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Prairie Courtships #5
The Rancher's Christmas Proposal
Mother for His Children
Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.
Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many…
Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.
Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2015
34 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews
October 28, 2015
Rated 4.5 - I bought this book as part of my readers’ service subscription with Harlequin Love Inspired Historical and what a find! I love discovering new-to-me authors this way and I’m looking forward to catching up on the previous four books in the PRAIRIE COURTSHIPS series. Read through the blurbs yourself to see if you agree. Book 5, THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL introduced me to several interesting characters I need to know more about. Like the Sheriff’s wife who supposedly shot him at some point in their romance. And John Elder and his drove of orphans he’s taken in with the help of his wife. I had fun trying to figure out who was who and which book I could read next to learn more about them. I feel a shopping spree coming on!
In THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL, Tessa Spencer is on the run from an outlaw when she meets a toddler who seems lost at the train depot in Wichita, Kansas. The little boy continuously says “ball” and seems attached to her for some reason. As Tessa suspects, soon enough a frantic parent comes searching for the little boy.
Shane McCoy, a widower and father of a twin boy and girl, is in a tough predicament. The children’s mother swore him to secrecy about their real father before she died. Shane had married his childhood friend who was in trouble and is attached to the twins he thinks of as his own. But his deceased wife’s wishes was for the children to be raised by her sister after her death.
After meeting Tessa Spencer who is especially kind to his children, Shane realizes that the woman intending to take on the children’s care is only in it for the money and her child rearing skills are severely lacking. Even though his ranch is isolated and he has no ability to care for the children while he and his men work on the ranch, he decides to take the children back home with him. He’ll find a way somehow, even if they have to stay with friends for the winter.
When Shane realizes Tessa is running from an outlaw, he tells a lawman who arrests the man, intending for Tessa to receive the reward money. Tessa is far from pleased, as the outlaw has brothers who will surely come looking for whoever gets that reward money. But Shane has a plan that will keep them both safe and Tessa goes along with it. Until the outlaw escapes and the reward money is withdrawn.
Now Tessa is stuck in Cimarron Springs with her last dollars and nowhere to go. Until she strikes a bargain with the handsome rancher that they get hitched to solve their individual problems. A marriage of convenience might seem like the right choice at the time but Tessa wants more. Will this rancher of few words ever come to love her?
Tessa Spencer is a great heroine. She has a shady past but has decided that God has other plans for her, so Tessa tries to make up for her past transgressions. Marrying Shane McCoy and becoming a mother of sorts to his twins should make fast work of that list of sins she needs to atone for.
Shane McCoy seems to pick up strays everywhere he goes. He’s always giving the underdog a chance. His ranch hands are an assortment of men with odd quirks and hardships to overcome. They immediately take to Tessa and hope this couple can find their way to happiness.
The twins are adorable and give Tessa quite a time of it. Shane isn’t much help as he basically deposits her in the house with the twins and goes to work on the ranch while sleeping in the bunkhouse. Tessa knows nothing about running a household or caring for twins but she buys a book on household management to help her. Shane has great intentions but he’s not too smart when it comes to wooing a woman. If these two are ever going to have a chance at a happy-ever-after, something is going to have to happen to wake Shane up.
I know I wanted to shake Shane a few times myself. He’s so stubborn and set in his ways! When more than one thing happens to get his attention and make him realize what he’s about to lose, Shane comes through with a plan that’s charming. I was totally on Shane’s side by that time, but he sure took his sweet time getting his act together. Tessa has patience of a saint, that’s for sure!
THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is a sweet marriage of convenience western historical romance with a twist. I enjoyed the inclusion of outlaws and Tessa’s quirky father. They added some good suspense to the story. Even though I suspected what might happen, I was surprised by Tessa and Shane’s actions in the end. Although this story is inspirational and Tessa has experienced an awakening in her faith, this isn’t an overly religious story. The character’s conviction is there in the background guiding her, but there isn’t scripture or more religious aspects as in books listed as Christian fiction. Since Tessa wants to atone for her past, it’s a great blend for an inspirational story and makes this a perfect book for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line.
For those who love a sweet romance with only chaste kisses, then this book will satisfy. The subtle humor is also a nice touch and I loved the town’s efforts towards Shane’s happiness. The fact that everyone, including his ranch hands, know him better than he knows himself, is very entertaining. In the end, this quiet, loving rancher doesn’t stand a chance when faced with the perfect wife for him and a town that’s determined to help their love ignite. An engaging story, THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is great reading anytime of the year. My bet is that if you’re like me and read this book first, you’ll soon be shopping for the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Book purchased.
In THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL, Tessa Spencer is on the run from an outlaw when she meets a toddler who seems lost at the train depot in Wichita, Kansas. The little boy continuously says “ball” and seems attached to her for some reason. As Tessa suspects, soon enough a frantic parent comes searching for the little boy.
Shane McCoy, a widower and father of a twin boy and girl, is in a tough predicament. The children’s mother swore him to secrecy about their real father before she died. Shane had married his childhood friend who was in trouble and is attached to the twins he thinks of as his own. But his deceased wife’s wishes was for the children to be raised by her sister after her death.
After meeting Tessa Spencer who is especially kind to his children, Shane realizes that the woman intending to take on the children’s care is only in it for the money and her child rearing skills are severely lacking. Even though his ranch is isolated and he has no ability to care for the children while he and his men work on the ranch, he decides to take the children back home with him. He’ll find a way somehow, even if they have to stay with friends for the winter.
When Shane realizes Tessa is running from an outlaw, he tells a lawman who arrests the man, intending for Tessa to receive the reward money. Tessa is far from pleased, as the outlaw has brothers who will surely come looking for whoever gets that reward money. But Shane has a plan that will keep them both safe and Tessa goes along with it. Until the outlaw escapes and the reward money is withdrawn.
Now Tessa is stuck in Cimarron Springs with her last dollars and nowhere to go. Until she strikes a bargain with the handsome rancher that they get hitched to solve their individual problems. A marriage of convenience might seem like the right choice at the time but Tessa wants more. Will this rancher of few words ever come to love her?
Tessa Spencer is a great heroine. She has a shady past but has decided that God has other plans for her, so Tessa tries to make up for her past transgressions. Marrying Shane McCoy and becoming a mother of sorts to his twins should make fast work of that list of sins she needs to atone for.
Shane McCoy seems to pick up strays everywhere he goes. He’s always giving the underdog a chance. His ranch hands are an assortment of men with odd quirks and hardships to overcome. They immediately take to Tessa and hope this couple can find their way to happiness.
The twins are adorable and give Tessa quite a time of it. Shane isn’t much help as he basically deposits her in the house with the twins and goes to work on the ranch while sleeping in the bunkhouse. Tessa knows nothing about running a household or caring for twins but she buys a book on household management to help her. Shane has great intentions but he’s not too smart when it comes to wooing a woman. If these two are ever going to have a chance at a happy-ever-after, something is going to have to happen to wake Shane up.
I know I wanted to shake Shane a few times myself. He’s so stubborn and set in his ways! When more than one thing happens to get his attention and make him realize what he’s about to lose, Shane comes through with a plan that’s charming. I was totally on Shane’s side by that time, but he sure took his sweet time getting his act together. Tessa has patience of a saint, that’s for sure!
THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is a sweet marriage of convenience western historical romance with a twist. I enjoyed the inclusion of outlaws and Tessa’s quirky father. They added some good suspense to the story. Even though I suspected what might happen, I was surprised by Tessa and Shane’s actions in the end. Although this story is inspirational and Tessa has experienced an awakening in her faith, this isn’t an overly religious story. The character’s conviction is there in the background guiding her, but there isn’t scripture or more religious aspects as in books listed as Christian fiction. Since Tessa wants to atone for her past, it’s a great blend for an inspirational story and makes this a perfect book for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line.
For those who love a sweet romance with only chaste kisses, then this book will satisfy. The subtle humor is also a nice touch and I loved the town’s efforts towards Shane’s happiness. The fact that everyone, including his ranch hands, know him better than he knows himself, is very entertaining. In the end, this quiet, loving rancher doesn’t stand a chance when faced with the perfect wife for him and a town that’s determined to help their love ignite. An engaging story, THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is great reading anytime of the year. My bet is that if you’re like me and read this book first, you’ll soon be shopping for the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Book purchased.
July 31, 2019
An Endearing and Witty 5 STARS!
What happens when a lovely woman escaping her past crosses paths with a handsome, but thoroughly rumpled single dad of twins? A marriage of convenience, of course.
Tessa is leaving Wichita after her dad's shady dealings have come to haunt her. Shane is a widower looking for someone to help care for his children while he manages his large ranch and employees. A marriage, in name only, provides protection and a home that Tessa longs for after a nomadic life with her father, while (for Shane) it keeps his children at home where he can be a part of their daily lives. After being unable to make a happy life for his first wife, Shane is careful not to make the same mistakes with Tessa and works to honor his "contract," keeping her at arm's length and not allowing love into the equation. Meanwhile, Tessa quickly falls in love with the children and works to make a home and real marriage with Shane.
I fell in love with this story after the first couple of chapters. Shane was the perfect hero - strong, but gentle and caring. Tessa was strong and determined, but also sweet and disarming. Both were equally clueless to courting and marriage which created some humorous moments. I venture to almost call this a romantic comedy since the story had me giggling and laughing out loud numerous times throughout. Tessa, especially made me smile and laugh. Her banter was funny, as well as her inner dialogue. The children, Owen and Alice, were written perfectly. Sherri Shackelford definitely has much experience with children, because the two toddler's antics were spot on. I could also relate to Tessa's management of the twosome and how long and difficult it is to get two toddlers dressed for the weather as well as yourself and out the door. There are many supporting characters in this story (the townspeople, the relatives, Shane's devoted rag-tag crew of employees, and Dead-Eye's band of outlaws) and every single one is pertinent while adding depth to the overall story.
I could go on, because I loved this story that much. On the whole, The Rancher's Christmas Proposal was a funny and moving romance with many swoon-worthy moments. I found myself melting into a puddle of goo during the subtle intimate moments shared between Shane and Tessa and longed for them be honest with their feelings in order to get over any hang-ups. If I were wearing a cowboy hat, I would have thrown it into the air and yelled my own "Yahoo" when they finally got their happily ever after!
Side-note - If you're a stickler about when you read "holiday" stories, Christmas is merely mentioned as a marriage goal rather than a story focal point. Christmas is more front and center in the epilogue.
December 26, 2015
4 STARS
I enjoyed this book. It drew me into the story right from the starts. The twins were cute. I like the characters and would love to see some more of them. Clean western romance.
Tessa Spencer is not your average heroine. She has helped her con man father in his crimes growing up. She is talented. Owen comes up to her with his ball at the train station.
Shane McCoy is rancher father of twins. He is going to leave his twins with there Aunt because he is cut off from town in winter. When she loses one of the twins right off he realizes what a mistake that would be.
Shane and Tessa end up helping each other. Tessa ends up proposing marriage and they get married within an hour.
I liked watching their lives on the ranch.
The setting starts out in Wichita, Kansas in 1886 and them moves onto Cimarron Springs. In winter.
I like the secondary characters that are on the ranch and that live in Cimarron springs. They are good and brave.
I would like to read more from Sherri Shackelford in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Rancher's Christmas Proposal.
I enjoyed this book. It drew me into the story right from the starts. The twins were cute. I like the characters and would love to see some more of them. Clean western romance.
Tessa Spencer is not your average heroine. She has helped her con man father in his crimes growing up. She is talented. Owen comes up to her with his ball at the train station.
Shane McCoy is rancher father of twins. He is going to leave his twins with there Aunt because he is cut off from town in winter. When she loses one of the twins right off he realizes what a mistake that would be.
Shane and Tessa end up helping each other. Tessa ends up proposing marriage and they get married within an hour.
I liked watching their lives on the ranch.
The setting starts out in Wichita, Kansas in 1886 and them moves onto Cimarron Springs. In winter.
I like the secondary characters that are on the ranch and that live in Cimarron springs. They are good and brave.
I would like to read more from Sherri Shackelford in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Rancher's Christmas Proposal.
October 4, 2015
This Christmas installment in the Prairie Courtships series from Sherri Shackelford is sure to warm your heart this holiday season! A wonderful story of two individuals trying to overcome the pain of their pasts and mover forward into a promising future filled with a tremendous amount of faith and hope. Sherri Shackelford is a very talented and gifted storyteller and her talents simply shine through in "The Rancher's Christmas Proposal". You'll certainly want to grab a warm blanket and a cup of chocolate and snuggle up with this wonderful love inspired romance this holiday season! Very well-written with an endearing cast of characters, I found this to be a truly heart-warming romance! FOUR stars.
November 1, 2020
Fun book and how life was
Enjoyed the story. Full of detail and descriptions of how things were. Hope you enjoy.
Will look for another book by this author.
Enjoyed the story. Full of detail and descriptions of how things were. Hope you enjoy.
Will look for another book by this author.
January 15, 2023
This book was really good and nice to read during December.
There were some annoying side characters and some parts that could've been omitted, but overall this book was good.
Shane is a really likable character and he isn't too grumpy or bossy, while Tessa is nice and not too annoying! She really cares about Shane's children and she was nice to everyone.
Tessa needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes, and his latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. After Tessa marries Shane, she is still in danger and is later forced to help outlaw "Dead Eye" steal from a bank in town. Shane is so legit and saves her.
He poses as a drunk in the mercantile
Where Tessa is being held by the outlaws, and pretends to need her help picking out a ring for his wife so that he can whisper a message: "I'll be waiting for her tonight. She'll nowhere. She's going to be so happy to see me, she might even give me a kiss."
(this is so Tessa knows that when she's at the bank later she won't be alone. Shane and the Marshall, plus some other men, Will be there waiting for her; to help her.)
Mrs. Stewart, the owner of the Mercantile, said after Tessa and the gang left, "All right, I did my part. You owe me for the whiskey and the ring. She was still wearing it when she left."
Shane: "I know."
😊♥️
When all was said and done, Tessa had some huge bruises on her face, and when Dead Eye tried to escape again Shane punched him in the jaw.
"That's for hitting my wife."
A fluffy romance with a good Christmas theme in the background. 👍🏼🎄
♥️Cute parts in the book:
When Tessa saw Shanes's land for the first time she said, "This all belongs to you?"
And he replied, "you're my partner now, remember? This all belongs to us."
"I know you think we should have waited, but I'm glad Owen found me that day at the train station. I'm glad we met." -Tessa
"Me, too. Me, too." -Shane
"They're not going to refuse you. You're the bosses wife. Or had you forgotten that?"
I liked the scene where Tessa got stuck in the root cellar for hours because she slipped and hit her head.
Shane coming to find her finally was so sweet and it was fun to read about him finding her, carrying her home, and taking care of her while she recovered.
Tessa was going in and out of consciousness when Shane was trying to get her out of the root cellar.
"Don't leave me alone."
"I won't leave you." -Shane
"I don't like it when you leave at night."
🥺🥲
HOWEVER, it's annoying how, in most of these love inspired historical books, something bad has to happen to one of the main characters for them to finally figure out they're in love with each other and make a move. 🙄 🤦🏻♂️
There were some annoying side characters and some parts that could've been omitted, but overall this book was good.
Shane is a really likable character and he isn't too grumpy or bossy, while Tessa is nice and not too annoying! She really cares about Shane's children and she was nice to everyone.
Tessa needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes, and his latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. After Tessa marries Shane, she is still in danger and is later forced to help outlaw "Dead Eye" steal from a bank in town. Shane is so legit and saves her.
He poses as a drunk in the mercantile
Where Tessa is being held by the outlaws, and pretends to need her help picking out a ring for his wife so that he can whisper a message: "I'll be waiting for her tonight. She'll nowhere. She's going to be so happy to see me, she might even give me a kiss."
(this is so Tessa knows that when she's at the bank later she won't be alone. Shane and the Marshall, plus some other men, Will be there waiting for her; to help her.)
Mrs. Stewart, the owner of the Mercantile, said after Tessa and the gang left, "All right, I did my part. You owe me for the whiskey and the ring. She was still wearing it when she left."
Shane: "I know."
😊♥️
When all was said and done, Tessa had some huge bruises on her face, and when Dead Eye tried to escape again Shane punched him in the jaw.
"That's for hitting my wife."
A fluffy romance with a good Christmas theme in the background. 👍🏼🎄
♥️Cute parts in the book:
When Tessa saw Shanes's land for the first time she said, "This all belongs to you?"
And he replied, "you're my partner now, remember? This all belongs to us."
"I know you think we should have waited, but I'm glad Owen found me that day at the train station. I'm glad we met." -Tessa
"Me, too. Me, too." -Shane
"They're not going to refuse you. You're the bosses wife. Or had you forgotten that?"
I liked the scene where Tessa got stuck in the root cellar for hours because she slipped and hit her head.
Shane coming to find her finally was so sweet and it was fun to read about him finding her, carrying her home, and taking care of her while she recovered.
Tessa was going in and out of consciousness when Shane was trying to get her out of the root cellar.
"Don't leave me alone."
"I won't leave you." -Shane
"I don't like it when you leave at night."
🥺🥲
HOWEVER, it's annoying how, in most of these love inspired historical books, something bad has to happen to one of the main characters for them to finally figure out they're in love with each other and make a move. 🙄 🤦🏻♂️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
HAVE YOU READ? INSPIRATIONAL BOOK REC
In Sherri Shackelford’s late-19th-century, Kansas-set, Christmas romance, Tessa Spencer is marooned at a train depot where she awaits a dubious fate at the hands of an outlaw gang. When Owen, a lost little boy, and his ball roll up to her, they are soon followed by Shane McCoy and daughter Alyce. Tessa needs sanctuary and widower Shane a mother for the terrible-twos twins, as well as a helpmeet for his ranch. Ta-da, marriage-of-convenience! With humour, mishap, and sympathy, taciturn Shane and effervescent Tessa bicker and banter their way to mutual understanding, love, and parenting harmony. "The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal" is light on dour conversion and delightfully heavy on two good people, with their misunderstandings and vulnerabilities in tow, making a happy, purpose-driven, loving life together. There are sundry scenes of humor, clever dialogue, and affection. Tessa is ebullience to Shane’s closed-mouthed devotion; the children are simultaneously mischievous and difficult, adoring and adorable. To journey with them to the blessings of the Christmas season as they work out how their lives will mesh and entwine like the garland woven round their bannister is hopeful, real, and engaging.
This rec appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
In Sherri Shackelford’s late-19th-century, Kansas-set, Christmas romance, Tessa Spencer is marooned at a train depot where she awaits a dubious fate at the hands of an outlaw gang. When Owen, a lost little boy, and his ball roll up to her, they are soon followed by Shane McCoy and daughter Alyce. Tessa needs sanctuary and widower Shane a mother for the terrible-twos twins, as well as a helpmeet for his ranch. Ta-da, marriage-of-convenience! With humour, mishap, and sympathy, taciturn Shane and effervescent Tessa bicker and banter their way to mutual understanding, love, and parenting harmony. "The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal" is light on dour conversion and delightfully heavy on two good people, with their misunderstandings and vulnerabilities in tow, making a happy, purpose-driven, loving life together. There are sundry scenes of humor, clever dialogue, and affection. Tessa is ebullience to Shane’s closed-mouthed devotion; the children are simultaneously mischievous and difficult, adoring and adorable. To journey with them to the blessings of the Christmas season as they work out how their lives will mesh and entwine like the garland woven round their bannister is hopeful, real, and engaging.
This rec appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
December 3, 2021
“What did a woman have to do to get a marriage proposal around here?”
The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackelford tells a heartwarming tale of two broken people who enter a marriage of convenience. Both had pasts that left them damaged, and their journey to healing included a band of outlaws and mischievous twins.
While it’s from the Love Inspired Historical line of inspirational romances, I’d consider this more inspirational-lite. There was not a large emphasis on religion, and it was mostly that the characters wanted to live a respectable life. Tessa, especially, had a deep desire to atone for her past.
The characters were imperfect, but that only made them more relatable and easier to connect with. Slow burn relationship, Christmas, and unexpected excitement? Yes, please.
The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackelford tells a heartwarming tale of two broken people who enter a marriage of convenience. Both had pasts that left them damaged, and their journey to healing included a band of outlaws and mischievous twins.
While it’s from the Love Inspired Historical line of inspirational romances, I’d consider this more inspirational-lite. There was not a large emphasis on religion, and it was mostly that the characters wanted to live a respectable life. Tessa, especially, had a deep desire to atone for her past.
The characters were imperfect, but that only made them more relatable and easier to connect with. Slow burn relationship, Christmas, and unexpected excitement? Yes, please.
Read
February 19, 2022Gripping drama and heart warming romance.
I completely enjoyed reading this romantic drama. It was sensational, hearty, comical, serious, exciting, thrilling, ...I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end. The suspense was so gripping! There is only one flaw and it's the author's unnecessary repetition of events. Made some areas too wordy at times. But, that aside, I loved it. The characters were real and relatable... Going to get another one.in the series.
I completely enjoyed reading this romantic drama. It was sensational, hearty, comical, serious, exciting, thrilling, ...I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end. The suspense was so gripping! There is only one flaw and it's the author's unnecessary repetition of events. Made some areas too wordy at times. But, that aside, I loved it. The characters were real and relatable... Going to get another one.in the series.
September 17, 2023
Ranchers Shane has twin babies and needs help with them as he has a ranch to run. Tessa is a former forced outlaw and is trying to escape that life. Being at the ranch is a perfect solution until Dead Eye finds her
November 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. I loved seeing Tessa and Shane struggle with their love for one another. It was an enjoyable read.
May 18, 2020
Great book.
November 8, 2024
Great read
August 22, 2015
Tessa Spencer and Shane McCoy really touched my heart.
Tessa wanted so badly to be loved that she allowed her father, Emmett to guilt her into participating in his criminal activities. Fortunately, she was shown the error of her ways and decided to live a law-abiding life. While she had temporarily parted ways with her father, she found herself being sought by a criminal and had to flee. During this flight, she was lead to Shane McCoy by his adorable son. The abuse she suffered at the hands of her relatives after her mother's death gave her the insight she needed to save Shane's twins from a similar fate. Tessa was starved for companionship, low on funds and hiding from criminals. Meeting Shane McCoy and his twins was an answer to her prayers.
Shane McCoy had a hard life. He was forced to grow up too fast when his father abandoned him and his mother. His childhood sweetheart turned out to be fickle. She ran off and only returned when she found herself in the family way knowing that he wouldn’t turn her away. Even though he was kind enough to save her and her children from disgrace, she treated him horribly. After she died, he was willing to honor her request to have her sister raise the twins even if it meant tearing out his heart. Living on an isolated ranch with only his ranch hands wasn’t ideal for raising twin toddlers but Shane had no idea what to do. Meeting Tessa Spencer was an answer to his prayers too.
Tessa and Shane working at cross purposes during the early days of their marriage was to be expected given their backgrounds and the fact that neither one was willing to sit down and communicate honestly. Tessa’s accident made both of them face the truth about their feelings. It was fortunate that the accident happened when it did otherwise they wouldn’t have been prepared when her past came back to haunt her.
I have three favorite parts:
The first is when Shane let Tessa know that he knew the truth about her past and that he accepted her.
The second was when all of the McCoys showed up to support them when Tessa was in trouble
The third was Tessa’s response to Shane’s declaration of love.
This isn’t your typical holiday story but it has a lovely message to teach us all.
November 10, 2015
A heartfelt romance, with lots of hope for a better future, joy of family, and healing power of love.
It is pure serendipity that Tessa and Shane meet one day, but that meeting changes their lives for good, and for better. Shane is in a difficult situation with his twins without mother, and Tessa is running from the outlaws, trying to find a safe, secure place to renew her life, with good intentions and honest living.
Their problems are solved with a marriage, or so it seems.
Owen and Alyssa, the twins, are sure to steal hearts, they are adorable, and I love how they had such a central stage in the story.
The marriage between Tessa and Shane isn't easy, and the author writes very honestly about it, giving a clear and fair picture how important honesty, trust, and communication is in a relationship. Both Tessa and Shane wants what is best for each other, both wants the other one be happy, and the marriage to work, but since the communication is not working well between them, they are going about it from the opposite angles, causing all kinds of problems.
I liked the story, the author's voice is very pleasant, and the story has a lovely flow, as is unfolding. The elements of danger bring another layer to the tale, and also to the relationship between Tessa and Shane, as well as the whole town.
A mix of humor, romance, rough life on the prairie, a town who's not afraid of nothing
~ Four Spoons
It is pure serendipity that Tessa and Shane meet one day, but that meeting changes their lives for good, and for better. Shane is in a difficult situation with his twins without mother, and Tessa is running from the outlaws, trying to find a safe, secure place to renew her life, with good intentions and honest living.
Their problems are solved with a marriage, or so it seems.
Owen and Alyssa, the twins, are sure to steal hearts, they are adorable, and I love how they had such a central stage in the story.
The marriage between Tessa and Shane isn't easy, and the author writes very honestly about it, giving a clear and fair picture how important honesty, trust, and communication is in a relationship. Both Tessa and Shane wants what is best for each other, both wants the other one be happy, and the marriage to work, but since the communication is not working well between them, they are going about it from the opposite angles, causing all kinds of problems.
I liked the story, the author's voice is very pleasant, and the story has a lovely flow, as is unfolding. The elements of danger bring another layer to the tale, and also to the relationship between Tessa and Shane, as well as the whole town.
A mix of humor, romance, rough life on the prairie, a town who's not afraid of nothing
~ Four Spoons
December 19, 2015
Hmmm, I was surprised at how nuanced and, hence, interesting, the hero and heroine in this inspirational romance were. This is definitely inspirational "lite," with a heroine who knows little of faith, other than a revival meeting that changed her life, and a hero who doesn't really expound any faith at all (nor is there a de rigueur conversion for him). Refreshing! Instead, we have two people trying to navigate a marriage-of-convenience with humour and understanding. They're flawed and have vulnerabilities and emotional gaps that make them difficult, but never unlikeable. Compassion, care, understanding, and no one comes out transformed into smarmy perfection: they can be together and they can be themselves. If you're averse to inspie romance for sundry reasons, Shackelford's lovely romance may convert you! ;-) If you'd like to read a more extensive review, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2015...
I received an e-ARC from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2015...
I received an e-ARC from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
December 3, 2015
This is a heart-warming story of two people sacrificing for those they love. Shane and Tessa work together to provide a loving home for his children, but struggle when it comes to their relationship with each other. Lack of communication, misunderstanding, and hidden secrets come between them. I especially enjoyed Tessa's quick love for the twins and her devotion to their well-being. I can totally relate to her frustrations with getting one dressed, then while dressing the second child, the first one removes their clothes! She is determined to conquer household chores and child care with the help of a book from the mercantile, which also provided some humor :) The danger from the Fulton gang overshadows Tessa's happiness until things finally come to a head and Shane proves himself to be quite the protector and hero.
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
August 25, 2015
A chance meeting between Tessa and Shane on a train platform forever changes their lives. Shane needs help with his twins and Tessa needs a new start. A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect solution. The problem is that both Shane and Tessa have secrets and difficult pasts that make things complicated. Can they help each other overcome the past and build a future?
I really enjoyed this book. It shows how sometimes when we're not honest with ourselves and with others, misunderstandings can really create a wall. Tessa believed if Shane knew about her past, he wouldn't want her and Shane had been hurt before and keeps Tessa at arms length out of fear of being hurt.
I really enjoy Sherri's books. This one was a wonderful story. I loved Tessa's strength and determination. She really wanted to prove that she could live the life on a ranch. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Sherri.
I really enjoyed this book. It shows how sometimes when we're not honest with ourselves and with others, misunderstandings can really create a wall. Tessa believed if Shane knew about her past, he wouldn't want her and Shane had been hurt before and keeps Tessa at arms length out of fear of being hurt.
I really enjoy Sherri's books. This one was a wonderful story. I loved Tessa's strength and determination. She really wanted to prove that she could live the life on a ranch. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Sherri.
November 30, 2015
The Rancher's Christmas Proposal a Prairie Courtship Series by Sherri Shackelford. Takes place in 1886. Tessa Spencer is running away from bad guys who are after her father, or so she thought they were after her father when really they are after her. Single dad Shane McCoy is at the train station to drop off his twin two year old children to go home with his wives aunt. The two year old boy, Owen, is looking for his ball at the train station when Tessa sees him and knows his father isn't with him. She has him sit on her trunk with her until they see his father. Alyce is the two year old girl. When the aunt raises her hand to discipline Owen, Tessa steps in to stop her. Shane realizes the aunt isn't fit to care for the twin. Shane needs a mother for the twins and Tessa needs a place to hide. They end up getting married that same day and head home. A lot goes on while at the ranch. A nice romance story. A must read.
October 30, 2015
Tessa and Shane have both had hard life beginnings. They are both influenced by and a bit jaded because of their past. However, they are lovely humans. I think that is what draws me most to this story. I love how truly clueless Shane is. Well, and while I'm saying that, Tessa is clueless in her own way. The townsfolk are inviting and I want to be friends with them. The backstories are enticing. I especially loved how the town and Shane's extended family came together.
I truly enjoyed this novel. I will go back and read the rest of the series when I can.
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: clean, kissing, mild violence
Source: Netgalley
I truly enjoyed this novel. I will go back and read the rest of the series when I can.
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: clean, kissing, mild violence
Source: Netgalley
January 17, 2016
This book rates 5 stars. Not only is the romance sweet and the suspense intense, the children are adorable. I love the theme of forgiveness and redemption that Ms. Shackelford has woven into this story. Forgiveness brings living hope to hurting souls as it does for both Shane and Tessa. The historical setting in the midst of a cold and snowy winter brings The Rancher's Christmas Proposal to life in way that makes the reader feel as if she is watching the story unfold before her eyes, happening to friends she holds dear. Laughter, tears, and a little edge of the seat drama make this a book you won't want to put down.
December 19, 2015
Marriage of convenience stories are some of my favorites, so when I saw that this was that type of story I was very excited and it didn't disappoint. The opening scene was great and the more I read of the story the more I enjoyed it and didn't want to stop reading. I loved the twins, they were so cute! I especially enjoyed watching Shane and Tessa's relationship with one another develop into something more. I loved The Rancher's Christmas Proposal and highly recommend it to fans of historical inspirational fiction.
December 5, 2015
The Rancher's Christmas Proposal was such a cute and easy read! I really liked the marriage of convenience story -- but it wasn't typical, as the wife actually wanted a relationship and tried to get him to care for her.
I also enjoyed the outlaw aspect and how that added quite a bit of danger to this historical read.
All in all, a fun read and I recommend it if you are looking for a nice historical romance.
*I received a complementary ebook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I also enjoyed the outlaw aspect and how that added quite a bit of danger to this historical read.
All in all, a fun read and I recommend it if you are looking for a nice historical romance.
*I received a complementary ebook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
October 8, 2015
The Rancher's Christmas Proposal is not the typical Christian Romance novel. It isn't full of Christian lingo, which makes it easy for anyone to read. I enjoyed the story of Shane and Tessa. I, surprisingly, found bits of myself and my husband in some of their miscommunications and misunderstandings. I don't think I've read a book like this one before.
Thank you Sherri Shackelford and Goodreads for the giveaway that made this read possible.
Thank you Sherri Shackelford and Goodreads for the giveaway that made this read possible.
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January 12, 2016"Shackelford’s latest features imperfect but likable characters whom readers can connect with. Watching the progression of their slow-building relationship is enjoyable and makes this book a perfect treat for Christmas" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
Miniseries: Prairie Courtships
Miniseries: Prairie Courtships
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November 21, 2015What a sweet but exciting Christmas story! I loved it from the very first page. Ms Sherri has a new follower. Love a good clean story with some exciting moments thrown in. If you love historical romance this is the book for you. I won this one on GOODREADS first reads. Thanks!
November 5, 2015
a charming story with adorable twins with two adult needing to work thru their issues from their past and assumptions about each.other perceptions
September 25, 2015
A great story of two people who have both come from some bad pasts, making their way through some challenges to find love. Sherri did a great job on this one. She did not disappoint.
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November 13, 2015Miniseries: Prairie Courtships
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