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Rancher for the Holidays
Her Could-Be Cowboy
Downsized from his corporate job, Ben Fisher's donning boots and a cowboy hat to try ranching through the holidays on his uncle's spread. The handsome city slicker turns heads wherever he goes—but he soon begins to fall for one special redhead. Marley Sanders has the work-obsessed bachelor doing the unthinkable—volunteering in the community and dreaming of wedding bells and babies. But his sweet country girl insists she's never leaving Alpine, Texas, and he's set to ride out with the first job offer. Unless Marley can convince him to take the job of her forever cowboy.
Downsized from his corporate job, Ben Fisher's donning boots and a cowboy hat to try ranching through the holidays on his uncle's spread. The handsome city slicker turns heads wherever he goes—but he soon begins to fall for one special redhead. Marley Sanders has the work-obsessed bachelor doing the unthinkable—volunteering in the community and dreaming of wedding bells and babies. But his sweet country girl insists she's never leaving Alpine, Texas, and he's set to ride out with the first job offer. Unless Marley can convince him to take the job of her forever cowboy.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
8 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Myra Johnson
62 books560 followersNative Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 30, 2015
You know that moment in a book when a character does something so infuriating you want to shriek and box his ears? Yeah, well there's one of those moments in this book. And I'm pointing my finger right at Ben. He's lost his faith and his purpose in life. Alpine is just supposed to be a place to hang out until he gets things sorted out. But fate conspires against him and it soon becomes clear that maybe God has other plans and they might just involve a vivacious and somewhat reticent photographer. A tentative friendship has the potential to develop into something so much more -- if both Marley and Ben have the faith to accept the challenges along the way.
And faith is the key to the compelling inspirational thread. Faith to extend forgiveness, to resist the temptation to judge and most of all, faith to believe in the healing power of Christ's atonement. All seamlessly woven into a captivating love story that makes the perfect holiday read.
And faith is the key to the compelling inspirational thread. Faith to extend forgiveness, to resist the temptation to judge and most of all, faith to believe in the healing power of Christ's atonement. All seamlessly woven into a captivating love story that makes the perfect holiday read.
May 7, 2022
A friend sent me this book in a box of Love Inspired books. I'm pretty sure I've read the author before.
One of my "things" is to try to figure out how a title fits the story. In this case, it can go two ways. One is that Ben plans to be a rancher only through the holidays while he sorts out his life after being downsized from work. The second is that Marley gets a rancher as her holiday "present". (I doubt that's a spoiler since if you read these kind of books, you know love wins in the end.)
Despite liking the main characters, I couldn't help thinking "Ho-hum, another story about a guy who thought he had his career all planned out and now doesn't want to realize God has another plan."
I did like Marley being a photographer, but there truly wasn't much about photography in the story, and given that she's struggling along financially, I had a hard time finding it believable that she didn't have to think more strongly about relocating her business to a lower rent location.
I didn't like Marley's dad's actions. He seems like the stereotypical politician. More worried about his public image than in what really matters in life. It seemed to be all about him. How the press finding out about Marley would affect him. I liked Marley's mom better.
One of my "things" is to try to figure out how a title fits the story. In this case, it can go two ways. One is that Ben plans to be a rancher only through the holidays while he sorts out his life after being downsized from work. The second is that Marley gets a rancher as her holiday "present". (I doubt that's a spoiler since if you read these kind of books, you know love wins in the end.)
Despite liking the main characters, I couldn't help thinking "Ho-hum, another story about a guy who thought he had his career all planned out and now doesn't want to realize God has another plan."
I did like Marley being a photographer, but there truly wasn't much about photography in the story, and given that she's struggling along financially, I had a hard time finding it believable that she didn't have to think more strongly about relocating her business to a lower rent location.
I didn't like Marley's dad's actions. He seems like the stereotypical politician. More worried about his public image than in what really matters in life. It seemed to be all about him. How the press finding out about Marley would affect him. I liked Marley's mom better.
March 7, 2023
I really wish we could give half stars. I think this is closer to 3.5 but I don’t feel bad giving it 4. It was all that one could expect from an inspirational Christian romance. The two love interests needing poking and prodding to finally realize they were meant to be together. It was definitely preachy but in a good way. If you don’t like that sort of thing this is not the book for you. It was well written in my unprofessional opinion. It is not the first Love Inspired novel I’ve read so I had some idea from the beginning how it would end. It was still a good read, funny in places and heart wrenching in others. Just the sort of inspirational short story I needed right now. If you like that kind of thing then I completely recommend this one. I will say there are certain things that are repeated that was a bit annoying. Also it is a short novel, barely over 200 pages, so some information had to be given instead of explained. It’s the reason for a 3.5 or 4 star rating instead of a 5. Overall a decent read and I would pick up other books by this author.
December 30, 2017
Trusting God
Marley Sanders has reinvented herself a thousand miles away from home in the town of Alpine, Texas. Her photography business is struggling, but she feels comfortable with her church family and loves her outreach work with the border town of Candeleria. When a handsome city boy named Ben walks into her studio, though, her world tilts a bit. But Ben's got problems of his own. Suddenly unemployed from his prestigious job in Houston, he can't wait to brush the dust of this hick town off his Ferragamo loafers and point his sporty red Mustang back to the city. Before long, though, the thought of seeing Marley in his rearview mirror causes him to reconsider. Is this the life God really wants for him? A visit to Candeleria with Marley's mission team provides the attitude adjustment he so desperately needs.
Marley Sanders has reinvented herself a thousand miles away from home in the town of Alpine, Texas. Her photography business is struggling, but she feels comfortable with her church family and loves her outreach work with the border town of Candeleria. When a handsome city boy named Ben walks into her studio, though, her world tilts a bit. But Ben's got problems of his own. Suddenly unemployed from his prestigious job in Houston, he can't wait to brush the dust of this hick town off his Ferragamo loafers and point his sporty red Mustang back to the city. Before long, though, the thought of seeing Marley in his rearview mirror causes him to reconsider. Is this the life God really wants for him? A visit to Candeleria with Marley's mission team provides the attitude adjustment he so desperately needs.
December 11, 2017
Rancher for the Holidays is a sweet read. Marley works hard at being tough enough to protect herself from falling in love and Ben is a city boy but not overly cocky or too sure of himself. He's as tender as Marley. It's a big jump to believe things could work out for them. Who knows if this is what God wants? I enjoy Myra Johnson's style of writing. It's clear and easy to follow and her details are accurate about scenery and about horses, well about all of her topics. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
December 14, 2025
I went into this book with low expectations, hallmark meets religious romance, and that’s exactly what I got. Very little drama and the little bit there was, was basically glossed over or made into a big deal and immediately resolved. Easy read for the holidays even though the only “holiday” thing about it was that the ending takes place on Christmas. This is the type of book my grandma would love still be passing it on to her next.
December 27, 2017
I thought this book needed better conflict to give it some spice. I found it to be on the boring side except for the mission work the church was doing. I didn't think the situation between the main character and her father was plausible. I didn't think the resolution was done well either.
December 3, 2024
I liked both Ben and Marley, and was cheering them on as they tried to figure out what trusting God with His plans for their lives needed to look like . . . even if it meant taking unexpected risks.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
September 13, 2018
Too long running with same old worry about getting a job or getting involved. Lack of faith was a good message.
January 6, 2019
An easy read and a heartwarming tale.
January 21, 2020
TRUSTING GODS PLAN Such a wonderful story of forgiveness and second chances. This is a clean and sweet story that is not real preachy. The relationship seemed genuine. I recommend this book.
December 24, 2023
sorry to this book it just really wasn’t my cup of tea
August 8, 2024
This was a very good and interesting read for sure I definitely loved and encouraged me to always to keep going and continue to trust the lord
January 25, 2016
Myra Johnson has written a fun and interesting tale of the unlikely romance between a city-slicker-turned-cowboy and a beautiful photographer hiding a well-kept secret.
When Ben's corporate world comes crashing down around him, becoming a rancher in small town Texas is the furthest thing from his mind. But meeting Marley has his thoughts running in all kinds of different directions. For one thing, she prays to God in a way Ben left behind long ago. And even more surprising, she's convinced him to help her mission group and Ben actually enjoys it. Marley has definitely captured his attention, not to mention his heart.
When Ben walks into her small-town photography studio and gallery, Marley pegs him for the city slicker he is, but she can't help her interest in the handsome nephew of her rancher friends. Ben's stay is temporary and his ambitions obviously lie elsewhere, but Marley is drawn to him in a way she doesn't quite understand. Ben's interest in her mission group's support of the little Mexico border town, is surprising, but welcome. Even so, he must never learn of the life she lived prior to her days in Alpine. Too much is at stake.
Ben keeps sending out his resume and finally gets a bite. But is it the right one? Will Ben find his way back to the God of his childhood? Will he answer the call of the big city or find his career in the Texas ranch?
Marley has problems of her own, like how to pay next month's rent. Still, the mission group is her top priority and Ben's willingness to help is added incentive. Can she maintain her fledgling photography business and remain in Alpine? And what of her shady past? Has someone learned her true identity and what will it do to her life and career?
Most of all, can Ben and Marley open their hearts long enough to fall in love or will circumstances become insurmountable obstacles as they make their way down the winding path of romance?
A must read for those who love a sweet, against-the-odds love story.
When Ben's corporate world comes crashing down around him, becoming a rancher in small town Texas is the furthest thing from his mind. But meeting Marley has his thoughts running in all kinds of different directions. For one thing, she prays to God in a way Ben left behind long ago. And even more surprising, she's convinced him to help her mission group and Ben actually enjoys it. Marley has definitely captured his attention, not to mention his heart.
When Ben walks into her small-town photography studio and gallery, Marley pegs him for the city slicker he is, but she can't help her interest in the handsome nephew of her rancher friends. Ben's stay is temporary and his ambitions obviously lie elsewhere, but Marley is drawn to him in a way she doesn't quite understand. Ben's interest in her mission group's support of the little Mexico border town, is surprising, but welcome. Even so, he must never learn of the life she lived prior to her days in Alpine. Too much is at stake.
Ben keeps sending out his resume and finally gets a bite. But is it the right one? Will Ben find his way back to the God of his childhood? Will he answer the call of the big city or find his career in the Texas ranch?
Marley has problems of her own, like how to pay next month's rent. Still, the mission group is her top priority and Ben's willingness to help is added incentive. Can she maintain her fledgling photography business and remain in Alpine? And what of her shady past? Has someone learned her true identity and what will it do to her life and career?
Most of all, can Ben and Marley open their hearts long enough to fall in love or will circumstances become insurmountable obstacles as they make their way down the winding path of romance?
A must read for those who love a sweet, against-the-odds love story.
December 1, 2015
Rancher For The Holidays by Myra Johnson. Marley Sanders dad is running for Senator. Marley's teenage years weren't wonderful or crime free. With her dad running for Senator, he told Marley to move and change her name so it wouldn't connect her with him. She changed her name to Marley Sanders. Marley started a photography business in a small town. Also found her faith again. Because of cutbacks, Ben Fisher was let go from his corporate job. He goes to live with his aunt and uncle at their ranch. Ben meets Marley but says he isn't staying in the small town. He is trying to find a new job. His aunt and uncle want him to stay and run the ranch. He didn't think he would be happy in a small town. Until he meets and falls in love with Marley. A lot of things go on in this books. A very good read.
December 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book.It is an uplifting story and I loved it!
April 3, 2016
Cute, Love Inspired book. I really enjoyed it! It was short, like LI are, but the characters were well developed despite that and the author did a good job of of drawing you into their lives.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews