What do you think?
Rate this book
River's End Ranch #17
Merry Manager
Wade Weston is a workaholic. He’s too busy working to think much about dating and the only person he’s remotely interested in is off-limits.
Maddie Johnson is a widow with an eight-year-old daughter, Vivian. Wade was the best man at their wedding. She works at the ranch running the spa and is a masseuse.
Maddie hasn’t really been ready to date anyone and the only one who interests her even a little is Wade, but for obvious reasons, that can’t happen.
Maddie Johnson is a widow with an eight-year-old daughter, Vivian. Wade was the best man at their wedding. She works at the ranch running the spa and is a masseuse.
Maddie hasn’t really been ready to date anyone and the only one who interests her even a little is Wade, but for obvious reasons, that can’t happen.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2017
272 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Pamela M. Kelley
51 books2,881 followersPamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women's fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you'd want as friends.
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two. :)
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two. :)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 14, 2017
For a while now we have been reading about Wade and his obvious attraction to Maddie. We have been waiting for them to get together, and I have to say, it was nice, but not exactly what I was expecting. It's a nice love story, and I liked them together, but the transition from forbidden fruit to happy couple was too sudden and a little bit rushed. It's not a bad book, I liked the characters, and it was something I'm sure all the people following the series was waiting for, my problem is that the transition wasn't well explained, at least in my opinion, I wanted something more, I guess.
It's one of the best books in the series, but that's not much to say.
It's one of the best books in the series, but that's not much to say.
May 19, 2017
Sweet romance
This was a sweet clean romance. The story had a steady pace, but was a bit boring and frustrating.
Wade and Maddie were attracted to each other and were gradually working toward dating. Suddenly the relationship went one way, then another, and the book was over.
Everything happened so quickly toward the end, it made me wonder if the writer just wanted to be done with the whole thing.
Overall, if you are looking for a sweet, clean, steady paced romance, this is the one for you.
This was a sweet clean romance. The story had a steady pace, but was a bit boring and frustrating.
Wade and Maddie were attracted to each other and were gradually working toward dating. Suddenly the relationship went one way, then another, and the book was over.
Everything happened so quickly toward the end, it made me wonder if the writer just wanted to be done with the whole thing.
Overall, if you are looking for a sweet, clean, steady paced romance, this is the one for you.
April 17, 2019
I was looking forward to Wade's story and this was a huge let-down. There was no real chemistry bw Wade and Maddie; they just knew each other forever. She was married to one of his best friends and he was the best man at their wedding; too much history to transition into love IMO. And she's his employee! No thanks - really wish they have given Wade a better story and love interest.
May 31, 2017
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless
I have to admit that during the course of the River’s End Ranch series there have been moments when I seriously wanted to set the traveling Mom and Pop Weston down for a much needed conversation on overpowering their children with projects and ultimatums. Seriously. We have watched the oldest sibling, Wade, tackle absolutely everything on the ranch with skill and single minded purpose. He does everything, can do everything and he holds onto so much that should be shared with others. He shouldn’t have to “do it all” but he’s stubborn. And lately we’ve seen that strain begin to take a toll, in a brief sentence here and there. Christmas is the most joyous time of year- it’s also the most hectic, stressful and busy… especially when you’re at the helm of a huge business like the resort at River’s End Ranch.. It seems that, unwittingly, one last idea, one more project from his Mom has finally become the straw that broke the camel’s back. Wade needs to slow down, he needs to relax… and Maddie is the perfect person to help him do that, in so many ways.
Maddie has a busy life. She’s a talented masseuse, she runs the resort’s spa, she’s a now single mom and she’s been a widow long enough to begin to wonder if there is another chance at love for her out there. Or more specifically over there in the main office. Wade was her deceased husband’s best friend, heck he’d stood as best man at their wedding. He was also her boss. The attraction for Wade has been there for Maddie for some time now, but she’s not been ready to get back into the dating scene… until now. When Wade is forced into a week’s vacation after a health scare, and almost daily massages she begins to see him loosen up, and the free time allows them to spend a bit more time together. Maybe there is a second chance after all.
In Merry Manager, Wade finally gets his romance. It may be springtime for us, but in this series time line it’s the Christmas season and the perfect time for Wade and Maddie to finally get their story told. This couple makes the transition from friendship to love so easily, and it simply feels so right for them. While there is some hesitation on Wade’s part because he is actually her boss – and a few comments from his brothers that I had to roll my eyes at considering how some of them met their wives – still the friendship was strong and falling in love came along naturally. A few new people get a bit more of an introduction, plus a possible unexpected surprise in the making keeps us coming back for more stories from this delightful crew. I always have fun at River’s End Resort, and I’d recommend this story and this series to any Romance reader. It’s really quite addictive. *grin*
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I have to admit that during the course of the River’s End Ranch series there have been moments when I seriously wanted to set the traveling Mom and Pop Weston down for a much needed conversation on overpowering their children with projects and ultimatums. Seriously. We have watched the oldest sibling, Wade, tackle absolutely everything on the ranch with skill and single minded purpose. He does everything, can do everything and he holds onto so much that should be shared with others. He shouldn’t have to “do it all” but he’s stubborn. And lately we’ve seen that strain begin to take a toll, in a brief sentence here and there. Christmas is the most joyous time of year- it’s also the most hectic, stressful and busy… especially when you’re at the helm of a huge business like the resort at River’s End Ranch.. It seems that, unwittingly, one last idea, one more project from his Mom has finally become the straw that broke the camel’s back. Wade needs to slow down, he needs to relax… and Maddie is the perfect person to help him do that, in so many ways.
Maddie has a busy life. She’s a talented masseuse, she runs the resort’s spa, she’s a now single mom and she’s been a widow long enough to begin to wonder if there is another chance at love for her out there. Or more specifically over there in the main office. Wade was her deceased husband’s best friend, heck he’d stood as best man at their wedding. He was also her boss. The attraction for Wade has been there for Maddie for some time now, but she’s not been ready to get back into the dating scene… until now. When Wade is forced into a week’s vacation after a health scare, and almost daily massages she begins to see him loosen up, and the free time allows them to spend a bit more time together. Maybe there is a second chance after all.
In Merry Manager, Wade finally gets his romance. It may be springtime for us, but in this series time line it’s the Christmas season and the perfect time for Wade and Maddie to finally get their story told. This couple makes the transition from friendship to love so easily, and it simply feels so right for them. While there is some hesitation on Wade’s part because he is actually her boss – and a few comments from his brothers that I had to roll my eyes at considering how some of them met their wives – still the friendship was strong and falling in love came along naturally. A few new people get a bit more of an introduction, plus a possible unexpected surprise in the making keeps us coming back for more stories from this delightful crew. I always have fun at River’s End Resort, and I’d recommend this story and this series to any Romance reader. It’s really quite addictive. *grin*
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 22, 2017
Maddie and Wade
Mad die and Wade have known each other for years. In fact, Wade was the best man at Maddie's wedding. Now, Maddie has been widowed for five years and she's the mother of an eight-year-old daughter. Maddie is in charge of the spa on the ranch that Wade manages, along with some members of his family who actually own the ranch. After a health scare, Wade is told to take time off work. Because he now has time, his sister sets him up with several appointments to get a massage by the main masseuse, Maddie. They both start to care for each other, but they're worried about the boss/employee dynamic. Will this be a Christmas to remember, or one that will see the two part ways forever. Pamela Kelley has written a wonderful Christmas romance that will having you smiling the entire way through.
Mad die and Wade have known each other for years. In fact, Wade was the best man at Maddie's wedding. Now, Maddie has been widowed for five years and she's the mother of an eight-year-old daughter. Maddie is in charge of the spa on the ranch that Wade manages, along with some members of his family who actually own the ranch. After a health scare, Wade is told to take time off work. Because he now has time, his sister sets him up with several appointments to get a massage by the main masseuse, Maddie. They both start to care for each other, but they're worried about the boss/employee dynamic. Will this be a Christmas to remember, or one that will see the two part ways forever. Pamela Kelley has written a wonderful Christmas romance that will having you smiling the entire way through.
August 26, 2018
Wade Weston & Maddie
Wade is general manager of RER and coping with interfering parents that are touring the country; 3 brothers and 2 sisters, Bigfoot, employees, guests and assorted other topics. Is it any wonder he suffers a heart attack or panic attack or a stress episode? What is this workaholic to do when his doctor bans him from working for 2 WEEKS? Fill in for a sick Santa, seeing Maddie for a massage. Let’s see, the last time Wade had any free time he ………
Maddie is a widow raising a daughter and manages the spa at RER; will she be able to help Wade relax and let go of the stress he is suffering?
Wade is general manager of RER and coping with interfering parents that are touring the country; 3 brothers and 2 sisters, Bigfoot, employees, guests and assorted other topics. Is it any wonder he suffers a heart attack or panic attack or a stress episode? What is this workaholic to do when his doctor bans him from working for 2 WEEKS? Fill in for a sick Santa, seeing Maddie for a massage. Let’s see, the last time Wade had any free time he ………
Maddie is a widow raising a daughter and manages the spa at RER; will she be able to help Wade relax and let go of the stress he is suffering?
May 20, 2017
Wade's story...Finally!!!
I have been reading this recent series 2-3 at a time. I kept waiting for Wade's story and here it is finally. Somehow, I had pictured his story as the last story and a means of resolving the tasks that the Weston parents keep sending their children. But I was wrong and now I see that I have skipped ahead 2 stories somehow. Oh well!
His romance suits him. Not too complicated or too full of unnecessary drama.
I have been reading this recent series 2-3 at a time. I kept waiting for Wade's story and here it is finally. Somehow, I had pictured his story as the last story and a means of resolving the tasks that the Weston parents keep sending their children. But I was wrong and now I see that I have skipped ahead 2 stories somehow. Oh well!
His romance suits him. Not too complicated or too full of unnecessary drama.
May 14, 2017
Timing
After kknowing each other for a long time and the timing was right for them. I was sad about Wade getting stick but an eye opener, and having Beanie doing the ore was a blessing. Thanks to Jacklyn talk to each of them and opening their eyes more and relizing they were meant to be together. Dani needs her story
After kknowing each other for a long time and the timing was right for them. I was sad about Wade getting stick but an eye opener, and having Beanie doing the ore was a blessing. Thanks to Jacklyn talk to each of them and opening their eyes more and relizing they were meant to be together. Dani needs her story
May 4, 2017
Smiling
Actually I'm running out of good things to say about the River's End Ranch series! I may end up repeating myself!
Each book fits in so perfectly with the others, each is still a complete story of how love grows. Thank you lady authors.
Actually I'm running out of good things to say about the River's End Ranch series! I may end up repeating myself!
Each book fits in so perfectly with the others, each is still a complete story of how love grows. Thank you lady authors.
May 5, 2017
As Above
The Story I have been waiting for,I was hoping Wade would Marry . I have followed him all through this Series. A Wonderful Story Very Well Written.
Thank You
Shirley Ketcham
The Story I have been waiting for,I was hoping Wade would Marry . I have followed him all through this Series. A Wonderful Story Very Well Written.
Thank You
Shirley Ketcham
May 9, 2017
Merry Manager
This is the first of the River's Run Ranch series even though it isn't the first one in the series I want to go back and read them all. I really enjoyed the story and the romance. It was a shorter book but really enjoyable to me. Ready to read Santa's Shopkeeper.
This is the first of the River's Run Ranch series even though it isn't the first one in the series I want to go back and read them all. I really enjoyed the story and the romance. It was a shorter book but really enjoyable to me. Ready to read Santa's Shopkeeper.
May 12, 2017
Awe!
You know how to tell if it's a good story? When you reach the end, release a sigh of contentment and your heart is simply happy. Thank you for writing and sharing this story with me.
You know how to tell if it's a good story? When you reach the end, release a sigh of contentment and your heart is simply happy. Thank you for writing and sharing this story with me.
November 7, 2017
Love of Destiny
Sometimes some people are meant to be together maybe not at the beginning of their lives but sometimes in the middle when they have matured and are really for their soulmate.
Sometimes some people are meant to be together maybe not at the beginning of their lives but sometimes in the middle when they have matured and are really for their soulmate.
January 28, 2018
Wade & Maggie's story.
Wade Weston and Maddie Johnson have been friends for years. He was best man at her wedding. Her husband died 5years ago. It takes them longer to realize they love each other, something everyone knows already.
Wade Weston and Maddie Johnson have been friends for years. He was best man at her wedding. Her husband died 5years ago. It takes them longer to realize they love each other, something everyone knows already.
September 23, 2018
Possible spoiler alert!
I am so glad that Maddie and Wade finally get a chance to be ❤together. I have been thinking for quite awhile that they would make a great couple 💑. Loved this book!
I am so glad that Maddie and Wade finally get a chance to be ❤together. I have been thinking for quite awhile that they would make a great couple 💑. Loved this book!
October 1, 2019
I Was Waiting on This One
From the time I was introduced to Wade Weston, I was looking forward to his story. What kind of woman would he be attracted to? This story did not disappoint. Enjoy!
From the time I was introduced to Wade Weston, I was looking forward to his story. What kind of woman would he be attracted to? This story did not disappoint. Enjoy!
July 14, 2021
Enjoyable!
This was a clean, sweet story. Maddie and Wade have feelings for each other but have considered a relationship as something that can never happen. I was a little surprised when suddenly Wade was proposing. The ending seemed a bit rushed.
This was a clean, sweet story. Maddie and Wade have feelings for each other but have considered a relationship as something that can never happen. I was a little surprised when suddenly Wade was proposing. The ending seemed a bit rushed.
May 7, 2017
Really loved it!
I really enjoyed this story that was my first book from this author. It was fun, sweet and romantic. I look forward to reading more.
I really enjoyed this story that was my first book from this author. It was fun, sweet and romantic. I look forward to reading more.
May 8, 2017
Free ebook
He's a busy exec, she the spa manager and his best friends widow. But he can't ignore the attraction, does she feel it too?
He's a busy exec, she the spa manager and his best friends widow. But he can't ignore the attraction, does she feel it too?
June 3, 2017
sweet & loving
September 1, 2017
Great story
Good , interesting, clean, heartwarming love story and more. What would you do in that same situations? Would you let love die because of...
Good , interesting, clean, heartwarming love story and more. What would you do in that same situations? Would you let love die because of...
September 11, 2017
Awesome story
I really enjoyed this book. The story was so good I could not put it down. You feel you are right on the Ranch with them in the snow for Christmas.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was so good I could not put it down. You feel you are right on the Ranch with them in the snow for Christmas.
December 3, 2017
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet.
Not many twists and turns but the ending was excellent.
I really enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet.
Not many twists and turns but the ending was excellent.
January 26, 2018
Review
I have read some of the previous stories and have loved them all .I wish that I had done read them in the proper order but they are great as stand alone
I have read some of the previous stories and have loved them all .I wish that I had done read them in the proper order but they are great as stand alone
May 17, 2018
Finally in love
I liked that Wade finally had to slow down and prioritize his life, but was confused. I thought Tim had died in an avalanche, not from cancer.
I liked that Wade finally had to slow down and prioritize his life, but was confused. I thought Tim had died in an avalanche, not from cancer.
August 27, 2019
Family of friends
Enjoyed reading this book. You feel like you know each person and that’s what makes fun to read. Thank you!
Enjoyed reading this book. You feel like you know each person and that’s what makes fun to read. Thank you!
July 21, 2020
Great rwad
Loving those River's end Ranch books , I would recommend these books. Loving the family' and clean writing very eady to read and very hard to put fown.
Loving those River's end Ranch books , I would recommend these books. Loving the family' and clean writing very eady to read and very hard to put fown.
October 16, 2021
Okay
I liked the book but wanted more. When I turned the page and it said epilogue I was disappointed. Loved the characters wanted more!
I liked the book but wanted more. When I turned the page and it said epilogue I was disappointed. Loved the characters wanted more!
June 29, 2022
Great characters and storyline
After a chapter I wondered if it was a Pamela M. Kelley story. The characters, storyline and dialog was so perfect. Another favorite in the River's End Ranch Series.
After a chapter I wondered if it was a Pamela M. Kelley story. The characters, storyline and dialog was so perfect. Another favorite in the River's End Ranch Series.
November 29, 2018
Wade and Maddie (head manager of RER and spa at RER)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews