What do you think?
Rate this book
Cowboys of Cold Creek #16
The Rancher's Christmas Song
“RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors… Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop.” — Fresh Fiction
"RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart." — RT Book Reviews
Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…
Don’t miss other heartfelt stories from the fan-favorite The Cowboys of Cold Creek mini-series!
The Holiday Gift
A Cold Creek Christmas Story
The Christmas Ranch
"RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart." — RT Book Reviews
Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…
Don’t miss other heartfelt stories from the fan-favorite The Cowboys of Cold Creek mini-series!
The Holiday Gift
A Cold Creek Christmas Story
The Christmas Ranch
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
563 people are currently reading
1375 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,837 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 10, 2017
Music teacher Ella Baker may have been a Boston city girl, but her heart never left the family ranch in Idaho. When her father becomes too sick to manage on his own, Ella comes back home to help, and cherish time with her father. A strained past between them sometimes makes it hard, but Ella hopes to convince her father she’s tough and capable, eager to meet the challenges of ranching life. In the meantime, Ella has her hands full as the town’s music teacher, organizing the holiday program, and volunteering at the senior center. Another distraction is Beckett McKinley, the rancher next door, and father of two energetic, but sweet, twins. Twin boys who happen to be in her music class. Beck is a heap of confusion. On one hand she’s a little jealous of the admiration and closeness shared between her father and Beck, and on the other she can’t help the sparks of attraction she feels anytime he gets close. Doesn’t matter though, because Beck treats Ella with nothing but cold indifference.
Indifference is not the problem Beck has with Ella. He struggles with overwhelming attraction every time she’s near. Beck’s under the impression that Ella is a city girl just like his ex-wife who couldn’t stand ranch life, leaving him and their (toddler!) twin boys to fend for themselves. Beck doesn’t want a repeat of that mistake. But, when his boys offer riding lessons to Ella there’s no way to avoid her, and he finds their time together changing his initial impressions. He knew she was smart, and beautiful, but discovering her sweet, and brave side makes him wonder if Ella just might be his dream girl after all.
The Rancher’s Christmas Song was a heartwarming delight! Ella and Beck’s back story was sad and touching, showing the great strength each had to have to overcome the past. As they get to know each other, the powerful attraction they’ve felt for each other blossoms into something deeper, and far more irresistible! Oh, there’s a bit of angst in this one! Not too much, mind you, I’d hate that! Just a little bit to make the longing palpable, and real! To make Beck and Ella’s giving in so much sweeter!
RaeAnne Thayne is a new to me writer, and I’m catching onto her appeal! The Rancher’s Christmas Song was a heated romance filled with touching family moments that brought a tear or two to my eyes!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Indifference is not the problem Beck has with Ella. He struggles with overwhelming attraction every time she’s near. Beck’s under the impression that Ella is a city girl just like his ex-wife who couldn’t stand ranch life, leaving him and their (toddler!) twin boys to fend for themselves. Beck doesn’t want a repeat of that mistake. But, when his boys offer riding lessons to Ella there’s no way to avoid her, and he finds their time together changing his initial impressions. He knew she was smart, and beautiful, but discovering her sweet, and brave side makes him wonder if Ella just might be his dream girl after all.
The Rancher’s Christmas Song was a heartwarming delight! Ella and Beck’s back story was sad and touching, showing the great strength each had to have to overcome the past. As they get to know each other, the powerful attraction they’ve felt for each other blossoms into something deeper, and far more irresistible! Oh, there’s a bit of angst in this one! Not too much, mind you, I’d hate that! Just a little bit to make the longing palpable, and real! To make Beck and Ella’s giving in so much sweeter!
RaeAnne Thayne is a new to me writer, and I’m catching onto her appeal! The Rancher’s Christmas Song was a heated romance filled with touching family moments that brought a tear or two to my eyes!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2018
This is 16th(!) in the Cold Creek series, but it's the first of a new "set" so a decent place to start. You can see other happy couples and hints of past events, but they aren't important or intrusive, I don't think. As a bonus, this isn't obvious about being a new "set". You get a hint of Beck's brothers, but you don't see much of them and they don't seem to be setup as romantic interests in any way. Yet. I have no doubt it's coming as that's Thayne's pattern (and that isn't a bad thing) but it isn't at all obvious, is all I'm saying.
This was a pretty good romance, when all is told (though pretty short). Beck and Ella work as a couple and I found them engaging together. I particularly liked Ella's story and why she's so interested in overcoming her fear of horses and how much she loves the community and country of her forefathers. And I particularly loved how well Thayne incorporated her love of music, making her a great blend of cowboy and high culture in a way that felt harmonious and remarkably devoid of the internal conflict everybody expects (particularly her father).
Beck was a tougher sell, though he's all kinds of appealing as well. I love the competent guy who is kind and protective and so very devoted to his boys. I loved his care for his neighbors almost as much so it seems like I should have been more engaged with him than I was. Most of that is because he spent most of the story fighting his attraction for Ella for reasons that I have a hard time taking seriously. Yeah, there are some surface similarities with his late, unhappy wife, but it takes him forever to realize how very superficial those similarities are. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time taking seriously a man making such a bad misjudgment of someone he sees relatively frequently. Worse, he hangs onto those poor assumptions in the face of getting to know her better. So it takes some extraordinary circumstances to snap him out of it and I had a hard time respecting that.
His boys, on the other hand, were outstanding. I loved their energy and their plans and their cheer. Their deal with Ella stole my heart early and I never got it back. I cried when they gave their father their Christmas present. Man that was awesome.
So a good story and some outstanding characters make this a solid four-star read. I don't usually go so high when the main guy doesn't connect right, but those boys.... (the epilogue almost had me break it back lower as it was just so stereotypical. But I decided it didn't happen, so we're good)
A note about Chaste: There are a few kisses and an outstanding snuggle, but that's it. Thayne is extremely good at telling love-stories without the sex and without being awkward about it. I love that about her writing. She makes it look so effortless.
This was a pretty good romance, when all is told (though pretty short). Beck and Ella work as a couple and I found them engaging together. I particularly liked Ella's story and why she's so interested in overcoming her fear of horses and how much she loves the community and country of her forefathers. And I particularly loved how well Thayne incorporated her love of music, making her a great blend of cowboy and high culture in a way that felt harmonious and remarkably devoid of the internal conflict everybody expects (particularly her father).
Beck was a tougher sell, though he's all kinds of appealing as well. I love the competent guy who is kind and protective and so very devoted to his boys. I loved his care for his neighbors almost as much so it seems like I should have been more engaged with him than I was. Most of that is because he spent most of the story fighting his attraction for Ella for reasons that I have a hard time taking seriously. Yeah, there are some surface similarities with his late, unhappy wife, but it takes him forever to realize how very superficial those similarities are. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time taking seriously a man making such a bad misjudgment of someone he sees relatively frequently. Worse, he hangs onto those poor assumptions in the face of getting to know her better. So it takes some extraordinary circumstances to snap him out of it and I had a hard time respecting that.
His boys, on the other hand, were outstanding. I loved their energy and their plans and their cheer. Their deal with Ella stole my heart early and I never got it back. I cried when they gave their father their Christmas present. Man that was awesome.
So a good story and some outstanding characters make this a solid four-star read. I don't usually go so high when the main guy doesn't connect right, but those boys.... (the epilogue almost had me break it back lower as it was just so stereotypical. But I decided it didn't happen, so we're good)
A note about Chaste: There are a few kisses and an outstanding snuggle, but that's it. Thayne is extremely good at telling love-stories without the sex and without being awkward about it. I love that about her writing. She makes it look so effortless.
October 7, 2017
Love the cover of the book!
A heartwarming Christmas story that will melt your heart!
Amazing characters that all work so well together that they draw you into the story. Have a box of kleenex handy.
I loved every minute of the story and really hated to see it end!
A must read for the Christmas season!
A heartwarming Christmas story that will melt your heart!
Amazing characters that all work so well together that they draw you into the story. Have a box of kleenex handy.
I loved every minute of the story and really hated to see it end!
A must read for the Christmas season!
October 27, 2017
This was a quick holiday read and very enjoyable. Music teacher Ella Baker, had her hands full with twins, Trevor and Colter McKinley, in her class. It didnt help that she was attracted to their dad, Beckett, a successful rancher who just happened to be single and available. Ella had returned to her father's ranch to help him since Curt had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. She was hoping to learn everything she could about the day to day operation of the ranch so she could one day be a co-manager with her father. In order to do so, however, she was going to have to overcome her almost crippling fear of horses. She'd had a bad accident on a horse when she was younger and had spent weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries. This leads her to make a deal with the twins. In exchange for helping her learn to ride again, she would help them rehearse for a very special song they wanted to sing to their father during the annual Christmas program. Of course Beckett gets involved in Ella's riding lessons which means them spending time together, and their mutual attraction grows.
I liked the characters. They were both the kind of people you could easily relate to. Because Beckett's first wife had suffered from depression and ended up leaving Beck and the boy's and later dying of an accidental drug overdose, Beckett was reluctant to get involved with Ella. He was convinced she was just another city girl like his first wife. Ella, on the other hand, proved him wrong. She was tough, determined, and willing to do whatever it took to run her father's ranch. She adored Beck's boys and was more than willing to develop a relationship with the handsome rancher. The path to love isn't always easy and the two of them had a few obstacles to overcome but ultimately they made it to their happily ever after. A nice read.
I liked the characters. They were both the kind of people you could easily relate to. Because Beckett's first wife had suffered from depression and ended up leaving Beck and the boy's and later dying of an accidental drug overdose, Beckett was reluctant to get involved with Ella. He was convinced she was just another city girl like his first wife. Ella, on the other hand, proved him wrong. She was tough, determined, and willing to do whatever it took to run her father's ranch. She adored Beck's boys and was more than willing to develop a relationship with the handsome rancher. The path to love isn't always easy and the two of them had a few obstacles to overcome but ultimately they made it to their happily ever after. A nice read.
December 6, 2017
RaeAnne Thayne returns to Pine Gulch for the story of Ella Baker -- whom we met in the previous book, The Holiday Gift when she was being set up with Chase by Faith. This time Ella gets her own man, in form of a rancher, Beckett McKinley.
I LOVED Ella's grit (Beck calls it right). She loves her father's ranch, considers it her legacy, and while her father seems to dismiss her outright to be the one taking care of the ranch, she never gives up. She also wrangles the "terrible terror" twins quite well. PLUS Ella fights her fear for horses -- she meets challenges right on. I can totally see why Beck falls for her. I would too.
Beck is a fine man -- but this is the kind of romance where I admire the heroine more that paying attention to the hero.
The romance, typical Thayne, is sweet.
I LOVED Ella's grit (Beck calls it right). She loves her father's ranch, considers it her legacy, and while her father seems to dismiss her outright to be the one taking care of the ranch, she never gives up. She also wrangles the "terrible terror" twins quite well. PLUS Ella fights her fear for horses -- she meets challenges right on. I can totally see why Beck falls for her. I would too.
Beck is a fine man -- but this is the kind of romance where I admire the heroine more that paying attention to the hero.
The romance, typical Thayne, is sweet.
October 22, 2017
Ella Baker comes back to Pine Gulch, after living many years with her Mom and Step-Dad in the city. Her Father has Parkinson's disease so Ella comes back to help care for him. As a music teacher she is in charge of the Christmas show as a major fundraiser for the school's music programs. In doing so she deals with a set of 7 year old rambunctious twins, whose Dad is raising them alone since their Mother left them when they were about 2 years old. Ella makes a deal with the boys to help them learn and perform a song at the Christmas show, a favorite of their Dad's, as a gift to him. In return she overcomes her fear of horses due to an accident she had when she was about their age, by them teaching her to ride again. Beckett, the twins' Dad, helps with the lessons also and the two feel an attraction for each other. A feel good Christmas story you don't want to miss. RaeAnne Thayne develops the characters in such a way that the reader will feel them come alive through the pages.
October 22, 2017
The Ranchers Christmas Song
I love Christmas stories. RaeAnne Thayne is charming as ever in this story. The descriptions of the ranch are amazing makes you feel like you were riding the horse right along with her. A very romantic love story. I missed my dad while reading this story as he passed away this year. Will be the first Christmas without my dad. All in all I felt like I was living the story along with the characters. I felt very much in the Christmas spirit.
I love Christmas stories. RaeAnne Thayne is charming as ever in this story. The descriptions of the ranch are amazing makes you feel like you were riding the horse right along with her. A very romantic love story. I missed my dad while reading this story as he passed away this year. Will be the first Christmas without my dad. All in all I felt like I was living the story along with the characters. I felt very much in the Christmas spirit.
July 11, 2024
This one was too wordy for me and bland.
(But I am still an RT fan for life.)
Reread 2024. Library book sale. Read to page 46 then had 2 start skip reading. Plot not strong enough to hold my attention. Blvability too low. Give away to free library.
P117. “I’m not exaggerating when I say that was probably the best steak I’ve ever had. What do you use for a marinade ?”
“Nothing too complicated — soy sauce, honey, a little bit of ground black pepper and a splash of olive oil.”
“Sometimes the simple things are the best. …”
(But I am still an RT fan for life.)
Reread 2024. Library book sale. Read to page 46 then had 2 start skip reading. Plot not strong enough to hold my attention. Blvability too low. Give away to free library.
P117. “I’m not exaggerating when I say that was probably the best steak I’ve ever had. What do you use for a marinade ?”
“Nothing too complicated — soy sauce, honey, a little bit of ground black pepper and a splash of olive oil.”
“Sometimes the simple things are the best. …”
December 7, 2017
5 Stars to The Rancher’s Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne.
I loved this book so much! Each and every book I have read by this author has left me with a lighthearted feeling. Her books are so sweet and the characters are very well developed. In this book, as with most of this series, there are a whole cast of lovable, quirky, and caring secondary characters. A big shout out to Colter and Trever McKinley, the most adorable seven-year-old twins! In addition, there is just enough, but not too much, angst to give the story some complexity.
Beck and Ella…….
Ella moved to Idaho to care for her ailing father. Unfortunately, Ella’s parents were separated and then later divorced during her childhood. Her mom lived in Boston and that was where Ella primarily grew up. But part of her heart was in Idaho with her father. Ella loved visiting her dad for long summers. She especially loved riding horses on his ranch. But unfortunately, something happens that causes a huge divide between her and her father. Now years later, Ella is determined to show her dad she is a strong, capable woman. Not the delicate, fragile, eastern city girl he thinks she is.
Beck runs and lives on the neighboring ranch. He has a bond with Ella’s father that stirs a bit of jealously in Ella. And maybe even a bit of resentment too.
Ella and Beck are attracted to each other from the start but neither knows the other is attracted. In fact, they are both under the impression that neither like each other.
When Ella begins to spend time with Beck’s twin boys, there is a whole lot of enlightenment going on. Not to mention a whole lot of adorable! Beck and Ella were slow to get together but I will say there was great tension between them and I was more than ok with their pace. I could feel their chemistry crackling on the pages as I read. I knew it was only a matter of time before Beck stopped being stubborn. I don’t want to give any details away of this lovely Christmas story. I can say that as always, I look forward to the next book in this series. And there are a lot, this book being 16 of The Cowboys of Cold Creek series.
While this is a fairly clean story, there were a few poignant steamy moments. Beck and Ella made the perfect couple.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet and satisfying Christmas romance, I recommend this author. She has several wonderful Christmas novels available.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking time to read it.
I loved this book so much! Each and every book I have read by this author has left me with a lighthearted feeling. Her books are so sweet and the characters are very well developed. In this book, as with most of this series, there are a whole cast of lovable, quirky, and caring secondary characters. A big shout out to Colter and Trever McKinley, the most adorable seven-year-old twins! In addition, there is just enough, but not too much, angst to give the story some complexity.
Beck and Ella…….
Ella moved to Idaho to care for her ailing father. Unfortunately, Ella’s parents were separated and then later divorced during her childhood. Her mom lived in Boston and that was where Ella primarily grew up. But part of her heart was in Idaho with her father. Ella loved visiting her dad for long summers. She especially loved riding horses on his ranch. But unfortunately, something happens that causes a huge divide between her and her father. Now years later, Ella is determined to show her dad she is a strong, capable woman. Not the delicate, fragile, eastern city girl he thinks she is.
Beck runs and lives on the neighboring ranch. He has a bond with Ella’s father that stirs a bit of jealously in Ella. And maybe even a bit of resentment too.
Ella and Beck are attracted to each other from the start but neither knows the other is attracted. In fact, they are both under the impression that neither like each other.
When Ella begins to spend time with Beck’s twin boys, there is a whole lot of enlightenment going on. Not to mention a whole lot of adorable! Beck and Ella were slow to get together but I will say there was great tension between them and I was more than ok with their pace. I could feel their chemistry crackling on the pages as I read. I knew it was only a matter of time before Beck stopped being stubborn. I don’t want to give any details away of this lovely Christmas story. I can say that as always, I look forward to the next book in this series. And there are a lot, this book being 16 of The Cowboys of Cold Creek series.
While this is a fairly clean story, there were a few poignant steamy moments. Beck and Ella made the perfect couple.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet and satisfying Christmas romance, I recommend this author. She has several wonderful Christmas novels available.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking time to read it.
October 26, 2017
Adorable and heartwarming holiday romance story that captivated my mind and heart.
The twins with their horses and puppies certainly were a delightful addition to the story, their love towards their father was palpable and desire to please him with the Christmas gift so lovely.
Ella Baker is a strong female lead. I liked her strength, patience, and aim to go after what she wants. She has had a tough childhood, her relationship with her father is turbulent, yet she has clear goals in life and is willing to work towards them when needed.
Beckett McKinley is a family oriented man, his love for his twins is the driving force in his life. He has big heart, caring nature, he is generous and kind. But what he doesn't want is to fail in a relationship again, so acting upon his attraction towards Ella Baker is completely out of question.
Ella's father has a Parkinson's disease and needs constant care and help. Ella's struggle to accept her father's new challenges came close to my heart. I found that part of the story oddly comforting and consoling, my personal feelings and struggles coming into the play.
Beckett and Ella, as well as the twins, they all have challenges they are facing this holiday season. And while working on their fears, overcoming obstacles, and learning new skills they get to know each other in a new way. They find their hearts and minds are in tune, and there are new feelings taking root in their souls, feelings they cannot ignore for long. The attraction growing between Beckett and Ella is flaming, palpable force yet the story is sweet in nature leaving the passion to the reader's imagination.
With snow storms, ranch life, lots of Christmas caroling, cute kids, and alluring romance the story has all the ingredients that touch the emotions, and make you smile, sigh, and long for the season to start.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The twins with their horses and puppies certainly were a delightful addition to the story, their love towards their father was palpable and desire to please him with the Christmas gift so lovely.
Ella Baker is a strong female lead. I liked her strength, patience, and aim to go after what she wants. She has had a tough childhood, her relationship with her father is turbulent, yet she has clear goals in life and is willing to work towards them when needed.
Beckett McKinley is a family oriented man, his love for his twins is the driving force in his life. He has big heart, caring nature, he is generous and kind. But what he doesn't want is to fail in a relationship again, so acting upon his attraction towards Ella Baker is completely out of question.
Ella's father has a Parkinson's disease and needs constant care and help. Ella's struggle to accept her father's new challenges came close to my heart. I found that part of the story oddly comforting and consoling, my personal feelings and struggles coming into the play.
Beckett and Ella, as well as the twins, they all have challenges they are facing this holiday season. And while working on their fears, overcoming obstacles, and learning new skills they get to know each other in a new way. They find their hearts and minds are in tune, and there are new feelings taking root in their souls, feelings they cannot ignore for long. The attraction growing between Beckett and Ella is flaming, palpable force yet the story is sweet in nature leaving the passion to the reader's imagination.
With snow storms, ranch life, lots of Christmas caroling, cute kids, and alluring romance the story has all the ingredients that touch the emotions, and make you smile, sigh, and long for the season to start.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
December 15, 2017
A heart-warming story that's a perfect length for a holiday read.
Christmas time, a plucky heroine, and a handsome cowboy. What more could a gal ask for?
Christmas time, a plucky heroine, and a handsome cowboy. What more could a gal ask for?
November 1, 2017
Music teacher, Ella Baker, has moved to her father’s Idaho ranch to help out after his diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease. She takes a job as the local school’s music teacher and is in charge of the Christmas programs. When twin boys in her class request her help to prepare a special Christmas song for her father as a gift, she agrees in exchange for riding lessons. A childhood horseback riding accident left her terrified of horses, but when the twins’ father offers to help with her riding skills, she develops a new feelings related to the ruggedly handsome Beckett McKinley. As sparks begin to fly, several complications arise, such as Ella’s similarities to Beckett’s first wife and the issue of Ella’s father selling the family ranch to Beckett. This in turn creates enough heat and tension to makes this a warm and cozy holiday read as Ella and Beckett, along with obvious prodding from the twin boys, seek to combine their hearts, lives and ranches just in time for Christmas.
This sixteenth book in the Cowboy’s of Cold Creek series is just as warm and inviting as the previous fifteen. Author RaeAnne Thayne has a gift for bringing to life everyday characters who learn the meaning of the holidays as well as the love of family. Her holiday books always meet and exceed my expectations and I enjoy reading and recommending her work.
This sixteenth book in the Cowboy’s of Cold Creek series is just as warm and inviting as the previous fifteen. Author RaeAnne Thayne has a gift for bringing to life everyday characters who learn the meaning of the holidays as well as the love of family. Her holiday books always meet and exceed my expectations and I enjoy reading and recommending her work.
October 5, 2017
This book has to be on your list to read for Christmas. A very nice story that will have you chuckling at the adorable twin boys. (Who by the way made the whole book that much more entertaining). The story of Ella and Beck was complicated by Ella having to take care of her dad. But what a lovely romantic ending. I loved how characters from the other books were included in the story also. Definitely a must read for fans of RaeAnne Thayne.
October 31, 2017
Sweet feel-good holiday romance. Always great to revisit the Cowboys of Cold Creek. If you are a RaeAnne Thayne fan you will not be disappointed.
November 11, 2017
Reviewed for Night Owl Reviews.
RaeAnne Thayne brings the holiday early with “The Rancher's Christmas Song”. Music teacher Ella Baker helps her neighbor rancher Becket McKinley’s twin sons prepare a surprise performance for their father in this installment to the “Cowboys of Cold Creek” series. It’s another heartwarming tale of courage, healing, and second chance, in a blend of intense and lively sequences.
What I like from Ms. Thayne’s books are the strong female characters, just like what we have in this book. Ella’s relationship with her father has not been the same since the accident she had when she was little. She manages to chip away not only her father’s defenses, but also Beck’s, and proves that she is not a fragile city girl that don’t belong in Pine Gulch, Idaho. And it is done in not an overly dramatic way; Ella’s handling of any (difficult) situations felt natural.
Sure, it helps to have two adorable cute twins in the story that will melt your heart with their shenanigans. Not to mention their father, the strong and loyal rancher who’s always flustered whenever they’re in close proximity. His personal baggage built Beck’s false impression of Ella, but I love that it doesn’t take him too long to have a change of heart.
As I come to recognize - and really appreciate - of RaeAnne Thayne’s works is the sweet and subtle romance between the characters. The alternate POVs between Beck and Ella help to bridge the transition of their association from nearly stranger that develop into more. But more than their romance, “The Rancher's Christmas Song” also unfolds familial love between father and daughter and father and sons. In a crazy world we live in today, this sort of story serves as a balm to my weary soul.
RaeAnne Thayne brings the holiday early with “The Rancher's Christmas Song”. Music teacher Ella Baker helps her neighbor rancher Becket McKinley’s twin sons prepare a surprise performance for their father in this installment to the “Cowboys of Cold Creek” series. It’s another heartwarming tale of courage, healing, and second chance, in a blend of intense and lively sequences.
What I like from Ms. Thayne’s books are the strong female characters, just like what we have in this book. Ella’s relationship with her father has not been the same since the accident she had when she was little. She manages to chip away not only her father’s defenses, but also Beck’s, and proves that she is not a fragile city girl that don’t belong in Pine Gulch, Idaho. And it is done in not an overly dramatic way; Ella’s handling of any (difficult) situations felt natural.
Sure, it helps to have two adorable cute twins in the story that will melt your heart with their shenanigans. Not to mention their father, the strong and loyal rancher who’s always flustered whenever they’re in close proximity. His personal baggage built Beck’s false impression of Ella, but I love that it doesn’t take him too long to have a change of heart.
As I come to recognize - and really appreciate - of RaeAnne Thayne’s works is the sweet and subtle romance between the characters. The alternate POVs between Beck and Ella help to bridge the transition of their association from nearly stranger that develop into more. But more than their romance, “The Rancher's Christmas Song” also unfolds familial love between father and daughter and father and sons. In a crazy world we live in today, this sort of story serves as a balm to my weary soul.
September 27, 2017
This is a "don't miss" Christmas Story by the talented New York Times Best Selling Author, RaeAnne Thayne! THE RANCHER'S CHRISTMAS SONG fills the reader with the love and joy brought by the magic of the Christmas season.
Be sure to read THE RANCHER'S CHRISTMAS SONG to find out how a near tragedy when returning from The Christmas Ranch during a blizzard, turned out to be a Christmas miracle and blessing.
Be sure to read THE RANCHER'S CHRISTMAS SONG to find out how a near tragedy when returning from The Christmas Ranch during a blizzard, turned out to be a Christmas miracle and blessing.
October 13, 2017
You just know that when young twins show up there will be a romance in the air. This time Beckett McKinley's wild twin boys set the stage by making a bargain with Ella Baker. In return for helping them with a special song for their Dad they will teach her how to ride. Of course Beck ends up doing the teaching and finally realizing that Ella is much more than he thought. A great romance that takes place at the Christmas Ranch while introducing a new cast of characters. A great fit for the series.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 16, 2017
This is the second consecutive day I've read a Christmas themed book that has a lot of depth and amazing characters.
I liked both Beck and Ella, but I have to say Ella was truly amazing. Like Beck said she had a lot of grit, the way she went about to overcome her fears, considering it was not just any fall, but that almost killed her. And, I liked how she fought for her father's respect and trust. Yet, it was amusing, how tongue-tied she got with Beck. Beck was nice guy, an amazing father and a very helpful neighbor. He was as attracted to Ella as she was with him, but after the bad experience he had with his city-girl late wife, he didn't want to get involved with another city girl. Not only because of him, but more because he didn't want his sons to go through another abandonment. But, thanks to his matchmaking twin sons, Trevor and Colter, he was constantly thrown together with Ella and the more time he spent with her, the more he became impressed with her.
I adored the twin terrors. From the very start of the book they had me laughing at their antics brought on by their boundless energy and enthusiasm. It was so sweet of them to ask Ella to teach them to sing the song their father loved so that they could sing it to him as their Christmas gift and were willing to even to sit still during the practice. They were too adorable. I could just imagine them in their white shirts, bolo tie, jeans and cowboy boots. Felt like squeezing them into a tight hug.
I'm glad Ella and her father were also ble to sort out their issues. There was clearly lots of hurt there, but the love was stronger. I only wish Beck and Ella had more intimacy than a few kisses. The end too, I felt was a bit abrupt. The epilogue was very nice though.
Overall, a hilarious and enjoyable read. Not to be missed
I liked both Beck and Ella, but I have to say Ella was truly amazing. Like Beck said she had a lot of grit, the way she went about to overcome her fears, considering it was not just any fall, but that almost killed her. And, I liked how she fought for her father's respect and trust. Yet, it was amusing, how tongue-tied she got with Beck. Beck was nice guy, an amazing father and a very helpful neighbor. He was as attracted to Ella as she was with him, but after the bad experience he had with his city-girl late wife, he didn't want to get involved with another city girl. Not only because of him, but more because he didn't want his sons to go through another abandonment. But, thanks to his matchmaking twin sons, Trevor and Colter, he was constantly thrown together with Ella and the more time he spent with her, the more he became impressed with her.
I adored the twin terrors. From the very start of the book they had me laughing at their antics brought on by their boundless energy and enthusiasm. It was so sweet of them to ask Ella to teach them to sing the song their father loved so that they could sing it to him as their Christmas gift and were willing to even to sit still during the practice. They were too adorable. I could just imagine them in their white shirts, bolo tie, jeans and cowboy boots. Felt like squeezing them into a tight hug.
I'm glad Ella and her father were also ble to sort out their issues. There was clearly lots of hurt there, but the love was stronger. I only wish Beck and Ella had more intimacy than a few kisses. The end too, I felt was a bit abrupt. The epilogue was very nice though.
Overall, a hilarious and enjoyable read. Not to be missed
September 3, 2017
Music teacher Ella Baker has returned to Cold Creek to help her father, who has Parkinson's, run their ranch. Rancher and single father Beckett McKinley has his hands full between running his ranch, raising his twin boys, and helping Ella's father with their ranch.
The chemistry between the pair is obvious from the beginning. I liked how patient Ella was with the twins, despite how rambunctious they were. While everyone else complained about them, she's the only one who takes the initiative to find outlets for their extra energy. The twins, despite their hyperactivity, were very sweet and I loved the surprise they came up with for their father for Christmas.
Ella's father comes across as a bit of a jerk, not wanting to give her a chance to help him run the ranch. When his reasoning is revealed, however, his behavior is a little more understandable.
While this is part of the Cowboys of Cold Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.
The Rancher's Christmas Song is a charming tale that readers both new and old to the series will enjoy.
The chemistry between the pair is obvious from the beginning. I liked how patient Ella was with the twins, despite how rambunctious they were. While everyone else complained about them, she's the only one who takes the initiative to find outlets for their extra energy. The twins, despite their hyperactivity, were very sweet and I loved the surprise they came up with for their father for Christmas.
Ella's father comes across as a bit of a jerk, not wanting to give her a chance to help him run the ranch. When his reasoning is revealed, however, his behavior is a little more understandable.
While this is part of the Cowboys of Cold Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.
The Rancher's Christmas Song is a charming tale that readers both new and old to the series will enjoy.
December 23, 2017
I came to this long-running series more than a little late, and when I read and reviewed the novel that preceded this one, The Holiday Gift, I felt overwhelmed by the size of the cast and the relationships of and between the many characters. It was a lot like arriving very late to a party, long after the introductions were made and feeling lost, but having gotten hooked by the author's Haven Point series, I voluntarily agreed to read and review another Cold Creek novel, and while I still was unclear about the relationship history of the other characters, it didn't bother me at all in this novel, and I'm very glad I did request an advance reader copy. This one gets 4 stars from this reader.
The principle characters in this novel are music teacher, Ella Baker, who was a child when her parents divorced and her mother returned to her family in Boston with Ella in tow. Ella missed the ranch and returned to visit her father whenever possible. When she was only 8 years old, she had a terrible fall from a spooked horse, a fall which stopped her heart and left her in a coma. She was lucky to survive her injuries, but was left with no memory of her first 8 years. That accident left her absolutely terrified of the horses she used to love.
She returned to Pine Gulch a year ago to care for her father, Curt, who's been stricken with Parkinson's disease, and found a job teaching music at the elementary and middle schools. The thorn in her side (as well as everyone else in the school) are the twin 7-year-old sons of Beckett (Beck) McKinley, Trevor and Colter, referred to as the "twin terrors" for their boundless energy and rambunctious nature. She also happens to be attracted to their dad, whose ranch, Broken Arrow, is next door to her father's ranch, one she hopes will be hers to run one day, but something she can't seem to get her father to realize is something she's always dreamed of. It's something she wants to learn how to run from her father, who, although she's a grown woman, can't seem to see her as anything more than a frail and fragile, comatose 8-year old in a hospital bed. Her father, in turn, recognizing that he's rapidly becoming unable to run the ranch himself, decides to offer to sell the ranch to Beck, and it's something they've been quietly discussing.
Knowing that she's going to have to prove her capabilities to her father, Ella's horse phobia must be overcome, and the chance to do so soon presents itself, when her students, the McKinley twins, ask her to help them learn their father's favorite Christmas song--their Christmas gift for him, and one they will perform at the annual Christmas show that Ella is in charge of. Knowing that Ella has been stretched thin by her two jobs, in addition to all her Christmas volunteer work, they offer to give her riding lessons in exchange for helping them, and with great trepidation, Ella agrees. Once Beck finds out about the riding lessons, and witnesses how terrified Ella is of horses, he realizes what his sons do not, that it will take more than a trail ride with the twins to get her comfortable on horseback, and so he inserts himself in her lessons. It doesn't help that he's been attracted to Ella since he first saw her, but after his disastrous marriage with a city girl ended in her leaving him when the boys were only two years old, and eventually dying of a drug overdose, he's promised himself not to ever get involved with a city girl again, but as they work together, he's impressed by Ella's grit and resolve to overcome her fear, and the attraction between these two grows stronger.
These characters are well defined, and the charm and sense of community I came to love in the Haven Point series, is certainly present in Pine Gulch too, where neighbors help their neighbors, no one is a stranger for long, and everyone pitches in to produce the annual Christmas show, which is done as much for the seniors citizens in town as it is for the general population. Everything about his novel is imbued with the Christmas spirit, and as a city gal who moved to a small town, I fully understood the appeal of small town life and the values of neighbor helping neighbor.
There's more drama and angst involved in this story, and surprises, both good and bad for the characters, but since I don't give spoilers, you'll have to read this emotional, charmingly sweet and touching novel youself to find out what happens to these characters, and I recommend it. As for this reviewer, I've added the earlier novels in this series to my to-be-read list. Ms. Thayne certainly is adept at writing deeply moving novels with HEA endings, and if you've not yet discovered her books, there's no time like the present.
The principle characters in this novel are music teacher, Ella Baker, who was a child when her parents divorced and her mother returned to her family in Boston with Ella in tow. Ella missed the ranch and returned to visit her father whenever possible. When she was only 8 years old, she had a terrible fall from a spooked horse, a fall which stopped her heart and left her in a coma. She was lucky to survive her injuries, but was left with no memory of her first 8 years. That accident left her absolutely terrified of the horses she used to love.
She returned to Pine Gulch a year ago to care for her father, Curt, who's been stricken with Parkinson's disease, and found a job teaching music at the elementary and middle schools. The thorn in her side (as well as everyone else in the school) are the twin 7-year-old sons of Beckett (Beck) McKinley, Trevor and Colter, referred to as the "twin terrors" for their boundless energy and rambunctious nature. She also happens to be attracted to their dad, whose ranch, Broken Arrow, is next door to her father's ranch, one she hopes will be hers to run one day, but something she can't seem to get her father to realize is something she's always dreamed of. It's something she wants to learn how to run from her father, who, although she's a grown woman, can't seem to see her as anything more than a frail and fragile, comatose 8-year old in a hospital bed. Her father, in turn, recognizing that he's rapidly becoming unable to run the ranch himself, decides to offer to sell the ranch to Beck, and it's something they've been quietly discussing.
Knowing that she's going to have to prove her capabilities to her father, Ella's horse phobia must be overcome, and the chance to do so soon presents itself, when her students, the McKinley twins, ask her to help them learn their father's favorite Christmas song--their Christmas gift for him, and one they will perform at the annual Christmas show that Ella is in charge of. Knowing that Ella has been stretched thin by her two jobs, in addition to all her Christmas volunteer work, they offer to give her riding lessons in exchange for helping them, and with great trepidation, Ella agrees. Once Beck finds out about the riding lessons, and witnesses how terrified Ella is of horses, he realizes what his sons do not, that it will take more than a trail ride with the twins to get her comfortable on horseback, and so he inserts himself in her lessons. It doesn't help that he's been attracted to Ella since he first saw her, but after his disastrous marriage with a city girl ended in her leaving him when the boys were only two years old, and eventually dying of a drug overdose, he's promised himself not to ever get involved with a city girl again, but as they work together, he's impressed by Ella's grit and resolve to overcome her fear, and the attraction between these two grows stronger.
These characters are well defined, and the charm and sense of community I came to love in the Haven Point series, is certainly present in Pine Gulch too, where neighbors help their neighbors, no one is a stranger for long, and everyone pitches in to produce the annual Christmas show, which is done as much for the seniors citizens in town as it is for the general population. Everything about his novel is imbued with the Christmas spirit, and as a city gal who moved to a small town, I fully understood the appeal of small town life and the values of neighbor helping neighbor.
There's more drama and angst involved in this story, and surprises, both good and bad for the characters, but since I don't give spoilers, you'll have to read this emotional, charmingly sweet and touching novel youself to find out what happens to these characters, and I recommend it. As for this reviewer, I've added the earlier novels in this series to my to-be-read list. Ms. Thayne certainly is adept at writing deeply moving novels with HEA endings, and if you've not yet discovered her books, there's no time like the present.
December 27, 2017
Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/12...
The Rancher's Christmas Song (Cowboys of Cold Creek #16) by RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin, 2017
Romance (Holiday); 224 pgs
Source: E-copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Single dad Beckett McKinley’s rambunctious twins ask their music teacher, Ella Baker, for help in learning their father’s favorite Christmas song. They want to surprise him by singing it at the children’s annual holiday show. On impulse, Ella agrees, but only if the boys will teach her how to ride a horse. She has long struggled with a phobia of horses with roots from her childhood. I admit I had to remind myself to suspend my disbelief in this—a teacher asking young boys to teach her to ride a horse seemed a bit silly . . . but it wasn’t as if she didn’t realize it was impulsive, and she wished she could take it back almost as soon as she said it. They were just so excited about the trade though. She didn’t have the heart to disappoint them.
Beck has long been attracted to Ella Baker, the daughter of his neighbor and mentor, but his effort to keep his distance and hide his feelings has only made her think he doesn’t like her. She assumes it is because she grew up in Boston, not Cold Creek, and he, like her father, feels she doesn’t belong there. Ella has conflicting feelings about Beck—she is attracted to him and yet sees him as a rival for her father’s attention—and for her family’s ranch.
I adored those twin boys. They had energy to spare, and ran their teachers and father ragged, but they have good hearts and are eager to do the right thing. I like Ella’s approach with them.
While Ella has some things to overcome, like her fear of horses, her real conflict is with her father and his inability to see that she is willing and capable to learn how to run the ranch. Her father’s failing health is in part what brought her to Pine Gulch, a place she loved as a child. She wants to make it her home. Beck and her father see her being there only temporarily—her father still seeing her as a child he has to protect, and Beck seeing his former wife, also a city woman, in Ella despite the two women being completely different.
I really liked Ella and Beck, both down to earth and hardworking people. Ella takes on her fear head on, and I loved that about her. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Beck is still haunted by his past and has to get past that before he can fully let love in. The two characters have definite chemistry together. I enjoyed seeing the characters come into their own—and grow together over the course of the novel.
I may have got misty-eyed at the end of this one—and in a few other places. This was a sweet romance—perfect for the holiday season.
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/12...
The Rancher's Christmas Song (Cowboys of Cold Creek #16) by RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin, 2017
Romance (Holiday); 224 pgs
Source: E-copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Single dad Beckett McKinley’s rambunctious twins ask their music teacher, Ella Baker, for help in learning their father’s favorite Christmas song. They want to surprise him by singing it at the children’s annual holiday show. On impulse, Ella agrees, but only if the boys will teach her how to ride a horse. She has long struggled with a phobia of horses with roots from her childhood. I admit I had to remind myself to suspend my disbelief in this—a teacher asking young boys to teach her to ride a horse seemed a bit silly . . . but it wasn’t as if she didn’t realize it was impulsive, and she wished she could take it back almost as soon as she said it. They were just so excited about the trade though. She didn’t have the heart to disappoint them.
Beck has long been attracted to Ella Baker, the daughter of his neighbor and mentor, but his effort to keep his distance and hide his feelings has only made her think he doesn’t like her. She assumes it is because she grew up in Boston, not Cold Creek, and he, like her father, feels she doesn’t belong there. Ella has conflicting feelings about Beck—she is attracted to him and yet sees him as a rival for her father’s attention—and for her family’s ranch.
I adored those twin boys. They had energy to spare, and ran their teachers and father ragged, but they have good hearts and are eager to do the right thing. I like Ella’s approach with them.
While Ella has some things to overcome, like her fear of horses, her real conflict is with her father and his inability to see that she is willing and capable to learn how to run the ranch. Her father’s failing health is in part what brought her to Pine Gulch, a place she loved as a child. She wants to make it her home. Beck and her father see her being there only temporarily—her father still seeing her as a child he has to protect, and Beck seeing his former wife, also a city woman, in Ella despite the two women being completely different.
I really liked Ella and Beck, both down to earth and hardworking people. Ella takes on her fear head on, and I loved that about her. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Beck is still haunted by his past and has to get past that before he can fully let love in. The two characters have definite chemistry together. I enjoyed seeing the characters come into their own—and grow together over the course of the novel.
I may have got misty-eyed at the end of this one—and in a few other places. This was a sweet romance—perfect for the holiday season.
November 7, 2017
I love all of RaeAnne Thayne's books. They are all wonderful but her Christmas stories, well there is just nothing quite like a RaeAnne Thayne Christmas book. I have been known to squee and do a happy dance in my chair when I see one of Ms. Thayne's Christmas stories nearing the top of my to be read mountain. I devour these books in no time.
The Rancher's Christmas Song is yet another fabulous Christmas story that involves the Christmas Ranch. In this book, we get to read Ella Baker’s story. Ella enter the Christmas ranch last year to help out with the Christmas program at the Christmas Ranch. This year she's helping out with the Christmas Ranch program, she's teaching music, and making a deal with two troublesome twins. Ella has her hands full but finds herself enjoying it all.
Beckett McKinley is a busy single dad. He's the father of those troublesome twins that are just too adorable for words. He's a wonderful father and truly adores his sons. He's busy taking care of his ranch all that entails including some sweet newborn puppies.
Ella and Beck don't always seem to strike each other right way. That very well could have something to do with the incredible attraction that is sparking like crazy between these two. The more they spend together the attraction grows and a friendship is forming, maybe more than a friendship. I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other better and that attraction grow. If these two are going to make a happily ever after with those adorable twins they have a lot of obstacles that they will have to overcome.
I loved watching Ella interact with the boys. She's so good with them. It turns out those troublesome twins just need to focus some of that energy in different areas and they are just adorable twins.
I love what these twin boys plan for the Dad for Christmas and that Ella helps them put together. I had tears in my eyes.
.
There are moments of suspense and drama that had me clinging to the edge of my self and flipping those pages just as quickly as I could. I won't tell you too much but be prepared for the suspense. These characters feel like old friends so it's all that much more dramatic watching these scenes unfold.
On the whole, this is a fabulous book! If you are a huge RaeAnne Thayne like me, then you are going to LOVE this book. If you haven't had a chance to read the other books in this series never fear they will all stand on their own. If you love Christmas stories as much as I do then just go ahead and pick up more books in this series now. You will not be disappointed. They are all FABULOUS!
I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous book and it is my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
The Rancher's Christmas Song is yet another fabulous Christmas story that involves the Christmas Ranch. In this book, we get to read Ella Baker’s story. Ella enter the Christmas ranch last year to help out with the Christmas program at the Christmas Ranch. This year she's helping out with the Christmas Ranch program, she's teaching music, and making a deal with two troublesome twins. Ella has her hands full but finds herself enjoying it all.
Beckett McKinley is a busy single dad. He's the father of those troublesome twins that are just too adorable for words. He's a wonderful father and truly adores his sons. He's busy taking care of his ranch all that entails including some sweet newborn puppies.
Ella and Beck don't always seem to strike each other right way. That very well could have something to do with the incredible attraction that is sparking like crazy between these two. The more they spend together the attraction grows and a friendship is forming, maybe more than a friendship. I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other better and that attraction grow. If these two are going to make a happily ever after with those adorable twins they have a lot of obstacles that they will have to overcome.
I loved watching Ella interact with the boys. She's so good with them. It turns out those troublesome twins just need to focus some of that energy in different areas and they are just adorable twins.
I love what these twin boys plan for the Dad for Christmas and that Ella helps them put together. I had tears in my eyes.
.
There are moments of suspense and drama that had me clinging to the edge of my self and flipping those pages just as quickly as I could. I won't tell you too much but be prepared for the suspense. These characters feel like old friends so it's all that much more dramatic watching these scenes unfold.
On the whole, this is a fabulous book! If you are a huge RaeAnne Thayne like me, then you are going to LOVE this book. If you haven't had a chance to read the other books in this series never fear they will all stand on their own. If you love Christmas stories as much as I do then just go ahead and pick up more books in this series now. You will not be disappointed. They are all FABULOUS!
I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous book and it is my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
October 16, 2017
“I told myself I wasn’t going to do that.”
“I… Why?”
“Because I was afraid as soon as I kissed you once, I would only want to do it again and again. I was right.”
I have to admit, I’m a little sad that The Rancher’s Christmas Song was such a quick read. I enjoyed it—quite a bit, actually. It helps, of course, that I’m a sucker for a cowboy—and a cowboy at Christmas is icing on the cake. Or perhaps the angel at the top of the tree. Either way, it makes for a fun, feel good read.
Ella and Beck are sweet together—their requited attraction is clear from the outset and, without much in the way of drama, that means a lot of happy moments and swoons, along with a little slow burn and some true grit. Beck’s twin terrors add another enjoyable element to the story, as does Ella’s somewhat-grumpy father and the town’s people who make appearances here and there, and all of whom seem like the kind of quirky, kind folk that bring me back to small-town series like this again and again.
This is my first book by this author and it’s highly unlikely to be the last. Even though I started this series at number 16–yes, SIXTEEN—I never once felt lost or confused or like I should have attempted a marathon binge-read of the earlier books. It’s easy enough to just fall into this story and smile at the adorable, Christmassy goodness.
Which I did. I read this one quickly and happily and even now, several hours later, I am still thinking about how much I liked this book and these characters. TL;DR - The Rancher’s Christmas Song is a sure thing if you like your cowboys and holidays as much as I do. (Which is a lot.)
This moment, this night, this woman were beyond his wildest dreams.
~ 4.5 Creampuff STARS ~
“I… Why?”
“Because I was afraid as soon as I kissed you once, I would only want to do it again and again. I was right.”
I have to admit, I’m a little sad that The Rancher’s Christmas Song was such a quick read. I enjoyed it—quite a bit, actually. It helps, of course, that I’m a sucker for a cowboy—and a cowboy at Christmas is icing on the cake. Or perhaps the angel at the top of the tree. Either way, it makes for a fun, feel good read.
Ella and Beck are sweet together—their requited attraction is clear from the outset and, without much in the way of drama, that means a lot of happy moments and swoons, along with a little slow burn and some true grit. Beck’s twin terrors add another enjoyable element to the story, as does Ella’s somewhat-grumpy father and the town’s people who make appearances here and there, and all of whom seem like the kind of quirky, kind folk that bring me back to small-town series like this again and again.
This is my first book by this author and it’s highly unlikely to be the last. Even though I started this series at number 16–yes, SIXTEEN—I never once felt lost or confused or like I should have attempted a marathon binge-read of the earlier books. It’s easy enough to just fall into this story and smile at the adorable, Christmassy goodness.
Which I did. I read this one quickly and happily and even now, several hours later, I am still thinking about how much I liked this book and these characters. TL;DR - The Rancher’s Christmas Song is a sure thing if you like your cowboys and holidays as much as I do. (Which is a lot.)
This moment, this night, this woman were beyond his wildest dreams.
~ 4.5 Creampuff STARS ~
October 17, 2017
A return to the Christmas Ranch is always a trip I look forward to. Rae Anne Thayne did not disappoint. This year’s holiday story includes, as characters, twin seven year old motherless boys, their cowboy single dad, a lonely music teacher and even puppies at Christmas! It doesn’t get better than this. Ella’s parents separated and divorced when she was still quite young. Her mother did not like living on the ranch and Ella was forced to move with her mother to Boston. She always enjoyed going back to spend time with her father, and in fact, would have preferred to live with him. When he is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Ella gave up her job in Boston and moved back to help her ailing father. She was hired to teach music in the elementary and middle schools. She was also coerced into directing the Christmas play at the Christmas Ranch for a second year. Trevor and Colter give Ella a challenge in the classroom as well as out of it. They are natural born (ring)leaders and tend to find mischief wherever they go. After hearing a cowboy band, they ask Ella to teach them how to sing their dad’s favorite Christmas song about a lonely cowboy alone at Christmas. She strikes a deal with them and they agree to behave better and reteach her how to ride a horse. Beckett, the boys’ father, feels an attraction towards Ella but doesn’t want to pursue it. His perception is that Ella is just like his late wife and her own mother. He feels that she should just go back to Boston and be a “city girl”. I wish the book had been longer. I hope that there will be another trip to Pine Gulch in the near future.
December 29, 2017
This is another charming Thayne Christmas romance. My rating 4.5.
Ella is a music teacher who spent summers on her father’s ranch before returning to the town as an adult to help care for him. She loved the ranch and would love the opportunity to learn and manage the business. Unfortunately, Ella had suffered a severe injury as a child on the ranch and her father can only view her as fragile and needing protection. He believes she will return to her mother’s big city environment as soon as she can. Meanwhile, the neighbors, particularly Beck, help run the ranch.
Beck and Ella are cautious of each other. Beck’s first wife was a city girl and could not manage ranch life, even leaving her twin boys behind when she left Beck. Beck isn’t ready to trust another city girl.
Beck’s twin seven-year-old boys are a handful as everyone, including Ella, knows. They ask to join the Christmas program and then ask a very special favor from Ella. As she directs the program and works closer with the boys, she begins to defend them and begins to warm up to their sometimes intimidating father.
I really liked the strong, sweet chemistry between Ella and Beck. Their growing attraction could certainly have benefitted from some open communication but that is part of the story conflict of course. This read quickly as, once again, Ms. Thayne delivers a heartwarming, clean romance that is a delight to read at holiday time or anytime. I do recommend Ms. Thayne’s books to romance readers who enjoy clean, wholesome and heartwarming stories.
This is another Christmas read from NetGalley.
Ella is a music teacher who spent summers on her father’s ranch before returning to the town as an adult to help care for him. She loved the ranch and would love the opportunity to learn and manage the business. Unfortunately, Ella had suffered a severe injury as a child on the ranch and her father can only view her as fragile and needing protection. He believes she will return to her mother’s big city environment as soon as she can. Meanwhile, the neighbors, particularly Beck, help run the ranch.
Beck and Ella are cautious of each other. Beck’s first wife was a city girl and could not manage ranch life, even leaving her twin boys behind when she left Beck. Beck isn’t ready to trust another city girl.
Beck’s twin seven-year-old boys are a handful as everyone, including Ella, knows. They ask to join the Christmas program and then ask a very special favor from Ella. As she directs the program and works closer with the boys, she begins to defend them and begins to warm up to their sometimes intimidating father.
I really liked the strong, sweet chemistry between Ella and Beck. Their growing attraction could certainly have benefitted from some open communication but that is part of the story conflict of course. This read quickly as, once again, Ms. Thayne delivers a heartwarming, clean romance that is a delight to read at holiday time or anytime. I do recommend Ms. Thayne’s books to romance readers who enjoy clean, wholesome and heartwarming stories.
This is another Christmas read from NetGalley.
October 9, 2017
A captivating holiday read that had me wishing for a longer book by the time I finished it! RaeAnne writes the best holiday stories! As we get to know Ella, the music teacher in a small town, we know she is frustrated by everyone expecting her to return to Boston and be a "city girl". She loves the Idaho town and ranch where she was supposed to grow up but was deprived of because of something that happened in her childhood. Instead, she was mainly raised in Boston, which was ok, but now that she's an adult and has returned to Cold Creek because of her father's ailing health, she wants to stay - her father has other ideas. Next to her father's ranch lives Beckett. All around gorgeous rancher with two adorable twins that love mischief! At first Ella only knows them as their music teacher and is exasperated by their hijinks! However, she soon learns that they have a heart of gold and love their daddy a lot. She knows Beckett doesn't like her but she can't quite figure out why, except that she wants his sons to be a little more "obedient" when she's teaching them! Beckett's first wife, however, was a "city girl" and he wants no part of another one! I absolutely LOVED Ella and Beck's journey together. I love all the Cold Creek books. This one was extra special and involved several characters from other books which I adored!
I definitely recommend this book - curl up on the couch and enjoy the holidays with it!
I definitely recommend this book - curl up on the couch and enjoy the holidays with it!
October 23, 2017
4.5 Stars
RaeAnne Thayne’s Christmas stories have become part of my Christmas reading tradition. I know I can count on two each year, and this is the second one. (The first, Sugar Pine Trail, is one of my 2017 top favorite holiday books.) The Rancher’s Christmas Song is the sixteenth book in Thayne’s Cowboys of Cold Creek series, and more than half of them are Christmas stories. They are all small-town stories with a Western flavor and a lot of heart. This one is another that follows that delightful pattern.
I liked both Ella and Beck and enjoyed rooting for their HEA, but I thought the twins stole the story. They certainly stole my heart. I have a particular fondness for unruly small boys with excess energy, a talent for mischief, and an undeniable sweetness. The ones who gave me that fondness are no longer small boys (although they are still sweet and occasionally still mischievous), but Trevor and Colter made me smile and remember. I loved them. I also loved the Christmas feel of the book and the visit to the Christmas Ranch and the old friends linked to that place.
If you are looking for a Christmas romance that also features family, friends, and feel-good vibes, I highly recommend this book. Don’t let the #16 scare you away, The Rancher’s Christmas Song can easily be read as a standalone.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/10...
RaeAnne Thayne’s Christmas stories have become part of my Christmas reading tradition. I know I can count on two each year, and this is the second one. (The first, Sugar Pine Trail, is one of my 2017 top favorite holiday books.) The Rancher’s Christmas Song is the sixteenth book in Thayne’s Cowboys of Cold Creek series, and more than half of them are Christmas stories. They are all small-town stories with a Western flavor and a lot of heart. This one is another that follows that delightful pattern.
I liked both Ella and Beck and enjoyed rooting for their HEA, but I thought the twins stole the story. They certainly stole my heart. I have a particular fondness for unruly small boys with excess energy, a talent for mischief, and an undeniable sweetness. The ones who gave me that fondness are no longer small boys (although they are still sweet and occasionally still mischievous), but Trevor and Colter made me smile and remember. I loved them. I also loved the Christmas feel of the book and the visit to the Christmas Ranch and the old friends linked to that place.
If you are looking for a Christmas romance that also features family, friends, and feel-good vibes, I highly recommend this book. Don’t let the #16 scare you away, The Rancher’s Christmas Song can easily be read as a standalone.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/10...
April 2, 2018
Ella Baker has come back home to help her dad who is suffering with Parkinson disease . She is also a local music teacher and has a fear of horses and ridding them. She was injured when she was a child and hasn't ridden since . Beckett McKinley is Ella's handsome neighbor who is in the process of possibly buying her dads ranch. He is also the dad to; two rambunctious twin boys who are in Ella's class. Beckett 's goal is running his ranch and raising his boys. Ella's main goal is to prepare for the Christmas program and help Beckett's boys practice for the program . She makes a pact with the boys to get them to behave. She will help them with their singing in exchange for riding lessons for her. Will Ella be able to get the Christmas program off the ground? Will she be able to keep the twins under control ? Can she get over her fear of horses and learn to love riding again? Can she resist her handsome neighbor Beckett? This is the 16th book in the Cowboys Cold Creek series. I didn't read the other books in this series but I had no trouble following the story . This is a Christmas love story . It is also about healing and letting go of the past. I like this book and this was the first time that I have read anything from this author. I look forward to reading more from her. * There is some mild language and a lot of physical attraction but it wasn't too bad.
October 14, 2017
Lucky us! We get to visit Pine Gulch and Cold Creek again with RaeAnne Thayne! IMHO, no one does holiday stories like Ms. Thayne and The Rancher’s Christmas Song is another wonderfully warm example.
The story starts with Ella Baker, music teacher extraordinaire (!), trying to keep things from getting too far out of control when Becket (Beck) McKinley’s 7-year-old twins start letting loose with enough energy to power the entire county! They really are a hoot, and such a big part of the story, that I am sure they will melt your heart – as they did mine. Short recap of the story: Ella makes a deal with the twins and that brings her into much closer proximity to Beck than either of them is ready to deal with. Their story is really the journey they both must make through their own past mistakes, misjudgments, and just life itself before they can get to their HEA. The story is at times hilarious, especially when the twins get involved, but both Ella and Beck are truly good people and have such vulnerabilities…Ms. Thayne really delivers a touching, fun, warm and loving holiday story. Quick read for me because I always want to make sure I get to the end so I can have my dose of holiday cheer!
The story starts with Ella Baker, music teacher extraordinaire (!), trying to keep things from getting too far out of control when Becket (Beck) McKinley’s 7-year-old twins start letting loose with enough energy to power the entire county! They really are a hoot, and such a big part of the story, that I am sure they will melt your heart – as they did mine. Short recap of the story: Ella makes a deal with the twins and that brings her into much closer proximity to Beck than either of them is ready to deal with. Their story is really the journey they both must make through their own past mistakes, misjudgments, and just life itself before they can get to their HEA. The story is at times hilarious, especially when the twins get involved, but both Ella and Beck are truly good people and have such vulnerabilities…Ms. Thayne really delivers a touching, fun, warm and loving holiday story. Quick read for me because I always want to make sure I get to the end so I can have my dose of holiday cheer!
November 4, 2017
The deal is that Ella will teach the "terrible twins" a Christmas song they want to sing for their father during a concert and they will teach Ella to get back on the saddle of a horse. Maybe then Ella can get a better relationship with her father and help out with the ranch. Little did she expect for the father of the boys, Beckett, to be there and also be the one to help her out with horse riding. Thing is the more time they spend together they can't help but fall for each other.
If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance that is clean then this book maybe for you. I loved the deal that Ella and the boys made with each other, the more she was around the boys it helped better them a bit by getting them to calm down. I loved getting to know more about Ella as the story went on finding out about her phobia with it comes to horse and what happened to cause it to happen then seeing her face her fears. I loved seeing Beckett helping out and supporting her when she needed it because facing her fears was no easy thing. I loved that Ella was a strong and capable women will do what she can to help others and not afraid to ask for help when needed. Overall this was a sweet romance and I really enjoyed it.
If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance that is clean then this book maybe for you. I loved the deal that Ella and the boys made with each other, the more she was around the boys it helped better them a bit by getting them to calm down. I loved getting to know more about Ella as the story went on finding out about her phobia with it comes to horse and what happened to cause it to happen then seeing her face her fears. I loved seeing Beckett helping out and supporting her when she needed it because facing her fears was no easy thing. I loved that Ella was a strong and capable women will do what she can to help others and not afraid to ask for help when needed. Overall this was a sweet romance and I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews