Return to Me, Cowboy

Texas Matchmakers #10

by Debra Clopton

From award-winning author Debra Clopton comes the Texas Matchmakers series—about three older women who set off a nationally advertised "Wives Wanted Campaign" to bring women to their small town of Mule Hollow to marry the lonesome cowboys. A far fetched idea that's working—look out fellas, the women are coming one car at a time!

Former Texas Ranger Zane Cantrell is looking for a woman. Not just any woman-he’s searching for the woman he failed years ago when he’d been protecting her in the witness protection program. And now he’s tracked her to the tiny town of Mule Hollow…the last thing he’s expecting is to learn is she has a son…his son.

Prickly pear jelly maker Rose Vincent has finally found a home she and her fourteen year old son can feel safe in. A place she can start over and leave her past behind…but then part of her past walks through the door and literally knocks her off her feet.

Their past tore them apart…now can it reunite them and the love they denied all those years ago or is it too late…

Their son has ideas of his own and knows just the women to help. But is this one match even too big for the town’s matchmakers?


Note: This book was previously published as Texas Ranger Dad. This edition includes some fun extras.

Books in the TEXAS MATCHMAKERS series:
Book 1: Dream With Me, Cowboy
Book 2: Be My Love, Cowboy
Book 3: This Heart's Your, Cowboy
Book 4: Hold Me, Cowboy
Book 5: Be Mine, Cowboy
Book 6: Marry Me, Cowboy
Book 7: Cherish Me, Cowboy
Book 8: Surprise Me, Cowboy
Book 9: Serenade Me, Cowboy
Book 10: Return To Me, Cowboy
Book 11: Love Me, Cowboy
Book 12: Ride With Me, Cowboy
Book 13: Dance With Me, Cowboy

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance

191 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

International Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.

A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction

1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF


SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US

Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY

WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW

2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)

What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!


Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent, but I've read a lot better.

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Me, Cowboy (Texas Matchmakers 10) - PG
Violence: alluded to, no details
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: no. Premarital relations intimated, but no details. A couple kisses mentioned.

Part of a big series, apparently, because there were a lot of characters mentioned as if I might already be familiar with them. Very fast read, a little predictable, but a perfect getaway. Last 8 percent is an ad for another book. Christian overtones, but not over done. Good book!

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was okay, but I kept wanting to Gibbs slap Rose for the way she treated Zane. I tried really hard to like her, and see things from her perspective, but the way she always flew off the handle at him for the least little thing, got old very quickly. I normally like books that are set in Texas, however, being a native West Texan, I hated the way that Ms. Clopton over exaggerated the Texan accent. This is my own opinion, and if you don't like it that's fine. It is a free country after all, but I thought that the accent made us sound like a bunch of dumb hicks who ride horses everywhere we go and marry our cousins. I did like the way everything worked out in the end, though.

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I didn't realize this was number TEN in a series when I read it. SOOOOOOOOO many extraneous characters for the sake of mentions from previous books...!!

The premise is that there was a woman's shelter in L.A. that got moved, and all the ladies there apparently relocated willingly to a tiny ho-bunk town in the cactus and rattlesnake territory of Texas. Because women in L.A. would *all want* to move to tumbleweed central where there are just so many opportunities, and all of their friends/familiar places are NOT. Anyhow, one of them is Rose, who's gonna make it big selling prickly pear jelly.

Years ago, Rose saw a murder. Was put in witness protection. Boned the 'ranger' who was assigned to her, and got knocked up. IN. LOS. ANGELES. A Texas Ranger. ((((sigh.)))) Anyhow, he's distracted by her, nearly lets her die (by his estimation), and immediately gets himself taken off the case and disappears without saying goodbye. She rebounds in a pregnancy panic and marries a wife-beater, escapes, and spends 14 years living in shelters with her son... until she ends up in Texas with the shelter women who apparently grace the first NINE novels in this series?

By the way, aside from 'midnight blue eyes', we have NO idea what Rose looks like. Description isn't a strong point with Clopton.

Anyhow, Zane (←note suitable Texas Ranger name), is nearly killed in a protection gig, and decides to finally look up the one woman he ever had a thing for - Rose. She doesn't want him around - he abandoned her and was the impetus for every trial and tribulation of her adult life. Her son, however, VERY MUCH wants them together. He idolizes his oh-so-upright Ranger father, and wants his mom to marry him, because... RANGER. Have I mentioned he's drop dead handsome, oh-so-honorable, and a RANGER?! Because *R.A.N.G.E.R*!!

So screw her feelings, he's gonna make it happen. He's gonna git Rose to love him, and have his son in his life. And THE ENTIRE BOOK is Rose angry, hurt, hiding, afraid, frustrated, coerced, annoyed... it's just *n.e.g.a.t.i.v.e*. Oh, and these two fornicators are praying, church-goin' folk from Te - I mean Los Angeles, the Bible belt of the natio... y'know nevermind. Because 'Love Inspired'. And therefore Forgiveness. And prayer - God, please give me what I want.

