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Lucky Penny Ranch #3
Merry Cowboy Christmas
Listening Length: 9 hours and 5 minutes
THIS CHRISTMAS, SANTA'S WEARING A STETSON
'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house is the presence of one wickedly hot cowboy who's come to stay for the holiday. Fiona Logan is downright shocked to return to her childhood home and find that the tall blond stranger who came to her rescue on an icy road will be sleeping just across the hall from her bedroom. Talk about temptation . . .
Jud Dawson never believed the Lucky Penny Ranch would live up to its name until now. Fiona is gorgeous, smart, funny, and everything he thought he'd never find. Now all he has to do is convince her to stick around town instead of hightailing it back to Houston. But with wild weather, nosy neighbors, and a new baby in the family, getting her to admit that she's falling in love might just take a Christmas miracle.
THIS CHRISTMAS, SANTA'S WEARING A STETSON
'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house is the presence of one wickedly hot cowboy who's come to stay for the holiday. Fiona Logan is downright shocked to return to her childhood home and find that the tall blond stranger who came to her rescue on an icy road will be sleeping just across the hall from her bedroom. Talk about temptation . . .
Jud Dawson never believed the Lucky Penny Ranch would live up to its name until now. Fiona is gorgeous, smart, funny, and everything he thought he'd never find. Now all he has to do is convince her to stick around town instead of hightailing it back to Houston. But with wild weather, nosy neighbors, and a new baby in the family, getting her to admit that she's falling in love might just take a Christmas miracle.
Audible Audio
First published September 27, 2016
625 people are currently reading
1263 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,131 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
May 25, 2017
4 Putting down roots Stars
Merry Cowboy Christmas, the 3rd book in the Lucky Penny Ranch Series, was a great read. Having read the other two books as well I am a real fan of this series and I feel really attached to all the characters. I fell in love with each of the Dawson Men as I read each of their love stories. And although Toby and Lizzy's story will always be my favorite, I really enjoyed Jud, and Fiona's love story.
Jud was just as sexy as his cousins Toby and Blake but he wasn't as wild. He was ready to have a family, put down roots. Not just with any woman he wanted the right woman. That woman was the fiery redheaded Logan sister that just came back home. Jud was sweet. He had such a big heart I just couldn't help but fall in love with him. From the way he fell in love and supported Fiona and her dreams to the way he went about helping an old man that treated his family like crap. He was hard working, smart, hot, and all heart. Jud was just an all around great hero. Fiona was sweet like the other Logan sisters, but she felt like she didn't really belong. Her sisters had their place, their jobs, what they were going to do in life, where they belong, and she wanted to fit in too. Like most redheads she had a bit of a cute temper and she could be sassy. She was also loving, loyal, and very smart.
I loved Jud and Fiona together. They didn't just have heat and passion, although they had plenty of that. They had a deep friendship too. I loved that this book took place at Christmas time. I am a sucker for Christmas romances. I watch the Hallmark channel Christmas movies almost religiously. So ate up the sweet Christmas time vibe this book gave off. I also enjoyed that fact that Truman and Dora June sweetened up a lot in this book, while still being believable. I will say that I wish Fiona hadn't been so wishy washy for so long, but then again I could understand it in a way. I also loved how it all worked out and the ending was super sweet. I seen at the end of the book that the next book coming is Wicked Cowboy Charm and that it's Deke and Josie (Jud's sister) Dawson's story. I can not wait ..... CAN'T WAIT ...to watch Deke be taken down. Deke with his wild ways going through women like they are water. I just can't wait to see love knock him on his butt! A great read. I would recommend It to anyone who loves Christmas romances and sexy cowboys!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Merry Cowboy Christmas, the 3rd book in the Lucky Penny Ranch Series, was a great read. Having read the other two books as well I am a real fan of this series and I feel really attached to all the characters. I fell in love with each of the Dawson Men as I read each of their love stories. And although Toby and Lizzy's story will always be my favorite, I really enjoyed Jud, and Fiona's love story.
Jud was just as sexy as his cousins Toby and Blake but he wasn't as wild. He was ready to have a family, put down roots. Not just with any woman he wanted the right woman. That woman was the fiery redheaded Logan sister that just came back home. Jud was sweet. He had such a big heart I just couldn't help but fall in love with him. From the way he fell in love and supported Fiona and her dreams to the way he went about helping an old man that treated his family like crap. He was hard working, smart, hot, and all heart. Jud was just an all around great hero. Fiona was sweet like the other Logan sisters, but she felt like she didn't really belong. Her sisters had their place, their jobs, what they were going to do in life, where they belong, and she wanted to fit in too. Like most redheads she had a bit of a cute temper and she could be sassy. She was also loving, loyal, and very smart.
I loved Jud and Fiona together. They didn't just have heat and passion, although they had plenty of that. They had a deep friendship too. I loved that this book took place at Christmas time. I am a sucker for Christmas romances. I watch the Hallmark channel Christmas movies almost religiously. So ate up the sweet Christmas time vibe this book gave off. I also enjoyed that fact that Truman and Dora June sweetened up a lot in this book, while still being believable. I will say that I wish Fiona hadn't been so wishy washy for so long, but then again I could understand it in a way. I also loved how it all worked out and the ending was super sweet. I seen at the end of the book that the next book coming is Wicked Cowboy Charm and that it's Deke and Josie (Jud's sister) Dawson's story. I can not wait ..... CAN'T WAIT ...to watch Deke be taken down. Deke with his wild ways going through women like they are water. I just can't wait to see love knock him on his butt! A great read. I would recommend It to anyone who loves Christmas romances and sexy cowboys!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 27, 2016
3.25 Making Changes for Good Stars
* * * 1/4 It's Live!!!
Carolyn Brown has a way... a way to show how families can pull together, how they are always there for you and how they seem to just know what you may need when you are doubting yourself. It may be a simple way of looking at things... but in the end... isn't that just what we would all wish for...
This series has lots of heart, sexy cowboys and a community that just can't help themselves from making gossip and interest their main purpose. The location is in Texas, the time is now...yet when you immerse yourself in the story... it feels like the 50's in some way. It hearkens to Dry towns with laws against liquor being sold and having to sneak beer in the home through the back door. (I understand that is an actual way of 21st century life which I respect. It just had that "ole time" feel to me.)
We have most of the same characters from the other books, yet this is a story focused on Jud Dawson and Fiona Logan. These two families were under heavy scrutiny...The Logan family lives in a house that once was a brothel back in the fast, raw western times. The women have had to deal with all the cat calls as young teens, with guys thinking they were easy pickin's.
Luckily, they were raised right, strong and with parents who loved them up. Each girl found her way...and Fiona way was to fly...
Fiona never thought she belonged in Dry Creek, TX; hell, she never really felt she belonged in her close knit family. Early on, she was stubborn enough to pack up a box and walk as far as she could when 8...thinking she needed out. So when she left for University, became a first class accountant and found a fella who was on the same career track as she...she fell for him. She thought she was becoming what she wanted to be...what he wanted...
But when he came to her hometown, even before they married...he continued to think career was the focus for the both of them. ...and it was for awhile. But then he grew distant and Fiona felt more of an outsider than ever before. Work was all they did with none of the feelings they had in the beginning. So it shouldn't have shocked Fiona when her ex walked into the house with his secretary on his arm informing her of the divorce he was having...and the not so friendly reminder of the Pre- Nup she lovingly signed without looking at...or with counsel.
She was left with practically nothing...and that stubborn streak reared up and stopped her from letting her family know what was happening. The ex told vicious lies causing her career tract to dry up. She was left to making her way as a waitress at a diner. She pushed through all of this for a year and finally realized she needed to go back home...either that or be on the streets.
As Fiona is praying her beat up truck will get her to her old home, she has a mishap on the icy road plowing into a barbwire fence. A truck pulls over and the cowboy checks to see if she is alright. She is but the truck is not. It turns out the cowboy is Jud Dawson and he is going to the Logan's too.
Fiona snatches looks at Jud and Jud is taken by the redhead. He is friendly but not over the top and gives her the sense of someone who is one of the good guys... one of the real men out there...
The shock for both is he is living right across the hallway where Fiona's old room is. Temptation be thy name. Both are careful to keep a distance and the families sit down to dinner and catch up.
Much is made about Fiona's coming back... she is received in open arms. Work is there for her at the family convenience store with her mom and before she knows it, she is in the swing of things. Her mom needs the accounts looked after; so does one of her sister's store and then another friend wants help too. Fiona starts to do accounting when not at the front of the store.
Now with all of this happening, Jud is in the mix. This is a man who worked hard all his life and has finally got his dream... working with his family out on the Lucky Penny Ranch. Ironic name as supposedly it has never been lucky for any of its owners. But the fellas have been determined to make it a go and so far they are halfway there.
This story takes a few things and makes them sweet and endearing. We have a type of courtship happening between Jud and Fiona without them truly being conscious of it... with late night talks on the landing between their rooms. They have all the chemistry brewing and the conflict is she doesn't think she will stay and he is looking to do a real relationship. That is what he wants...what his brothers have.
This couple is cute...sweet and are drawn to each other big time...it is expressed in a homey way as well as the entire book is... lots of phrasing and ole time feels. There are some sexy times but nothing seriously graphic.
The secondary story line is the redemption of the closed minded, cranky couple of the town. Jud works his magic and brings this codger along...and by Christmas, changes might be in the works.
This is a sweet series with lots of heart. Ole time religion and small town love...and lots of Texas.
Hot Cowboy Nights (Lucky Penny Ranch, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/4 It's Live!!!
Carolyn Brown has a way... a way to show how families can pull together, how they are always there for you and how they seem to just know what you may need when you are doubting yourself. It may be a simple way of looking at things... but in the end... isn't that just what we would all wish for...
This series has lots of heart, sexy cowboys and a community that just can't help themselves from making gossip and interest their main purpose. The location is in Texas, the time is now...yet when you immerse yourself in the story... it feels like the 50's in some way. It hearkens to Dry towns with laws against liquor being sold and having to sneak beer in the home through the back door. (I understand that is an actual way of 21st century life which I respect. It just had that "ole time" feel to me.)
We have most of the same characters from the other books, yet this is a story focused on Jud Dawson and Fiona Logan. These two families were under heavy scrutiny...The Logan family lives in a house that once was a brothel back in the fast, raw western times. The women have had to deal with all the cat calls as young teens, with guys thinking they were easy pickin's.
Luckily, they were raised right, strong and with parents who loved them up. Each girl found her way...and Fiona way was to fly...
Fiona never thought she belonged in Dry Creek, TX; hell, she never really felt she belonged in her close knit family. Early on, she was stubborn enough to pack up a box and walk as far as she could when 8...thinking she needed out. So when she left for University, became a first class accountant and found a fella who was on the same career track as she...she fell for him. She thought she was becoming what she wanted to be...what he wanted...
But when he came to her hometown, even before they married...he continued to think career was the focus for the both of them. ...and it was for awhile. But then he grew distant and Fiona felt more of an outsider than ever before. Work was all they did with none of the feelings they had in the beginning. So it shouldn't have shocked Fiona when her ex walked into the house with his secretary on his arm informing her of the divorce he was having...and the not so friendly reminder of the Pre- Nup she lovingly signed without looking at...or with counsel.
She was left with practically nothing...and that stubborn streak reared up and stopped her from letting her family know what was happening. The ex told vicious lies causing her career tract to dry up. She was left to making her way as a waitress at a diner. She pushed through all of this for a year and finally realized she needed to go back home...either that or be on the streets.
As Fiona is praying her beat up truck will get her to her old home, she has a mishap on the icy road plowing into a barbwire fence. A truck pulls over and the cowboy checks to see if she is alright. She is but the truck is not. It turns out the cowboy is Jud Dawson and he is going to the Logan's too.
Fiona snatches looks at Jud and Jud is taken by the redhead. He is friendly but not over the top and gives her the sense of someone who is one of the good guys... one of the real men out there...
The shock for both is he is living right across the hallway where Fiona's old room is. Temptation be thy name. Both are careful to keep a distance and the families sit down to dinner and catch up.
Much is made about Fiona's coming back... she is received in open arms. Work is there for her at the family convenience store with her mom and before she knows it, she is in the swing of things. Her mom needs the accounts looked after; so does one of her sister's store and then another friend wants help too. Fiona starts to do accounting when not at the front of the store.
Now with all of this happening, Jud is in the mix. This is a man who worked hard all his life and has finally got his dream... working with his family out on the Lucky Penny Ranch. Ironic name as supposedly it has never been lucky for any of its owners. But the fellas have been determined to make it a go and so far they are halfway there.
This story takes a few things and makes them sweet and endearing. We have a type of courtship happening between Jud and Fiona without them truly being conscious of it... with late night talks on the landing between their rooms. They have all the chemistry brewing and the conflict is she doesn't think she will stay and he is looking to do a real relationship. That is what he wants...what his brothers have.
This couple is cute...sweet and are drawn to each other big time...it is expressed in a homey way as well as the entire book is... lots of phrasing and ole time feels. There are some sexy times but nothing seriously graphic.
The secondary story line is the redemption of the closed minded, cranky couple of the town. Jud works his magic and brings this codger along...and by Christmas, changes might be in the works.
This is a sweet series with lots of heart. Ole time religion and small town love...and lots of Texas.
Hot Cowboy Nights (Lucky Penny Ranch, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 27, 2016
Fiona is back home in Dry Creek, Texas, not really by choice, but because she had nowhere else to go. After a failed marriage that got her blacklisted in her line of work, and losing her job at a coffee house, she barely had enough funds to get her back home. However, being back feels more right than Fiona would’ve expected. Could it be that Dry Creek is where she’s meant to end up after all? That sexy cowboy, Jud Dawson, staying across the hall from her in the family house is sure an incentive to stay, but will she miss the big city life if she settles down?
Jud Dawson has finally made his way out to Lucky Penny Ranch after buying into it with his cousins Blake and Toby. Bunking at the Logan family house while working on the ranch turns out to be a sweeter prospect when Fiona Logan comes back home. Jud is looking to plant roots at Lucky Penny, making a place for the Dawson’s generations to come. Could Fiona be the woman to help all those dreams come true?
While it seemed that Fiona wasn’t too keen on settling in (at first), the heat and passion between Jud and her made it real evident Fiona was going to think twice about leaving. What is a high-powered job and big fancy city when you have no one you love to come home to?
It was fun catching up with Fiona’s sisters, Allie and Lizzy, now married to Blake and Toby Dawson, and the Dry Creek town folk. Some of the characters who’ve caused trouble in the past have a turn of fortune, and the Logan’s and Dawson’s show their big hearts by setting grudges aside and helping out.
Carolyn Brown's romances are always filled with sexy cowboys, strong families, and laugh-out-loud humor! Jud and Fiona’s romance was at the center of the story, but this was also about family and friends rallying together, enjoying the holidays, and making amends. It will make you crave turkey, pies, biscuits and gravy, old-fashioned Christmas cookies, and hot-chocolate! The food sounded delicious, and now I’m hungry all over again thinking about it! Merry Cowboy Christmas is an easygoing, warm-your-heart kind of romance, a perfect read for a cold winter night!
A copy of Merry Cowboy Christmas was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jud Dawson has finally made his way out to Lucky Penny Ranch after buying into it with his cousins Blake and Toby. Bunking at the Logan family house while working on the ranch turns out to be a sweeter prospect when Fiona Logan comes back home. Jud is looking to plant roots at Lucky Penny, making a place for the Dawson’s generations to come. Could Fiona be the woman to help all those dreams come true?
While it seemed that Fiona wasn’t too keen on settling in (at first), the heat and passion between Jud and her made it real evident Fiona was going to think twice about leaving. What is a high-powered job and big fancy city when you have no one you love to come home to?
It was fun catching up with Fiona’s sisters, Allie and Lizzy, now married to Blake and Toby Dawson, and the Dry Creek town folk. Some of the characters who’ve caused trouble in the past have a turn of fortune, and the Logan’s and Dawson’s show their big hearts by setting grudges aside and helping out.
Carolyn Brown's romances are always filled with sexy cowboys, strong families, and laugh-out-loud humor! Jud and Fiona’s romance was at the center of the story, but this was also about family and friends rallying together, enjoying the holidays, and making amends. It will make you crave turkey, pies, biscuits and gravy, old-fashioned Christmas cookies, and hot-chocolate! The food sounded delicious, and now I’m hungry all over again thinking about it! Merry Cowboy Christmas is an easygoing, warm-your-heart kind of romance, a perfect read for a cold winter night!
A copy of Merry Cowboy Christmas was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
To begin with, I mistakenly picked this book up thinking it was a continuation of another lovely cowboy series by Carolyn Brown. While I might have been disappointed that I picked up the wrong book at a charity book sale, it was still a real joy picking up ANOTHER series by Carolyn Brown! This book itself is not a disappoint my any means!
I love ooey gooey romances especially with cowboys and Christmas. Who doesn't love a good Christmas story?! Especially in Summer (which is when I initially read this book). I wanted something light, fun and cute and this book fit the bill! Lucky me!
These love stories are PG-13 with a dash of sex. It's not erotica, but it does have about half of page of sexiness. It's your typical romance stories with lots of fluff, lots of cute comments and happy endings! There's no cliffhangers and no nasty drama!
In this book, Fiona and Jud are our leads. Fiona ran far away from home to be a career woman and her marriage didn't work out. So here she is, back at home during Christmas time, and she runs into Jud. He helps her out during a little car accident and they find out that both of them are staying together in the same house! They end up spending the Christmas season together with Fiona's family, Jud's family and lots of friendly neighbors!
Fiona and Jud have a lovely friendship that develops into one steamy romance! Their ending is also one for the romance books, but what more can you expect from Carolyn Brown?
I felt like this book was just long enough and had just enough romance and action. The drama was sweet, the family moments were lovely and it was everything I could have wanted. I can't find much wrong with it other than the fact that I messed up reading the wrong series! I would have loved to start at book one so I felt more connected with the rest of the family. That being said, you don't need to read the rest of the series to pick this book up. It's an easy read that you can jump into. Carolyn fills in all of the background information that you need.
I'd highly recommend this book to my romance lovers out there! This book is sweet and easy to read! It's packed full of a lovely family and community that makes me yearn to move to Lucky Penny Ranch myself. Despite being almost three hundred pages, the book was so addicting and I flew through it super quickly.
Overall, super cute and super fluffy! I need more books like this in my life right now!
Five out of five stars!
P.S. I picked this book up at a charity book sale and I'm kind of curious how a book that isn't reviewed much on Goodreads is in my small hometown. It was very shocking to find Carolyn's book and I am PUMPED that I found a few of them! I guess someone in my city has good tastes!
I love ooey gooey romances especially with cowboys and Christmas. Who doesn't love a good Christmas story?! Especially in Summer (which is when I initially read this book). I wanted something light, fun and cute and this book fit the bill! Lucky me!
These love stories are PG-13 with a dash of sex. It's not erotica, but it does have about half of page of sexiness. It's your typical romance stories with lots of fluff, lots of cute comments and happy endings! There's no cliffhangers and no nasty drama!
In this book, Fiona and Jud are our leads. Fiona ran far away from home to be a career woman and her marriage didn't work out. So here she is, back at home during Christmas time, and she runs into Jud. He helps her out during a little car accident and they find out that both of them are staying together in the same house! They end up spending the Christmas season together with Fiona's family, Jud's family and lots of friendly neighbors!
Fiona and Jud have a lovely friendship that develops into one steamy romance! Their ending is also one for the romance books, but what more can you expect from Carolyn Brown?
I felt like this book was just long enough and had just enough romance and action. The drama was sweet, the family moments were lovely and it was everything I could have wanted. I can't find much wrong with it other than the fact that I messed up reading the wrong series! I would have loved to start at book one so I felt more connected with the rest of the family. That being said, you don't need to read the rest of the series to pick this book up. It's an easy read that you can jump into. Carolyn fills in all of the background information that you need.
I'd highly recommend this book to my romance lovers out there! This book is sweet and easy to read! It's packed full of a lovely family and community that makes me yearn to move to Lucky Penny Ranch myself. Despite being almost three hundred pages, the book was so addicting and I flew through it super quickly.
Overall, super cute and super fluffy! I need more books like this in my life right now!
Five out of five stars!
P.S. I picked this book up at a charity book sale and I'm kind of curious how a book that isn't reviewed much on Goodreads is in my small hometown. It was very shocking to find Carolyn's book and I am PUMPED that I found a few of them! I guess someone in my city has good tastes!
September 27, 2016
I was first drawn to Brown's Lucky Penny Ranch series because of the cowboys but once I was hooked I was hooked. I love that Brown not only brought sisters back together but also had them fall for family members.
Fiona is down on her luck, she is newly divorced and doesn't have much money left so home is the only option. When her truck slides off the road only a few miles from home she can't believe her luck that Jud is right behind her and low and behold they are headed to the same place. Fiona knows she will finally have to come clean with the truth of why she is back but she knows she isn't staying for good.
I just adore holiday books and Brown does it right adding in the right amount of Christmas cheer along side the romance was just perfection. As this family grows and bonds all over again so does Jud and Fiona, of course Fiona wasn't want to put down roots here but the more time she spends with Jud the more she sees that just maybe this is where she was meant to be all along.
One of my favorite parts about this book were the chats the Jud and Fiona had at night while bonding over midnight snacks or drinks. These two had so much in common I couldn't help but love them and root for them to become a couple.
I loved touching base with the previous couples and Learning more about Jud. His sister is mentioned a few times in this one so I have a feeling her book is next and with Deke!! I'm already counting down until that book is out in January.
Merry Cowboy Christmas was a sweet holiday novel just in time for the holiday season upon. It's filled with decorations, cookie back and a romance that is delightful. Each story in this series could be read as a standalone but starting from the beginning is way more fun!
Fiona is down on her luck, she is newly divorced and doesn't have much money left so home is the only option. When her truck slides off the road only a few miles from home she can't believe her luck that Jud is right behind her and low and behold they are headed to the same place. Fiona knows she will finally have to come clean with the truth of why she is back but she knows she isn't staying for good.
I just adore holiday books and Brown does it right adding in the right amount of Christmas cheer along side the romance was just perfection. As this family grows and bonds all over again so does Jud and Fiona, of course Fiona wasn't want to put down roots here but the more time she spends with Jud the more she sees that just maybe this is where she was meant to be all along.
One of my favorite parts about this book were the chats the Jud and Fiona had at night while bonding over midnight snacks or drinks. These two had so much in common I couldn't help but love them and root for them to become a couple.
I loved touching base with the previous couples and Learning more about Jud. His sister is mentioned a few times in this one so I have a feeling her book is next and with Deke!! I'm already counting down until that book is out in January.
Merry Cowboy Christmas was a sweet holiday novel just in time for the holiday season upon. It's filled with decorations, cookie back and a romance that is delightful. Each story in this series could be read as a standalone but starting from the beginning is way more fun!
September 29, 2016
Sweet, small town life… with cowboys!
I love this sweet, down home series centered hearth and family. This is the third in the series and sister Fiona is back at Audrey’s Place, not by choice but circumstances, determined to regroup and reconnect with her family before moving on again. She wasn’t expecting Jud, almost family but 100% male and cowboy strong…
“She didn’t have to be anyone but herself; no airs, no changing from who she was who she could or should be – in essence, no bullshit.”
The Logan and Dawson clans have merged not once but twice but Fiona was determined to resist Jud’s appeal, even if that was very hard to do. He was her white knight but he was also funny and sexy (oh my goodness, so so sexy!) and fit with her family, and her, like it was meant to be. That was the last thing she wanted though as Jud was all about putting down roots and Fiona’s life had always been about the next adventure. Maybe this was the best adventure yet?
“These old beds have squeaky springs.”
“I wouldn’t worry about her hearing the springs nearly as much as hearing your screams…”
Set at Christmas time, I think this was the best season to showcase how this series is all about family and love, and caring for others. There was Scrooge and a dose of the holidays that made me yearn for December already. Low key and with the quietest ending ever this was a warm and gentle visit to a quieter pace of life. I think Deke may shake it up in the next instalment to the series and I am looking forward to it! ~ Diane, 4 stars
~~~
You make me so damned hot that I can feel the blaze and I'm still willing to walk right into the fire to have you."
I truly am a sucker for cowboys, and I'm also something of a sucker for the men of the Lucky Penny Ranch. It's a series I keep coming back to, because, despite its imperfections, it's altogether charming, sexy and enjoyable—and that's what I love about romance.
This time around, it's Blake and Toby's cousin, Jud getting entangled with Allie and Lizzy's sister, Fiona. It's always lovely to see the family connections that the Logan girls and Dawson boys have, and checking in with the previous two couples from this series made me enjoy this one all the more.
Perhaps a little on the corny side, Merry Cowboy Christmas delivers a message about loving despite faults, and that planting roots doesn't have to mean being rooted to one way of being. It's a strong message, and a sweet one; a message that, despite a few overly 'perfect' moments that made me frown just a little, is delivered in a warm way, and wrapped up in a friends-to-lovers style romance that showcases both Jud's tender but alpha heart and Fiona's battle to reconcile her wanderlust with her love of home.
If you're looking for a Christmas-y read that's high on small-town life—and the good and bad aspects therein—and low on angst, this is a good place to start. And if you, like me, are a sucker for a swoony, sexy cowboy, then Merry Cowboy Christmas is a GREAT place to start. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
I love this sweet, down home series centered hearth and family. This is the third in the series and sister Fiona is back at Audrey’s Place, not by choice but circumstances, determined to regroup and reconnect with her family before moving on again. She wasn’t expecting Jud, almost family but 100% male and cowboy strong…
“She didn’t have to be anyone but herself; no airs, no changing from who she was who she could or should be – in essence, no bullshit.”
The Logan and Dawson clans have merged not once but twice but Fiona was determined to resist Jud’s appeal, even if that was very hard to do. He was her white knight but he was also funny and sexy (oh my goodness, so so sexy!) and fit with her family, and her, like it was meant to be. That was the last thing she wanted though as Jud was all about putting down roots and Fiona’s life had always been about the next adventure. Maybe this was the best adventure yet?
“These old beds have squeaky springs.”
“I wouldn’t worry about her hearing the springs nearly as much as hearing your screams…”
Set at Christmas time, I think this was the best season to showcase how this series is all about family and love, and caring for others. There was Scrooge and a dose of the holidays that made me yearn for December already. Low key and with the quietest ending ever this was a warm and gentle visit to a quieter pace of life. I think Deke may shake it up in the next instalment to the series and I am looking forward to it! ~ Diane, 4 stars
~~~
You make me so damned hot that I can feel the blaze and I'm still willing to walk right into the fire to have you."
I truly am a sucker for cowboys, and I'm also something of a sucker for the men of the Lucky Penny Ranch. It's a series I keep coming back to, because, despite its imperfections, it's altogether charming, sexy and enjoyable—and that's what I love about romance.
This time around, it's Blake and Toby's cousin, Jud getting entangled with Allie and Lizzy's sister, Fiona. It's always lovely to see the family connections that the Logan girls and Dawson boys have, and checking in with the previous two couples from this series made me enjoy this one all the more.
Perhaps a little on the corny side, Merry Cowboy Christmas delivers a message about loving despite faults, and that planting roots doesn't have to mean being rooted to one way of being. It's a strong message, and a sweet one; a message that, despite a few overly 'perfect' moments that made me frown just a little, is delivered in a warm way, and wrapped up in a friends-to-lovers style romance that showcases both Jud's tender but alpha heart and Fiona's battle to reconcile her wanderlust with her love of home.
If you're looking for a Christmas-y read that's high on small-town life—and the good and bad aspects therein—and low on angst, this is a good place to start. And if you, like me, are a sucker for a swoony, sexy cowboy, then Merry Cowboy Christmas is a GREAT place to start. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
November 22, 2016
Gotta love those cowboys when their hearts are all aflutter! Where can you find a hot looking cowboy with a big heart clearly displayed on his sleeve, the patience of a saint, the fortitude to take on the town Grinch and the warmth of a sunny day when held in his big arms? Why in one of Carolyn Brown’s Christmas romances, of course! MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS is a Christmas romance junkie’s dream as one young woman comes home to gather her wits and lick her wounds from a disastrous marriage and life in the big city.
Fiona hadn’t planned on staying in town, too small, too many people know your business, your past, and well, your entire life. She also hadn’t planned on Jud Dawson lassoing her heart and turning her world upside down with his warmth and charm, either. It was his friendship that really did it though and his sincere willingness to be a sounding board that had her rethinking her plans, of course, it would be nonsense to think she could fall in love again, so easily, right?
Jud was a goner for the fiery Fiona, but he had to tread very carefully or he knew he would spook her and this filly would go running right out of town. Meanwhile, he is able to soften the crustiest old man around with a plan to break down the walls of his family’s biggest naysayer in town. Can you say, do you have any more family like you?
Carolyn Brown has created a sweet and lovely romance just in time to celebrate Christmas, miracles and love. Admit it, we all will sneak in a little Holiday Happiness, even if we don’t admit it! Ms. Brown has taken a small and gossipy town, a devastating fire, the love shared in a family and created the spirit of Christmas sprinkled with love, passion and some pretty cute moments…yes, cute….trust me! A delightful read to sweeten and warm up your reading pile like marshmallows in hot chocolate!
I received this copy from Forever in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Lucky Penny Ranch - Book 3
Publisher: Forever (September 27, 2016)
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Fiona hadn’t planned on staying in town, too small, too many people know your business, your past, and well, your entire life. She also hadn’t planned on Jud Dawson lassoing her heart and turning her world upside down with his warmth and charm, either. It was his friendship that really did it though and his sincere willingness to be a sounding board that had her rethinking her plans, of course, it would be nonsense to think she could fall in love again, so easily, right?
Jud was a goner for the fiery Fiona, but he had to tread very carefully or he knew he would spook her and this filly would go running right out of town. Meanwhile, he is able to soften the crustiest old man around with a plan to break down the walls of his family’s biggest naysayer in town. Can you say, do you have any more family like you?
Carolyn Brown has created a sweet and lovely romance just in time to celebrate Christmas, miracles and love. Admit it, we all will sneak in a little Holiday Happiness, even if we don’t admit it! Ms. Brown has taken a small and gossipy town, a devastating fire, the love shared in a family and created the spirit of Christmas sprinkled with love, passion and some pretty cute moments…yes, cute….trust me! A delightful read to sweeten and warm up your reading pile like marshmallows in hot chocolate!
I received this copy from Forever in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Lucky Penny Ranch - Book 3
Publisher: Forever (September 27, 2016)
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 27, 2016
Review and Giveaway originally posted at
All Books Considered: 3 STARS
I'm not quite in the holiday mood yet but I couldn't resist requesting and reading the latest cowboy holiday romance from Carolyn Brown after loving other books in this series. While I didn't love this one as much as the first two books, it was still really cute and the setting can't be beat! Fiona returns to her family home in rural Texas for the holidays after striking out in the big city. At home, she meets her brother-in-law's cousin, Jud (so I kind of hate this name) who's just moved to town to help his cousins run the Lucky Penny Ranch. Jud is immediately just a great guy and totally over the moon for Fiona so you are rooting for them to happen. He is nice to everyone and goes out of his way to be helpful. And while their romance did move a little fast, it also felt right in its way. There were a lot of holiday parties and messages, which I think it normal for a holiday romance, but Texas style. My only criticism was not quite understanding Fiona's constant desire to fly the coop (like she originally did when she left rural Texas for Dallas when she was 18). This is a big part of the conflict in this book and it just didn't seem fully realized. Regardless, this was still a fun and fast holiday romance!
Although I liked the second book in this series more than this one, I always love a good holiday romance; this can also definitely be read as a standalone. Two of my absolute favorite cowboy holiday romances are A Bramble House Christmas and Snowbound in Montana, both by C.J. Carmichael. Merry Cowboy Christmas comes out TODAY, September 27, 2016.
I'm not quite in the holiday mood yet but I couldn't resist requesting and reading the latest cowboy holiday romance from Carolyn Brown after loving other books in this series. While I didn't love this one as much as the first two books, it was still really cute and the setting can't be beat! Fiona returns to her family home in rural Texas for the holidays after striking out in the big city. At home, she meets her brother-in-law's cousin, Jud (so I kind of hate this name) who's just moved to town to help his cousins run the Lucky Penny Ranch. Jud is immediately just a great guy and totally over the moon for Fiona so you are rooting for them to happen. He is nice to everyone and goes out of his way to be helpful. And while their romance did move a little fast, it also felt right in its way. There were a lot of holiday parties and messages, which I think it normal for a holiday romance, but Texas style. My only criticism was not quite understanding Fiona's constant desire to fly the coop (like she originally did when she left rural Texas for Dallas when she was 18). This is a big part of the conflict in this book and it just didn't seem fully realized. Regardless, this was still a fun and fast holiday romance!
Although I liked the second book in this series more than this one, I always love a good holiday romance; this can also definitely be read as a standalone. Two of my absolute favorite cowboy holiday romances are A Bramble House Christmas and Snowbound in Montana, both by C.J. Carmichael. Merry Cowboy Christmas comes out TODAY, September 27, 2016.
Every fiber in her body wanted the kiss. Every bit of her brain said that she should take two steps back. She listened to the loudest inner voice and moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue.
December 8, 2016
As stated before, Carolyn Brown is new to me and I have to say that I enjoyed this sweet-ish small town, country Christmas book. I tend to like stories were someone leaves because they want to get away from the country and into the big city but they eventually realize how much they miss what they left behind. That's exactly what happened to Fiona. She went back home with her tail tucked between her legs and swore to herself that she would get back out. However, the small town had other plans for her.
Of course I liked the cowboy part in Jud. His manners are on point and he's the sweetest guy out there. Except when he tells, Fiona exactly what he wants to do with her. Then it's just hot. I like how close he is to Fiona's family and just how much of a role he plays in everyone's lives.
The one thing that bothered me was just how many people there were. I feel like it is a small town but they were all brought up in the book at some point so there were times that I felt like I was a little lost in trying to keep up with everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Sweet cowboy wins over the city seeking girl and brings her back home to the roots where she belongs.
Review will be posted as a collective review with 4 other books via Forever Romance
*Copy kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Of course I liked the cowboy part in Jud. His manners are on point and he's the sweetest guy out there. Except when he tells, Fiona exactly what he wants to do with her. Then it's just hot. I like how close he is to Fiona's family and just how much of a role he plays in everyone's lives.
The one thing that bothered me was just how many people there were. I feel like it is a small town but they were all brought up in the book at some point so there were times that I felt like I was a little lost in trying to keep up with everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Sweet cowboy wins over the city seeking girl and brings her back home to the roots where she belongs.
Review will be posted as a collective review with 4 other books via Forever Romance
*Copy kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I have read this author from time to time but I was browsing some holiday titles and I stumbled across the cover, and was like "GIMME" and then I read the blurb and I knew that I needed this book in my life. I started listening to this book and pretty quickly I knew that this would a book I would be having a fun time with and I was SO RIGHT. This book was hilarious and charming and full of small town goodness I always get a kick out of in a well written small town romance. This is the third book in the series though, so there could be a question on whether or not you would want to wait until you read the first two books. However, I didn't need to read the previous books to enjoy this one and I definitely did. There were many things that I loved, first off, this is the perfect book to read for Christmas. We see it go from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas, and seeing the traditions of Christmas, decorating, baking goodies, and planning Christmas parties and turning a mean old Scrooge into Santa Claus. Its a truly festive read that gives you all the feels.
And now onto the romance, *sigh* aww this love story was so enchanting and I truly adored seeing these two come together, and learn what it means to love and find yourself. We see what great people they are at the core, and especially the heroine we see go on her journey of finding her true self and seeing what really matters in life. The dynamics of their relationship from beginning to end proved pretty interesting. At first a fling, because the heroine plans on leaving home eventually, but then the heart gets in the way but she also has to resolve some issues she has about herself before she can truly find happiness and it was really illuminating seeing her come to this conclusion. The hero is so steady and sure of himself and what he wants, hardworking and a good heart and definitely book boyfriend material for sure.
I have read this author from time to time but I was browsing some holiday titles and I stumbled across the cover, and was like "GIMME" and then I read the blurb and I knew that I needed this book in my life. I started listening to this book and pretty quickly I knew that this would a book I would be having a fun time with and I was SO RIGHT. This book was hilarious and charming and full of small town goodness I always get a kick out of in a well written small town romance. This is the third book in the series though, so there could be a question on whether or not you would want to wait until you read the first two books. However, I didn't need to read the previous books to enjoy this one and I definitely did. There were many things that I loved, first off, this is the perfect book to read for Christmas. We see it go from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas, and seeing the traditions of Christmas, decorating, baking goodies, and planning Christmas parties and turning a mean old Scrooge into Santa Claus. Its a truly festive read that gives you all the feels.
And now onto the romance, *sigh* aww this love story was so enchanting and I truly adored seeing these two come together, and learn what it means to love and find yourself. We see what great people they are at the core, and especially the heroine we see go on her journey of finding her true self and seeing what really matters in life. The dynamics of their relationship from beginning to end proved pretty interesting. At first a fling, because the heroine plans on leaving home eventually, but then the heart gets in the way but she also has to resolve some issues she has about herself before she can truly find happiness and it was really illuminating seeing her come to this conclusion. The hero is so steady and sure of himself and what he wants, hardworking and a good heart and definitely book boyfriend material for sure.
August 27, 2016
You can not go wrong with Carolyn Brown's cowboy books. Sassy heroines, good food, great small town, and cowboys looking for love. All wrapped up in a sweet package.
It works perfectly as a stand alone, even if it is book 3, and yes the couples from before are in it, and friends and family. But this is Judd and Fiona's romance after all.
Fiona is the last Logan sister and she comes home after her failed marriage. She is the one who does not want to stay in this small town.
Jud is the last Lucky Penny owner to arrive, the lucky one. But oh oh, they must share the house together!
Aww sweet romance. They do like each other from the start, as friends that is. And it grows into more. The real question is can he make her stay?
And during the sweetness of it all, we have some passion too, friends and family coming by, and a certain couple from the last book that made me soo mad! But it is time for redemption. Everyone can change, and it felt believable.
Sweet and now I want it to be Christmas and I would love to spend it with these folks.
It works perfectly as a stand alone, even if it is book 3, and yes the couples from before are in it, and friends and family. But this is Judd and Fiona's romance after all.
Fiona is the last Logan sister and she comes home after her failed marriage. She is the one who does not want to stay in this small town.
Jud is the last Lucky Penny owner to arrive, the lucky one. But oh oh, they must share the house together!
Aww sweet romance. They do like each other from the start, as friends that is. And it grows into more. The real question is can he make her stay?
And during the sweetness of it all, we have some passion too, friends and family coming by, and a certain couple from the last book that made me soo mad! But it is time for redemption. Everyone can change, and it felt believable.
Sweet and now I want it to be Christmas and I would love to spend it with these folks.
September 8, 2016
Four stars: A cup of Christmas cheer with a dollop of romance for sweetness.
Fiona Logan can't believe her bad luck, her rusty truck slid off the road just a couple of miles from home into a barbed wire fence. Luckily, Jud Dawson just happens to be on the same road headed to the same place, so he offers her a ride. Fiona dreads telling her family the truth about her failed marriage and how she has struggled over the last year, but she has no other choice. Nearly penniless and jobless, Fiona is forced to return home to the place she never wanted to live again. Once she settles in, Fiona sees how happy her two sisters, Allie and Lizzy, are since they married the handsome Dawson brothers, but Fiona knows that marriage isn't for her, not after her last one, plus she only intends to stay in Dry Creek until she is on her feet, and then she will leave again. However, Jud Dawson and the holiday season might just change her mind. Will Fiona give up her wings and put down some roots?
What I Liked:
*If you want a lovely holiday book with plenty of good feels, holiday cheer and sweet romance, this is definitely the book you want to add to your holiday, feel good reading list. I couldn't help but to get lost in the story as I snuggled in with the gang from Lucky Penny. This featured all that I love about the holidays: family, giving to others, love and comfort. Don't miss this one.
*I think Fiona and Jud were my favorite couple in the Lucky Penny Series. Fiona isn't as feisty as her sisters, but she is still determined and strong. I could totally relate to her not wanting to get stuck in her home town. Jud was kind and considerate and not as devilish as his two cousins. I enjoyed watching these two form a friendship, and I especially liked their late night chats as they roomed across the hall from each other. I liked that this was a simple, straightforward, feel good romance.
*Who doesn't love a holiday book with plenty of holiday cheer? I know I do, and this one delivered. There was lots of Christmas baking, decorating, parties and plenty of Christmas music. I loved the down home, feel good tone of this one.
*The highlight for me was the story line surrounding Dora June and her husband, Truman. The two of them have caused plenty of grief for Fiona's sisters Ali and Lizzy in the previous books, but in this book something happens to them that changes their circumstances. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil it, but I will say that I loved the Scrooge transformation. Watching these two old folks have a change of heart made me smile.
*This is the third book in the Lucky Penny Series, but it is a companion novel. Each book features a different couple so you can jump in and read this for the holidays with no problems and then go back and catch up. You get a complete stand alone story with each book.
And The Not So Much:
*I have had the same niggle with each book in this series, and the one thing that has bothered me is the whirlwind romances. Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance, but I think all three have gone a bit too fast. A month isn't enough time for me. I was so wanting Fiona and Jud to take it slow, and I thought that was going to be the case. It just doesn't seem to realistic to me for a couple to meet, fall in love and marry within a month. Everything else about the romance is wonderful, so don't hesitate to read this.
*I felt like I got quite a bit of Ali and Blake, but I didn't really feel like Lizzy and Toby were in this one enough. I was hoping to get more caught up on them. Not a big deal, just a personal longing.
*I was also hoping to get more closure with Myra, she had a small role at the end of the second book, and I so what to know what happened to her.
Merry Cowboy Christmas is a delightful book perfect for the holiday season. I loved the charming, small town setting with all the baked goodies, Christmas decor, Christmas music and holiday cheer. This one features a sweet romance as well as a fun Scrooge transformation. This one put a smile on my face, and it is one I think you won't want to miss this holiday season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Fiona Logan can't believe her bad luck, her rusty truck slid off the road just a couple of miles from home into a barbed wire fence. Luckily, Jud Dawson just happens to be on the same road headed to the same place, so he offers her a ride. Fiona dreads telling her family the truth about her failed marriage and how she has struggled over the last year, but she has no other choice. Nearly penniless and jobless, Fiona is forced to return home to the place she never wanted to live again. Once she settles in, Fiona sees how happy her two sisters, Allie and Lizzy, are since they married the handsome Dawson brothers, but Fiona knows that marriage isn't for her, not after her last one, plus she only intends to stay in Dry Creek until she is on her feet, and then she will leave again. However, Jud Dawson and the holiday season might just change her mind. Will Fiona give up her wings and put down some roots?
What I Liked:
*If you want a lovely holiday book with plenty of good feels, holiday cheer and sweet romance, this is definitely the book you want to add to your holiday, feel good reading list. I couldn't help but to get lost in the story as I snuggled in with the gang from Lucky Penny. This featured all that I love about the holidays: family, giving to others, love and comfort. Don't miss this one.
*I think Fiona and Jud were my favorite couple in the Lucky Penny Series. Fiona isn't as feisty as her sisters, but she is still determined and strong. I could totally relate to her not wanting to get stuck in her home town. Jud was kind and considerate and not as devilish as his two cousins. I enjoyed watching these two form a friendship, and I especially liked their late night chats as they roomed across the hall from each other. I liked that this was a simple, straightforward, feel good romance.
*Who doesn't love a holiday book with plenty of holiday cheer? I know I do, and this one delivered. There was lots of Christmas baking, decorating, parties and plenty of Christmas music. I loved the down home, feel good tone of this one.
*The highlight for me was the story line surrounding Dora June and her husband, Truman. The two of them have caused plenty of grief for Fiona's sisters Ali and Lizzy in the previous books, but in this book something happens to them that changes their circumstances. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil it, but I will say that I loved the Scrooge transformation. Watching these two old folks have a change of heart made me smile.
*This is the third book in the Lucky Penny Series, but it is a companion novel. Each book features a different couple so you can jump in and read this for the holidays with no problems and then go back and catch up. You get a complete stand alone story with each book.
And The Not So Much:
*I have had the same niggle with each book in this series, and the one thing that has bothered me is the whirlwind romances. Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance, but I think all three have gone a bit too fast. A month isn't enough time for me. I was so wanting Fiona and Jud to take it slow, and I thought that was going to be the case. It just doesn't seem to realistic to me for a couple to meet, fall in love and marry within a month. Everything else about the romance is wonderful, so don't hesitate to read this.
*I felt like I got quite a bit of Ali and Blake, but I didn't really feel like Lizzy and Toby were in this one enough. I was hoping to get more caught up on them. Not a big deal, just a personal longing.
*I was also hoping to get more closure with Myra, she had a small role at the end of the second book, and I so what to know what happened to her.
Merry Cowboy Christmas is a delightful book perfect for the holiday season. I loved the charming, small town setting with all the baked goodies, Christmas decor, Christmas music and holiday cheer. This one features a sweet romance as well as a fun Scrooge transformation. This one put a smile on my face, and it is one I think you won't want to miss this holiday season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
August 29, 2016
I have been just a bit sad each time I finished a book in this series...I'd come to truly enjoy the characters and this third book in the Lucky Penny series is no different. It brings together Jud and Fiona in true Carolyn Brown fashion...with heart, love, touching romance, a lot of humor, enjoyable story telling and a HEA. I can also count on Ms Brown to sweep me away with her style of creating a solid emotional attachment to her characters...past and present.
Ms Brown really has a gift for creating her characters with personalities that are totally unique...I especially enjoyed Jud quick wit and wry humor...he had me chuckling out loud on more than one occasion. And who knew Truman could spout such words of wisdom, and make you laugh at the same time.
Where so many authors use graphic, erotic sexual encounters between characters in their stories, Ms Brown simply uses the imagery in the power of suggestion to garner the emotional investment that pulls at the heartstrings and drives the relationships between her characters.
It was wonderful to see Truman and Dora June brought into a totally different light...after the first books in the series, I'd pretty much detested their treatment of the Logan's including Katy. But now, seeing that possibly they both had been misunderstood and only needed the "Love thy neighbor" philosophy that Katy made the girls adhere to...Truman and Dora June were actually pretty humorous. Loved what said Truman said after being frustrated with Dora June about running Christmas lights during the day, "Women! Can’t figure them out and it’s against the law to shoot ’em.”
I'm now looking forward to Deke's story up next and hopefully finding out if Jud is really the lucky cousin everyone says he is and whether or not he actually strikes oil on the Lucky Penny.
Ms Brown really has a gift for creating her characters with personalities that are totally unique...I especially enjoyed Jud quick wit and wry humor...he had me chuckling out loud on more than one occasion. And who knew Truman could spout such words of wisdom, and make you laugh at the same time.
Where so many authors use graphic, erotic sexual encounters between characters in their stories, Ms Brown simply uses the imagery in the power of suggestion to garner the emotional investment that pulls at the heartstrings and drives the relationships between her characters.
It was wonderful to see Truman and Dora June brought into a totally different light...after the first books in the series, I'd pretty much detested their treatment of the Logan's including Katy. But now, seeing that possibly they both had been misunderstood and only needed the "Love thy neighbor" philosophy that Katy made the girls adhere to...Truman and Dora June were actually pretty humorous. Loved what said Truman said after being frustrated with Dora June about running Christmas lights during the day, "Women! Can’t figure them out and it’s against the law to shoot ’em.”
I'm now looking forward to Deke's story up next and hopefully finding out if Jud is really the lucky cousin everyone says he is and whether or not he actually strikes oil on the Lucky Penny.
October 3, 2016
It is unbelievable to me that Carolyn Brown has only been writing books for 19 years. Of the 80 books she has already published, I've read almost all. Brown's ability to have me exploding with laughter is only overshadowed by her ability to have me in tears at so many tender moments. She is able to draw you into the life of the characters and will have you rooting for the couple very quickly. I especially love her ability to portray senior citizens. She writes some of the feistiest seniors and though they are secondary only, they are totally fleshed out. I would love to see her do a novel where the two main characters were seniors having a second chance at love.
I always look forward to the release of a new Carolyn Brown novel as I know we'll be introduced to another awesome couple and get to watch them falling in love while one or both are kicking and screaming to stay single.
Fiona and Jud were an awesome couple. Jud was ready for marriage while Fiona was damn sure she neither belonged in a small town or with a cowboy. I love that this story takes place at Christmas and especially loved seeing Fiona's family Christmas traditions. As always Brown's small town setting feels so similar to my own. We too were a dry county until only recently and with a mostly Southern Baptist community, many people had to store their beer in an ice chest rather than their frig so as not to offend older family members. Simply said, this is another super read by Carolyn Brown and the only thing that makes it bearable to finish is knowing that she'll have another one waiting to be read in a few months. Thank goodness she is such a prolific writer and has many more HEAs to reward her readers with.
I always look forward to the release of a new Carolyn Brown novel as I know we'll be introduced to another awesome couple and get to watch them falling in love while one or both are kicking and screaming to stay single.
Fiona and Jud were an awesome couple. Jud was ready for marriage while Fiona was damn sure she neither belonged in a small town or with a cowboy. I love that this story takes place at Christmas and especially loved seeing Fiona's family Christmas traditions. As always Brown's small town setting feels so similar to my own. We too were a dry county until only recently and with a mostly Southern Baptist community, many people had to store their beer in an ice chest rather than their frig so as not to offend older family members. Simply said, this is another super read by Carolyn Brown and the only thing that makes it bearable to finish is knowing that she'll have another one waiting to be read in a few months. Thank goodness she is such a prolific writer and has many more HEAs to reward her readers with.
October 24, 2018
The tension in this book was driving me crazy in the best way. I just kept waiting and waiting for it to finally break. I wasn’t disappointed. Unfortunately, once that tension broke everything that came after felt rushed and really quick. I’m normally not a huge fan of drawing things out but in this case I think I actually craved a little more indecision and, yeah, just a little bit more drama.
October 14, 2017
Good book. The third in the series, this one is about Jud Dawson, cousin to Blake and Toby, and co-owner of the Lucky Penny Ranch. He is the last to move to the ranch as he had a previous job commitment to finish. He's looking forward to putting down roots and building a place for future generations of Dawsons. All he needs now is to find the right woman to have everything he wants. I really liked Jud. He's easygoing, sweet, and hardworking. I loved the way that he could see the fun in almost any situation.
Fiona is the third of the Logan sisters and the one who flew the nest the furthest. Now she is back in Dry Creek, but not entirely by her choice. She isn't looking forward to telling her family about her failed marriage and the loss of her career but after a year of barely making ends meet she is at the end of her rope. She has come home to regroup and reconnect with her family before looking for another job in a city. She is smart, sassy, and has a bit of that red-headed temper going for her.
I loved the development of their relationship. From the moment he and Fiona met, Jud was pretty much a goner. But instead of a full frontal assault, Jud takes things slowly. I loved seeing them develop a good friendship first. From late night talks over leftovers or cookies and milk to conspiring to rehabilitate the grouchy couple who created such trouble in the previous books, Jud and Fiona slowly get to know each other. I loved the way that Jud really understood Fiona. She has never felt like she really fit in her family or the town, but came to realize that the city wasn't right for her. With a little bit of experience under her belt, she discovers that home is much more important to her than she had thought. I loved watching her settle into life in Dry Creek. The relationship between Fiona and Jud also began to heat up, and both realized that there was something deeper growing between them. But when Fiona is offered the chance to go back to the city, she has a decision to make. Give up her new life in Dry Creek and fly away, or put down those roots she hadn't realized she wanted? I loved Jud's support of whatever decision she made and how it helped her see the truth. I loved the ending and how everything came together for them.
I loved seeing more of the previous couples and the scenes with baby Audrey were adorable. There was an interesting minor thread dealing with Jud's plans to look for oil on the Lucky Penny and the possible involvement of his sister Josie. It made a nice lead into the next book. But the most unexpected and fun was the big part that Truman and Dora June O'Dell played. The two of them had caused a lot of trouble in the previous books with their negative attitudes. In this book, their house burned down, and Fiona's mother invited Truman and Dora June to stay with them. The young people are horrified but obey Katy's "love your neighbor" directive. It doesn't take too long for them to see a different side to Dora June and I loved seeing her quickly make a place for herself. Truman was a harder nut to crack. It was hilarious to see Jud take him on as a project, and his methods were ingenious. The Santa Claus thing was a riot. Truman's Christmas gift to Dora June showed just how much he'd changed.
Fiona is the third of the Logan sisters and the one who flew the nest the furthest. Now she is back in Dry Creek, but not entirely by her choice. She isn't looking forward to telling her family about her failed marriage and the loss of her career but after a year of barely making ends meet she is at the end of her rope. She has come home to regroup and reconnect with her family before looking for another job in a city. She is smart, sassy, and has a bit of that red-headed temper going for her.
I loved the development of their relationship. From the moment he and Fiona met, Jud was pretty much a goner. But instead of a full frontal assault, Jud takes things slowly. I loved seeing them develop a good friendship first. From late night talks over leftovers or cookies and milk to conspiring to rehabilitate the grouchy couple who created such trouble in the previous books, Jud and Fiona slowly get to know each other. I loved the way that Jud really understood Fiona. She has never felt like she really fit in her family or the town, but came to realize that the city wasn't right for her. With a little bit of experience under her belt, she discovers that home is much more important to her than she had thought. I loved watching her settle into life in Dry Creek. The relationship between Fiona and Jud also began to heat up, and both realized that there was something deeper growing between them. But when Fiona is offered the chance to go back to the city, she has a decision to make. Give up her new life in Dry Creek and fly away, or put down those roots she hadn't realized she wanted? I loved Jud's support of whatever decision she made and how it helped her see the truth. I loved the ending and how everything came together for them.
I loved seeing more of the previous couples and the scenes with baby Audrey were adorable. There was an interesting minor thread dealing with Jud's plans to look for oil on the Lucky Penny and the possible involvement of his sister Josie. It made a nice lead into the next book. But the most unexpected and fun was the big part that Truman and Dora June O'Dell played. The two of them had caused a lot of trouble in the previous books with their negative attitudes. In this book, their house burned down, and Fiona's mother invited Truman and Dora June to stay with them. The young people are horrified but obey Katy's "love your neighbor" directive. It doesn't take too long for them to see a different side to Dora June and I loved seeing her quickly make a place for herself. Truman was a harder nut to crack. It was hilarious to see Jud take him on as a project, and his methods were ingenious. The Santa Claus thing was a riot. Truman's Christmas gift to Dora June showed just how much he'd changed.
November 15, 2016
A Crotchety Scrooge, a girl with a wandering foot, and one hot lucky cowboy take a 'love thy neighbor' sermon and turn it into an uproariously good time for the holidays in this latest of the Lucky Penny series.
The Lucky Penny Ranch series has been entertaining with two brothers marrying two sisters. Now, the third sister, Fiona Logan, the prodigal child returned home and Jud Dawson, the cousin have arrived in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The series works best in order, but each book could be read standalone in a pinch.
Fiona is determined to get her feet under her and flit out of town once again since she never has felt a connection like her two older sisters. They have talent and beauty, but are home bodies. Fiona had brains and fiery red-headed looks, but had ambitions to take the city by storm. A failed marriage and just pennies left in the bank when the coffee shop she was working in closed leads her to finally swallow her pride and come home. Time with her mother, sisters, and grandmother along with her sisters' husbands and the rest of the small town of friends leads her to seeing what she never realized before- she is cared about and fits with these people. Her marriage failed because she tried to be someone she's not and she failed to get that big city good paying job with a corporate business, but she still isn't sure that means coming back home is her best bet either. She needs a reason to stay and that reason is tall, goodlooking, and hardworking Jud Dawson.
Jud comes from a large family and has had prospects for working in the oil and gas industries or ranching. He wants to finally settle down so bought into a ranch with his cousins. He feels like a fifth wheel now that they are married by the time he arrives so he moves in to stay at the Logan's house. Not long after, he encounters the fiery and feisty Fiona Logan now home and looking for a restart. She's easy to talk to and they have a great deal of fun taking on the project of making Truman and Dora June O'Dell, the town characters, appreciate Christmas. Fiona's perfect for him, but she's not planning to stick around. Or is she?
Like others from this author, Merry Christmas Cowboy is light, humorous, and a bit on the sassy side. Things go along in a gentle manner with ranching, small town happenings and a romance blossoming on slow burn. This was one that was easy to know the outcome and just was a matter of the characters, namely Fiona, working it out. There's some sweet and spice going on with the romance, but all is rather low-angst and just heartwarming holiday fun.
I am now eager to get Deke's story and I'm pretty sure it's Jud's sister coming to town who might make that wild cowboy mend his ways.
All in all, I do love these for easy and engaging holiday romance reading and recommend them to contemporary romance fans of cowboys and fun.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The Lucky Penny Ranch series has been entertaining with two brothers marrying two sisters. Now, the third sister, Fiona Logan, the prodigal child returned home and Jud Dawson, the cousin have arrived in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The series works best in order, but each book could be read standalone in a pinch.
Fiona is determined to get her feet under her and flit out of town once again since she never has felt a connection like her two older sisters. They have talent and beauty, but are home bodies. Fiona had brains and fiery red-headed looks, but had ambitions to take the city by storm. A failed marriage and just pennies left in the bank when the coffee shop she was working in closed leads her to finally swallow her pride and come home. Time with her mother, sisters, and grandmother along with her sisters' husbands and the rest of the small town of friends leads her to seeing what she never realized before- she is cared about and fits with these people. Her marriage failed because she tried to be someone she's not and she failed to get that big city good paying job with a corporate business, but she still isn't sure that means coming back home is her best bet either. She needs a reason to stay and that reason is tall, goodlooking, and hardworking Jud Dawson.
Jud comes from a large family and has had prospects for working in the oil and gas industries or ranching. He wants to finally settle down so bought into a ranch with his cousins. He feels like a fifth wheel now that they are married by the time he arrives so he moves in to stay at the Logan's house. Not long after, he encounters the fiery and feisty Fiona Logan now home and looking for a restart. She's easy to talk to and they have a great deal of fun taking on the project of making Truman and Dora June O'Dell, the town characters, appreciate Christmas. Fiona's perfect for him, but she's not planning to stick around. Or is she?
Like others from this author, Merry Christmas Cowboy is light, humorous, and a bit on the sassy side. Things go along in a gentle manner with ranching, small town happenings and a romance blossoming on slow burn. This was one that was easy to know the outcome and just was a matter of the characters, namely Fiona, working it out. There's some sweet and spice going on with the romance, but all is rather low-angst and just heartwarming holiday fun.
I am now eager to get Deke's story and I'm pretty sure it's Jud's sister coming to town who might make that wild cowboy mend his ways.
All in all, I do love these for easy and engaging holiday romance reading and recommend them to contemporary romance fans of cowboys and fun.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2016
ARC REVIEW
Book three in the Lucky Penny Ranch novel is all about the big city accountant sister Fiona Logan and the delectable Jud Dawson. I like Carolyn Brown because she injects a humor into her characters she has a great narrative and her active setting well let me just say I was craving chicken and dumplings after she described Fiona making it. I love that even though their was an instant chemistry between Jud and Fiona they didn't immediately fall into bed with each other. They became friends first and that process was real sweet. I'm not one for overly Christian tones in a romance but the moral that was carried throughout the book, Love thy Neighbor, is something everybody needs to learn and keep in their minds and hearts. I love how that comes into play with the cantankerous Truman O'Dell and his overcritical wife Dora June and how that came about really made the book special.
Fiona didn't want to come back but she had no choice, jobs less and no place else to go she has to return to the one place she couldn't wait to leave. Determined only to stay a couple of months she doesn't want to get to comfortable but the cowboy in the room across the hall from her has her thinking twice about leaving again. Jud has been looking for a place to set his roots down, he wants what his cousins have and when he meets Fiona he knows he could have that with her, but Fiona was born with a wanderlust. Fiona has to find her way on her own but knowing that Jud is there for her and her sisters and mother she knows she'll find it.
Overall, the story with Truman and Dora June is a great one and I'm happy that things ended they way they did. It is a wonderful Christmas story, and love story.
Book three in the Lucky Penny Ranch novel is all about the big city accountant sister Fiona Logan and the delectable Jud Dawson. I like Carolyn Brown because she injects a humor into her characters she has a great narrative and her active setting well let me just say I was craving chicken and dumplings after she described Fiona making it. I love that even though their was an instant chemistry between Jud and Fiona they didn't immediately fall into bed with each other. They became friends first and that process was real sweet. I'm not one for overly Christian tones in a romance but the moral that was carried throughout the book, Love thy Neighbor, is something everybody needs to learn and keep in their minds and hearts. I love how that comes into play with the cantankerous Truman O'Dell and his overcritical wife Dora June and how that came about really made the book special.
Fiona didn't want to come back but she had no choice, jobs less and no place else to go she has to return to the one place she couldn't wait to leave. Determined only to stay a couple of months she doesn't want to get to comfortable but the cowboy in the room across the hall from her has her thinking twice about leaving again. Jud has been looking for a place to set his roots down, he wants what his cousins have and when he meets Fiona he knows he could have that with her, but Fiona was born with a wanderlust. Fiona has to find her way on her own but knowing that Jud is there for her and her sisters and mother she knows she'll find it.
Overall, the story with Truman and Dora June is a great one and I'm happy that things ended they way they did. It is a wonderful Christmas story, and love story.
September 24, 2016
ARC Review: Merry Cowboy Christmas (Lucky Penny Ranch) by Carolyn Brown
Ms. Brown exposes more of herself with each story she writes. Her stories transport readers to a more simple time, when caring was not a chore and hope was only a heartbeat away. Jud may be small town but he's much deeper than he looks. He yearns for his own chance at finding a place that fits. Love, family and happiness are his hidden dream, yet his reality is proving to be anything but. That is until a sassy filly touches him in all the right places. Merry Cowboy Christmas is perfect. Home, holidays and humour combine to create an endearing, nostalgic story of love. Truly felt like coming home.
Ms. Brown exposes more of herself with each story she writes. Her stories transport readers to a more simple time, when caring was not a chore and hope was only a heartbeat away. Jud may be small town but he's much deeper than he looks. He yearns for his own chance at finding a place that fits. Love, family and happiness are his hidden dream, yet his reality is proving to be anything but. That is until a sassy filly touches him in all the right places. Merry Cowboy Christmas is perfect. Home, holidays and humour combine to create an endearing, nostalgic story of love. Truly felt like coming home.
January 29, 2017
In typical Carolyn Brown style, she wrote a love story for the last Logan girl, with songs, food and sass. Fiona returned to Dry Creek a little lost and down on her luck. Sometimes home is just where you need to be in order to get your bearings again. Jud Dawson has come to the Lucky Penny Ranch to help his cousins and is immediately intrigued with Fiona.
The story has all the other characters from the previous books so they all have a part in this one as well. Fiona just has to find out for herself what she really wants for her life. I'm glad she found it with Jud.
The story has all the other characters from the previous books so they all have a part in this one as well. Fiona just has to find out for herself what she really wants for her life. I'm glad she found it with Jud.
January 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this audio book. The story was classic Carolyn Brown, with a great western romance, memorable characters and just a heartwarming ending. I loved every single one of the characters. Loved, loved, loved!
The narration by Chelsea Hatfield was the most entertaining that I have listened to in awhile. The voices were exceptional (I really loved Truman's voice), her pacing was flawless and the editing was superb. An extraordinary job by Ms. Brown and Ms. Hatfield.
The narration by Chelsea Hatfield was the most entertaining that I have listened to in awhile. The voices were exceptional (I really loved Truman's voice), her pacing was flawless and the editing was superb. An extraordinary job by Ms. Brown and Ms. Hatfield.
November 28, 2018
This is probably my favorite in the Lucky Penny series so far. And yet, somehow, I never felt properly connected to Fiona and Jud. I simply adored the secondary storyline redeeming the curmudgeonly, judgemental old couple; showing that the spirits of generosity and Christmas can work miracles. There were times that I thought the secondary plot was more powerful than Jud and Fiona’s story. It was cute and predictable, and I enjoyed it. A light, fluffy diversion from my day.
October 14, 2016
★★★½ I love the setting and the writing style, but I didn't quite like the two main characters as much as the couples in the previous books (this is book three in the series). Fitting the Christmas period, the book is a bit quieter than the hot and sweaty nights we experienced in Hot Cowboy Nights.
or more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
or more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
December 29, 2016
Merry Cowboy Christmas is the third book in the lucky penny ranch.
I found it a quick and light read. One you don't have to just read during Christmas.
Everything in Merry Cowboy Christmas is delightful.
Five stars
I found it a quick and light read. One you don't have to just read during Christmas.
Everything in Merry Cowboy Christmas is delightful.
Five stars
December 19, 2022
Audiobook
I like the Narrator's accent
Fiona and Judd
Another Broke Butt Woman needing a man to save her, after another man broke her dependent butt.
ARGH. I hate that Trope. Romance for the under achiever.
TSTL.
She signed a Pre-nup for $10K. 🤣
Thank goodness she can go back to the kitchen, barefoot! 😆
I like the small town locale and the family vibe but it is unrealistic that someone like Fiona would ever leave her small town. I can't imagine anyone stupid enough to sign a prenuptial for 10k, yet have ambitions to have a successful career.
I like the Narrator's accent
Fiona and Judd
Another Broke Butt Woman needing a man to save her, after another man broke her dependent butt.
ARGH. I hate that Trope. Romance for the under achiever.
TSTL.
She signed a Pre-nup for $10K. 🤣
Thank goodness she can go back to the kitchen, barefoot! 😆
I like the small town locale and the family vibe but it is unrealistic that someone like Fiona would ever leave her small town. I can't imagine anyone stupid enough to sign a prenuptial for 10k, yet have ambitions to have a successful career.
December 2, 2016
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
Merry Cowboy Christmas is the third book in the Lucky Penny Ranch series by Carolyn Brown.
Fiona has returned back home. Although she didn’t really want to, she really had nowhere else to go. She is currently divorced. She has been blacklisted because of her divorce and she has lost the job at the coffee house that she has been working at. She is on her way home when she is involved in an accident. And she is pissed!
Jud has bought into the Lucky Penny Ranch. He and his cousins share the load. He is looking to finally settle down, get married and have a family. This is why he has come to town.
Fiona and Jud meet because he happened to be in the truck behind her when she went off the road. They both notice each other and are attracted to each other, but Fiona is not looking for anything new after the end of her marriage.
Fiona just felt like she didn’t fit in her family. Her sisters had direction in their lives, they knew what they wanted to do and where they were going. And she just felt lost. When she finds that Jud is staying in her family house, and across the hall from her, she is stunned. But the closeness and proximity allow for them to get to know each other better and allows Jud to overcome the obstacle that is Fiona. They begin to bond over late night snacks, drinks and conversation. She lets him in, even though she is apprehensive about the situation.
Will Fiona allow for her and Jud’s relationship to go to the next level? Or will her prior situation cause her to remain closed off?
I would give this book four stars.
Reviewed by: Nicole W
Merry Cowboy Christmas is the third book in the Lucky Penny Ranch series by Carolyn Brown.
Fiona has returned back home. Although she didn’t really want to, she really had nowhere else to go. She is currently divorced. She has been blacklisted because of her divorce and she has lost the job at the coffee house that she has been working at. She is on her way home when she is involved in an accident. And she is pissed!
Jud has bought into the Lucky Penny Ranch. He and his cousins share the load. He is looking to finally settle down, get married and have a family. This is why he has come to town.
Fiona and Jud meet because he happened to be in the truck behind her when she went off the road. They both notice each other and are attracted to each other, but Fiona is not looking for anything new after the end of her marriage.
Fiona just felt like she didn’t fit in her family. Her sisters had direction in their lives, they knew what they wanted to do and where they were going. And she just felt lost. When she finds that Jud is staying in her family house, and across the hall from her, she is stunned. But the closeness and proximity allow for them to get to know each other better and allows Jud to overcome the obstacle that is Fiona. They begin to bond over late night snacks, drinks and conversation. She lets him in, even though she is apprehensive about the situation.
Will Fiona allow for her and Jud’s relationship to go to the next level? Or will her prior situation cause her to remain closed off?
I would give this book four stars.
Reviewed by: Nicole W
September 27, 2017
4.5 stars
Out of all of the stories in this series so far, this is the sweetest. Which is fitting since it’s a Christmas story. There’s not a lot of conflict or butting of heads between Jud and Fiona like there was between Allie and Blake. There wasn’t a bunch of denial as there was with Lizzy and Toby. There was a sweet friendship that developed between Fiona and Jud that always had the undercurrent of sexual tension.
My favorite thing about this story wasn’t the new relationship between the hero and the heroine though. It was the slow thaw that Jud got Truman to go through. And the awakening of Dora June. Boy oh boy I hated that couple in the previous books. To see them soften and get some perspective of their life and relationship was very touching.
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where the hero is just so darn perfect. I don’t know what it is, but it’s been quite a few in a row (my reviews are not necessarily posted in the order I read the books due to publication dates and other factors). Not that most heroes in most romances aren’t perfect in some way, but the last few have been beyond patient and kind. I’m not complaining! Just an observation.
Back to the sweetness of this story. Although Fiona has been married before, I found it endearing that she blushes so often when it comes to Jud. She even observes her own tendency to get flush and how it’s unlike her. It gives her an innocence that is charming, because Fiona is in no way innocent.
See full review at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
Out of all of the stories in this series so far, this is the sweetest. Which is fitting since it’s a Christmas story. There’s not a lot of conflict or butting of heads between Jud and Fiona like there was between Allie and Blake. There wasn’t a bunch of denial as there was with Lizzy and Toby. There was a sweet friendship that developed between Fiona and Jud that always had the undercurrent of sexual tension.
My favorite thing about this story wasn’t the new relationship between the hero and the heroine though. It was the slow thaw that Jud got Truman to go through. And the awakening of Dora June. Boy oh boy I hated that couple in the previous books. To see them soften and get some perspective of their life and relationship was very touching.
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where the hero is just so darn perfect. I don’t know what it is, but it’s been quite a few in a row (my reviews are not necessarily posted in the order I read the books due to publication dates and other factors). Not that most heroes in most romances aren’t perfect in some way, but the last few have been beyond patient and kind. I’m not complaining! Just an observation.
Back to the sweetness of this story. Although Fiona has been married before, I found it endearing that she blushes so often when it comes to Jud. She even observes her own tendency to get flush and how it’s unlike her. It gives her an innocence that is charming, because Fiona is in no way innocent.
See full review at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
February 5, 2017
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was kept interested. The story has laughs, crazy small town people, and sweet romance.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Wild Cowboy Ways (Lucky Penny Ranch, #1)
Hot Cowboy Nights (Lucky Penny Ranch, #2)
This is Fiona and Jud’s story. Jud wants Fiona and needs to convince her that she wants him also. He wants to set down roots but she does not. Can he get her to come over to his way of thinking? He is Blake and Toby’s cousin. She is Allie and Lizzy’s sister. So, you get updates on those people. You get to see the family come together for the holiday. Can the holiday season get these two together to figure out if they have a future? Or will all the love surrounding them make them scared of the future?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was kept interested. The story has laughs, crazy small town people, and sweet romance.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Wild Cowboy Ways (Lucky Penny Ranch, #1)
Hot Cowboy Nights (Lucky Penny Ranch, #2)
This is Fiona and Jud’s story. Jud wants Fiona and needs to convince her that she wants him also. He wants to set down roots but she does not. Can he get her to come over to his way of thinking? He is Blake and Toby’s cousin. She is Allie and Lizzy’s sister. So, you get updates on those people. You get to see the family come together for the holiday. Can the holiday season get these two together to figure out if they have a future? Or will all the love surrounding them make them scared of the future?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.
February 25, 2018
I got this in a book box, and am making inroads on my TBR.
I have not read the others in this series, but it works as a standalone.
This is a delightful book. Being an (almost, I was 3) native Texan, I quite familiar with the blessings and foibles of small towns like Dry Creek. And with the crazy Texas weather. So I was easily immersed in the story.
I admired Fiona's determination and her realization that she needed to go home to her family. The depiction of her grandmother was great and heartbreaking in turns.
Fiona's work situation resolved itself a little too neatly it seemed. Fiona's use of music to help her think through things is very relateble.
Jud seems a little too perfect. He is strong, has a good work ethic, has a good relationship with his family, her family likes him, he can dance, he is not a big womanizer and he respects other people.
The addition of Dora Jean and Truman to the household was interesting to say the least. I liked how there wasn't an instant fix, but lots of time and thought by all parties to get through stuff.
I have not read the others in this series, but it works as a standalone.
This is a delightful book. Being an (almost, I was 3) native Texan, I quite familiar with the blessings and foibles of small towns like Dry Creek. And with the crazy Texas weather. So I was easily immersed in the story.
I admired Fiona's determination and her realization that she needed to go home to her family. The depiction of her grandmother was great and heartbreaking in turns.
Fiona's work situation resolved itself a little too neatly it seemed. Fiona's use of music to help her think through things is very relateble.
Jud seems a little too perfect. He is strong, has a good work ethic, has a good relationship with his family, her family likes him, he can dance, he is not a big womanizer and he respects other people.
The addition of Dora Jean and Truman to the household was interesting to say the least. I liked how there wasn't an instant fix, but lots of time and thought by all parties to get through stuff.
August 1, 2019
'Lucky' Jud Dawson's visiting the not quite as broken down Lucky Penny ranch in time for Thanksgiving but he's staying with the neighbors to give his cousin and wife time with their new baby. Jud literally almost runs into his beautiful neighbor on the slick road. And that beautiful neighbor just happens to be sleeping across the hall from him.
Fiona Logan couldn't wait to get away from Dry Creek and vowed she'd never move back. But there's no way she could've afforded to stay in Houston. The family didn't know her no good ex-husband got her fired and took all their money or that she couldn't afford food! It's time to swallow her pride and tell them plus Jud Dawson's kinda cute.
While Fiona and Jud fight a losing battle over their growing attraction, the Logan and Dawson families make a project of the elderly, crotchety, O'Dells, the bane of both the Logan's and the Dawson's happiness. The antics added humor to the story but overall the outing felt like so much filler for my taste. But it was good to visit the ranch and characters.
Rating 3.5stars
Fiona Logan couldn't wait to get away from Dry Creek and vowed she'd never move back. But there's no way she could've afforded to stay in Houston. The family didn't know her no good ex-husband got her fired and took all their money or that she couldn't afford food! It's time to swallow her pride and tell them plus Jud Dawson's kinda cute.
While Fiona and Jud fight a losing battle over their growing attraction, the Logan and Dawson families make a project of the elderly, crotchety, O'Dells, the bane of both the Logan's and the Dawson's happiness. The antics added humor to the story but overall the outing felt like so much filler for my taste. But it was good to visit the ranch and characters.
Rating 3.5stars
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