been killed and his daughter shot, and I could understand him being protective of Olivia. But he did hurt Celeste near the end with his words, and I expected him to grovel a little bit *hmph*. At least he was really good in his hands -- no, not that way, you perv, he was a carpenter! -- and I could see him being devoted to Celeste. So I forgive you, Flynn.
All in all, another good holiday story from RaeAnne Thayne :)
I admit, Celeste is written as a bit stereotypical -- a meek, shy, introverted librarian. Like all librarians are introverted and worked in the library because they prefer to be with books than with people. ALTHOUGH, I can definitely see the charm, being an introvert myself, books seems to always be a better option *LOL*.
How could I not love Celeste? She was amazingly kind and lovely; she was 'magical' in her gift of storytelling. I loved the way she made connection with Flynn's daughter, Olivia. I loved her overthinking self, I loved that she never wanted to be in spotlight and she struggled with it, but most of all, I loved her gentle heart.
Flynn, on the other hand, well okay I admit that it must've been scary to find out that his ex-wife had been killed and his daughter shot, and I could understand him being protective of Olivia. But he did hurt Celeste near the end with his words, and I expected him to grovel a little bit *hmph*. At least he was really good in his hands -- no, not that way, you perv, he was a carpenter! -- and I could see him being devoted to Celeste. So I forgive you, Flynn.
All in all, another good holiday story from RaeAnne Thayne :)
December 17, 2015
A,sweet Christmas story about a librarian and a father trying to help his little girl recover from a trauma. It's a bit rushed, but an enjoyable read.
December 20, 2017
I enjoyed listening to this Christmas story, really sweet for this time of year. I liked the narration, saw some saying on Audible they didn't like it, but suited me fine.
February 7, 2017
I was so delighted when I found this book on my kindle while searching for something good to read and equally disappointed that I have not read it yet. Reading Thayne book now feels like coming home to me. It's always filled with magic and warm fuzziness that stays with me long after I am done with the book and A Cold Creek Christmas Story was no exception.
The book follows Celeste, who lives in the comfort of Pine Gulch Idaho, with a very sad past, who writes children's books for a living. Her recent hit is about a reindeer named Sparkle that seemed to have touched both children and parents alike across the country like a sweeping storm. She had a major crush on Flynn, a boy who would come to Pine Gulch every summer to visit his grandmother. The boy has grown up and is back in town in order to clean out his grandmother's place after her passing, so he could put it up on the market. Flynn has a daughter, who doesn't speak after she watched her celebrity mother get shot by her mother's boyfriend in front of her and almost dying herself. Flynn is hoping that their stay in Pine Gulch would give his daughter a break from their fast paced life in California and away from the spotlight.
It was a story of perseverance, coping with loss, moving on and finding love in the most unexpected places. I absolutely loved Celeste and how passionate she was about her books and the character she created, so passionate that she had a hard time allowing Sparkle to go big with a movie. I loved Flynn's sweet daughter and the bond she had formed with Celeste over Sparkle that not only got her to open up, but find a way to deal with her mother's death and return the magic of Christmas back into her life. Despite me having a few issues with Flynn, I knew it stemmed from the fact that he was just trying to do his best as a father and was only trying to protect his daughter from the world his wife and parents had been sucked into.
Everything about this book besides my annoyance with Flynn at times, was just plain wonderful. The writing, the slow burn romance Thayne is so good at, the characters, the setting - all warm and sweet. I loved it, was unable to put down the book and devoured it over the holidays. It was just a perfect read for me and I am looking forward to more of her wonderful writing.
If you are a fan of slow burn romance that focuses on the development of attachment between the characters and the community, I think you should give this one a try. Thayne always is known for mostly clean romances, but it's so worth it.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
The book follows Celeste, who lives in the comfort of Pine Gulch Idaho, with a very sad past, who writes children's books for a living. Her recent hit is about a reindeer named Sparkle that seemed to have touched both children and parents alike across the country like a sweeping storm. She had a major crush on Flynn, a boy who would come to Pine Gulch every summer to visit his grandmother. The boy has grown up and is back in town in order to clean out his grandmother's place after her passing, so he could put it up on the market. Flynn has a daughter, who doesn't speak after she watched her celebrity mother get shot by her mother's boyfriend in front of her and almost dying herself. Flynn is hoping that their stay in Pine Gulch would give his daughter a break from their fast paced life in California and away from the spotlight.
It was a story of perseverance, coping with loss, moving on and finding love in the most unexpected places. I absolutely loved Celeste and how passionate she was about her books and the character she created, so passionate that she had a hard time allowing Sparkle to go big with a movie. I loved Flynn's sweet daughter and the bond she had formed with Celeste over Sparkle that not only got her to open up, but find a way to deal with her mother's death and return the magic of Christmas back into her life. Despite me having a few issues with Flynn, I knew it stemmed from the fact that he was just trying to do his best as a father and was only trying to protect his daughter from the world his wife and parents had been sucked into.
Everything about this book besides my annoyance with Flynn at times, was just plain wonderful. The writing, the slow burn romance Thayne is so good at, the characters, the setting - all warm and sweet. I loved it, was unable to put down the book and devoured it over the holidays. It was just a perfect read for me and I am looking forward to more of her wonderful writing.
If you are a fan of slow burn romance that focuses on the development of attachment between the characters and the community, I think you should give this one a try. Thayne always is known for mostly clean romances, but it's so worth it.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
December 10, 2015
2015 Reading Challenge: a book set during Christmas
3.5 stars but I'm happily rounding up because this was just really sweet and cute.
Olivia was adorable, and she happens to be the same age as my niece so I thought she was written realistically. Maybe the whole story and the writing was a little too syrupy-sweet for even my tastes (and that's saying A LOT, because I embrace cheesiness) but hey, I am willing to handwave a lot at Christmas.
Also, I felt like the ending could have been done better.
Other than that, this was just what I expected and needed from a holiday story. I'm pretty excited to check out more of her books.
3.5 stars but I'm happily rounding up because this was just really sweet and cute.
Olivia was adorable, and she happens to be the same age as my niece so I thought she was written realistically. Maybe the whole story and the writing was a little too syrupy-sweet for even my tastes (and that's saying A LOT, because I embrace cheesiness) but hey, I am willing to handwave a lot at Christmas.
Also, I felt like the ending could have been done better.
Other than that, this was just what I expected and needed from a holiday story. I'm pretty excited to check out more of her books.
January 10, 2016
I was expecting a romance but this story is more about a woman who had a terrifying experience as a child helping a child recovering from the experience of being critically hurt and seeing her mom killed. The story between the child (Olivia) and Celeste (small town librarian/children's book author) is sweet and well written. The romance between the child's father (Flynn) and Celeste is almost absent from the book. There was a kiss, an apology, an angry comment, an apology and poof a happy ending. It just didn't feel like the relationship developed. I haven't read some of the prior books and was a little underwhelmed by the supporting cast. I think their development was dependent on reading the prior books and for someone who hasn't it becomes just a bunch of character names.
The writing by RaeAnne Thayne is well done, the plot interesting, but the romance between Flynn and Celeste was so nonexistent that the happy ending didn't feel real. I felt like the story was cut short and went too quick to a sappy epilogue.
The writing by RaeAnne Thayne is well done, the plot interesting, but the romance between Flynn and Celeste was so nonexistent that the happy ending didn't feel real. I felt like the story was cut short and went too quick to a sappy epilogue.
November 5, 2015
This is such a well written and emotional story. It will make you feel like you are right there in Cold Creek with them getting ready for the Christmas season. The characters will just draw you in. The story will make you laugh and cry. It will show you what is important for the Christmas season. I loved every minute of it and hated to see it end. As a bonus you also get to read A Cold Creek Christmas another amazing and wonderful Christmas story. It will help put you in the mood for the Christmas season.
November 20, 2015
This was a really good book. I enjoyed it very much. Celeste writes a children's book and it becomes a huge hit. She lives in Pine Gulch, Idaho. Their story has many twists and turns. She falls for millionaire Flynn Delaney. He is back in Pine Gulch with his daughter that is healing after losing her mother. I loved all the characters in this book. Great Christmas read!! Read this wonderful book from RaeAnne Thayne for all the details, you won't want to miss this one!!
September 5, 2015
This was a short quick emotional read.
Celeste is a small town librarian and when she was younger she went through being held captive in Columbia. She writes children's books and is content with her life until her childhood crush Flynn shows up.
Flynn brings his daughter Olivia back home to help her heal from a terrible tragedy. Her mothers boyfriend shot her mother and her and then killed himself. Olivia survived but mentally and physically she still has work to do.
I liked how this story was emotional and all these characters had to heal in some way so they could move on together. It was a bumpy road. Flynn just wants to head back to there home in LA when he is done cleaning out the house but I love how he realized that while his daughter is there she is healing in her own way.
The characters and the storyline were well written. I liked how they weren't rushed into falling in love or in bed with one another. The ending was perfect and I'm so glad it had an epilogue that took place 18 months later.
I can't wait to read more by this author!
Celeste is a small town librarian and when she was younger she went through being held captive in Columbia. She writes children's books and is content with her life until her childhood crush Flynn shows up.
Flynn brings his daughter Olivia back home to help her heal from a terrible tragedy. Her mothers boyfriend shot her mother and her and then killed himself. Olivia survived but mentally and physically she still has work to do.
I liked how this story was emotional and all these characters had to heal in some way so they could move on together. It was a bumpy road. Flynn just wants to head back to there home in LA when he is done cleaning out the house but I love how he realized that while his daughter is there she is healing in her own way.
The characters and the storyline were well written. I liked how they weren't rushed into falling in love or in bed with one another. The ending was perfect and I'm so glad it had an epilogue that took place 18 months later.
I can't wait to read more by this author!
December 1, 2015
Let's go to Pine Gulch, Idaho for Christmas...
Celeste Nichols, children's librarian, looks up during story time and sees Flynn Delaney, bringing back memories of the huge crush she'd had on Flynn when she was a young teenager. Flynn is at the library with his seven year-old daughter, Olivia. Olivia wants to meet Celeste because the small-town librarian is also a well-known author of children's books about Sparkle the reindeer - and Olivia LOVES Sparkle.
Flynn is in town temporarily, cleaning out his grandmother's house, and, even though he is interested in Celeste, he fights the attraction, knowing he will be headed out of town shortly.
This is a warm, clean story about families, love, healing (both Celeste and Olivia have suffered terrible tragedies in their pasts), and the magic of Christmas.
I liked the characters in this short, sweet story. And the Christmas Ranch and the Christmas Village sound like wonderful places to visit. Too bad they're just in the story.
NOTE: I received this book from Harlequin Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Celeste Nichols, children's librarian, looks up during story time and sees Flynn Delaney, bringing back memories of the huge crush she'd had on Flynn when she was a young teenager. Flynn is at the library with his seven year-old daughter, Olivia. Olivia wants to meet Celeste because the small-town librarian is also a well-known author of children's books about Sparkle the reindeer - and Olivia LOVES Sparkle.
Flynn is in town temporarily, cleaning out his grandmother's house, and, even though he is interested in Celeste, he fights the attraction, knowing he will be headed out of town shortly.
This is a warm, clean story about families, love, healing (both Celeste and Olivia have suffered terrible tragedies in their pasts), and the magic of Christmas.
I liked the characters in this short, sweet story. And the Christmas Ranch and the Christmas Village sound like wonderful places to visit. Too bad they're just in the story.
NOTE: I received this book from Harlequin Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2015
RaeAnne Thayne has done it again. A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a wonderful story. It will fill you with the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this book and catching up with the Nichols sisters. I am looking forward to more stories about this family.
Celeste has been through a lot in her life and now she is faced with making some big decisions about her books that she wrote for her nieces and nephews. Flynn has returned to his grandmother’s home in Pine Gulch to close out his past and try to help his daughter recover from some terrible trauma. Celeste understands Flynn’s daughter since she has had a traumatic past. She helps Flynn to understand more about what his daughter is going through. The story of their history and their reunion in Pine Gulch is filled with drama and passion. Together they all learn to overcome the tragic past and build a happy future.
I was given this book in advance for an honest review. I would highly recommend this book. It is a heartwarming story that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Celeste has been through a lot in her life and now she is faced with making some big decisions about her books that she wrote for her nieces and nephews. Flynn has returned to his grandmother’s home in Pine Gulch to close out his past and try to help his daughter recover from some terrible trauma. Celeste understands Flynn’s daughter since she has had a traumatic past. She helps Flynn to understand more about what his daughter is going through. The story of their history and their reunion in Pine Gulch is filled with drama and passion. Together they all learn to overcome the tragic past and build a happy future.
I was given this book in advance for an honest review. I would highly recommend this book. It is a heartwarming story that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
November 21, 2015
RaeAnne Thayne warms our hearts again with another beloved Christmas tale in A Cold Creek Christmas Story. You will fall in love with Flynn Delaney and his adorable daughter, Olivia.
Flynn has returned to Pine Gulch, Idaho to settle his grandmother's estate to, hopefully, heal his young daughter's heart after a terrible tragedy. Pine Gulch and beloved librarian, Celeste Nicholas offer hope and healing to two wonderful people who need love and comfort.
Celeste is a sweet women who has all but given up on finding her prince charming and, finally, finds him in her long lost teenage crush. You will be charmed and moved by both Flynn's and Celeste's stories and long to visit Pine Gulch.
RaeAnne Thayne's Christmas novels always make my year and renew my love and faith in the season. She is a master at creating complex, emotional characters that you long to know and wonderful towns you want to visit. I cannot recommend Thayne's novels enough and I know you will enjoy A Cold Creek Christmas Story as much as I did!
Flynn has returned to Pine Gulch, Idaho to settle his grandmother's estate to, hopefully, heal his young daughter's heart after a terrible tragedy. Pine Gulch and beloved librarian, Celeste Nicholas offer hope and healing to two wonderful people who need love and comfort.
Celeste is a sweet women who has all but given up on finding her prince charming and, finally, finds him in her long lost teenage crush. You will be charmed and moved by both Flynn's and Celeste's stories and long to visit Pine Gulch.
RaeAnne Thayne's Christmas novels always make my year and renew my love and faith in the season. She is a master at creating complex, emotional characters that you long to know and wonderful towns you want to visit. I cannot recommend Thayne's novels enough and I know you will enjoy A Cold Creek Christmas Story as much as I did!
November 15, 2015
I love this series and RaeAnne Thayne did not disappoint me with her latest book. Celeste Nichols is a librarian who is also a children's author. Her latest book, Sparkle and the Magic Snowball is going to be made into a movie. This money will help her sisters to save the family's Christmas Ranch and the Star N Ranch.
Flynn Delaney has returned to sell his grandmother's house. He has also brought his daughter, Olivia. Olivia is recovering from having witnessed her mom's boyfriend shooting her mom and himself.
Celeste and the real reindeer, Sparkle are able to help Olivia recover, especially since Celeste and her family had been kidnapped when she was a little girl. Sparks will fly between Celeste and Flynn. Celeste has had a crush on him ever since he fixed her bike and bandaged her knee a long time ago when she rode her bike into his grandmother's mailbox. You will really enjoy this book and the Cold Creek series!
Flynn Delaney has returned to sell his grandmother's house. He has also brought his daughter, Olivia. Olivia is recovering from having witnessed her mom's boyfriend shooting her mom and himself.
Celeste and the real reindeer, Sparkle are able to help Olivia recover, especially since Celeste and her family had been kidnapped when she was a little girl. Sparks will fly between Celeste and Flynn. Celeste has had a crush on him ever since he fixed her bike and bandaged her knee a long time ago when she rode her bike into his grandmother's mailbox. You will really enjoy this book and the Cold Creek series!
November 27, 2016
Obviously, I'm the outlier here but this book gagged me. The sooooper sweet, self-sacrificing heroine was my first clue, then the tragically motherless girl child and her morbidly sad daddy (hello, we need a team of therapists). Too much, too much, I give up! I know I'm making light, but there is a limit to piling on the FICTIONAL misery. Narrator Celeste Ciulla reads in a cloying syrupy voice that ground on my last nerve. Ugh. DNF.
May 13, 2021
DNF
I started to read RaeAnne Thayne backwards starting with her Cape Sanctuary series then Hopes Crossing and Haven Point. I enjoyed them, as the light fiction they are, but this series I have struggled with. I found the way that other characters from previous books in the series came into this book was distracting. In her later series RaeAnne Thayne manages this a lot better. Previous characters and story lines don’t intrude so much and you don’t feel as if you have missed anything if you haven’t read all of the series. As I have had to rely on what my public library system has in this series, I have missed most of the early books and that has been a disadvantage this time.
The story line was just too much, how much trauma can there be in a book before it has become too credulous. We have a heroine, Celeste who saw her father shot by rebels in Columbia when she was a teenager and then her mother dies of cancer 4 months later forcing her and her sisters to go and live with their aunt and uncle in Cold Creek. Then we fast forward to Flynn and his daughter Olivia, who saw her mother murdered by her lover who then shot Olivia before killing himself. It was just way too much. The story flow was too fast and there was little time to develop the relationship between Celeste and Flynn. I don’t think that this is one of her better books or series, there was just too much other activity happening that takes away from the main story of Celeste and Flynn. Certainly, in her later series she has fined tuned many of these issues and they are better books because of that.
I started to read RaeAnne Thayne backwards starting with her Cape Sanctuary series then Hopes Crossing and Haven Point. I enjoyed them, as the light fiction they are, but this series I have struggled with. I found the way that other characters from previous books in the series came into this book was distracting. In her later series RaeAnne Thayne manages this a lot better. Previous characters and story lines don’t intrude so much and you don’t feel as if you have missed anything if you haven’t read all of the series. As I have had to rely on what my public library system has in this series, I have missed most of the early books and that has been a disadvantage this time.
The story line was just too much, how much trauma can there be in a book before it has become too credulous. We have a heroine, Celeste who saw her father shot by rebels in Columbia when she was a teenager and then her mother dies of cancer 4 months later forcing her and her sisters to go and live with their aunt and uncle in Cold Creek. Then we fast forward to Flynn and his daughter Olivia, who saw her mother murdered by her lover who then shot Olivia before killing himself. It was just way too much. The story flow was too fast and there was little time to develop the relationship between Celeste and Flynn. I don’t think that this is one of her better books or series, there was just too much other activity happening that takes away from the main story of Celeste and Flynn. Certainly, in her later series she has fined tuned many of these issues and they are better books because of that.
December 4, 2017
I'm so tired of men in books who divide women into fun-time girls and marrying girls. Even though I can relate more to the latter than the former, it's still insulting to women and shame on authors for continuing this whore/madonna approach to women. Sorry, I know it's typical of romances and this one is no worse than any other, but it hit me while I was reading this that even in the year 2017 we are still treating some women as disposable sex partners and others are put on a pedestal. I think I need a break from romances for a while. It's not me, it's you.
November 1, 2023
Another Christmas Ranch novel
As always, it is just nice to read about nice people who do nice things for other people. In a world full of negativity, I appreciate RaeAnne's series set in beautiful little towns as I know I can escape and feel good about the characters she creates.
As always, it is just nice to read about nice people who do nice things for other people. In a world full of negativity, I appreciate RaeAnne's series set in beautiful little towns as I know I can escape and feel good about the characters she creates.
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars. Yes, this was cheesy…the quiet librarian hiding her shyness behind her glasses! LOL! I’m a sucker for Christmas romances.
October 31, 2015
An Unexpected Christmas Present
Celeste Nichols wasn't one for spotlights. She was happy in her position as children's librarian in her home town. Holidays, pressure to sign over movie rights of the book she and her sister recently published, and now the presence of Flynn Delancy, tossed her in a frenzy. Add to her growing number of stresses, Flynn came with a traumatized daughter who bonded with Celeste through her book, Sprinkle and the Magic Snowballs.
Misunderstandings, pressures and decisions follow in the days prior to Christmas in the little town of Pine Gultch. Christmas Ranch, a Christmas play put on by the children, plus daily routines toss Celeste, Flynn and daughter Olivia together almost daily. So much forbCeleste's plan to stay away from Flynn whom she once had a teenage crush on...
Will Christmas be merry and bright for those she loves? Will healing be the unexpected gift for Celeste, Flynn and Olivia? Read RayAnne Thayne's A Cold Creek Christmas Story for confirmation of hope, peace and joy only the holidays bring.
To New Beginnings
Becca Parsons knew only too well how to rise up from the ashes of life. Determined to break loose from the deceitful years of her childhood, she made a good life on her own until another blast from her past rode into town leaving her not only in financial disaster, but saddled with a sister she had not known existed.
When her savings, her home and her job were gone, Becca knew she had to find another starting place. Inheriting her grandfather's house, gave she and her sister a home. Getting established with a job, enrolling Gabi in school created a tangled web of lies she detested.
To make matters worse, Becca had an admirer who just happened to be Chief of Police of Cold Creek. How would she be able to keep up the charade her life had become? As if that wasn't bad enough, her sister Gabi tried to scam her little friends at school. Overwhelming days piled upon Becca like a snow drift of enormous proportions.
Just when the holidays should be heralding in peace and joy, another disaster hit. Would Becca run yet again? Or would she stand firm? What type of a Cold Creek Christmas would it be this year? Read Christmas in Cold Creekby RayAnne Thayne to follow Becca through the holidays.
Celeste Nichols wasn't one for spotlights. She was happy in her position as children's librarian in her home town. Holidays, pressure to sign over movie rights of the book she and her sister recently published, and now the presence of Flynn Delancy, tossed her in a frenzy. Add to her growing number of stresses, Flynn came with a traumatized daughter who bonded with Celeste through her book, Sprinkle and the Magic Snowballs.
Misunderstandings, pressures and decisions follow in the days prior to Christmas in the little town of Pine Gultch. Christmas Ranch, a Christmas play put on by the children, plus daily routines toss Celeste, Flynn and daughter Olivia together almost daily. So much forbCeleste's plan to stay away from Flynn whom she once had a teenage crush on...
Will Christmas be merry and bright for those she loves? Will healing be the unexpected gift for Celeste, Flynn and Olivia? Read RayAnne Thayne's A Cold Creek Christmas Story for confirmation of hope, peace and joy only the holidays bring.
To New Beginnings
Becca Parsons knew only too well how to rise up from the ashes of life. Determined to break loose from the deceitful years of her childhood, she made a good life on her own until another blast from her past rode into town leaving her not only in financial disaster, but saddled with a sister she had not known existed.
When her savings, her home and her job were gone, Becca knew she had to find another starting place. Inheriting her grandfather's house, gave she and her sister a home. Getting established with a job, enrolling Gabi in school created a tangled web of lies she detested.
To make matters worse, Becca had an admirer who just happened to be Chief of Police of Cold Creek. How would she be able to keep up the charade her life had become? As if that wasn't bad enough, her sister Gabi tried to scam her little friends at school. Overwhelming days piled upon Becca like a snow drift of enormous proportions.
Just when the holidays should be heralding in peace and joy, another disaster hit. Would Becca run yet again? Or would she stand firm? What type of a Cold Creek Christmas would it be this year? Read Christmas in Cold Creekby RayAnne Thayne to follow Becca through the holidays.
January 8, 2016
3.5 stars. A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a sweet, heartwarming romance that follows last year’s The Christmas Ranch. It’s a very quick read, but charming and warm.
Shy librarian and children’s book writer Celeste Nichols never expected her Christmas story about a reindeer named Sparkle to become a national bestseller, let alone be offered a movie contract, and she’s not really comfortable with the fame. Celeste is happiest living a quiet life — although she loves her job as a children’s librarian, reading and sharing crafts with the children. She’s not expecting her teenage crush, Flynn Delany, to show up in her library with his traumatized daughter in tow, but her heart goes out to the little girl, who turns out to be quite a Sparkle fan.
Flynn is just here to clean out his grandmother’s house in Pine Gulch, but he can’t deny the attraction that Celeste holds for his daughter — and for him. The child of a movie star and the ex-husband of another, he has a deep aversion to Hollywood and to anything to do with acting or movies, especially after what his daughter has been through. (No, I’m not going to tell you what it was.) Olivia is still healing, and as it turns out, Celeste has more in common with Olivia than Flynn knows. The growing bond between Celeste and Olivia is really sweet, and the attraction between Celeste and Flynn is palpable. Of course there’s conflict eventually, but it works out pretty easily (as these things go.)
There’s plenty of Christmassy spirit throughout, thanks to the Christmas Ranch that Celeste’s family puts on each year. And there’s a special feel-good Christmas moment toward the end. In short, if what you want this season is a sweet Christmas romance, A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a good bet.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
Shy librarian and children’s book writer Celeste Nichols never expected her Christmas story about a reindeer named Sparkle to become a national bestseller, let alone be offered a movie contract, and she’s not really comfortable with the fame. Celeste is happiest living a quiet life — although she loves her job as a children’s librarian, reading and sharing crafts with the children. She’s not expecting her teenage crush, Flynn Delany, to show up in her library with his traumatized daughter in tow, but her heart goes out to the little girl, who turns out to be quite a Sparkle fan.
Flynn is just here to clean out his grandmother’s house in Pine Gulch, but he can’t deny the attraction that Celeste holds for his daughter — and for him. The child of a movie star and the ex-husband of another, he has a deep aversion to Hollywood and to anything to do with acting or movies, especially after what his daughter has been through. (No, I’m not going to tell you what it was.) Olivia is still healing, and as it turns out, Celeste has more in common with Olivia than Flynn knows. The growing bond between Celeste and Olivia is really sweet, and the attraction between Celeste and Flynn is palpable. Of course there’s conflict eventually, but it works out pretty easily (as these things go.)
There’s plenty of Christmassy spirit throughout, thanks to the Christmas Ranch that Celeste’s family puts on each year. And there’s a special feel-good Christmas moment toward the end. In short, if what you want this season is a sweet Christmas romance, A Cold Creek Christmas Story is a good bet.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 31, 2015
This is a truly delightful and magical journey that takes place in Pine Gulch, Idaho, by the Teton Mountain Range, where The Christmas Ranch and the Star N Ranch reign. I can imagine the snow lightly falling and surrounding the land and home structures of the Nichols family. In addition, there is also a Christmas village, a reindeer herd, horses, cattle, and the St. Nicholas Lodge for Santa Clause, as well as a gift shop. Uncle Claude and Aunt Mary created this comfort for their three nieces, Faith, Hope, and Celeste, who they raised since their parents died. Uncle Claude is no longer with them, but this family is strong because of their tight bond and the caring, loving manner each had been taught. They have lived their life through this love. Celeste is a town librarian and author of the children's book Sparkle and the Magic Snowball. Her sister Hope is the illustrator. Faith runs the ranch.
RaeAnne has a beautiful writing style that gifts us with warm, caring, thoughtful, yet strong characters, and my heart has been comforted through her words. Celeste and Flynn's story, centered around Flynn's six-year-old daughter, Olivia, has made me sing with joy. I am definitely going to read more Cold Creek novels, starting with The Christmas Ranch, as I don't want to leave Pine Gulch. I will leave it to other readers to find out how everything comes together, as I do not want to ruin anyone's chance of finding happiness in this charming, beautiful, and delightful story.
RaeAnne has a beautiful writing style that gifts us with warm, caring, thoughtful, yet strong characters, and my heart has been comforted through her words. Celeste and Flynn's story, centered around Flynn's six-year-old daughter, Olivia, has made me sing with joy. I am definitely going to read more Cold Creek novels, starting with The Christmas Ranch, as I don't want to leave Pine Gulch. I will leave it to other readers to find out how everything comes together, as I do not want to ruin anyone's chance of finding happiness in this charming, beautiful, and delightful story.
December 31, 2015
An Idaho librarian finds herself a best seller after a children's story she penned about a little reindeer takes off. Her sister who illustrated the story wants to jump at the chance of selling film rights, in order to pay off the family ranch mortgage, but the shyer author can't quite commit as she is still stunned by her fame.
With Christmas approaching the sisters think of others and especially one man who has come here with his young daughter after the death of his wife. The little girl was injured in the car accident and since she enjoys story hour at the library, it's only natural that the librarian should decide to bring her a reindeer toy. The widower being a handsome builder, she expects he wouldn't notice the quiet lady. But the town has plenty of wintry activities and they all join in on a regular basis. Gradually a romance develops.
There is no great drama but personal tensions are evident, and the romance is suitable for a general readership. This is a nice lively story about an Idaho Christmas and a family that needs to learn to communicate. I also like the real live reindeer on the ranch.
With Christmas approaching the sisters think of others and especially one man who has come here with his young daughter after the death of his wife. The little girl was injured in the car accident and since she enjoys story hour at the library, it's only natural that the librarian should decide to bring her a reindeer toy. The widower being a handsome builder, she expects he wouldn't notice the quiet lady. But the town has plenty of wintry activities and they all join in on a regular basis. Gradually a romance develops.
There is no great drama but personal tensions are evident, and the romance is suitable for a general readership. This is a nice lively story about an Idaho Christmas and a family that needs to learn to communicate. I also like the real live reindeer on the ranch.
January 1, 2017
Celeste, Flynn, and Olivia Make a Family!
3.5*****
After Flynn's return to Pine Gulch with his traumatized daughter, Olivia, they met the famous writer/ librarian Celeste Nichols. Together they bond over her Sparkles the Reindeer children book, then she slowly entwined them into her loving dynamic, huge, family and her heart. Flynn's hatred of the movie industry stemming from his mother and wife's fickleness, has him rebuking Olivia and Celeste planned singing solo role in the town's Christmas play. He regretted his words once Olivia went missing, as he realized she is finally happy and once more carefree here in Pine Gulch, because of Celeste. Of course they become an instant family and Celeste's books and movie became a hit!
Great characters and a well developed plot. Can't wait to read if Faith has a second chance at love!?
3.5*****
After Flynn's return to Pine Gulch with his traumatized daughter, Olivia, they met the famous writer/ librarian Celeste Nichols. Together they bond over her Sparkles the Reindeer children book, then she slowly entwined them into her loving dynamic, huge, family and her heart. Flynn's hatred of the movie industry stemming from his mother and wife's fickleness, has him rebuking Olivia and Celeste planned singing solo role in the town's Christmas play. He regretted his words once Olivia went missing, as he realized she is finally happy and once more carefree here in Pine Gulch, because of Celeste. Of course they become an instant family and Celeste's books and movie became a hit!
Great characters and a well developed plot. Can't wait to read if Faith has a second chance at love!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2015
I love visiting Pine Gulch, especially the sisters at Star N ranch.
Celeste is wrestling with the idea of her Sparkle book becoming a movie.
She meets a little girl named Olivia who was shot and watched her mom die, the little girls dad is Flynn Delaney, her crush from when she was 13 and crashed her bike in front of his grandmas house. Flynn and Olivia are in Pine Gulch to clean out his grandmothers home and get it ready to sell. Flynn is extremely over protective of Olivia, even with the librarian.
Celeste and Flynn keep getting put together in different situations and they both fight their feelings.... But then... Oh yeah, I don't like giving spoilers.... Read the book, you will fall in love with the characters and Pine Gulch
Celeste is wrestling with the idea of her Sparkle book becoming a movie.
She meets a little girl named Olivia who was shot and watched her mom die, the little girls dad is Flynn Delaney, her crush from when she was 13 and crashed her bike in front of his grandmas house. Flynn and Olivia are in Pine Gulch to clean out his grandmothers home and get it ready to sell. Flynn is extremely over protective of Olivia, even with the librarian.
Celeste and Flynn keep getting put together in different situations and they both fight their feelings.... But then... Oh yeah, I don't like giving spoilers.... Read the book, you will fall in love with the characters and Pine Gulch
August 16, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story captivated me from the beginning because Celeste’s career is where I hope mine is headed one day. It was great to hear about the process of her going from a shy librarian writing stories for her family and later becoming a literary celebrity. But anyone who isn’t interested by that story arc is sure to sit up when her handsome childhood crush comes along with his wounded child. I think it’s most women’s fantasy that the gorgeous man sees the beautiful woman on the inside. With the romance aspect a little fantastical at times for me, I genuinely looked forward to whatever conflict was coming. Thayne crafts a pretty little story that wraps up neatly and makes you feel warm inside like a nice cup of cocoa.
This story captivated me from the beginning because Celeste’s career is where I hope mine is headed one day. It was great to hear about the process of her going from a shy librarian writing stories for her family and later becoming a literary celebrity. But anyone who isn’t interested by that story arc is sure to sit up when her handsome childhood crush comes along with his wounded child. I think it’s most women’s fantasy that the gorgeous man sees the beautiful woman on the inside. With the romance aspect a little fantastical at times for me, I genuinely looked forward to whatever conflict was coming. Thayne crafts a pretty little story that wraps up neatly and makes you feel warm inside like a nice cup of cocoa.
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