It SUCKED. There was no relationship building with Christ, there was no turning of lives over to God, there was nothing redeemable about either one of them. She's tetchy and emo, and he's bull-headed and egotistical.

I despised Zane along with her, I really did. He used his looks, the town gossips, the community influence, her son, and everything in between to force his way into her life, whether she wants him or not. THAT'S abusive, for the record.

I would've run again. Seriously, I would've. Nobody should have that much control over someone else's life, unbidden. It was unkewl.

[Lorie - Bookaholic]

Another one of Debra's awesome Texas Matchmakers story - love always prevails.

Rose and her son Max deserve the life they should have had fifteen years ago. She had been in Mule Hollow for a few years when all of a sudden Zane showed up looking for Rose only to find out he had a son he never knew about. He wants all in.

Rose truly believed God had a plan for her life. That he had been with her through everything including in her trials. He was teaching her something. She'd become more reliant of Him during her strange life and she'd learned to be strong and have a great compassion for women in similar circumstances. But she could not understand what she could gain from this torture. And it honestly made her angrier at Zane and God. She needed to have faith (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-7)

Do you think Zane has had enough getting Rose to come around? He tries to bend over backwards to get her stop being so stubborn.

"But here's the deal, Rose."

"I've been going back and forth in my head about the best thing for a guy in love to do. And here's the thing. Fifteen years ago, we had something. Something real, something worthwhile between us. And I messed up. Today, I can't pretend anymore that I don't care. And I can't lie to my son and tell him I want to be friends with his mom. I'm giving you notice that I'm about to go after something I want. Something I've wanted all these years."

"I want you, Rose Vincent. I want you in my life. I want you as my wife. I love you like no man has ever loved a woman and I want you to give us a fighting chance." (Quoted from page 161)

I'm not going to push. But we've wasted enough time and I don't want to waste another minute. I'm just stating the fact just so you know."

And then there is Max who had to grow up before his time. He took good care of his mom and helped her start a business, doing his share because Rose had another job to make ends meet. He is more than excited about Zane being his dad - a Texas Ranger - speaks at all levels. He did what he could at matchmaking when it came to his parents.

"Hey, Mom," Max said. "We're having lunch over at Sam's place. Do you want to come?" "Okay," Rose said.

Anyway, if you have not read any of Texas Matchmakers (13 book series) Kindle Edition, I highly recommend this set and all of Debra Clopton's series, Enjoy and happy reading!

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane Cantrell has recently retired from the Texas Rangers and has signed on as Mule Hollow's new deputy sheriff. But, he's really there to find a woman and try to fix the mistakes he made years ago.

Rose Vincent and her son have finally found a place to call home. A place that loves and accepts them without digging too far into their past. That is, until the past literally walks into town and greets her.

They say the truth can set you free, but will the truth in this situation cause more harm than good? Can Zane and Rose move beyond the lies and mistakes to see their way through to reconciliation? Friendship? Love?

What follows is a second chance romance that is at times heart breaking, yet also inspiring. It's a story of two people who are truly in love, but are struggling to forgive and trust again. I loved the compassion and solid advice from the townspeople and how they rallied around Zane and Rose. On the one hand, I got somewhat frustrated with Rose, but on the other hand, I haven't been in her shoes, so I can only imagine how deep her emotions run. Zane makes a great book boyfriend. He is exactly what Rose needs.

Romance - PG / Kissing
Language - Clean
Violence - past reference
My rating - 5 stars

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Me, Cowboy by Debra Clopton
Texas Matchmakers Series Book Ten
Zane Cantrell had been a Texas Ranger and met Rose fifteen years ago. It was the one and only time he let his guard down and his heart lead him. Never again. Now, it was time to find her and apologize for his actions and see if there was any hope for a future.

Rose Vincent couldn't believe that Zane was her—in her town! She'd spent the last fourteen years hiding from him and lying to her son. His appearance here could ruin everything. And just when she was getting her life on track.

I loved that the reader got to see three point of views in this story. Zane, Rose, and fourteen-year-old Max. As always, the author wrote a cowboy that was irresistible...one that as the reader, I was wanting him to have his happily-ever-after.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Kat]

free ebook

starting this book it feels like the second in a series but i dont see where the first book is. she was in witness protection, he was a tx ranger. he was supposed to protect her. she got preg and went to homeless shelters with her son

he got wounded in his leg and moved to the small town where her and her 14 yr old son moved to. they are making prickly cactus jelly. he is sheriff deputy

she was upset when she saw him and she thinks people, including him, will see the resemblance of her son and him, same eyes

she had to tell her son the tx ranger was his dad and the whole witness protection story
she was mad at the ranger for leaving her, he was mad he missed 14 yrs of his sons life
but they got together in the end and were going to get married

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very quick read.

Zane and Rose had a history together all those years ago, and now Zane is back in Rose's life and world, but Rose is unsure and running scared. The author took the time to have Zane and Max develop a growing father and son relationship and didn't really push Zane and Rose back into a romantic relationship.

Rose certainly held a lot of anger at Zane and she wouldn't let him explain. Sure Zane was at fault for suddenly leaving her after a really close call while protecting her but he is trying to make amends, so hear what he has to say and either move on or forgive.

The cactus pear thing was interesting and sounded really yummy.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Rose and Max have been through a lot in their past. They are now in Mule Hollow where they are supported and have goals to open up a business. All of a sudden, Rose’s past comes to town and disrupts their world. Zane was her protector when she witnessed a murder and he left her after a mistake on his part that almost got her killed. Now he walks back into her town as the new deputy. Now Rose’s worse nightmare just happened because she never told Max who his real father was and now she might lose her son because of that lie. How will Max take all of this? Will Rose and Zane be able to reconcile their past and their guilt with each other. What a fun story to read.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it true love between Zane and Rose or just a youthful infatuation? And what kid wouldn't be happy to find out he has a former Texas Ranger for his father as opposed to a not so good man? But will Rose give Zane a chance to explain why he left without a word all those years ago? Loved seeing Samantha make an appearance in this book and it seems that the male old-timers may now be joining in the women in the "Wives Wanted Campaign". The humor and faith in God in this series is irresistible.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Me, Cowboy is the tenth book in the Texas Matchmakers series.This book was previously published as Texas Ranger Dad. Here we are again reading another story inspired by the "Wives Wanted Campaign" in Mule Hollow. But this one is the opposite; Zane is the one coming to Mule Hollow looking for love. He is hoping to find the woman from his past that he can't shake, the one he failed. What he finds is so much more. I loved Zane and Rose's story. This book hooked me from the start, and I highly recommend it!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, well-written book. Rose has made a comfortable life for herself in Mule hollow, TX, as well as a home she shares with her teenage son. Then Zane comes to town, trying to make amends for hurting her years ago. This book can be read as a standalone, though it is the 10th book in the Texas Matchmaker series. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series as well as others by this author.

[K. H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this read! The main characters Rose and Zane had to overcome struggles and learn to lean on God for guidance so there was character development in that aspect. The humor from the local town of Mule Hollow and the 14-year-old Max also added to the appeal and balanced the serious moments. I do think the ending was rushed and that the main characters needed to have more time to communicate about their past; however, I think the characters in Mule Hollow made this book worth it.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel, like so many others, has failed to grab and captivate my attention. There are many different times that I can pick up a novel and cannot finish it at that time; however, I might be able to return to it at a later date. This is one of those, who knows, maybe next time it will be a game changer.

[Bonnie Finney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian Romance

I chose this rating because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I like readable stories that have spiritual elements throughout the story. A good story doesn't have to have colorful language or be provocative in order to be a great read.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane is a former ranger who met Rose when he was protecting her while in the witness protection program. When Zane catches up with her years later, he wants to see if what they had back then could be rekindled. Zane quickly finds himself staring at a younger version of himself, a son named Max that he's left in shock about. I enjoyed this well written, clean, second chance at romance story!

[em · Rating 2 out of 5]

i've never read a book where nearly nothing happens for 200 pages. everyone had the same conversations with each other over and over and over. the protagonist hated her love interest until 3/4 of the way in. a hallmark movie in book format but you're being held hostage and brainwashed into thinking they're in love somehow.
10/10

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a tear jerker!

I can't imagine being in a witness protection program. But she was, and with a baby following. She learned to become indecent, but also built talks walks of protection around her heart. She had reasons to, but not now

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Another wonderful story in the town of Mule Hallow. This time Rose with meet up with someone who helped her 14 years before. Zane has to leave the Rangers after his last protection detail got him injured badly. He's been following her but hasn't gotten in touch.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story

An easy and fun story of a couple with a past and how they were able to make a new start. Love the setting of the hill country of Texas and these stories of the matchmakers of the town.

[Sue Ferryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Author Debra Clopton wrote an interesting storyline about Rose who had to be placed in witness protection to keep her safe by under cover agent Zane. They had a Son, Max that Zane didn't know about until 15 years later. A good read.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Second Chance Romance

This is a refreshingly sweet and honest look at a second chance romance with adorable and heartwarming characters that will definitely touch your heart and soul as they journey towards their unconditional happily ever after.

[Kathryn Munsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

I liked how each character developed and came to life. The story was interesting and actually had information in it that I never knew. The story flowed nicely and of course had a wonderful ending.

[Debbie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 10th and last book of a series. I didn't know that when I picked it up for a quick read. I enjoyed the book, I think I got the idea behind the story without reading the other books. It was a good wholesome story.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good clean book and that is what I like about Debra's books. The cover of the book is also really cute. Debra hit a home run with this.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your past comes back to smack you smack you in your face what is a single mom to do? Find out how it's done in Mule Hollow.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Read

A little bit too much stuff going on for me.Sort of confusing.I generally like Debra Clopton.But this one was just not my style.

[Deb Shank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read.

Good read. Characters are enjoyable not real complexes. Knowing that Faith comes first, the rest of life will go how it is ment to be.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former Texas Ranger Zane Cantrell is looking for a woman. Not just any woman-he’s searching for the woman he failed years ago when he’d been protecting her in the witness protection program.