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Bluebonnet Springs #2
The Rancher's Christmas Bride
A Cowboy for Christmas
After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.
After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 21, 2017
47 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
116 books213 followersBrenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 21, 2022
The Rancher's Christmas Bride was such a wonderful read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and setting.
I liked all the main characters, but Marissa's grandfather, Dan, was someone that I felt grew a lot in the story and I loved his character.
The romance was good and the ending was great. I thought this was just all-around a solid read. I recommend it if you enjoy easy, clean reads.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I liked all the main characters, but Marissa's grandfather, Dan, was someone that I felt grew a lot in the story and I loved his character.
The romance was good and the ending was great. I thought this was just all-around a solid read. I recommend it if you enjoy easy, clean reads.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
November 13, 2017
This is book two in the Bluebonnet Springs series, however I feel it is a stand alone book. I have not read book one and had no problem following what was happening. I do feel that the history of one of the sub characters in this book was the main character in book one but it played no part in any confusion.
Alex Palermo, is a handsome cowboy, with a past he would so love to forget. He knows he is not husband material, so when a bride is in need of rescue it may be more than he can fathom. Alex has such a good heart, but sometime getting over circumstances beyond your control can weigh heavy on your soul.
Marissa Walker, is a beautiful woman with some family issues of her own. When she is rescued by a handsome cowboy, will she regret allowing him into her life or is he exactly what she needs? Marissa is trying to connect with her cranky grandpa. I love the chemistry between Marissa her grandfather and Alex.
This book is full of family, forgiveness, learning to trust God and of course romance.
Alex Palermo, is a handsome cowboy, with a past he would so love to forget. He knows he is not husband material, so when a bride is in need of rescue it may be more than he can fathom. Alex has such a good heart, but sometime getting over circumstances beyond your control can weigh heavy on your soul.
Marissa Walker, is a beautiful woman with some family issues of her own. When she is rescued by a handsome cowboy, will she regret allowing him into her life or is he exactly what she needs? Marissa is trying to connect with her cranky grandpa. I love the chemistry between Marissa her grandfather and Alex.
This book is full of family, forgiveness, learning to trust God and of course romance.
October 13, 2018
A Cowboy for Christmas…After being jilted at the altar, all (kindergarten teacher) Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring (rancher) Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy and heading to the auction block because of his absentee mom’s second mortgage, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride in her wedding dress on the side of the road in the rain. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.
December 4, 2017
An enjoyable and sweet story, with heartfelt characters who are trying to find a peace of mind and their place in the world where they feel loved, accepted, and at home.
Marissa Walker was supposed to get married and start a new life with a husband and a new job, instead, she finds herself living in a tiny trailer with her cranky grandfather she just met for the first time and falling for the neighbor who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Marissa's family has lived in the shadow of her sister's death. The secrets and pain from the past have kept the family distant from each other. Living with her grandpa, Marissa seems to come truly alive, to flourish. She is generous, kind, determined, if not a little stubborn.
Alex Palermo has a good heart the size of Texas, yet the nightmares of his childhood are still very much alive and real in his mind, causing him to avoid any longterm relationships, marriage, and fatherhood. Until Marissa comes to town.
I liked the chemistry between Marissa and Alex. The banter between them was delightful, and the trust and bond not only came fast but was also natural and believable. The people of Bluebonnet Springs were entertaining, and the preparations for Christmas had me smiling.
Even though there are character development and personal growth in the story and the main characters are eagerly part of the community and the church within it, I missed the growth in faith aspect in this Love Inspired story, especially with Marissa. Just participating in the church Christmas events and being friends with the minister does not a Christian make.
A sweet and hearty Christmas romance story about coming home spiced up with little family drama and town troubles.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Marissa Walker was supposed to get married and start a new life with a husband and a new job, instead, she finds herself living in a tiny trailer with her cranky grandfather she just met for the first time and falling for the neighbor who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Marissa's family has lived in the shadow of her sister's death. The secrets and pain from the past have kept the family distant from each other. Living with her grandpa, Marissa seems to come truly alive, to flourish. She is generous, kind, determined, if not a little stubborn.
Alex Palermo has a good heart the size of Texas, yet the nightmares of his childhood are still very much alive and real in his mind, causing him to avoid any longterm relationships, marriage, and fatherhood. Until Marissa comes to town.
I liked the chemistry between Marissa and Alex. The banter between them was delightful, and the trust and bond not only came fast but was also natural and believable. The people of Bluebonnet Springs were entertaining, and the preparations for Christmas had me smiling.
Even though there are character development and personal growth in the story and the main characters are eagerly part of the community and the church within it, I missed the growth in faith aspect in this Love Inspired story, especially with Marissa. Just participating in the church Christmas events and being friends with the minister does not a Christian make.
A sweet and hearty Christmas romance story about coming home spiced up with little family drama and town troubles.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
November 30, 2017
Two damaged hearts. One surprising love.
Alex Palermo thought he was seeing things. Why is a bride walking along the road in the middle of nowhere Texas? He offers her a ride and learns she's his cantankerous neighbor, Dan's granddaughter. As he gets to know Marissa Walker, he finds out he's not as immune to love as he thought he was. And that's a problem!
When Marissa Walker's groom ran from their wedding with the caterer, she was pretty sure she didn't want to see anyone she knew. She decides it's as good a time as any to finally meet her grandfather but when her limo breaks down miles from anywhere she's equally certain that the only luck she has is bad. When help comes out of the rain in the from of a pickup driving cowboy, she's a little leery. When he turns out to be a neighbor of her granddad, she's relieved.
As Marissa does her best to care for her ailing grandfather, Alex sees her spunk and finds himself showing her how to care for the ranch. Can they both let go of their pasts to form a future together? Or is the baggage they each carry going to sabotage a relationship before it has a chance to really start?
Brenda Minton's books are always on my must read lists. She consistently makes me care about her characters. And, it doesn't hurt that many of her characters are cowboys! I definitely recommend!
Alex Palermo thought he was seeing things. Why is a bride walking along the road in the middle of nowhere Texas? He offers her a ride and learns she's his cantankerous neighbor, Dan's granddaughter. As he gets to know Marissa Walker, he finds out he's not as immune to love as he thought he was. And that's a problem!
When Marissa Walker's groom ran from their wedding with the caterer, she was pretty sure she didn't want to see anyone she knew. She decides it's as good a time as any to finally meet her grandfather but when her limo breaks down miles from anywhere she's equally certain that the only luck she has is bad. When help comes out of the rain in the from of a pickup driving cowboy, she's a little leery. When he turns out to be a neighbor of her granddad, she's relieved.
As Marissa does her best to care for her ailing grandfather, Alex sees her spunk and finds himself showing her how to care for the ranch. Can they both let go of their pasts to form a future together? Or is the baggage they each carry going to sabotage a relationship before it has a chance to really start?
Brenda Minton's books are always on my must read lists. She consistently makes me care about her characters. And, it doesn't hurt that many of her characters are cowboys! I definitely recommend!
December 8, 2017
I love Brenda's books! Her character's are so real and entertaining! Bluebonnet Springs is a place I wish existed! I was to go and visit! This book begins in such a fun way - Alex is just driving along the road when he sees Marissa in a wedding gown on the side of the road having car problems! What man - especially a Texas cowboy - wouldn't stop and offer aide! Marissa is supposed to be getting married today but her groom has run off the caterer so she runs off to meet the grandfather she's never met! What a great story! I loved Marissa's grandfather! A gruff old man who has had a rough life but Marissa doesn't give up on him and she doesn't quite showing him love. There's a lesson in there for all of us. This is a wonderful holiday story about redirecting our lives when challenges come and showing love to those who don't always give it back to us. I loved meeting the townspeople of Bluebonnet again and more of Alex's family. Some wounds in people are very deep and they don't go away overnight but understanding and love go a long way to help the healing. I encourage people to pick up this book and enjoy the characters, the story and the message, especially this holiday season.
November 29, 2017
When Marissa finds out that her soon to be husband seemed more interested in the caterer then her she runs from her life, with her luck the limo breaks down leaving her stranded on her way to her estranged grandfather. Alex is the one who finds Marissa a the side of the road and she makes quiet an impression while he helps her meet her grandfather. He has his own issues an the last thing he needs is for a city girl to change his mind in opening his heart a bit.
This was such heart warming book and I really enjoyed it. I like the characters and getting to know their history. I loved seeing how hard headed Marissa was when she set her mind to something she refused to back down and let others make her go away. I enjoyed seeing the grand father softening towards Marissa and seeing how she was able to help out being there in his life. This is a sweet christmasy book and if you are looking for a bit of that during this holiday season then this book is for you.
This was such heart warming book and I really enjoyed it. I like the characters and getting to know their history. I loved seeing how hard headed Marissa was when she set her mind to something she refused to back down and let others make her go away. I enjoyed seeing the grand father softening towards Marissa and seeing how she was able to help out being there in his life. This is a sweet christmasy book and if you are looking for a bit of that during this holiday season then this book is for you.
December 6, 2017
Oh. My. This is a good book! I mean, let's be real, Alex is driving along in his truck and sees a bride in a white wedding dress walking along the side of the road, he stops, it starts raining. Come on people, a premise can't get better than that!
I loved that Marissa had never met her grandfather, yet that's the one place she wants to be after she is jilted at the altar. Marissa's grandfather is such a lovable character, gruff yet welcoming at the same time.
Both Marissa and Alex have strong and interesting backstory's. Brenda Minton did a nice job stringing out the romance and never really allowing Alex and Marissa to get together, until the end of the story of course. I also loved that the last thing either character wanted was a relationship 😀 Pick up your copy of The Rancher's Christmas Bride today!
I loved that Marissa had never met her grandfather, yet that's the one place she wants to be after she is jilted at the altar. Marissa's grandfather is such a lovable character, gruff yet welcoming at the same time.
Both Marissa and Alex have strong and interesting backstory's. Brenda Minton did a nice job stringing out the romance and never really allowing Alex and Marissa to get together, until the end of the story of course. I also loved that the last thing either character wanted was a relationship 😀 Pick up your copy of The Rancher's Christmas Bride today!
December 24, 2017
The Rancher's Christmas Bride is a Bluebonnet Springs series by Brenda Minton. After being jilted at the altar, Marissa Walker goes to Bluebonnet Springs where her grandfather, Dan, lives. Dan is not in the best of health. Dan's next door rancher, Alex Palermo finds Marissa walking a long side the road in her wedding dress. He takes her to her grandfather. His grandfather doesn't want her there but lets her stay. The interaction between Marissa and Dan is funny at times. Marissa makes a pet of his rooster. She knows nothing about living on a small ranch. Alex has always helped Dan and still does with Marissa there. Dan has his own past history. A romantic, funny, touching book. A great read.
April 20, 2025
A friend sent me this book in a box of books. It's about on par for a Love Inspired book. I have read this particular author before and usually like her characterizations.
I did like that she had the couple (Alex and Marissa) wait over a year to get married. It did feel like they had time to get to know each other (considering they met at the beginning of the book) since they had the time she was visiting her grandfather, approximately 6 months of her working at her teaching job (during which they apparently had little contact for several months), and then a year of her being in Bluebonnet Springs after they reconnected.
There are some cautions for older folks about falling for scams within the story, and a few basic tips for women's self defense included.
I did like that she had the couple (Alex and Marissa) wait over a year to get married. It did feel like they had time to get to know each other (considering they met at the beginning of the book) since they had the time she was visiting her grandfather, approximately 6 months of her working at her teaching job (during which they apparently had little contact for several months), and then a year of her being in Bluebonnet Springs after they reconnected.
There are some cautions for older folks about falling for scams within the story, and a few basic tips for women's self defense included.
December 21, 2017
HAD TO GIVE THIS A FIVE STAR -
BRENDA MINTION HAS NOT DISAPPOINTED - the beginning of her story wasn't QUITE the same style/voice I've been accustomed to, but it was a SMOOTH READ just the same - then her style/voice came through loud and clear midway to two thirds - yup - it was HER all right. LOL
GREAT STORY - LOVE THE PREMISE!
BRENDA MINTION HAS NOT DISAPPOINTED - the beginning of her story wasn't QUITE the same style/voice I've been accustomed to, but it was a SMOOTH READ just the same - then her style/voice came through loud and clear midway to two thirds - yup - it was HER all right. LOL
GREAT STORY - LOVE THE PREMISE!
April 5, 2023
What happens when a kind good looking cowboy picks up a bride in her wedding dress on the side of a lonely road in the rain and takes her to her Grandfather's house. A Grandfather that she never met and didn't know about til just recently.
This was a cute story that made me laugh. I think you will enjoy it too
This was a cute story that made me laugh. I think you will enjoy it too
November 26, 2023
This was a very sweet Christmas story and the characters were easily likeable. This is part of the Bluebonnet Springs series, but I read this without reading the previous book and I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone book. I would reread this book during the Christmas season.
January 7, 2018
I love reading a Brenda Minton book! Bring on the next one!
January 29, 2020
Loved this story!
April 18, 2021
A great feel good story... Highly recommended
November 29, 2021
Sweet little story and I really enjoyed the grandfather’s part of the storyline.
February 6, 2023
This time
This was a really special book of trying times and loss and finally love. Great read!! A should not miss°
This was a really special book of trying times and loss and finally love. Great read!! A should not miss°
December 14, 2024
Lovely read, had me laughing so much with the granddad, lol.
November 9, 2022
Marissa is truly escaping her previous life when she relocates to Bluebonnet Springs in her wedding dress (although not in a limo). She goes from city girl to cowgirl, learning to take care of her estranged grandfather's ranch, with some help from her rescuer Alex. Alex is fighting demons from his past, especially the volatile and abusive father that left quite a mark on him and his siblings. Marissa is a light in his world, showing him with her actions how to love, overcome and develop faith. Her grandfather Dan is quite a character, rough around the edges but providing wisdom when Alex and Marissa need it most. I enjoyed the members of the community and Alex's family who support each other, especially when Dan's ranch is in danger.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
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November 30, 2017I can’t seem to say enough about BRENDA MINTON, so much so that I am beginning to sound like a broken record. But it’s true. She is my all time favorite Love Inspired (LI) author. I love everything about her stories, and THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS BRIDE is no exception.
There aren’t too many guarantees in life, but one of them for me is that when I pick up a BRENDA MINTON book I know that I am going to melt into the warmth of an amazing story with wonderful characters that I have a hard time letting go of well past the last page.
For those of us that read the same type of books over and over – for me that’s LI books about cowboys – know that the same scenario, and sadly the same lines, are used over and over again. What I love about MS MINTON’S stories – aside from having every element needed to make a great story – is her ability to incorporated unique lines that flow naturally.
Anxiously waiting the next!
From the back cover:
A Cowboy for Christmas
After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.
There aren’t too many guarantees in life, but one of them for me is that when I pick up a BRENDA MINTON book I know that I am going to melt into the warmth of an amazing story with wonderful characters that I have a hard time letting go of well past the last page.
For those of us that read the same type of books over and over – for me that’s LI books about cowboys – know that the same scenario, and sadly the same lines, are used over and over again. What I love about MS MINTON’S stories – aside from having every element needed to make a great story – is her ability to incorporated unique lines that flow naturally.
Anxiously waiting the next!
From the back cover:
A Cowboy for Christmas
After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.
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December 2, 2017Miniseries: Bluebonnet Springs
Read
December 2, 2017Miniseries: Bluebonnet Springs
February 20, 2018
This book was so good. I recommend it because you will really enjoy it.
Alex finds Marissa walking down the road in her wedding dress. she is on her way to meet the grandfather that she has never met and just recently found out about. There are alot of twists and turns but Marissa's grandfather is my favorite character in this book.
AS always this book is a fast clean read. I really enjoy the Love inspired series.
Thank you netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.
Alex finds Marissa walking down the road in her wedding dress. she is on her way to meet the grandfather that she has never met and just recently found out about. There are alot of twists and turns but Marissa's grandfather is my favorite character in this book.
AS always this book is a fast clean read. I really enjoy the Love inspired series.
Thank you netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews