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Cowboys of Cold Creek #5 & 10
The Pines of Winder Ranch
Come home to Winder Ranch in these two beloved stories, where broken hearts can find exactly what they need to heal--and love again
A COLD CREEK HOMECOMING
When Quinn Southerland returns home to Winder Ranch, Idaho, to find former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his dying mother's hospice nurse, he's far from pleased. But recently widowed Tess has done a lot of growing up since then. And as the two reconnect, she can't help but wonder if there's room in Quinn's tortured heart for forgiveness--and maybe even love...
A COLD CREEK REUNION
After Taft Bowman lost his parents ten years ago, he buried himself in a grief that shut fiancee Laura Pendleton out completely. But now she's back, recently widowed with two kids in tow, and Taft refuses to let her slip away again. Laura just wants a fresh start, but that's easier said than done when seeing Taft stirs up feelings she thought she'd left in the past...
A COLD CREEK HOMECOMING
When Quinn Southerland returns home to Winder Ranch, Idaho, to find former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his dying mother's hospice nurse, he's far from pleased. But recently widowed Tess has done a lot of growing up since then. And as the two reconnect, she can't help but wonder if there's room in Quinn's tortured heart for forgiveness--and maybe even love...
A COLD CREEK REUNION
After Taft Bowman lost his parents ten years ago, he buried himself in a grief that shut fiancee Laura Pendleton out completely. But now she's back, recently widowed with two kids in tow, and Taft refuses to let her slip away again. Laura just wants a fresh start, but that's easier said than done when seeing Taft stirs up feelings she thought she'd left in the past...
410 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 26, 2017
295 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
310 books3,855 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 1, 2018
My review is for A Cold Creek Reunion, Taft and Laura’s story, as my copy only had that book.
I just adored this second chance romance! Even though Laura is the one who ended their engagement I felt her crushed heart more, because she loved Taft and he shut her out. Taft’s parents were murdered and instead of drawing comfort from Laura or confiding in her he spent more and more time at the local bar and hangout. Taft wouldn’t admit to there being problem or agree to postpone the wedding, so Laura did what she thought she had to. Since being in the same town with Taft and hearing of his exploits would shatter her further, Laura left the country and eventually married another.
Now Laura’s back in Cold Creek with her two young children after her husband’s death six months earlier, needing the emotional support of family to help raise her kids. It’s a mutually beneficial situation since the family’s inn is sorely in need of updates and repair, and Laura’s just the person for the job. Unfortunately, being back in her hometown means running into Taft again, dredging up all the hurt, but also all the memories of their love before everything went downhill. Laura is determined to protect her heart and the feelings of her children by keeping Taft at a distance, and I could understand why she wanted to do that, especially when I felt how badly it hurt for Laura to let Taft go. But life (and maybe a relative or two) had other plans.
By the time Taft realized what a monumental mistake it was to let Laura go, she was married to another. Having her back home presents a second chance to win her over again, and I appreciated his determination! He was so sweet with Laura, and especially her kids, and I think that made it just about impossible for her to shut him out. The fire they had between ignites all over again, and I just wanted them to sort things out and get on with their long-overdue HEA!
Sweet, sentimental horse rides, getting caught in a storm, a gorgeous setting, adorable kids and animals are just icing on the cake for this emotional second chance romance.
A copy was kindly provided by HQN via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just adored this second chance romance! Even though Laura is the one who ended their engagement I felt her crushed heart more, because she loved Taft and he shut her out. Taft’s parents were murdered and instead of drawing comfort from Laura or confiding in her he spent more and more time at the local bar and hangout. Taft wouldn’t admit to there being problem or agree to postpone the wedding, so Laura did what she thought she had to. Since being in the same town with Taft and hearing of his exploits would shatter her further, Laura left the country and eventually married another.
Now Laura’s back in Cold Creek with her two young children after her husband’s death six months earlier, needing the emotional support of family to help raise her kids. It’s a mutually beneficial situation since the family’s inn is sorely in need of updates and repair, and Laura’s just the person for the job. Unfortunately, being back in her hometown means running into Taft again, dredging up all the hurt, but also all the memories of their love before everything went downhill. Laura is determined to protect her heart and the feelings of her children by keeping Taft at a distance, and I could understand why she wanted to do that, especially when I felt how badly it hurt for Laura to let Taft go. But life (and maybe a relative or two) had other plans.
By the time Taft realized what a monumental mistake it was to let Laura go, she was married to another. Having her back home presents a second chance to win her over again, and I appreciated his determination! He was so sweet with Laura, and especially her kids, and I think that made it just about impossible for her to shut him out. The fire they had between ignites all over again, and I just wanted them to sort things out and get on with their long-overdue HEA!
Sweet, sentimental horse rides, getting caught in a storm, a gorgeous setting, adorable kids and animals are just icing on the cake for this emotional second chance romance.
A copy was kindly provided by HQN via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2017
Taft Bowman fell apart after his parent's murder. So far apart he shut out his fiancee Laura Pendleton, so when she gave him an ultimatum to let her in or else, or postpone the weddinding...it was over.
She took a job in Spain so she wouldn't have the pain of seeing him all the time.....and was swept off her feet by Javier Santiago into what was a miserable marriage, one she was about to end...until she found out she was pregnant with Alex.
Trying to make a go of it for his sake was hard, and the birth of Maya, born with Down's Syndrome made leaving him impossible. Javier saved her the trouble by drowning with one of his mistresses, so she picked up and came home to mama.
Together Laura and her mother Jan tried to update the B & B they called home.....but Alex found a lighter and the fire department led by Taft showed up to put it out.
Try as they might the strong feelings were still there and grew stronger with each interaction....he even fell hard for the kids.
As they were thrown together frequently, they worked out past mistakes and found a happy future.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley as I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayer and was approved to my delight.
She took a job in Spain so she wouldn't have the pain of seeing him all the time.....and was swept off her feet by Javier Santiago into what was a miserable marriage, one she was about to end...until she found out she was pregnant with Alex.
Trying to make a go of it for his sake was hard, and the birth of Maya, born with Down's Syndrome made leaving him impossible. Javier saved her the trouble by drowning with one of his mistresses, so she picked up and came home to mama.
Together Laura and her mother Jan tried to update the B & B they called home.....but Alex found a lighter and the fire department led by Taft showed up to put it out.
Try as they might the strong feelings were still there and grew stronger with each interaction....he even fell hard for the kids.
As they were thrown together frequently, they worked out past mistakes and found a happy future.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley as I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayer and was approved to my delight.
December 13, 2017
A wonderful second chance romance.
Loved the character development, sharp dialogue and depth of emotions.
The children were very well portrayed.
The situations seemed authentic. I enjoyed this story.
Loved the character development, sharp dialogue and depth of emotions.
The children were very well portrayed.
The situations seemed authentic. I enjoyed this story.
December 26, 2017
My copy from NetGalley was for A Cold Creek Reunion only.
RaeAnne Thayne has created a second chance love story for two people who belong together. 10 years ago, they were engaged and all hell happened when his parents were murdered. Taft Bowman couldn’t handle his grief and shut his fiancé Laura Pendleton out. Laura didn’t handle it well either and broke off the engagement and moved to Spain. Laura is back in town with 2 young children and plans to start fresh after a disastrous marriage and the death of her husband. Taft and Laura both fought their feelings but their love couldn’t be denied this time around.
Grief can be experienced in so many ways and for Taft it was self-destructive. Taft wallowed in his despair and became somewhat of a player with the local ladies. He eventually realized the path he was on and changed his ways and became the fire chief for the town’s fire department. He was doing good until he saw Laura was back in town. He thought he got over his feelings but obviously there was something still there between them. Before they became lovers, they were good friends for years. He missed his friend Laura. I liked Taft. He was a good man and needed to show Laura he was a changed man and could be counted on. He was nothing like her dead husband and needed to show her how they could be good together. Taft was someone who could love her and her children and love them as if they were his own.
Laura was hard to understand in the beginning but eventually she won me over. I thought she took things to the extreme by moving to another country after she broke off her engagement instead of sticking it out a little longer for Taft. Dealing with her husband’s infidelities can shake anyone’s confidence. She didn’t know Taft well enough after being gone for 10 years to see if he had truly changed his ways. When she and Taft got together you can feel the heat between them coming off the pages. When they were alone and they start to kiss, you knew that feelings were being rekindled. To love someone means trusting and believing in that person. It took some time but Laura finally realized she could do that with Taft and have the love she’s always wanted.
Overall it was a well written, sweet story of reuniting two former lovers and a very nice happy ending. The author created very likable characters and 2 very adorable children you can’t help but fall in love with. She also developed some interesting secondary characters in which I’m looking forward to their stories as well. RaeAnne Thayne is a favorite author of mine and this was another enjoyable read.
February 11, 2018
The Pines of Winder Ranch completely confused me. First, I was voluntarily reading an advance reader copy of this novel, the second title I've read in the Cold Creek series. I couldn't figure out what on earth the title had to do with the book I was reading--Winder Ranch was never mentioned, and I had no idea about what the pines had to do with it. It was only after I began to write my review, that I learned that the book I read was only half of a reprint of Ms. Thayne's tenth novel in the series, A Cold Creek Reunion, repackaged with A Cold Creek Homecoming, the fifth novel in the series, which was not included in the copy I received for review, which added to my confusion. Now that my confusion has been cleared up, I can honestly say that I had some problems with this novel and can only give it a 3-star rating.
The hero in this second chance at love novel is Taft Bowman, Chief of Cold Creek's volunteer fire department and EMT--strong, handsome, and brave. Ten years earlier, he was engaged to marry the love of his life, Laura Pendleton, and with their wedding only weeks away, apparently Taft's parents were murdered during an attempt to burglarize the valuable art collection in their home. Taft took it hard, and bottled up his anger and his grief, and in so doing, shut out his fiancee, choosing instead to hang out at a local bar, drowning his sorrows in alcohol, and gaining quite a reputation as a bimbo magnet. With the wedding only one week away, Laura broke off the engagement and moved to Spain, where she met a man, married him, and gave birth to two children, Alex and Maya. Ten years later, after her husband, Javier, dies unexpectedly, Laura returns to Cold Creek to help her widowed mother run and refurbish the Cold Creek Inn, which had fallen on hard times. A fire in one of the rooms, brings Taft and his fire company to the inn, where he sees Laura, the woman he never got over losing. Taft was a very easy character to like and admire.
I wish I could say the same thing about Laura, but I can't. From the outset, I found her to be prickly, rude, bitchy and abrasive. Since she was the one who broke off her engagement to Taft, it was hard to understand why she felt so much animosity toward him, and why she went out of her way to give him the cold shoulder. Granted, when he was devastated by the murder of his parents, and dealt with his grief by closing himself off and shutting her out, couldn't she understand that he needed her support and understanding, and that not everyone deals with grief by opening up and sharing--sometimes they just need to deal with it on their own? After all, he was only 24 years old at the time, and they'd been best friends before they became lovers. By the time Taft dealt with his devastating losses, he learned that Laura had met and married a man in Madrid, and was pregnant with his child.
A word about Laura's two children, who, in my opinion, stole the show. Alex is a charming chatterbox, and was responsible for the fire at the inn, since he was playing with a lighter he found in a vacant room, inadvertently setting the curtains on fire, but he's a sweet little guy nonetheless. I also completely fell in love with Laura's daughter, Maya, who has Down Syndrome, and who is beyond sweet and adorable, as are most children born with Down Syndrome. Kudos to Ms. Thayne for including a "not-perfect" child in her story and for portraying Maya so lovingly. I also appreciated how wonderful and kind Taft was to both of Laura's children, and how open he was about his feelings for them and for Laura as well. Yet every time he interacted with them, bent over backwards to help Laura and her mother repair and renovate the fire-damaged inn, she rebuffed him and his attempts to make amends and rekindle their friendship, if not their love. Sadly, although there is an HEA ending to this novel, I never really warmed up to Laura, and couldn't see what Taft found so appealing about her.
While this novel was well-written, as are most of the novels I've read by this author, the sudden turn-around of Laura's feelings for Taft at the end of the novel just didn't ring true for this reader, and quite frankly, I thought the only good thing about Laura was her charming children and that Taft deserved someone better, more understanding, and far less judgmental than Laura.
The hero in this second chance at love novel is Taft Bowman, Chief of Cold Creek's volunteer fire department and EMT--strong, handsome, and brave. Ten years earlier, he was engaged to marry the love of his life, Laura Pendleton, and with their wedding only weeks away, apparently Taft's parents were murdered during an attempt to burglarize the valuable art collection in their home. Taft took it hard, and bottled up his anger and his grief, and in so doing, shut out his fiancee, choosing instead to hang out at a local bar, drowning his sorrows in alcohol, and gaining quite a reputation as a bimbo magnet. With the wedding only one week away, Laura broke off the engagement and moved to Spain, where she met a man, married him, and gave birth to two children, Alex and Maya. Ten years later, after her husband, Javier, dies unexpectedly, Laura returns to Cold Creek to help her widowed mother run and refurbish the Cold Creek Inn, which had fallen on hard times. A fire in one of the rooms, brings Taft and his fire company to the inn, where he sees Laura, the woman he never got over losing. Taft was a very easy character to like and admire.
I wish I could say the same thing about Laura, but I can't. From the outset, I found her to be prickly, rude, bitchy and abrasive. Since she was the one who broke off her engagement to Taft, it was hard to understand why she felt so much animosity toward him, and why she went out of her way to give him the cold shoulder. Granted, when he was devastated by the murder of his parents, and dealt with his grief by closing himself off and shutting her out, couldn't she understand that he needed her support and understanding, and that not everyone deals with grief by opening up and sharing--sometimes they just need to deal with it on their own? After all, he was only 24 years old at the time, and they'd been best friends before they became lovers. By the time Taft dealt with his devastating losses, he learned that Laura had met and married a man in Madrid, and was pregnant with his child.
A word about Laura's two children, who, in my opinion, stole the show. Alex is a charming chatterbox, and was responsible for the fire at the inn, since he was playing with a lighter he found in a vacant room, inadvertently setting the curtains on fire, but he's a sweet little guy nonetheless. I also completely fell in love with Laura's daughter, Maya, who has Down Syndrome, and who is beyond sweet and adorable, as are most children born with Down Syndrome. Kudos to Ms. Thayne for including a "not-perfect" child in her story and for portraying Maya so lovingly. I also appreciated how wonderful and kind Taft was to both of Laura's children, and how open he was about his feelings for them and for Laura as well. Yet every time he interacted with them, bent over backwards to help Laura and her mother repair and renovate the fire-damaged inn, she rebuffed him and his attempts to make amends and rekindle their friendship, if not their love. Sadly, although there is an HEA ending to this novel, I never really warmed up to Laura, and couldn't see what Taft found so appealing about her.
While this novel was well-written, as are most of the novels I've read by this author, the sudden turn-around of Laura's feelings for Taft at the end of the novel just didn't ring true for this reader, and quite frankly, I thought the only good thing about Laura was her charming children and that Taft deserved someone better, more understanding, and far less judgmental than Laura.
December 9, 2017
The advanced copy I received from Netgalley only contains "A Cold Creek Reunion"; and this is a re-release version; originally released in 2012
Taft and Laura were engaged to be married when they were young. But then Taft's parents were murdered and he was going down in a black hole of grief and closed himself from Laura. Laura ended up breaking up the engagement and moved out of the country altogether. A decade later, Laura returns to Pine Gulch with her son and daughter after her husband died in an accident. Laura tries not to get herself involved again with Taft after he broke her heart years ago. Unfortunately, that's easier than done. Especially since Taft seems to still carry a torch for her as well
I loved this story. Laura might be a bit pricklier than other Thayne's heroines I have read before. She is very determined not to let Taft back in her life. But of course than plan goes down the drain when Taft seems to genuinely care for her children (including her daughter who also has Down syndrome) and they love him back. It was kind of entertaining to see that Laura didn't exactly successful in executing her "stay-away-from-Taft" rule *laugh*.
I also loved Taft... he's another great hero from Thayne. Taft's interaction with Laura's kids tugs my heartstrings. I could feel that he really is still in love with Laura and Taft realizes that he messed up all those years ago. When Taft says that Laura's staying away from him (and he thinks Laura despises him) I could also believe his hurt.
It's another RaeAnne Thayne's winning recipe that works so well for me. A Cold Creek Reunion is a sweet and wonderful second-chance holiday romance. Now I need to backtrack and read Caidy's story ... because her love interest is a VET (imagine all those animals!)
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Taft and Laura were engaged to be married when they were young. But then Taft's parents were murdered and he was going down in a black hole of grief and closed himself from Laura. Laura ended up breaking up the engagement and moved out of the country altogether. A decade later, Laura returns to Pine Gulch with her son and daughter after her husband died in an accident. Laura tries not to get herself involved again with Taft after he broke her heart years ago. Unfortunately, that's easier than done. Especially since Taft seems to still carry a torch for her as well
I loved this story. Laura might be a bit pricklier than other Thayne's heroines I have read before. She is very determined not to let Taft back in her life. But of course than plan goes down the drain when Taft seems to genuinely care for her children (including her daughter who also has Down syndrome) and they love him back. It was kind of entertaining to see that Laura didn't exactly successful in executing her "stay-away-from-Taft" rule *laugh*.
I also loved Taft... he's another great hero from Thayne. Taft's interaction with Laura's kids tugs my heartstrings. I could feel that he really is still in love with Laura and Taft realizes that he messed up all those years ago. When Taft says that Laura's staying away from him (and he thinks Laura despises him) I could also believe his hurt.
It's another RaeAnne Thayne's winning recipe that works so well for me. A Cold Creek Reunion is a sweet and wonderful second-chance holiday romance. Now I need to backtrack and read Caidy's story ... because her love interest is a VET (imagine all those animals!)
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 26, 2017
My Review:
From what I understand the rerelease version of this book holds the two stories that are in the book description, but I only received the second story, A Cold Creek Reunion, for review.
This is one of my favorite tropes...a second chance at love story. Ten years ago, Taft and Laura were almost married, but then his parents were murdered and Taft couldn't handle his grief. They were both too young. Yes, they were in love, but that wasn't enough when things got rough. Laura could see that they'd be heading for an unhappy marriage and divorce so she called off the wedding breaking both their hearts. She hoped that someday he'd come after her. He never did.
But now she's back home. Her husband died and she's needed to come home...for her, for her kids, but she isn't sure how she'll handle seeing Taft again. Needless to say, things don't go exactly smoothly for them at first. But eventually things begin to change, begin to evolve and they begin to realize who the people they are now and how they still fit together.
I enjoyed this story. It's a bit shorter than a normal novel, but I didn't feel like the story was scrimped on at all. It's a great, full story for just a couple of hours time commitment. I liked it and definitely recommend it.
Unfortunately, my review copy only had the one story in it, so that's all I can review for this edition of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
From what I understand the rerelease version of this book holds the two stories that are in the book description, but I only received the second story, A Cold Creek Reunion, for review.
This is one of my favorite tropes...a second chance at love story. Ten years ago, Taft and Laura were almost married, but then his parents were murdered and Taft couldn't handle his grief. They were both too young. Yes, they were in love, but that wasn't enough when things got rough. Laura could see that they'd be heading for an unhappy marriage and divorce so she called off the wedding breaking both their hearts. She hoped that someday he'd come after her. He never did.
But now she's back home. Her husband died and she's needed to come home...for her, for her kids, but she isn't sure how she'll handle seeing Taft again. Needless to say, things don't go exactly smoothly for them at first. But eventually things begin to change, begin to evolve and they begin to realize who the people they are now and how they still fit together.
I enjoyed this story. It's a bit shorter than a normal novel, but I didn't feel like the story was scrimped on at all. It's a great, full story for just a couple of hours time commitment. I liked it and definitely recommend it.
Unfortunately, my review copy only had the one story in it, so that's all I can review for this edition of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
2 seperates stories, both of them great.
Both about young love, going seperate ways and then finding there way back to each other.
Loved them both
Both about young love, going seperate ways and then finding there way back to each other.
Loved them both
March 10, 2018
COLD CREEK HOMECOMING I give 2 stars
COLD CREEK REUNION I give 5 stars
The average is 3 stars.
COLD CREEK REUNION I give 5 stars
The average is 3 stars.
December 25, 2017
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Who doesn’t love a sweet second chance romance, right? And that certainly describes A Cold Creek Reunion, which was an emotion-packed reissue from RaeAnne Thayne that had its fair share of heart, healing, as well as a touching HEA.
RaeAnne Thayne is truly one of my favorite authors when it comes to deeply emotional romances that also test the bonds of family and pulls in the issues of living in a small town. And this particular story being a second chance romance meant that the hero and heroine, Taft and Laura, had a long history–and a world of hurt–to work through in order to see if they had a chance at a future together. Read More
Who doesn’t love a sweet second chance romance, right? And that certainly describes A Cold Creek Reunion, which was an emotion-packed reissue from RaeAnne Thayne that had its fair share of heart, healing, as well as a touching HEA.
RaeAnne Thayne is truly one of my favorite authors when it comes to deeply emotional romances that also test the bonds of family and pulls in the issues of living in a small town. And this particular story being a second chance romance meant that the hero and heroine, Taft and Laura, had a long history–and a world of hurt–to work through in order to see if they had a chance at a future together. Read More
January 7, 2018
A sweet yet passion filled heart-wrenching story of an emotional homecoming and a reunion of young loves.
Ms. Thayne never disappoints. If you love sweet, clean, yet ardent romance stories with deep emotions and life like we know it in the small-town USA, you are going to love her books.
Taft Bowman and Laura Pendleton have so much history between them as best friends and first loves, but also there is a decade of pain, living, disappointments and hurt that is now firmly holding them apart.
Taft is a man of many talents, he is the fire chief, handyman carpenter, cowboy with talent and patience to teach the young. He is kind, sweet, and a good man with a reputation of a charmer who can win anyone on his side with just a smile. Ten years ago he made some young and foolish mistakes while trying to deal with the brutal murder of his parents. He lost the love of his life as a consequence, and the apparent second chance to win her over seems to go in vain no matter how much he tries.
Laura has felt an abundance of hurt in her heart over the years. Her difficult marriage was a burden she is not ready to open up about, losing her husband was a tragedy yet the way he went was an insult to his family. But it was nothing compares to the pain of losing Taft ten years ago and to even think about visiting that path again is completely out of question no matter how charming Taft is or how much her children cares about him.
And the relationship that Taft has with the adorable kiddos just melted my heart. This story is sorter in length (with the purchase of the book you actually get two shorter stories by the same author) yet there are deep feelings, there are emotions that went directly to the heart, and I am not ashamed to admit, this story had me in tears, a slobbering mess for the last quarter of the tale because of the beauty of the tale, the aching feels, the fear of losing everything, and the agony of falling in love.
Both Taft and Laura have gone through so much. They both have had a chance to grow and find themselves. Now back together in the same town, the old feelings are getting a new foundation, a new kind of flame that is mixed with the trust that you have for your best friend, the one you used to trust more than anything. But do you dare - after everything you have gone through - to take that step, to dare to be brave, to trust yourself and the other to make it this time around, and what does it take to not only make you realize your feelings and to accept them but act upon them?!
This is an amazingly beautiful story about love, life, and family, Ms. Thayne has left me in awe with this absolutely brilliantly poignant tale.
~ Five Spoons
Ms. Thayne never disappoints. If you love sweet, clean, yet ardent romance stories with deep emotions and life like we know it in the small-town USA, you are going to love her books.
Taft Bowman and Laura Pendleton have so much history between them as best friends and first loves, but also there is a decade of pain, living, disappointments and hurt that is now firmly holding them apart.
Taft is a man of many talents, he is the fire chief, handyman carpenter, cowboy with talent and patience to teach the young. He is kind, sweet, and a good man with a reputation of a charmer who can win anyone on his side with just a smile. Ten years ago he made some young and foolish mistakes while trying to deal with the brutal murder of his parents. He lost the love of his life as a consequence, and the apparent second chance to win her over seems to go in vain no matter how much he tries.
Laura has felt an abundance of hurt in her heart over the years. Her difficult marriage was a burden she is not ready to open up about, losing her husband was a tragedy yet the way he went was an insult to his family. But it was nothing compares to the pain of losing Taft ten years ago and to even think about visiting that path again is completely out of question no matter how charming Taft is or how much her children cares about him.
And the relationship that Taft has with the adorable kiddos just melted my heart. This story is sorter in length (with the purchase of the book you actually get two shorter stories by the same author) yet there are deep feelings, there are emotions that went directly to the heart, and I am not ashamed to admit, this story had me in tears, a slobbering mess for the last quarter of the tale because of the beauty of the tale, the aching feels, the fear of losing everything, and the agony of falling in love.
Both Taft and Laura have gone through so much. They both have had a chance to grow and find themselves. Now back together in the same town, the old feelings are getting a new foundation, a new kind of flame that is mixed with the trust that you have for your best friend, the one you used to trust more than anything. But do you dare - after everything you have gone through - to take that step, to dare to be brave, to trust yourself and the other to make it this time around, and what does it take to not only make you realize your feelings and to accept them but act upon them?!
This is an amazingly beautiful story about love, life, and family, Ms. Thayne has left me in awe with this absolutely brilliantly poignant tale.
~ Five Spoons
June 23, 2019
Two stories for the price of one. #1. A Cold Creek Homecoming - Quinn Southerland returns to Winder Ranch, after being away for some time. He finds former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his mothers hospice nurse. The two reconnect. She wonders if Quinn can forgive her for the hell she put him through. Could it let to love? #2. A Cold Creek Reunion - Taft Bowman had his wedding called off just before it was to take place, and it was Laura Pendleton the bride to be that called it off. It had been 10 years ago that his parents had been killed and then the wedding that didn't take place. Now she was back in town being recently widowed with two kids by her side. Taft is hit with feelings that never really died. Did Laura have those same feelings? Was there a chance to get by the past and make a future together?
Both were good romance stories.
Both were good romance stories.
December 27, 2017
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
What a sweet second chance romance. RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors but I missed this release 5 years ago before I really got into this author.
What I enjoyed most I think is Laura being so determined to keep Taft away. She doesn’t say “not again” and then a day later is back in love. She really fights herself and her feelings for Taft. She even makes it a “rule” to stay away from him but we all know rules are made to be broken.
Another great read from Thayne and one anyone who enjoys a romance about second chances in a small town will love this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What a sweet second chance romance. RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors but I missed this release 5 years ago before I really got into this author.
What I enjoyed most I think is Laura being so determined to keep Taft away. She doesn’t say “not again” and then a day later is back in love. She really fights herself and her feelings for Taft. She even makes it a “rule” to stay away from him but we all know rules are made to be broken.
Another great read from Thayne and one anyone who enjoys a romance about second chances in a small town will love this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
The Pines of Winder Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne
•Coming Home
Another amazing story by RaeAnne! What would you do if your ex-fiancé unexpectedly showed up back home? Taft need to figure out how to win her back. Laura knew coming back to town was the right thing to do. However she wasn't sure if she'd ever be ready to see Taft after they called off their own wedding, but in a small town it's pretty impossible to not run into them at some point..... Especially if he's the fire chief, and they're called to the inn for a fire. To find out if Taft and Laura finally get their wedding and happily ever after you'll have to read The Pines of Winder Ranch. You won't be disappointed! I cannot wait to go read another story from RaeAnne. ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review.
December 3, 2017
Ten years ago Taft Bowman was reeling from the murder of his parents. He was supposed to marry Laura but the wedding never happened. Now Laura is back in town, a widow with 2 young children. Laura is determined to stay away from Taft, she has 2 children to protect and Taft has developed quite the reputation over the last ten years.
Can they find their way back to each other?
This is a great second chance romance. The children were delightful. Taft and Laura were very sympathetic and vulnerable characters that you couldn’t help rooting for. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Can they find their way back to each other?
This is a great second chance romance. The children were delightful. Taft and Laura were very sympathetic and vulnerable characters that you couldn’t help rooting for. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
September 5, 2018
These two just didn't do as much for me as her usual novels. I think it's the tropes used -- second chance romance and baby helps man overcome commitment-phobia -- that turned me off. She still wrote them in her usual warm style, and the characters were flawed but engaging and all that, but the romances in these two just weren't my thing. I really think it's because they're shorter novels having to not just establish a romance but overcome all the bad blood in the characters' pasts, and it's just too much to do in a satisfying way. I'd read other similar "half-novels" of hers before and those worked, but those were new couples instead of ones with major hurdles to overcome.
August 4, 2018
This two story book was a quick read and tales full of forgiveness and love's endurance.
In A Cold Creek Homecoming<\u> Quinn returns home to say good-bye to his dying mom and comes face to face with the hospice caretaker, Tess, a woman who made his time in high school a living nightmare. In this reunion and sharing their compassion for Quinn's dying mom, they discover the power of love.
Much like In A Cold Creek Homecoming<\u>, A Cold Creek Reunion<\u> was a story about forgiveness and discovering the strength and power of love.
In A Cold Creek Homecoming<\u> Quinn returns home to say good-bye to his dying mom and comes face to face with the hospice caretaker, Tess, a woman who made his time in high school a living nightmare. In this reunion and sharing their compassion for Quinn's dying mom, they discover the power of love.
Much like In A Cold Creek Homecoming<\u>, A Cold Creek Reunion<\u> was a story about forgiveness and discovering the strength and power of love.
December 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. My copy only contained A Cold Creek Reunion. I though it was a nice story but I kept wondering why the two really broke up ten years ago. The reason seemed a little contrived. Other than that there were cute kids, a nice dog and two people who belonged together but were having trouble trusting because of the past. I did like that one of the kids was special needs and this showed how loving she was.
February 11, 2018
In A Cold Creek Homecoming - Quinn & Tess were so opposite in character. Quinn was Mr. Stubborn, fighting his feelings holding on to the past. Tess had grown emotionally since becoming a Hospice Nurse & caring for her dying husband.
In Cold Creek Reunion here again we have several tragedies. Both Taft & Laura working thru them in different ways. This story added a second element-Laura's 2 children. Loved both stories. Recommend this book
In Cold Creek Reunion here again we have several tragedies. Both Taft & Laura working thru them in different ways. This story added a second element-Laura's 2 children. Loved both stories. Recommend this book
March 30, 2018
Sometimes It Takes a Decade
Looking back through RaeAnne Thaynes' list of books hoping to find yet another one to read, brought delight to find another one of her Cold Creek books and the Winger Ranch. I promise you will not be able to put it down. Read The Pines of Winder Ranch story's to see how Tate and Laura finds home.
Looking back through RaeAnne Thaynes' list of books hoping to find yet another one to read, brought delight to find another one of her Cold Creek books and the Winger Ranch. I promise you will not be able to put it down. Read The Pines of Winder Ranch story's to see how Tate and Laura finds home.
August 2, 2018
I liked Quinn and Tess's story. They were reunited through Quinn's adopted mothers illness, and then her death. Tess was a home health nurse. They knew each other in High School, and were not friends. The story goes to bring them together even when they both move to different cities to live. I liked them finally getting together, but would have liked a longer ending.
August 9, 2018
I don't like to spoiler the whole book. Second chance books always give me hope. Even after Laura breaks her engagement she is heartbroken. She tries to move on and does her best with the new relationship and family. When fate brings them back together is really is up to Taft to fix what was broken and start them over again.
March 4, 2018
I didn't realize that this was two stories and usually don't read that type of book. This one was different. Both stories were complete and satisfying, with the characters well-developed. Good book.
December 25, 2017
The copy I received from Netgalley only had A Cold Creek Reunion, it is a reissue. I had read it before but enjoyed it just as much this time. I would recommend it.
January 1, 2018
Love this series. Enjoyed both stories.
January 4, 2018
Wow
A whole lot of things going on.Romance,thrills and suspense.Every single time I think things aren't going to work out,something good happens.
A whole lot of things going on.Romance,thrills and suspense.Every single time I think things aren't going to work out,something good happens.
January 19, 2018
enjoyable series, free e-book from the library
February 22, 2018
I think the ending to the first story was too abrupt. I tried for about 15 pages to get into the second story and I just didn't find it interesting, so I didn't read it.
March 11, 2018
I Loved this book!! Great stories!! Glad there was 2 stories in the book!! Love this author!!
July 9, 2019
Another great read by Ms. Thayne.
When I want a book to help me out of a bad day I can choose any RaeAnne Thayne story. She never disappoints.
When I want a book to help me out of a bad day I can choose any RaeAnne Thayne story. She never disappoints.
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