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Cowboys of Cold Creek #15
The Holiday Gift
A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS
With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He's always been "good ol' Chase," her faithful friend. Until he asks her out on a "real" date.
Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he's loved since childhood. Now he's determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won't let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.
With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He's always been "good ol' Chase," her faithful friend. Until he asks her out on a "real" date.
Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he's loved since childhood. Now he's determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won't let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 22, 2016
360 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
312 books3,866 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 127 reviews
December 22, 2016
The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne is a 2016 Harlequin publication.
The Holiday Gift is part of the ‘Cowboys of Cold Creek’ series.
Faith has faced many life challenges and much heartache and tragedy, but Chase has always been a rock solid friend she could count on. But, recently, there has been an awkwardness between them, a tension she never noticed before.
Faith wishes this feeling would just go away because deep down she knows what has changed, she just doesn’t want to admit it.
Chase has been in love with Faith for years, but circumstances caused him to lose his chance with her.
After Faith’s husband died, he picked up the slack the best he could, hoping that eventually he would get a second chance with her, but Faith has made it crystal clear that friendship is all she can offer him.
Can Chase convince Faith to take their friendship to the next level?
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. Combine that with a little mistletoe and snow and you’ve got a perfect combination. This is a quick, easy, and lighthearted and sweet love story, with wonderful characters and plenty of holiday warmth and cheer!
4 stars
The Holiday Gift is part of the ‘Cowboys of Cold Creek’ series.
Faith has faced many life challenges and much heartache and tragedy, but Chase has always been a rock solid friend she could count on. But, recently, there has been an awkwardness between them, a tension she never noticed before.
Faith wishes this feeling would just go away because deep down she knows what has changed, she just doesn’t want to admit it.
Chase has been in love with Faith for years, but circumstances caused him to lose his chance with her.
After Faith’s husband died, he picked up the slack the best he could, hoping that eventually he would get a second chance with her, but Faith has made it crystal clear that friendship is all she can offer him.
Can Chase convince Faith to take their friendship to the next level?
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. Combine that with a little mistletoe and snow and you’ve got a perfect combination. This is a quick, easy, and lighthearted and sweet love story, with wonderful characters and plenty of holiday warmth and cheer!
4 stars
November 29, 2017
This is third in the Nichols sisters stories and we've seen Faith and Chase in all of them. So read those first. And then skip this one because the story in your head is almost certainly better than this one turned out to be.
I couldn't get past the first few chapters before I just had to stop. Mostly it's because Faith is a one-note moron and you could see that her entire conflict was going to be one huge "I don't want anything to change ever again!". Which is a monster case of negative motivation* that has little support and flies in the face of her obvious care for Chase. In the three chapters so far, she has actively put him off and is one big case of fear and denial. So not attractive. I followed up with minor skimming and checking reviews and it looks like that truly is her entire deal.
And it doesn't help that Chase is a huge wienie. He knows he's in love and has been for more than a decade. And yes, he did a good job putting it behind him during her marriage. All very admirable. But he's been a doormat for two whole books, now, and I was hoping he'd be more than the man on deck. He's pathetic is what I'm saying. And Thayne can lampshade that by having him think "that sure makes me sound weak", but the thing is that it totally does and no amount of lampshade is going to work without some fancy footwork to counter the obvious. I dunno, maybe I just don't like the guy-who-pines thing, but that's pretty much Chase's entire schtick. I mean, if he can't get her to take him seriously with the entire Nichols extended clan pinch-hitting for him, maybe it's time to look for greener pastures?
So yeah, I'm so not interested in 100+ more pages of this same refrain.
* 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.
I couldn't get past the first few chapters before I just had to stop. Mostly it's because Faith is a one-note moron and you could see that her entire conflict was going to be one huge "I don't want anything to change ever again!". Which is a monster case of negative motivation* that has little support and flies in the face of her obvious care for Chase. In the three chapters so far, she has actively put him off and is one big case of fear and denial. So not attractive. I followed up with minor skimming and checking reviews and it looks like that truly is her entire deal.
And it doesn't help that Chase is a huge wienie. He knows he's in love and has been for more than a decade. And yes, he did a good job putting it behind him during her marriage. All very admirable. But he's been a doormat for two whole books, now, and I was hoping he'd be more than the man on deck. He's pathetic is what I'm saying. And Thayne can lampshade that by having him think "that sure makes me sound weak", but the thing is that it totally does and no amount of lampshade is going to work without some fancy footwork to counter the obvious. I dunno, maybe I just don't like the guy-who-pines thing, but that's pretty much Chase's entire schtick. I mean, if he can't get her to take him seriously with the entire Nichols extended clan pinch-hitting for him, maybe it's time to look for greener pastures?
So yeah, I'm so not interested in 100+ more pages of this same refrain.
* 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.
November 13, 2017
I read this in about 3 hours yesterday afternoon because, apparently, it was a RaeAnne Thayne kind of weekend.
This was a short, sweet, no-nonense read and though I could see how some readers might be frustrated by Faith, I mostly found the reasons for her reluctance acceptable so I wasn't much bothered by it.
This was a short, sweet, no-nonense read and though I could see how some readers might be frustrated by Faith, I mostly found the reasons for her reluctance acceptable so I wasn't much bothered by it.
February 16, 2017
The Holiday Gift is the third and last book in the Nichols sister's, this time featuring Faith Dustin, who is the oldest of the trio.
Faith has had a rough life. First, her parents die when the girls were really young, than her husband dies in a tragic accident, leaving her with a ranch that was failing and in debt. The only constant in her life, her rock, has been her best friend Chase Brannon.
Chase has always felt like he has been on the sidelines looking in, waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in and tell Faith how he felt about her. In love with her ever since the sisters arrived in town, Chase was never given an opportunity to express his feelings, especially after his best friend married the girl he was in love with.
Now, years after his death, Chase wants the opportunity to show Faith how much she really means to him.
Cute story. I really enjoyed it. I love Thayne books. Every time I pop one open it's like coming home to curl in next to a warm fire with a cup of chocolate. Her Christmas/Holiday books make me so happy, that I can read them at any time of the year.
I am sad that this trilogy has come to a close. Faith was the oldest sister, and she didn't know how to deal with the fact that suddenly her best friend wants to take her out on the date when he is the one thing in her life that seemed so there and so solid, is suddenly shaking things up.
I loved Chase. I loved how much he cared for Faith and I was so sad that he got put on the sidelines like that. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it would be for someone to watch a person you love fall for someone else, get married, have children, be happy. It must have hurt.
I loved that he wanted Faith to see that there is so much more to him than just her friend.
I struggled with Faith at times. It appears that she is the only one in the family that did not know that Chase has been in love with her forever and news of that comes as a shock for her. Plus, she kept trying to force the new girl Elle onto Chase even after she came to know about his feelings. At 80%, I was finding myself annoyed when she made another attempt to push the two together and in the process, hurt the other woman's feelings because she was so inconsiderate.
I do get it. Her husband dies, she has just learned that the only man in the world that has been her rock and did so much for her, wants a relationship and she doesn't want to lose him. Plus, she is afraid that something will happen to Chase and she will watch another husband pass away. I get her resistance, it just got a bit much at times.
Otherwise, this was a really charming, slow, clean romance story. Thayne's writing is just so good, so amazing, I never found a dull moment. I found myself finishing the book in one day, even if it took me almost all night. I was so unable to put down their story.
Faith has had a rough life. First, her parents die when the girls were really young, than her husband dies in a tragic accident, leaving her with a ranch that was failing and in debt. The only constant in her life, her rock, has been her best friend Chase Brannon.
Chase has always felt like he has been on the sidelines looking in, waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in and tell Faith how he felt about her. In love with her ever since the sisters arrived in town, Chase was never given an opportunity to express his feelings, especially after his best friend married the girl he was in love with.
Now, years after his death, Chase wants the opportunity to show Faith how much she really means to him.
Cute story. I really enjoyed it. I love Thayne books. Every time I pop one open it's like coming home to curl in next to a warm fire with a cup of chocolate. Her Christmas/Holiday books make me so happy, that I can read them at any time of the year.
I am sad that this trilogy has come to a close. Faith was the oldest sister, and she didn't know how to deal with the fact that suddenly her best friend wants to take her out on the date when he is the one thing in her life that seemed so there and so solid, is suddenly shaking things up.
I loved Chase. I loved how much he cared for Faith and I was so sad that he got put on the sidelines like that. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it would be for someone to watch a person you love fall for someone else, get married, have children, be happy. It must have hurt.
I loved that he wanted Faith to see that there is so much more to him than just her friend.
I struggled with Faith at times. It appears that she is the only one in the family that did not know that Chase has been in love with her forever and news of that comes as a shock for her. Plus, she kept trying to force the new girl Elle onto Chase even after she came to know about his feelings. At 80%, I was finding myself annoyed when she made another attempt to push the two together and in the process, hurt the other woman's feelings because she was so inconsiderate.
I do get it. Her husband dies, she has just learned that the only man in the world that has been her rock and did so much for her, wants a relationship and she doesn't want to lose him. Plus, she is afraid that something will happen to Chase and she will watch another husband pass away. I get her resistance, it just got a bit much at times.
Otherwise, this was a really charming, slow, clean romance story. Thayne's writing is just so good, so amazing, I never found a dull moment. I found myself finishing the book in one day, even if it took me almost all night. I was so unable to put down their story.
"I wasn't even involved with the show and I still have people stop me in town to tell me they hope we're doing it again," Faith offered.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
"That's because you're a Nichols," Hope said.
"Right. Which to some people automatically means I burp tinsel and have eggnog running through my veins."
Celeste laughed. "You don't?"
November 16, 2016
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I don’t know whats wrong with me lately, but this book has left me wanting in the romance department. I have never read a Harlequin book before. And I must admit, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting more romance, possibly some explicit scenes but this one was kinda blah if I’m being honest.
I found Faith to be a bit cowardly, and needy. This did not endear her to me. I get that she was scared but she almost let fear keep her from something that could have been great. I just found the trip took sooo long I couldn’t enjoy the destination when I got there. She tested the patience of a saint with her wishy washy ness.
Its a good thing Chase was a saint. He took her indecision and her back pedaling in stride. Waiting her out, I mean I get it, he loves her. But what did she do that was so awesome to capture his love? It felt a bit one sided to me since he did so much on her ranch but she didn’t seem to reciprocate the help on his. I mean, yeah, she got him groceries once in a while, but in my eyes it wasn’t enough.
IDK, maybe my expectations were so high on this that it was doomed to fail. But this one just wasn’t the right fit for me.
I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest/unbiased opinion.
I don’t know whats wrong with me lately, but this book has left me wanting in the romance department. I have never read a Harlequin book before. And I must admit, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting more romance, possibly some explicit scenes but this one was kinda blah if I’m being honest.
I found Faith to be a bit cowardly, and needy. This did not endear her to me. I get that she was scared but she almost let fear keep her from something that could have been great. I just found the trip took sooo long I couldn’t enjoy the destination when I got there. She tested the patience of a saint with her wishy washy ness.
Its a good thing Chase was a saint. He took her indecision and her back pedaling in stride. Waiting her out, I mean I get it, he loves her. But what did she do that was so awesome to capture his love? It felt a bit one sided to me since he did so much on her ranch but she didn’t seem to reciprocate the help on his. I mean, yeah, she got him groceries once in a while, but in my eyes it wasn’t enough.
IDK, maybe my expectations were so high on this that it was doomed to fail. But this one just wasn’t the right fit for me.
I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest/unbiased opinion.
April 28, 2022
Not realizing that this was a series, I jumped right in starting with this book. I'm not sure if it is because I had no backdrop, but I found the story to be just okay. I might go back and start from the beginning if my library has copies.
I'm more of a Harlequin Presents reader versus a Harlequin Romance, and that may have also factored into my boredom. I mean really - everyone was so lovely and kind. There is no OM, or OW. I was hoping that the Heroes ex wife would work her way into that role, But sadly, not.
2 stars for okay.
I'm more of a Harlequin Presents reader versus a Harlequin Romance, and that may have also factored into my boredom. I mean really - everyone was so lovely and kind. There is no OM, or OW. I was hoping that the Heroes ex wife would work her way into that role, But sadly, not.
2 stars for okay.
November 28, 2017
This book had all the elements of a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie, which is exactly what I was hoping to get when I picked it up. It comes complete with a single mother alone at Christmas time and a hunky man who is clearly perfect for her, but she refuses to see that. Add in the Holiday Ranch variety show that needs a director and a meddling aunt and everything falls perfectly into place for a Hallmark Christmas movie. Why it hasn't been turned into one yet, I do not understand.
I had a really easy time putting myself into Faith's shoes. I grew up in a small ranching community (although I was absolutely a "city" kid), so I get the dynamics at play where people will step up to lend a hand when needed, and the whole everyone knows everyone thing. In addition to that, Faith is in her mid-to-late thirties (so if you like your romance with slightly more mature characters, this is definitely one for you), which is about where I am in my own life. I even have a desired Chase stand-in from that small ranching community I grew up in, so reading this was a lot like watching my occasional fantasies play out. How Ms. Thayne snuck into my head to pull them out, I don't know, but she did, and it was awesome.
Read the rest of the review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
I had a really easy time putting myself into Faith's shoes. I grew up in a small ranching community (although I was absolutely a "city" kid), so I get the dynamics at play where people will step up to lend a hand when needed, and the whole everyone knows everyone thing. In addition to that, Faith is in her mid-to-late thirties (so if you like your romance with slightly more mature characters, this is definitely one for you), which is about where I am in my own life. I even have a desired Chase stand-in from that small ranching community I grew up in, so reading this was a lot like watching my occasional fantasies play out. How Ms. Thayne snuck into my head to pull them out, I don't know, but she did, and it was awesome.
Read the rest of the review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
November 13, 2016
"The Holiday Gift" is by author RaeAnne Thayne.
This beautiful Christmas story of second chances and taking chances was heartwarming and sweet. Our main characters are Faith Dustin (Nichols) and Chase Brannon.
Faith Dustin is the eldest of the three Nichols sisters who had their happily ever after in the two previous Christmas novels: "The Christmas Ranch," and "A Cold Creek Christmas Story." Faith is a widow with two wonderful children. She has been living each day since her husband's tragic death by working her family ranch and being a mom. She has no time or desire to ever open herself to love again only to have it ripped away. She wouldn't survive it. Faith has been through a lot and you'll learn more about that when you read the book.
Chase Brannon.....Since he was a teen, Chase has been in love with Faith. For him it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, Chase didn't make his move on Faith soon enough. And what made losing her worse was that she married his best friend. Chase was their neighbor and he heartbreakingly watched from afar, wishing he was her husband instead. They were always close friends but when Faith lost her husband, Chase became her rock, her savior. He was her best friend. Problem was he wanted to be more than friends. Now that almost three years have passed since Faith became a widow, Chase decided to make his move. His love for her was pure. He was patient and always kind and would never hesitate to do anything for her. Of course he was gorgeous, sexy and intense as well.
I absolutely loved Chase. He was so sweet with Faith and her family. They all adored him and loved him. Even Faith love him. He was her very best friend. When Chase asked her out on a real date, Faith freaked out. She wanted to remain just platonic friends because if they were more and she lost him, she would fall apart completely. Sadly she was truly clueless, completely in denial about her real feelings for Chase. Faith was stubborn. She intentionally ignored Chase's feelings for her. And she kept her own feelings buried deep. I understood her fears but she frustrated me completely. I had a tough time liking her because of all the emotional pain she caused Chase. It was Chase that kept this a five star rating for me.
Faith and Chase's journey to love was difficult with many hurdles. All of them put in place by Faith. I will say it again that Chase was amazing and patient, luckily for Faith. There are many other characters we have small glimpses of from prior novels and maybe a new one as well. I truly enjoy the heartwarming stories that RaeAnne writes for us. Each has many of the emotions we love to experience when reading. "The Holiday Gift" was a great addition to the Pine Gulch/Coldwater Creek stories. I hope she will write more in this series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this novel given to me by the publisher via NetGalley*
This beautiful Christmas story of second chances and taking chances was heartwarming and sweet. Our main characters are Faith Dustin (Nichols) and Chase Brannon.
Faith Dustin is the eldest of the three Nichols sisters who had their happily ever after in the two previous Christmas novels: "The Christmas Ranch," and "A Cold Creek Christmas Story." Faith is a widow with two wonderful children. She has been living each day since her husband's tragic death by working her family ranch and being a mom. She has no time or desire to ever open herself to love again only to have it ripped away. She wouldn't survive it. Faith has been through a lot and you'll learn more about that when you read the book.
Chase Brannon.....Since he was a teen, Chase has been in love with Faith. For him it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, Chase didn't make his move on Faith soon enough. And what made losing her worse was that she married his best friend. Chase was their neighbor and he heartbreakingly watched from afar, wishing he was her husband instead. They were always close friends but when Faith lost her husband, Chase became her rock, her savior. He was her best friend. Problem was he wanted to be more than friends. Now that almost three years have passed since Faith became a widow, Chase decided to make his move. His love for her was pure. He was patient and always kind and would never hesitate to do anything for her. Of course he was gorgeous, sexy and intense as well.
I absolutely loved Chase. He was so sweet with Faith and her family. They all adored him and loved him. Even Faith love him. He was her very best friend. When Chase asked her out on a real date, Faith freaked out. She wanted to remain just platonic friends because if they were more and she lost him, she would fall apart completely. Sadly she was truly clueless, completely in denial about her real feelings for Chase. Faith was stubborn. She intentionally ignored Chase's feelings for her. And she kept her own feelings buried deep. I understood her fears but she frustrated me completely. I had a tough time liking her because of all the emotional pain she caused Chase. It was Chase that kept this a five star rating for me.
Faith and Chase's journey to love was difficult with many hurdles. All of them put in place by Faith. I will say it again that Chase was amazing and patient, luckily for Faith. There are many other characters we have small glimpses of from prior novels and maybe a new one as well. I truly enjoy the heartwarming stories that RaeAnne writes for us. Each has many of the emotions we love to experience when reading. "The Holiday Gift" was a great addition to the Pine Gulch/Coldwater Creek stories. I hope she will write more in this series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this novel given to me by the publisher via NetGalley*
April 2, 2017
3.5 stars
The Holiday Gift is the last story of the Nichols sister, which started Hope in The Christmas Ranch and later Celeste in A Cold Creek Christmas Story. This time, it's the oldest sister, Faith, who finally gets her love story with her best friend, Chase Brannon.
When we are first introduced to Faith back in Hope's book, she recently lost her husband, being a young widow with two children at the age of 32-years-old. Now, it's two years later, and Chase who has been in love with Faith since forever, determines to finally make her see how he feels about her.
I liked Chase -- I liked that Chase knows what he wants, and well, he is a fine, FINE man. He's kind and loyal, and I totally love his devotion to his only daughter. It was Faith that frustrated the hell out of me. I seriously wanted to knock some sense into this woman, frequently groaning over her coward way of retreating from Chase, to the point that she was making that idiotic move by trying to set up Chase with another woman. Seriously, woman!!! Even your sisters and aunt know how that man feels about you!!
My frustration over Faith made me enjoy her story less than her two sisters. Although all in all, it was a good holiday romance story, with low level of steam ... which is just my cup of tea :)
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
The Holiday Gift is the last story of the Nichols sister, which started Hope in The Christmas Ranch and later Celeste in A Cold Creek Christmas Story. This time, it's the oldest sister, Faith, who finally gets her love story with her best friend, Chase Brannon.
When we are first introduced to Faith back in Hope's book, she recently lost her husband, being a young widow with two children at the age of 32-years-old. Now, it's two years later, and Chase who has been in love with Faith since forever, determines to finally make her see how he feels about her.
I liked Chase -- I liked that Chase knows what he wants, and well, he is a fine, FINE man. He's kind and loyal, and I totally love his devotion to his only daughter. It was Faith that frustrated the hell out of me. I seriously wanted to knock some sense into this woman, frequently groaning over her coward way of retreating from Chase, to the point that she was making that idiotic move by trying to set up Chase with another woman. Seriously, woman!!! Even your sisters and aunt know how that man feels about you!!
My frustration over Faith made me enjoy her story less than her two sisters. Although all in all, it was a good holiday romance story, with low level of steam ... which is just my cup of tea :)
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 13, 2016
I adored this fun holiday romance. I haven’t read other books in this series and don’t think you need to read prior books to enjoy The Holiday Gift.
Faith has been a widow with small children for two years and is frightened of giving her heart again. Chase (her neighbor) has loved Faith since they were teenagers. He stepped aside when she fell for and married another man, but, now that Faith is a widow, he wants his chance. He makes his wishes known, which sends Faith into a tailspin, because, while she’s attracted to Chase, she hadn’t seen him in a romantic light before and is afraid of taking their relationship beyond friendship.
Kisses and light banter help gradually develop their romance, and we get to know her sisters and the local community (or revisit, for those who knew the characters before). There were times when I wished Faith would take that final step and admit her growing feelings for Chase, but I understood why she hesitated. Once hurt, we’re all hesitant to take a chance again. But Chase is patient, and . . . well, I won’t spoil the ending, but will say it has the HEA I was looking for.
This is a sweet romance; nothing beyond kisses. But it worked for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin, and RaeAnne Thayne for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Faith has been a widow with small children for two years and is frightened of giving her heart again. Chase (her neighbor) has loved Faith since they were teenagers. He stepped aside when she fell for and married another man, but, now that Faith is a widow, he wants his chance. He makes his wishes known, which sends Faith into a tailspin, because, while she’s attracted to Chase, she hadn’t seen him in a romantic light before and is afraid of taking their relationship beyond friendship.
Kisses and light banter help gradually develop their romance, and we get to know her sisters and the local community (or revisit, for those who knew the characters before). There were times when I wished Faith would take that final step and admit her growing feelings for Chase, but I understood why she hesitated. Once hurt, we’re all hesitant to take a chance again. But Chase is patient, and . . . well, I won’t spoil the ending, but will say it has the HEA I was looking for.
This is a sweet romance; nothing beyond kisses. But it worked for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin, and RaeAnne Thayne for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2016
Review to follow.
February 19, 2017
Fantastic friends to lovers story. Chase and Faith have been best friends since she was sixteen. He'd been in love with her even then, but was waiting for her to heal from the traumatic events that brought her and her sisters to live with their aunt and uncle in Pine Gulch. But before he could tell her of his feelings, she fell in love with and married their other friend Travis, and he had to stay in the friend zone. Two years earlier Travis had died and Chase was there to help her with whatever she needed. Now he's tired a just being a friend and wants more, but he doesn't know if she's ready. When a mutual friend sounds him out about dating Faith, Chase realizes he needs to make his move or risk losing her again. Faith has depended on Chase and his friendship for a long time. He's always been there for her. But suddenly there's tension between them and she doesn't know why - until he kisses her. He wants more than she's ready to give.
I loved the development of the actual romance. I thought Chase was an amazingly sensitive and patient man. He also was determined that he wasn't going to lose out again, and when he saw that someone else was looking to date her, he knew he had to act fast. Faith knew him well enough that she knew something was up on the trip back from the auction, but she had no clue what it was. Chase's insistence that the stockgrower's dance was an actual date, not just friends going together, totally freaked her out. She was afraid that if they changed their relationship and she lost him, she would be devastated. It was interesting to see how oblivious she had been to his feelings for her, until he kissed her. She was also clueless about her own feelings for him. I wanted to shake her when she tried setting him up with another woman even though he had made his interest in her very clear. It was fantastic to see how patient Chase was, but that he also refused to be pushed away. I ached for him when he finally declared himself and had to watch Faith continue to deny her feelings. I loved seeing her finally face her fears. The scene in the barn on Christmas Eve was fantastic. I also loved the epilogue and catching up with everyone a year later.
There is also a strong sense of family throughout the book. Faith and her sisters are very close and are there for each other. I loved their cooperation on running the Christmas Ranch, even though some of it can be reluctant. I especially loved the way that Hope and Celeste and Aunt Mary all were fully aware of Chase's feelings for Faith and completely bewildered by Faith's obliviousness. It was fun to watch them all try to get Faith to open her eyes. I also loved how Chase was such a fantastic father. I loved his relationship with Addie. He's also terrific with Faith's kids. I loved the way that he thought of her family as his, and they felt the same way about him.
I loved the development of the actual romance. I thought Chase was an amazingly sensitive and patient man. He also was determined that he wasn't going to lose out again, and when he saw that someone else was looking to date her, he knew he had to act fast. Faith knew him well enough that she knew something was up on the trip back from the auction, but she had no clue what it was. Chase's insistence that the stockgrower's dance was an actual date, not just friends going together, totally freaked her out. She was afraid that if they changed their relationship and she lost him, she would be devastated. It was interesting to see how oblivious she had been to his feelings for her, until he kissed her. She was also clueless about her own feelings for him. I wanted to shake her when she tried setting him up with another woman even though he had made his interest in her very clear. It was fantastic to see how patient Chase was, but that he also refused to be pushed away. I ached for him when he finally declared himself and had to watch Faith continue to deny her feelings. I loved seeing her finally face her fears. The scene in the barn on Christmas Eve was fantastic. I also loved the epilogue and catching up with everyone a year later.
There is also a strong sense of family throughout the book. Faith and her sisters are very close and are there for each other. I loved their cooperation on running the Christmas Ranch, even though some of it can be reluctant. I especially loved the way that Hope and Celeste and Aunt Mary all were fully aware of Chase's feelings for Faith and completely bewildered by Faith's obliviousness. It was fun to watch them all try to get Faith to open her eyes. I also loved how Chase was such a fantastic father. I loved his relationship with Addie. He's also terrific with Faith's kids. I loved the way that he thought of her family as his, and they felt the same way about him.
December 7, 2016
I’ve always thought that Harlequin romances were all bodice-rippers. Then I happily found Harlequin’s Inspirational Romance line... Later, I realized that many Harlequin books actually have a sweet-looking cover. Hooray! THEN I realized a sweet cover doesn’t mean it’s not sexually explicit. Oops! So apparently, I have to do research to figure out which books are a good fit for me. (Thank you, Goodreads!) Anyway, Harlequin books are often available at library book sales, so I’ve been giving them a try. Last month, I chose RaeAnne Thayne’s The Holiday Gift, as it was being offered to NetGalley reviewers. I can attest to this being just what it appears to be: a sweet/clean romance.
The Holiday Gift (2016, Harlequin), 15th (wow!) in the Cowboys of Cold Creek series by RaeAnne Thayne, is a contemporary clean romance set in Cold Creek Canyon, Idaho. This is definitely a standalone novel.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine:Faith Dustin, 32, has been widowed for two and a half years, and has taken on the responsibility of running her ranch. Her near neighbor, Chase Brannon, runs a ranch of his own, and the two of them “were really a team and comingled their ranch operations.” They’re doubly close because Chase “was her oldest friend - and had been since . . . nearly two decades ago.” Faith relies on him, and thinks of him as her rock. “He made her laugh and think, he challenged her, he praised her when things went well and held her when they didn’t.”
The hero: Chase Brannon has loved Faith for a long time, but years ago his best friend Travis ended up marrying her. “By the time Chase woke up and realized what was happening, it was too late. His two closest friends were in love with each other and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it.” (I’d like to insert that there is very little swearing in this book. I believe it’s all (or nearly all) in Chase’s head and is limited to the D word.) Years ago, Chase tried to move on, but his brief marriage, which produced a daughter, was unsuccessful. “He could see now that they would never have suited each other, even if that little dusty corner of his heart hadn’t belonged to the wife of another man.” Chase has been waiting for a suitable time of mourning to pass before approaching Faith with his feelings. Before he gets to that point, another area rancher asks for a green light to date Faith. This puts Chase in a black mood, eventually spurring him on to ask her to go on a real date.
What I liked:
*I liked the small-town setting and Faith’s family. Faith is part owner of The Christmas Ranch run by her sister and brother-in-law, and Faith occasionally helps out. I also appreciated Faith’s close relationship with her two sisters.
*I thought the romantic tension between Faith and Chase was well-done and very plausible given their unique situation.
What I didn’t like:
*I (very) occasionally found a phrase that needed minor editing. “A few ideas up my sleeves” instead of “up my sleeve.”
*I like my books to be super-clean, so I didn’t really enjoy the use of the words erotic, arousal, and sexuality. I just don’t want to go there. But this book WAS clean enough to make me unafraid to try more of Ms, Thayne’s work.
I decided to add #13 in the series, The Christmas Ranch , which features one of Faith’s sisters, to my to-read list. I recommend this book to fans of sweet/clean contemporary Western romances!
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
The Holiday Gift (2016, Harlequin), 15th (wow!) in the Cowboys of Cold Creek series by RaeAnne Thayne, is a contemporary clean romance set in Cold Creek Canyon, Idaho. This is definitely a standalone novel.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine:Faith Dustin, 32, has been widowed for two and a half years, and has taken on the responsibility of running her ranch. Her near neighbor, Chase Brannon, runs a ranch of his own, and the two of them “were really a team and comingled their ranch operations.” They’re doubly close because Chase “was her oldest friend - and had been since . . . nearly two decades ago.” Faith relies on him, and thinks of him as her rock. “He made her laugh and think, he challenged her, he praised her when things went well and held her when they didn’t.”
The hero: Chase Brannon has loved Faith for a long time, but years ago his best friend Travis ended up marrying her. “By the time Chase woke up and realized what was happening, it was too late. His two closest friends were in love with each other and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it.” (I’d like to insert that there is very little swearing in this book. I believe it’s all (or nearly all) in Chase’s head and is limited to the D word.) Years ago, Chase tried to move on, but his brief marriage, which produced a daughter, was unsuccessful. “He could see now that they would never have suited each other, even if that little dusty corner of his heart hadn’t belonged to the wife of another man.” Chase has been waiting for a suitable time of mourning to pass before approaching Faith with his feelings. Before he gets to that point, another area rancher asks for a green light to date Faith. This puts Chase in a black mood, eventually spurring him on to ask her to go on a real date.
What I liked:
*I liked the small-town setting and Faith’s family. Faith is part owner of The Christmas Ranch run by her sister and brother-in-law, and Faith occasionally helps out. I also appreciated Faith’s close relationship with her two sisters.
*I thought the romantic tension between Faith and Chase was well-done and very plausible given their unique situation.
What I didn’t like:
*I (very) occasionally found a phrase that needed minor editing. “A few ideas up my sleeves” instead of “up my sleeve.”
*I like my books to be super-clean, so I didn’t really enjoy the use of the words erotic, arousal, and sexuality. I just don’t want to go there. But this book WAS clean enough to make me unafraid to try more of Ms, Thayne’s work.
I decided to add #13 in the series, The Christmas Ranch , which features one of Faith’s sisters, to my to-read list. I recommend this book to fans of sweet/clean contemporary Western romances!
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2016
A Christmas book by RaeAnne Thayne! Give me just a second here to jump for joy over this one. I have been waiting for Faith's story and it's here! It is everything I had hoped for and more. Ms. Thayne never lets me down. This is part of The Cowboys of Cold Creek series and another story from The Christmas Ranch featuring the Nichols sisters. This will stand alone just fine but you are going to enjoy it even more if you have read the previous stories about the Nichols sisters.
Faith Dustin has suffered a great heartache. She lost her husband a few years ago and is now a single Mom raising two absolutely adorable children and running her family's ranch with the help of her aunt, sisters, and the handsome neighbor Chase. Faith is a sweet, caring, incredibly strong, courageous, independent lady. I have been waiting to read Faith's story. I hoped she would get a second chance at happily ever after.
Chase Brannon has always been a good friend and tremendous help to Faith. When she lost her husband he stepped up to help out at the ranch and with the kids. He's a wonderful friend to faith and her family. He's been there through the tough times and has waited patiently for Faith to be ready for more.
I loved watching these two go from great friends to a romantic relationship. Neither wants to ruin their friendship and both are nervous to take that step to more. I really enjoy friends to romance stories because they have a nice basis to add to. There is plenty of friction and attraction between these two that makes this story a page turner.
It was great to catch up with the other Nichols sisters and see how their lives were going. The Christmas Ranch always sounds so beautiful and so much fun. I really enjoyed my Christmas trip to Cold Creek and The Christmas Ranch.
RaeAnne Thayne does a wonderful job with Christmas stories. She has just the right touch with emotional stories that bring a few tear to my eyes and then leaves me with that wonderful awe feeling.
I am always extremely anxious to read RaeAnne Thayne's next release. She is one of those authors that I can not wait to get my hands on her books.
I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous Christmas story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
Faith Dustin has suffered a great heartache. She lost her husband a few years ago and is now a single Mom raising two absolutely adorable children and running her family's ranch with the help of her aunt, sisters, and the handsome neighbor Chase. Faith is a sweet, caring, incredibly strong, courageous, independent lady. I have been waiting to read Faith's story. I hoped she would get a second chance at happily ever after.
Chase Brannon has always been a good friend and tremendous help to Faith. When she lost her husband he stepped up to help out at the ranch and with the kids. He's a wonderful friend to faith and her family. He's been there through the tough times and has waited patiently for Faith to be ready for more.
I loved watching these two go from great friends to a romantic relationship. Neither wants to ruin their friendship and both are nervous to take that step to more. I really enjoy friends to romance stories because they have a nice basis to add to. There is plenty of friction and attraction between these two that makes this story a page turner.
It was great to catch up with the other Nichols sisters and see how their lives were going. The Christmas Ranch always sounds so beautiful and so much fun. I really enjoyed my Christmas trip to Cold Creek and The Christmas Ranch.
RaeAnne Thayne does a wonderful job with Christmas stories. She has just the right touch with emotional stories that bring a few tear to my eyes and then leaves me with that wonderful awe feeling.
I am always extremely anxious to read RaeAnne Thayne's next release. She is one of those authors that I can not wait to get my hands on her books.
I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous Christmas story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
November 17, 2025
Just what I expected.. A light Christmas Story centred around ranches and romance.
December 17, 2020
Major plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
This story intrigued me from the back cover. This was a holiday read with the friends to lovers trope, which is my favorite trope of all time, prominently on display. There were things that I liked and really enjoyed in the story while other things I just didn’t vibe with.
I loved the small town romance feel of this story. It felt very warm and cozy and very much a tight knit community. Neighbors that would pitch in to help if another neighbor needed it. It didn’t happen just at Christmas either, but throughout the year. Our heroine, Faith, herself experienced the kindness two years ago after her husband died in a horrific accident. The community rallied around her, with Chase leading the charge, and helped her with her ranch while she was grieving and taking care of two grieving children as well. I loved seeing those tight ties in the community in everything that they did. Plus they did a whole big thing being that it was Christmas with the decorations, the holiday parties, and even a holiday pageant that Faith’s daughter was a part of. It was nice to see those interactions within the community to show the bonds that were formed there. It brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. I liked feeling that whole vibe.
Next thing that I loved was the theme of family. Just like the tight knit community of neighbors in the small town, the same could be said for family but on an even bigger scale. I loved seeing the integrations between the sisters, Aunt Mary, the brother in laws, and Chase himself. I could how close they were with the teasing and the back and forth between them throughout the story. I loved feeling that family atmosphere. I loved how the sister would call Faith out as did Aunt Mary of her feelings for Chase and even pointed out Chase’s feelings for her. They pushed and prodded in order to show Faith what kind of life she could have with a man like Chase. I loved the interactions between the adults and children. It showed how awesome of parents that they truly were to their children as well as the children of others. I thought it was really cute to see the children interact and have that bond as well. It was just really well done and strength of the story I thought.
But I think the thing that took the cake in the book can be summed up in two words. Chase Brannon. I loved him so freaking much. He made my heart swoon. He made me smile. It hurt me when he was hurt because he didn’t deserve. He deserved the best in the world, and at certain points he was getting it mainly due to Faith. He encompassed the meaning of a man totally and hopeless in love with someone. How Faith couldn’t even see it for so long was just beyond me? He showed in a multitude of ways both big and small. The way he interacted with Faith and her children was just so amazing and showed how invested and in love he was with all of them. He had been in love with Faith for over two decades but missed his opportunity when she married someone else. He tried to move on, but aside from his daughter that didn’t work out too well. His heart belonged to Faith and no one else. He was such an amazing friend and confidant to Faith even though he was yearning for more, but kept that inside because he knew Faith wasn’t ready for that yet. It heartbreaking because I could feel his heart break whenever she called him just her friend or tried to set him up with someone else. It was utterly devastating. It hurt so much because it was right there that she was the love of his life and no one else with do. He was an amazing guy and amazing father. Who fall in love with him? I think I fell in love with a little bit. He was sweet heart and a big old teddy bear that kept getting crushed every time Faith pushed him away. It was hard to watch.
As for Faith Dustin, she wasn’t my favorite. Yes, she was an amazing mother and sister and niece, but she wasn’t a great friend to Chase in my opinion. I get that she had internal scars as well as deep fears of falling in love again after loosing her husband, but the amount of times she kept pushing Chase away was just really annoying to me. She kept using the same argument over and over to keep them at arm’s length even knowing that her feelings for him were changing and growing from a simple friendship to something more. It felt like she was playing with him over and over again. He didn’t deserve that. It made it worse that when even when someone pointed it out that Chase was in love with her that she kept doing that hot and cold game with, which wasn’t right. I don’t care if she was in denial of her feelings and his feelings she still shouldn’t have done it. She kept giving him mixed signals along the way. I didn’t like that. It felt forever for her to figure out that he was the one for her when it was very clear that he was. They were practically partners anyway. It wasn’t far leap. Yes, I get was all due to fear on her part, but after awhile it got to be too much. It felt like she was playing an unfair game with Chase.
Even though this was a friends to lovers romance, it wasn’t my favorite of. Mostly having to due with my reasons above with my issues with Faith and how she treated him throughout the story. They did have some cute moments like in his car and in the sleigh, but as soon as they would have those moments she would pull away and keep distance from him not wanting to get involved even though they were already involved. As one of the sister pointed out, it was cruel of Faith to do what she did to Chase. I loved Chase so much that whenever Faith did those things it felt like a slap in face because it was so clear how deeply in love with her that he was. I just thought he deserved better than that. I wanted to see a bit more growing intimacy between them as the book progressed instead of having all of those stops and starts. The romance just didn’t quite do for me personally, but everything else like the small town and family part of the story I really liked. I enjoyed that so much. It was what kept me interested in the story as Faith did this hot and cold thing with Chase. I loved Chase. I loved the other characters. There were some humorous moments that I enjoyed. It had Christmas type feels to it that I was looking for. Overall it was good read aside from Faith’s attitude that was really playing games with Chase’s heart strings, which I didn’t like at all.
This story intrigued me from the back cover. This was a holiday read with the friends to lovers trope, which is my favorite trope of all time, prominently on display. There were things that I liked and really enjoyed in the story while other things I just didn’t vibe with.
I loved the small town romance feel of this story. It felt very warm and cozy and very much a tight knit community. Neighbors that would pitch in to help if another neighbor needed it. It didn’t happen just at Christmas either, but throughout the year. Our heroine, Faith, herself experienced the kindness two years ago after her husband died in a horrific accident. The community rallied around her, with Chase leading the charge, and helped her with her ranch while she was grieving and taking care of two grieving children as well. I loved seeing those tight ties in the community in everything that they did. Plus they did a whole big thing being that it was Christmas with the decorations, the holiday parties, and even a holiday pageant that Faith’s daughter was a part of. It was nice to see those interactions within the community to show the bonds that were formed there. It brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. I liked feeling that whole vibe.
Next thing that I loved was the theme of family. Just like the tight knit community of neighbors in the small town, the same could be said for family but on an even bigger scale. I loved seeing the integrations between the sisters, Aunt Mary, the brother in laws, and Chase himself. I could how close they were with the teasing and the back and forth between them throughout the story. I loved feeling that family atmosphere. I loved how the sister would call Faith out as did Aunt Mary of her feelings for Chase and even pointed out Chase’s feelings for her. They pushed and prodded in order to show Faith what kind of life she could have with a man like Chase. I loved the interactions between the adults and children. It showed how awesome of parents that they truly were to their children as well as the children of others. I thought it was really cute to see the children interact and have that bond as well. It was just really well done and strength of the story I thought.
But I think the thing that took the cake in the book can be summed up in two words. Chase Brannon. I loved him so freaking much. He made my heart swoon. He made me smile. It hurt me when he was hurt because he didn’t deserve. He deserved the best in the world, and at certain points he was getting it mainly due to Faith. He encompassed the meaning of a man totally and hopeless in love with someone. How Faith couldn’t even see it for so long was just beyond me? He showed in a multitude of ways both big and small. The way he interacted with Faith and her children was just so amazing and showed how invested and in love he was with all of them. He had been in love with Faith for over two decades but missed his opportunity when she married someone else. He tried to move on, but aside from his daughter that didn’t work out too well. His heart belonged to Faith and no one else. He was such an amazing friend and confidant to Faith even though he was yearning for more, but kept that inside because he knew Faith wasn’t ready for that yet. It heartbreaking because I could feel his heart break whenever she called him just her friend or tried to set him up with someone else. It was utterly devastating. It hurt so much because it was right there that she was the love of his life and no one else with do. He was an amazing guy and amazing father. Who fall in love with him? I think I fell in love with a little bit. He was sweet heart and a big old teddy bear that kept getting crushed every time Faith pushed him away. It was hard to watch.
As for Faith Dustin, she wasn’t my favorite. Yes, she was an amazing mother and sister and niece, but she wasn’t a great friend to Chase in my opinion. I get that she had internal scars as well as deep fears of falling in love again after loosing her husband, but the amount of times she kept pushing Chase away was just really annoying to me. She kept using the same argument over and over to keep them at arm’s length even knowing that her feelings for him were changing and growing from a simple friendship to something more. It felt like she was playing with him over and over again. He didn’t deserve that. It made it worse that when even when someone pointed it out that Chase was in love with her that she kept doing that hot and cold game with, which wasn’t right. I don’t care if she was in denial of her feelings and his feelings she still shouldn’t have done it. She kept giving him mixed signals along the way. I didn’t like that. It felt forever for her to figure out that he was the one for her when it was very clear that he was. They were practically partners anyway. It wasn’t far leap. Yes, I get was all due to fear on her part, but after awhile it got to be too much. It felt like she was playing an unfair game with Chase.
Even though this was a friends to lovers romance, it wasn’t my favorite of. Mostly having to due with my reasons above with my issues with Faith and how she treated him throughout the story. They did have some cute moments like in his car and in the sleigh, but as soon as they would have those moments she would pull away and keep distance from him not wanting to get involved even though they were already involved. As one of the sister pointed out, it was cruel of Faith to do what she did to Chase. I loved Chase so much that whenever Faith did those things it felt like a slap in face because it was so clear how deeply in love with her that he was. I just thought he deserved better than that. I wanted to see a bit more growing intimacy between them as the book progressed instead of having all of those stops and starts. The romance just didn’t quite do for me personally, but everything else like the small town and family part of the story I really liked. I enjoyed that so much. It was what kept me interested in the story as Faith did this hot and cold thing with Chase. I loved Chase. I loved the other characters. There were some humorous moments that I enjoyed. It had Christmas type feels to it that I was looking for. Overall it was good read aside from Faith’s attitude that was really playing games with Chase’s heart strings, which I didn’t like at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
There’s so much to love about a solid friends-to-lovers story and no one can write it as sweet as RaeAnne Thayne can. The Holiday Gift–as you can tell by the title–was holiday-themed, set in picturesque Pine Gulch, Idaho. One of my favorite places to ‘visit’ at Christmas.
There are certain authors’ holiday books I look forward to each year and that definitely includes RaeAnne Thayne. Her stories always have just the right amount of seasonal joy balanced with romance and family issues to keep things interesting. Genuine characters and honest emotions ruled the pages in this particular story, with our main characters fighting to hold onto their solid friendship as they explored the possibility of a love match between them.
Read More
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Original Notes:
What a wonderful story! I'm a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's writing anyway but this friends-to-lovers holiday-themed novel was everything I'd hoped it would be. It was great to catch up with Faith and her sisters, to see how their family is doing now. And it was oh so satisfying to watch as Chase finally made his true feelings known for Faith. She tried everything to deny how she felt about him, sometimes to the point of exasperating this reader, but it did seem like everything happened in a realistic way. Full review to come.
There’s so much to love about a solid friends-to-lovers story and no one can write it as sweet as RaeAnne Thayne can. The Holiday Gift–as you can tell by the title–was holiday-themed, set in picturesque Pine Gulch, Idaho. One of my favorite places to ‘visit’ at Christmas.
There are certain authors’ holiday books I look forward to each year and that definitely includes RaeAnne Thayne. Her stories always have just the right amount of seasonal joy balanced with romance and family issues to keep things interesting. Genuine characters and honest emotions ruled the pages in this particular story, with our main characters fighting to hold onto their solid friendship as they explored the possibility of a love match between them.
Read More
__________________________
Original Notes:
What a wonderful story! I'm a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's writing anyway but this friends-to-lovers holiday-themed novel was everything I'd hoped it would be. It was great to catch up with Faith and her sisters, to see how their family is doing now. And it was oh so satisfying to watch as Chase finally made his true feelings known for Faith. She tried everything to deny how she felt about him, sometimes to the point of exasperating this reader, but it did seem like everything happened in a realistic way. Full review to come.
November 22, 2016
The Holiday Gift warmed me throughout the winter storms of Idaho and I enjoyed every moment of it. This is Chase and Faith's story, who in their late 30s have been best friends, both supporting each other over the years. Faith lives with her great-aunt Mary at the Star N with her pre-teen children, Louisa (Lou) and Barrett. She has been a widow for almost three years. Chase, since his divorce, periodically has his 11-year-old daughter Adaline (Addie) with him at his neighboring Brannon Ridge Ranch, and has been in love with Faith since their teen years. Chase is caring, thoughtful, and loving, and he captured my heart from the start. Faith has a lot going on in her head that keeps her from becoming more than friends with Chase. The children had me laughing and crying with their tender-hearted ways of dealing with loss, but with youthfulness, they have their own ideas of how to bring happiness to others. I love the magic of The Christmas Ranch and the St. Nicholas Lodge, located at the Star N Ranch, where parties, sleigh rides, and entertainment by talented children for the seniors help make spirits bright. This can be read as a stand alone, and it will have you looking forward to the holiday season and to all of the previous books in this Cold Creek series.
November 25, 2016
Another winner from RaeAnne Thayne! While I love all her books I especially enjoy her holiday stories and this one definitely didn't disappoint. This is a wonderful story of a second chance at happiness for Faith Dustin. The oldest of the three Nichols sisters, her and her two children have been living and working at the family "Christmas Ranch". She longs for peace and quiet when chaos and craziness surrounds her. Thank goodness for her neighbor Chase Brannon. He's the one person that seems to understand her. He's always been a great friend but that changes one night with a kiss under the mistletoe. Chase has loved Faith for most of his life. He blew it big time when he was younger and now that she is available again he doesn't want to do anything to blow it again. Then that kiss!! Chase is determined to get Faith to give him a chance and soon he has the whole family in on it!
A fantastic holiday read you don't want to miss.
A fantastic holiday read you don't want to miss.
November 23, 2016
Faith can't figure out what is wrong with Chase. He is her dearest friend and biggest help and supporter since her husband, Travis, death a few years ago. She wouldn't have turned the ranch around after Travis died without Chases help. He tells her someone wants to ask her out. She is totally surprised. She begins to realize she needs to leave fear behind and rejoin the world.
I love the fact that these sisters have overcome great tradegy and an unsettled childhood to become strong, independent and successful women. The strong family bond they have is amazing. I love visiting the Christmas Ranch and being immersed in the holiday spirit in their lives and hearts.
I love the fact that these sisters have overcome great tradegy and an unsettled childhood to become strong, independent and successful women. The strong family bond they have is amazing. I love visiting the Christmas Ranch and being immersed in the holiday spirit in their lives and hearts.
December 22, 2016
This is a nice sweet filler story that gives the last sister at the Christmas Ranch her HEA. Faith just wants everything to stay the same. No more bad news or life changing events. I think many of us can identify with Faith but we all know we must move on. Faith finally does when she realized that losing Chase Brannon, her best friend, is worse than admitting that she loves him. Will stand alone but more fun if you have read the previous two books.
November 29, 2016
A charming friends to lovers story set in a winter wonderland at Christmas.
Full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com
Full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by NetGalley
I have read other books in this series but the Christmas ones are my favorites. I really enjoy the way Ms. Thayne puts a strong emphasis on family and in this book a friendship that truly test the bonds of time and life.
Chase and Faith have been friends forever and when needed over the years they lean on each other. It is nice to know that you have an old friend that will and is always there for you. This brought a strong emotional depth to this story for me. I enjoyed that it was a male/female friendship that was testing the strength of time while adding a bit of realism that it really is hard for opposites to be just friends Ms. Thayne made Chase in love with Faith for…ever.
The question is the friendship strong enough to add romance. Christmas added that bit of magic and the help of elves in the guise of Faith’s and Chase’s children. These children added the element of realism to the story as Ms. Thayne wrote very realistically the whimsical way that they dealt with loss and the way they thought to bring happiness to others. The interaction between everyone felt very real. I for one found myself becoming emotionally invested in not only their romance but also their lives. I have always found warmth in Ms. Thayne’s books pulling you in and making you stay.
Ms. Thayne’s characters are easy to relate too and very enjoyable. The storyline which is set in a small town gives me that warm…fuzzy feeling perfect for a holiday read to take me away from the stress of the holiday hustle and bustle. The romantic tension added a little bit more magic making the love between Chase and Faith sensual without going overboard. It was just enough to make you feel the hope and the fences of taking chances breaking down.
This Christmas miracle hit the spot this time of year making one believe in magic and hope. Sugar Cookies and eggnog is the perfect companion when reading this story.
Book provided by NetGalley
I have read other books in this series but the Christmas ones are my favorites. I really enjoy the way Ms. Thayne puts a strong emphasis on family and in this book a friendship that truly test the bonds of time and life.
Chase and Faith have been friends forever and when needed over the years they lean on each other. It is nice to know that you have an old friend that will and is always there for you. This brought a strong emotional depth to this story for me. I enjoyed that it was a male/female friendship that was testing the strength of time while adding a bit of realism that it really is hard for opposites to be just friends Ms. Thayne made Chase in love with Faith for…ever.
The question is the friendship strong enough to add romance. Christmas added that bit of magic and the help of elves in the guise of Faith’s and Chase’s children. These children added the element of realism to the story as Ms. Thayne wrote very realistically the whimsical way that they dealt with loss and the way they thought to bring happiness to others. The interaction between everyone felt very real. I for one found myself becoming emotionally invested in not only their romance but also their lives. I have always found warmth in Ms. Thayne’s books pulling you in and making you stay.
Ms. Thayne’s characters are easy to relate too and very enjoyable. The storyline which is set in a small town gives me that warm…fuzzy feeling perfect for a holiday read to take me away from the stress of the holiday hustle and bustle. The romantic tension added a little bit more magic making the love between Chase and Faith sensual without going overboard. It was just enough to make you feel the hope and the fences of taking chances breaking down.
This Christmas miracle hit the spot this time of year making one believe in magic and hope. Sugar Cookies and eggnog is the perfect companion when reading this story.
January 1, 2018
I was really disappointed in this book. Mostly because RaeAnne Thayne is one of my favorite authors. I had really high expectations.
I think the problem is that I haven't read any other Cold Creek novels. I almost never read books out of order, but I wanted a short and sweet Christmas story and I thought this would fit the bill. Plus, all her books are advertised as standalones. But I felt like I'd been dropped right into the middle of the book, instead of starting at the very beginning of one. I read the kindle version, and I had to go back and check that I started at chapter one in case I accidentally skipped a few chapters.
The heroine, Faith, was really annoying. I hated how insistent she was that she couldn't let the fear of possibly loosing Chase go. Even up to the last 5 pages of the book she was still saying she couldn't risk it. Even when he had basically told her it was all or nothing, she was still saying, "isn't it better to loose a friendship than possibly be heartbroken if something ever happens to him like my first husband?" UM, HE JUST LEFT YOU! Just cause he's not dead doesn't mean he's gonna be there!
The only reason I give this 2 stars instead of 1, is because I loved Chase. He was a wonderful hero and he deserved a better heroine than Faith.
There was all this odd backstory about her and her family getting kidnapped in India or something when she was a teen. It was SO WEIRD! This is why I think that I needed to have read more books before in the series before this one. Both Faith's sisters were married so I'm guessing that they each had books of their own.
My recommendation is to not read this unless you've read ALL 14 other books in the series.
This book had no sex scenes, no swearing and no violence.
I think the problem is that I haven't read any other Cold Creek novels. I almost never read books out of order, but I wanted a short and sweet Christmas story and I thought this would fit the bill. Plus, all her books are advertised as standalones. But I felt like I'd been dropped right into the middle of the book, instead of starting at the very beginning of one. I read the kindle version, and I had to go back and check that I started at chapter one in case I accidentally skipped a few chapters.
The heroine, Faith, was really annoying. I hated how insistent she was that she couldn't let the fear of possibly loosing Chase go. Even up to the last 5 pages of the book she was still saying she couldn't risk it. Even when he had basically told her it was all or nothing, she was still saying, "isn't it better to loose a friendship than possibly be heartbroken if something ever happens to him like my first husband?" UM, HE JUST LEFT YOU! Just cause he's not dead doesn't mean he's gonna be there!
The only reason I give this 2 stars instead of 1, is because I loved Chase. He was a wonderful hero and he deserved a better heroine than Faith.
There was all this odd backstory about her and her family getting kidnapped in India or something when she was a teen. It was SO WEIRD! This is why I think that I needed to have read more books before in the series before this one. Both Faith's sisters were married so I'm guessing that they each had books of their own.
My recommendation is to not read this unless you've read ALL 14 other books in the series.
This book had no sex scenes, no swearing and no violence.
November 7, 2016
Such a sweet, heartwarming holiday book! I was sad when it was over! I definitely wanted it to continue! We have previously met the other Nichols' sisters but this book is about Faith. She has been in other books but this is her story. You don't have to read the other books but you will have a little background about her if you have read previous books. She has been a widow for a couple years, trying to raise her young children and run a ranch that her husband wasn't very good at! However, her sisters and other family members have helped her out a lot and she's beginning to settle in where she feels that her "head is above water" now. One of the big reasons is that her neighbor and childhood friend, Chase, has been there every step of the way. He's helped her learn how to make the ranch successful again and so many other things. She doesn't know what she would do without his help ever since her husband died. BUT, Chase, wants to take their friendship to the next level.....he's felt "more than friendship" ever since they were teenagers.....and Faith doesn't know what to do about that. I love stories about best friends turning into more! Relationships that begin as friends are fantastic! This author does such a great job at showing how that "give and take" happens. It's an up and down process. It's not easy but it's sure worth it! Chase also has a daughter from his previous marriage and I loved her spunkiness! All the characters in this book are fantastic. It's a great holiday read that helps us remember what the holidays are all about.
January 5, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
My View: The Holiday Gift brings the stories about the Nichols sisters to an end; at least, for now. We see Faith in the previous books and get to love her children too. This is a friends-to-lovers story with a simple love angle and very low heat.
Chase is my favorite. I love how much his friendships meant to him and how hard he tried to get Faith to really see him. His relationship with his daughter is perfect and it works with the overall story.
On the other hand, Faith is a hard character to like. Perhaps because she had guarded her heart for so long that it's difficult to related to her. I wish we had more time to read about her relationship with Chase instead of their courting.
We also see how life's going for the rest of the clan and get updates of everyone in town. Overall, this is another lovely installment in this series.
What I liked the most: Chase's friendships.
I wanted more of: Time to see Chase and Faith as a couple.
Who should read it: Fans of Holiday romances.
ARC received via Netgalley, courtesy of Harlequin, in exchange for an honest review.
My View: The Holiday Gift brings the stories about the Nichols sisters to an end; at least, for now. We see Faith in the previous books and get to love her children too. This is a friends-to-lovers story with a simple love angle and very low heat.
Chase is my favorite. I love how much his friendships meant to him and how hard he tried to get Faith to really see him. His relationship with his daughter is perfect and it works with the overall story.
On the other hand, Faith is a hard character to like. Perhaps because she had guarded her heart for so long that it's difficult to related to her. I wish we had more time to read about her relationship with Chase instead of their courting.
We also see how life's going for the rest of the clan and get updates of everyone in town. Overall, this is another lovely installment in this series.
What I liked the most: Chase's friendships.
I wanted more of: Time to see Chase and Faith as a couple.
Who should read it: Fans of Holiday romances.
ARC received via Netgalley, courtesy of Harlequin, in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2017
The Holiday Gift (Cowboys of Cold Creek #15) by RaeAnne Thayne
• Heart
What am amazing love story set in Cold Creek at Christmastime. Although this is my first glimpse inside the close nit town with book #15, I didn't feel lost..... However I am excited knowing there are MANY more to read... Previous as well as newer stories..... And I can't wait to read more from RaeAnne Thayne! Chase had always loved Faith since the day he met her. But with their circumstances be couldn't tell her and stayed by the sidelines.... Until he couldn't any longer. Was this the biggest mistake if his life or was it his best decision. How would Faith take it? You'll have to read The Holiday Gift to find out! It's so sorry cuddling under the covers to read... Or snuggling up with your best friend while you read it by the fire.....on Christmas! ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review.
Favorite Passages ~
• “It feels like everything has changed.”........ “Life has a way of doing that, whether we always like it or not,”...........“Nobody escapes it. The trick is figuring out how to roll with the changes.”
• Faith is always stronger than fear.
• Heart
What am amazing love story set in Cold Creek at Christmastime. Although this is my first glimpse inside the close nit town with book #15, I didn't feel lost..... However I am excited knowing there are MANY more to read... Previous as well as newer stories..... And I can't wait to read more from RaeAnne Thayne! Chase had always loved Faith since the day he met her. But with their circumstances be couldn't tell her and stayed by the sidelines.... Until he couldn't any longer. Was this the biggest mistake if his life or was it his best decision. How would Faith take it? You'll have to read The Holiday Gift to find out! It's so sorry cuddling under the covers to read... Or snuggling up with your best friend while you read it by the fire.....on Christmas! ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review.
Favorite Passages ~
• “It feels like everything has changed.”........ “Life has a way of doing that, whether we always like it or not,”...........“Nobody escapes it. The trick is figuring out how to roll with the changes.”
• Faith is always stronger than fear.
November 18, 2016
It was so much fun to go back to small town Idaho for the latest Cowboys of Cold Creek book, The Holiday Gift. RaeAnne Thayne is a master at capturing small town living and transferring it to the written page. The characters she creates are so genuine, relatable, and engaging that I feel I know them. Faith and Chase get their own story in this book. I’ll admit that there were quite a few times that I wanted to smack Faith on the side of the head for not recognizing what an amazing guy Chase was. What a swoon-worthy hero! I loved that he was so patient with Faith. This book is part of a series, but it can also be read as a stand-alone. It was fun to have the characters from the other books pop up in this one. There is some “cussing” in this book and some pretty hot kissing but no steamy scenes.
November 22, 2016
I loved this story of second chances, missed chances and new beginnings. Chase and Faith are
both wonderful characters and their collective children have known each other forever.
Faith lost her first love and father of her children a few years ago. Chase has always been in love with with her but she was his best friends wife. He knows the right time for them is now, all he has to do is show her. This is where the story is most delightful. I laughed, cried and enjoyed every word.
Great dialogue, funny situations and a heartwarming conclusion.
Everything a Christmas story should be!
both wonderful characters and their collective children have known each other forever.
Faith lost her first love and father of her children a few years ago. Chase has always been in love with with her but she was his best friends wife. He knows the right time for them is now, all he has to do is show her. This is where the story is most delightful. I laughed, cried and enjoyed every word.
Great dialogue, funny situations and a heartwarming conclusion.
Everything a Christmas story should be!
April 25, 2019
Chase has been in love with Faith since he first met her. He watched from the sidelines as she fell in love with and married his friend Travis. Travis was killed in a tragic accident and Chase has been a friend to Faith and helped her run the ranch and keep it out of bankruptcy. Now he is tired of just being a friend. He waited too long before to make his intentions known and Travis won Faith. Chase wants more out of their relationship but Faith is afraid. She doesn’t think she could stand it if something happened to Chase to take him out of her life. She has to remember what her father always told her. Faith is stronger than fear.
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