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Big Heart Ranch #3
Christmas with the Cowboy
Home for the holidaysA second chance at love on Big Heart Ranch
Former navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots—and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother’s widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past…and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all—love?
Former navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots—and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother’s widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past…and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all—love?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
68 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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September 26, 2018
Okay Tina!! You made me cry again and I loved every minute of it!💕
Christmas With the Cowboy
Tina Radcliffe
Wow, Tina Radcliffe is now an auto buy author for me! CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is only my second book by her but holy cow! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Emma. She is raising her young twins alone after losing her husband in a tragedy. Her brother in law, Zach is back on the Big Heart Ranch. He is an ex Navy Seal and is dealing with his own heartache. What an awesome story. All of Tina's characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is all about family and faith and totally heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Zach and Emma and all the secondary characters. Emma and her two siblings grew up in foster care and are very tight. They have a ranch called Big Heart Ranch for orphaned kids to spend the summer. Zach has stayed away for many years because of his feelings for Emma. Emma loves Christmas and Zach is such a Scrooge. Can she convince him to love the holidays once again? Once you start reading CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY it will be very hard to put down!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is without a doubt one of the funnest books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Mostly, they all kept me laughing but the banter between Zach and Emma is hysterical. Tina Radcliffe is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books and she has just made a new fan forever! Even though CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Christmas With the Cowboy
Tina Radcliffe
Wow, Tina Radcliffe is now an auto buy author for me! CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is only my second book by her but holy cow! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Emma. She is raising her young twins alone after losing her husband in a tragedy. Her brother in law, Zach is back on the Big Heart Ranch. He is an ex Navy Seal and is dealing with his own heartache. What an awesome story. All of Tina's characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is all about family and faith and totally heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Zach and Emma and all the secondary characters. Emma and her two siblings grew up in foster care and are very tight. They have a ranch called Big Heart Ranch for orphaned kids to spend the summer. Zach has stayed away for many years because of his feelings for Emma. Emma loves Christmas and Zach is such a Scrooge. Can she convince him to love the holidays once again? Once you start reading CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY it will be very hard to put down!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is without a doubt one of the funnest books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Mostly, they all kept me laughing but the banter between Zach and Emma is hysterical. Tina Radcliffe is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books and she has just made a new fan forever! Even though CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 29, 2018
Sqqquuuueeeeaaallll! I love a good Christmas romance and this one is that...and more. Sometimes a book labeled Christmas can be, well, very' unseasony' except for a scene or two. Definitely not the case here. Christmas is front and center and the perfect incentive to jump-start a second chance romance.
She's an over-analyzing overachiever with a complicated cowboy in her sightline. Emma might as well be Mrs. Claus's personal shopper and baker while Zach's holdiay mentor is Scrooge. Be prepared for a Christmas clash of epic proportions! A festive frenzy of snappy banter and holiday hijinks as Emma lures Zach over to the light side. Christmas lights that is. Gazillions of them that need to be strung all over Big Heart Ranch. And that's just the beginning of her cowboy-do-list. I almost felt sorry for Zach, trying so hard to maintain his bah humbug facade while Emma's in full Christmas cheer mode.
And can we talk disgruntled cowboys? Blissful sigh. Not that Zach's mean or stingy or anything like that. More nobly stoic because his history with Christmas is anything but cheery. Watching Zach slowly thaw under Emma's boundless enthusiasm for all things festive is pure reading delight. It doesn't take long for him to have a holiday ephiphany of his own. Cue the toe-curls and fainting couch!
This third book in Tina Radcliffe's Big Heart Ranch series can be read as a standalone but you should read them all because they are scrumptiously good. And, if you are a fan, you'll be thrilled to reconnect with a bevy of favourite characters. Including Dutch and his isms -- prolific snippets of sage advice cowboy style. "Gossip spreads like a sneeze through a screen door around here." (p 149)
A great blend of love, laughter and faith -- exactly what I look for in a holiday romance.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
She's an over-analyzing overachiever with a complicated cowboy in her sightline. Emma might as well be Mrs. Claus's personal shopper and baker while Zach's holdiay mentor is Scrooge. Be prepared for a Christmas clash of epic proportions! A festive frenzy of snappy banter and holiday hijinks as Emma lures Zach over to the light side. Christmas lights that is. Gazillions of them that need to be strung all over Big Heart Ranch. And that's just the beginning of her cowboy-do-list. I almost felt sorry for Zach, trying so hard to maintain his bah humbug facade while Emma's in full Christmas cheer mode.
And can we talk disgruntled cowboys? Blissful sigh. Not that Zach's mean or stingy or anything like that. More nobly stoic because his history with Christmas is anything but cheery. Watching Zach slowly thaw under Emma's boundless enthusiasm for all things festive is pure reading delight. It doesn't take long for him to have a holiday ephiphany of his own. Cue the toe-curls and fainting couch!
This third book in Tina Radcliffe's Big Heart Ranch series can be read as a standalone but you should read them all because they are scrumptiously good. And, if you are a fan, you'll be thrilled to reconnect with a bevy of favourite characters. Including Dutch and his isms -- prolific snippets of sage advice cowboy style. "Gossip spreads like a sneeze through a screen door around here." (p 149)
A great blend of love, laughter and faith -- exactly what I look for in a holiday romance.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
September 18, 2018
Christmas with the Cowboy is perfection!
I am a Christmas book enthusiast so Christmas with the Cowboy drew me right in, from the attractive snowy cover to the holiday festivities described to make the holiday special for the children living at Big Heart Ranch.
I love stories full of the Christmas spirit and this book accomplishes that while being smart and sassy, tender and touching. Tina Radcliffe's humor and wit had me laughing so much I know this story could easily be made into an entertaining romantic comedy movie.
Radcliffe is one of the very best Love Inspired authors and has a rare ability to tell such a compelling believable story I felt as if I knew the characters personally. A former Navy SEAL, wounded in more ways than one, an optimistic widowed ranch owner and mother of two adorable toddlers, and the grieving parents of a lost in the line of duty SEAL, all bring a refreshing measure of honest realism to this inspirational story.
All the swoony, funny and warm fuzzy moments had me totally charmed, smiling throughout and sighing with satisfied delight at the happy every after. The story had me so full of the Christmas spirit by the time I reached the end I was ready to break out the Christmas decorations and watch White Christmas! Really well done. I can see why book one of this series, Claiming Her Cowboy, was nominated for a Carol Award in the short novel category. I'm so looking forward to book four, Her Last Chance Cowboy, due out in March of 2019!
I am a Christmas book enthusiast so Christmas with the Cowboy drew me right in, from the attractive snowy cover to the holiday festivities described to make the holiday special for the children living at Big Heart Ranch.
I love stories full of the Christmas spirit and this book accomplishes that while being smart and sassy, tender and touching. Tina Radcliffe's humor and wit had me laughing so much I know this story could easily be made into an entertaining romantic comedy movie.
Radcliffe is one of the very best Love Inspired authors and has a rare ability to tell such a compelling believable story I felt as if I knew the characters personally. A former Navy SEAL, wounded in more ways than one, an optimistic widowed ranch owner and mother of two adorable toddlers, and the grieving parents of a lost in the line of duty SEAL, all bring a refreshing measure of honest realism to this inspirational story.
All the swoony, funny and warm fuzzy moments had me totally charmed, smiling throughout and sighing with satisfied delight at the happy every after. The story had me so full of the Christmas spirit by the time I reached the end I was ready to break out the Christmas decorations and watch White Christmas! Really well done. I can see why book one of this series, Claiming Her Cowboy, was nominated for a Carol Award in the short novel category. I'm so looking forward to book four, Her Last Chance Cowboy, due out in March of 2019!
August 18, 2018
'It was time to get comfortable being uncomfortable.'
Tina Radcliffe continues her Big Heart Ranch series with this offering, my favorite! Emma Maxwell Norman, the youngest of the Maxwell siblings, gets her story told here and it's a wonderful one. Emma is a widow with twin daughters when former Navy SEAL, Zach Norman, her deceased husband's half-brother comes to the ranch. Zach has ranching in his blood from his youth, but that youth has very painful memories. He is definitely NOT in the Christmas spirit and Emma definitely IS. Zach gets roped into helping on the ranch for the holiday, much of it side by side with Emma. How can let himself feel for this family again when he intends to leave in January? But the greatest gift of all.....love......just might end up being poured out on both their hearts this Christmas.
I loved everything about this book. A strong male lead and a headstrong female lead. Add to that characters from the previous books in the series and layer it with Thanksgiving and Christmas and you've got a book that is sure to please! Tina Radcliffe has done a great job with this one. The banter between Zach and Emma was delightful and I felt as if I knew them. When an author causes that to happen with her characters, I can't bear to put a book down. Don't miss this one.
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinion stated here is entirely my own.
Tina Radcliffe continues her Big Heart Ranch series with this offering, my favorite! Emma Maxwell Norman, the youngest of the Maxwell siblings, gets her story told here and it's a wonderful one. Emma is a widow with twin daughters when former Navy SEAL, Zach Norman, her deceased husband's half-brother comes to the ranch. Zach has ranching in his blood from his youth, but that youth has very painful memories. He is definitely NOT in the Christmas spirit and Emma definitely IS. Zach gets roped into helping on the ranch for the holiday, much of it side by side with Emma. How can let himself feel for this family again when he intends to leave in January? But the greatest gift of all.....love......just might end up being poured out on both their hearts this Christmas.
I loved everything about this book. A strong male lead and a headstrong female lead. Add to that characters from the previous books in the series and layer it with Thanksgiving and Christmas and you've got a book that is sure to please! Tina Radcliffe has done a great job with this one. The banter between Zach and Emma was delightful and I felt as if I knew them. When an author causes that to happen with her characters, I can't bear to put a book down. Don't miss this one.
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinion stated here is entirely my own.
August 19, 2018
“Big Heart Ranch is all about that. This is the place where we let go of our past. New beginnings. Like the birth of our Lord at Christmas.”
Take a bah-humbug Scrooge of a hero, a heroine full of Christmas cheer & twinkles lights, adorable three-year-old twin girls, a ranch readying itself for the annual Holiday Roundup celebration, and you have the third installment of Tina Radcliffe's Big Heart Ranch series! We meet Emma Maxwell Norman, the youngest sister to Travis and Lucy Maxwell. While she already has her hands full with twin daughters, she also oversees many of the activities in preparation for Christmas around the ranch. You will often find her humming a Christmas song or two, baking her famous chocolate chip muffins, or simply instilling the joy of the season in the hearts of the children who reside at the ranch. In spite of her cheeriness, Zach Norman—brother to her late husband—is immune to all things Christmas, stemming back to his childhood. As you can tell, these two are quite opposite in nature. Which in turn, creates many sparks that even Christmas lights seem dim in comparison! To add to that, Zach has harbored romantic feelings towards Emma well before she married his brother. Can the holiday spirit thaw his heart and at the same time make her see what's right in front of her?
Break out the hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas CD's to listen to as you read how this heartwarming story unfolds! Watch as Emma and Zach try to fight the love wrapping around their hearts like ribbon on a present, but yet can't it be denied. Just as a child opening their Christmas gift, it comes full force and leaves you satisfied. Well-written, emotionally packed and just the right story to get you in the mood for all things Christmas!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Take a bah-humbug Scrooge of a hero, a heroine full of Christmas cheer & twinkles lights, adorable three-year-old twin girls, a ranch readying itself for the annual Holiday Roundup celebration, and you have the third installment of Tina Radcliffe's Big Heart Ranch series! We meet Emma Maxwell Norman, the youngest sister to Travis and Lucy Maxwell. While she already has her hands full with twin daughters, she also oversees many of the activities in preparation for Christmas around the ranch. You will often find her humming a Christmas song or two, baking her famous chocolate chip muffins, or simply instilling the joy of the season in the hearts of the children who reside at the ranch. In spite of her cheeriness, Zach Norman—brother to her late husband—is immune to all things Christmas, stemming back to his childhood. As you can tell, these two are quite opposite in nature. Which in turn, creates many sparks that even Christmas lights seem dim in comparison! To add to that, Zach has harbored romantic feelings towards Emma well before she married his brother. Can the holiday spirit thaw his heart and at the same time make her see what's right in front of her?
Break out the hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas CD's to listen to as you read how this heartwarming story unfolds! Watch as Emma and Zach try to fight the love wrapping around their hearts like ribbon on a present, but yet can't it be denied. Just as a child opening their Christmas gift, it comes full force and leaves you satisfied. Well-written, emotionally packed and just the right story to get you in the mood for all things Christmas!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
October 24, 2018
I'm so glad to be back on Big Heart Ranch. I SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS FAMILY!!
PLLUUUSSS it's a Christmas book, can it get much better?
YES! Yes it can. We got one of my favorite troupes again...
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS FALLING IN LOVE!
We see a bit of a weird, slightly sad beginning for these two though. Missed FIRST chances, but they were offered the second chance of their life.
I really enjoyed the one on one relationship, but I also liked how they included the ranch family in everything.
They weathered every storm together!! They turned grief into joy and gave forgiveness and redemption the 'Big Heart Ranch' way.
What makes a book go from good to great is the side characters. They make the book complete.
This book was brimming with great characters.
Besides the Maxwell siblings (who are always a hoot), there was Dutch and if he can't make you smile, literally nothing else can. He was such a goon...and I loved him. He filled his role as "old timer ranch hand" BEAUTIFULLY in my opinion. And all the "Dutch-isms"...YES PLEASE! They kept me chuckling.
I really loved this story, and I can't wait to see what else is to come from Tina.
I rated this a 4/5 stars.
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive rating**All opinions are my own*
PLLUUUSSS it's a Christmas book, can it get much better?
YES! Yes it can. We got one of my favorite troupes again...
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS FALLING IN LOVE!
We see a bit of a weird, slightly sad beginning for these two though. Missed FIRST chances, but they were offered the second chance of their life.
I really enjoyed the one on one relationship, but I also liked how they included the ranch family in everything.
They weathered every storm together!! They turned grief into joy and gave forgiveness and redemption the 'Big Heart Ranch' way.
What makes a book go from good to great is the side characters. They make the book complete.
This book was brimming with great characters.
Besides the Maxwell siblings (who are always a hoot), there was Dutch and if he can't make you smile, literally nothing else can. He was such a goon...and I loved him. He filled his role as "old timer ranch hand" BEAUTIFULLY in my opinion. And all the "Dutch-isms"...YES PLEASE! They kept me chuckling.
I really loved this story, and I can't wait to see what else is to come from Tina.
I rated this a 4/5 stars.
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive rating**All opinions are my own*
September 28, 2018
It was a nice trip to get to go back and visit Big Heart Ranch and this time to spend it with the youngest Maxwell sibling, Emma. Emma is a widow and a mom of two year old twin girls. Zach, her brother-in-law and ex-Navy Seal, has come back for just a stopping point before he moves on to his next adventure. Zach, Zach, Zach is definitely our strong, silent, and brooding hero who tries to keep his heart encased in the ice barrier surrounding it. Emma, feisty and bossy with a lot of Christmas cheer tries to break into that barrier, not knowing her heart is on the line as well.
I liked going back to the ranch around the holiday season meeting up with old friends and greeting new and watching Zach and Emma dance around the very real issues that were keeping them apart. I thought this was a well told love story of second chances, letting go of the past, living in the present, and embracing the future with God’s blessings.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
I liked going back to the ranch around the holiday season meeting up with old friends and greeting new and watching Zach and Emma dance around the very real issues that were keeping them apart. I thought this was a well told love story of second chances, letting go of the past, living in the present, and embracing the future with God’s blessings.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
September 24, 2018
Oh, this story was so good! It is the third book in the series, and now I have read books two and three. Each book can stand alone, even though the characters from previous books are part of each story.
I really enjoyed this sweet story. The romantic tension between Zach and Emma was absolutely perfect. I loved the background on these two and that Zach had stayed away for so long because of his feelings for the woman he couldn’t have but whom he had always loved.
There were many sweet and romantic moments, quite a few humorous moments, and definitely lots of Christmas season moments. Christmas with the Cowboy is a great choice for holiday reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I really enjoyed this sweet story. The romantic tension between Zach and Emma was absolutely perfect. I loved the background on these two and that Zach had stayed away for so long because of his feelings for the woman he couldn’t have but whom he had always loved.
There were many sweet and romantic moments, quite a few humorous moments, and definitely lots of Christmas season moments. Christmas with the Cowboy is a great choice for holiday reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 25, 2018
I find it hard to read Christmas books before Labor Day but I'm reviewing this book for the author. The Big Heart Ranch is such a great place and the people there are becoming friends. Reading about Emma losing her husband and raising those two adorable girls virtually by herself was a inspiration. Reading about Zach was mixed emotions. I thought he was courageous for putting his feelings for Emma aside but I hurt for him too. I always love it when the author writes so that it makes you experience the story.
September 12, 2018
In a conversation near the end of Christmas with the Cowboy Lucy Maxwell Harris reminds her sister Emma that "Every single day we have an obligation to live a life that asks 'What's on the agenda today, Lord?' You, Travis and I have done that to the best of our ability with our lives and with Big Heart Ranch".
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series and each one has been my favorite while I was reading it but I do believe that Christmas with the Cowboy is truly my top choice. I don't know if it is the heroine who loves all things Christmas or the hero who is Scrooge incarnate and could care less about the holidays. Could it be the adorable three-year-old twin girls who are being raised by their widowed mother but are now experiencing the joys of getting to know "Unca Zach"? Maybe it is Benjie and Mick and the other children who are blossoming from the love and care that they are receiving at this special ranch in Oklahoma. And then there are the three Maxwell siblings and the other employees who are determined to help these children. I'm not really sure of the exact reason but I do know that there are many things to love about this book! Readers get to see first hand the preparations that begin in November for the Holiday Roundup and continue through Christmas Day. We watch as Emma Maxwell Norman works to provide a wonderful holiday for her children and for the orphans at the ranch and I marvelled at her energy and her positive attitude. We also get to catch up with her brother Travis and sister Lucy and some of the other beloved characters from the previous books. And most of all, we get to view the incredible chemistry between Emma and her late husband's half brother. Zach Norman suffers from physical injuries he received during his service as a Navy SEAL and he carries emotional wounds from his childhood that are equally painful; it is, however, his long-time feelings of love for his sister-in-law that may be the hardest for him to accept and to overcome.
Christmas with the Cowboy is the perfect book to help you get in the Christmas spirit! There are candy canes, chocolate chip cookies and Emma's famous chocolate muffins; Christmas trees and sparkling lights; beautiful music provided by carolers and bell ringers; ugly Christmas sweaters and even a Christmas baby! Most of all, this book has love of family, a devotion to God and the promise of a second chance at romantic love. This is a wonderful Christian romance and once again Tina Radcliffe proves her ability to write books that both entertain and inspire!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series and each one has been my favorite while I was reading it but I do believe that Christmas with the Cowboy is truly my top choice. I don't know if it is the heroine who loves all things Christmas or the hero who is Scrooge incarnate and could care less about the holidays. Could it be the adorable three-year-old twin girls who are being raised by their widowed mother but are now experiencing the joys of getting to know "Unca Zach"? Maybe it is Benjie and Mick and the other children who are blossoming from the love and care that they are receiving at this special ranch in Oklahoma. And then there are the three Maxwell siblings and the other employees who are determined to help these children. I'm not really sure of the exact reason but I do know that there are many things to love about this book! Readers get to see first hand the preparations that begin in November for the Holiday Roundup and continue through Christmas Day. We watch as Emma Maxwell Norman works to provide a wonderful holiday for her children and for the orphans at the ranch and I marvelled at her energy and her positive attitude. We also get to catch up with her brother Travis and sister Lucy and some of the other beloved characters from the previous books. And most of all, we get to view the incredible chemistry between Emma and her late husband's half brother. Zach Norman suffers from physical injuries he received during his service as a Navy SEAL and he carries emotional wounds from his childhood that are equally painful; it is, however, his long-time feelings of love for his sister-in-law that may be the hardest for him to accept and to overcome.
Christmas with the Cowboy is the perfect book to help you get in the Christmas spirit! There are candy canes, chocolate chip cookies and Emma's famous chocolate muffins; Christmas trees and sparkling lights; beautiful music provided by carolers and bell ringers; ugly Christmas sweaters and even a Christmas baby! Most of all, this book has love of family, a devotion to God and the promise of a second chance at romantic love. This is a wonderful Christian romance and once again Tina Radcliffe proves her ability to write books that both entertain and inspire!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2018
What happens when an injured Navy Seal is forced to leave the career he loves, return to a place he ran from and face the woman he has loved forever but knows can never be his? These are the questions on every reader’s mind after their introduction to strong, silent type Zach Norman.
Zach’s happiest childhood memories include Emma, his brother’s widow. Returning to Big Heart Ranch, Zach finds that years apart have done nothing to dull her beauty, or his feelings for her.
Both Emma and Zach discover that before either of them can truly move forward with their lives, they must face their individual histories and find a way to make peace with their demons.
Emma’s exuberant love of all things Christmas coupled with Zach’s intense, “always doing the right thing” personality keeps the story lively and entertaining. Mix in two- year old twins, Christmas spirit plus a sprinkling of snow and Tina Radcliff’s Christmas with the Cowboy serves up a delightful story of love and redemption.
***The publisher provided a free book. However, all opinions included in this review are entirely my own.
Zach’s happiest childhood memories include Emma, his brother’s widow. Returning to Big Heart Ranch, Zach finds that years apart have done nothing to dull her beauty, or his feelings for her.
Both Emma and Zach discover that before either of them can truly move forward with their lives, they must face their individual histories and find a way to make peace with their demons.
Emma’s exuberant love of all things Christmas coupled with Zach’s intense, “always doing the right thing” personality keeps the story lively and entertaining. Mix in two- year old twins, Christmas spirit plus a sprinkling of snow and Tina Radcliff’s Christmas with the Cowboy serves up a delightful story of love and redemption.
***The publisher provided a free book. However, all opinions included in this review are entirely my own.
September 16, 2018
OH, OH, OH! THIS STORY IS SO GOOD!
Get ready for Christmas with this feel-good romance filled with the warm glow of the holiday spirit...children, snow and sparkling love.
What can I say? I loved EVERYTHING about Christmas with the Cowboy. Hero Zach Norman is amazing...*sigh*...my kind of quiet, self-sacrificing guy. As a single mom to twins, Emma Maxwell Norman is hardworking as she takes care of everyone with her organizational skills. The fast pace of getting the ranch ready for the Holiday Roundup keeps the couple busy as they learn to put the past in perspective and trust their feelings for each other.
Revisiting additional characters from previous books adds fun to the story. Lovable Dutch is a crusty, ol’ sweetheart. The two-year-old twins, Rachel and Elizabeth, are precious. The epilogue is Christmas perfection!
Author Tina Radcliffe knows how to make a reader laugh and cry as the conversations sparkle with humor and emotion. I want to spend Christmas at Big Heart Ranch enjoying cookies and chocolate muffins! This is definitely a story I didn’t want to end...and fortunately there will be another Big Heart Ranch book.
Favorite quote: “Big Heart Ranch is all about that. This is the place where we let go of our past. New beginnings. Like the birth of our Lord at Christmas.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. It is an honor to offer my honest opinion.
Get ready for Christmas with this feel-good romance filled with the warm glow of the holiday spirit...children, snow and sparkling love.
What can I say? I loved EVERYTHING about Christmas with the Cowboy. Hero Zach Norman is amazing...*sigh*...my kind of quiet, self-sacrificing guy. As a single mom to twins, Emma Maxwell Norman is hardworking as she takes care of everyone with her organizational skills. The fast pace of getting the ranch ready for the Holiday Roundup keeps the couple busy as they learn to put the past in perspective and trust their feelings for each other.
Revisiting additional characters from previous books adds fun to the story. Lovable Dutch is a crusty, ol’ sweetheart. The two-year-old twins, Rachel and Elizabeth, are precious. The epilogue is Christmas perfection!
Author Tina Radcliffe knows how to make a reader laugh and cry as the conversations sparkle with humor and emotion. I want to spend Christmas at Big Heart Ranch enjoying cookies and chocolate muffins! This is definitely a story I didn’t want to end...and fortunately there will be another Big Heart Ranch book.
Favorite quote: “Big Heart Ranch is all about that. This is the place where we let go of our past. New beginnings. Like the birth of our Lord at Christmas.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. It is an honor to offer my honest opinion.
July 30, 2018
I loved this whole story. The characters seem very realistic.
August 19, 2018
Christmas with the Cowboy is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series. Ex-SEAL Zach has come to Big Heart Ranch to help his childhood friends including his widowed sister-in-law Emma. He is in a transition period after several knee surgeries while the Big Heart Ranch is beginning its transition for the Christmas season. Emma has twin girls who instantly fall in love with their Unca Zach. Emma is the ultimate workaholic - a mom, a sister, a therapist, and a baker while helping everyone get things done. This book made me laugh, cry, and want to eat muffins, gingerbread, and holiday cut-out cookies. It's a charming story that embodies the holiday spirit.
One of the things I love about the books in the Big Heart Ranch series is that they are definitely part of a series yet can be read alone. Claiming Her Cowboy is Lucy Maxwell's story. Falling for the Cowgirl is her brother Travis' story. Christmas with the Cowboy is their sister Emma's story. Each of the Maxwell siblings has a different role at the Big Heart Ranch where they try to help as many abused and neglected children as they can.
One of the things I love about the books in the Big Heart Ranch series is that they are definitely part of a series yet can be read alone. Claiming Her Cowboy is Lucy Maxwell's story. Falling for the Cowgirl is her brother Travis' story. Christmas with the Cowboy is their sister Emma's story. Each of the Maxwell siblings has a different role at the Big Heart Ranch where they try to help as many abused and neglected children as they can.
October 23, 2018
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY by Tina Radcliffe is exactly what the Love Inspired books inspires to be – heartwarming, inspirational, and romantic – all wrapped up in Christmas.
Emma Maxwell Norman is a recent widow raising her twin daughter’s while trying to make sure Big Heart Ranch and her husband’s company, RangePro survive and prosper even when it seems to be getting harder with each passing month. She has an upbeat personality, always looking for the positive in any situation, and loves everything to do with Christmas which is evident with Holiday Roundup at Big Heart Ranch.
Zach Norman, Emma’s now brother-in-law and childhood best friend, recently left the Navy SEAL due to an injury he got in the line of duty and the inability to be satisfied sitting behind a desk. With a bum leg even after several surgeries, he’s trying to figure out what his purpose in life is. First on his agenda was to finally pay a visit to his fellow SEAL’s folks. It’s the very least he could do after he survived and his friend didn’t - to give them closure. Since it was close to his brother’s widow, he’d check on her and his nieces too. He knew this would be difficult because he had always loved Emma, but he had stepped away when she took interest in his brother. That’s why he has stayed away all this time. Distance was what he had to keep from Emma. Zach’s only experience with Christmas were bad ones. Christmas to him was just sad memories of never belonging or being loved – something to be avoided.
When old friends reunite and with their clash of opinions of Christmas, it makes for a wonderful adventure - better than events inside the corral of the ranch and definitely makes life very interesting.
Love the way the author lets you understand the feelings and reasoning of both Emma and Zach. It’s great to see the positive attitude of one counter the negativity of the other’s past bringing them closer and closer. Loved the way Zach became a vital part of the Big Heart Ranch not only to help out but also to find a purpose and see life through different eyes.
I would wholeheartedly recommend CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY to anyone that not only loves a wonderful Christmas story, but one that has values and meaning for the whole year. Love sure makes the world go around and Christmas sparkle a little brighter in Timber, Oklahoma!
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. After reading this book, I know I have to read books one and two to read about the other adventures.
Emma Maxwell Norman is a recent widow raising her twin daughter’s while trying to make sure Big Heart Ranch and her husband’s company, RangePro survive and prosper even when it seems to be getting harder with each passing month. She has an upbeat personality, always looking for the positive in any situation, and loves everything to do with Christmas which is evident with Holiday Roundup at Big Heart Ranch.
Zach Norman, Emma’s now brother-in-law and childhood best friend, recently left the Navy SEAL due to an injury he got in the line of duty and the inability to be satisfied sitting behind a desk. With a bum leg even after several surgeries, he’s trying to figure out what his purpose in life is. First on his agenda was to finally pay a visit to his fellow SEAL’s folks. It’s the very least he could do after he survived and his friend didn’t - to give them closure. Since it was close to his brother’s widow, he’d check on her and his nieces too. He knew this would be difficult because he had always loved Emma, but he had stepped away when she took interest in his brother. That’s why he has stayed away all this time. Distance was what he had to keep from Emma. Zach’s only experience with Christmas were bad ones. Christmas to him was just sad memories of never belonging or being loved – something to be avoided.
When old friends reunite and with their clash of opinions of Christmas, it makes for a wonderful adventure - better than events inside the corral of the ranch and definitely makes life very interesting.
Love the way the author lets you understand the feelings and reasoning of both Emma and Zach. It’s great to see the positive attitude of one counter the negativity of the other’s past bringing them closer and closer. Loved the way Zach became a vital part of the Big Heart Ranch not only to help out but also to find a purpose and see life through different eyes.
I would wholeheartedly recommend CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY to anyone that not only loves a wonderful Christmas story, but one that has values and meaning for the whole year. Love sure makes the world go around and Christmas sparkle a little brighter in Timber, Oklahoma!
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. After reading this book, I know I have to read books one and two to read about the other adventures.
August 23, 2019
A Christmas romance filled with lovable characters from adults to children, laughter, hurts, grief, faith and love is the perfect read for any day. Christmas with the Cowboy was perfect for a warm summer day for me. I was immersed into the story from the beginning. I wanted to see how Emma and Zach were going to work through all their pain over the years; after all they had known each other since childhood. Throw in adorable toddler’s twins, Rachel and Elizabeth, to capture their Uncle Zach’s heart even though he hadn’t been a part of their lives in the past 28 months and you’ll be spellbound till the end.
Tina Radcliffe knows how to win new readers to her books with relatable characters who are inspirational but still have flaws to overcome. She penned another moving and touching story with the happenings on Big Heart Ranch just in time for the holidays. Christmas was for everyone and especially children who had never experienced merriment were owed that when they came to the ranch. It wasn’t the quantity of gifts but the true meaning of Christmas, giving to others and showing love that they were immersed with throughout the season with the Holiday Rodeo, Christmas lights, live nativity and so much more.
There are charming secondary characters that made this story extra special in how they grew and gave to others. I love how Radcliffe has crafted this series with true to life issues that can shatter or mold individuals to be better like the Maxwell’s and others have proven in this series. Now on to the next book to see how my new family members are doing that I have fallen in love with at Big Heart Ranch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a review but have shared my own opinion.
Tina Radcliffe knows how to win new readers to her books with relatable characters who are inspirational but still have flaws to overcome. She penned another moving and touching story with the happenings on Big Heart Ranch just in time for the holidays. Christmas was for everyone and especially children who had never experienced merriment were owed that when they came to the ranch. It wasn’t the quantity of gifts but the true meaning of Christmas, giving to others and showing love that they were immersed with throughout the season with the Holiday Rodeo, Christmas lights, live nativity and so much more.
There are charming secondary characters that made this story extra special in how they grew and gave to others. I love how Radcliffe has crafted this series with true to life issues that can shatter or mold individuals to be better like the Maxwell’s and others have proven in this series. Now on to the next book to see how my new family members are doing that I have fallen in love with at Big Heart Ranch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a review but have shared my own opinion.
May 5, 2020
Christmas stories are just awesome to begin with but these characters bring it to another level! This author has paired a Navy SEAL (Zach) who is a strong, silent type with a bubbly, overachiever (Emma)! They were childhood friends and somewhere along the way, Zach fell in love with Emma but Emma had feelings for his half-brother and Zach just couldn't hang around for that. Emma married his half-brother and eventually had twins but now the man died in a tragic accident and Emma is a widow. Zach still hasn't been able to visit Emma and the girls on the Big Heart Ranch. I loved watching this tough Navy SEAL who had never had a good Christmas growing up, finally visit Emma on the Ranch where Christmas is everywhere! He is overwhelmed to say the least! She ropes him in to all that is Christmas and the spirit of Christmas wins him over. I loved how much he changed! Also, Emma changed because she was the Energizer Bunny and he taught her to slow down and just "be"! Such a great story!!!
October 6, 2018
The third book in the Big Heart Ranch series by Tina Radcliffe was an absolute joy to read. While it is the third in the series it reads just fine as a stand-alone and to be honest it is my favorite so far. Of course, that could be because it is set during Christmas, there are adorable twin girls, and then there is six-year-old Dub Harris who appeared in the first book, Claiming Her Cowboy who makes a return visit. I fell in love with him then and almost squealed when he made a brief appearance in this book. In fact, he appears on page 188. Emma is sad and Dub comes in and asks his Aunt Emma if she is okay, when Emma lets him know how she is feeling he goes over to her and puts his arms around her to give her a big hug and Emma says, "Aw, thanks so much sweetie, Dub hugs are the best." With that, he asks her "Do you want me to pray for you?" Oh my, my heart squeezed. It was so precious. Ms. Radcliffe does a great job in creating characters but her kids are so very cute and sweet they can't help but steal your heart.
The main characters, Emma Maxwell Norman and Zach Norman have a past and Zach is the half-brother of her deceased husband. They both have past hurts that they are trying to overcome. I loved watching how they grew closer as the story progressed.
If you love the Love Inspired romantic fiction line of books and you love cowboys, kids and Christmas, I guarantee you will love Christmas with the Cowboy. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good clean read and it is currently on the shelves.
I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy.
On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
The main characters, Emma Maxwell Norman and Zach Norman have a past and Zach is the half-brother of her deceased husband. They both have past hurts that they are trying to overcome. I loved watching how they grew closer as the story progressed.
If you love the Love Inspired romantic fiction line of books and you love cowboys, kids and Christmas, I guarantee you will love Christmas with the Cowboy. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good clean read and it is currently on the shelves.
I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy.
On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
January 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I won Christmas with the Cowboy from the author in a contest last year and I finally sat down and read it. And I'm glad I did. I laughed; I cried. It just hit all the right notes for me. I didn't mind that this is the third book in a series and I hadn't read the previous two. it stood on its own very well. If you enjoy clean contemporary romances with an inspirational touch, check this one out!
September 28, 2018
Christmas novels are a favorite of mine. Couple that with a contemporary romance foundation, and I'm sold. Tina Radcliffe's newest novel Christmas with the Cowboy was a wonderful story. The hero and heroine were very likeable, and the secondary characters were amazing.
Tina's writing is so easy to like. Christmas with the Cowboy had no complicated characters that drove me insane, and the story flowed flawlessly. Scene transition was seamless, and the story built steadily at a pace that didn't feel rushed.
Emma Norman is a widow with twin two-year-old daughters. A go-getter with a positive attitude, Emma isn't going to let the painful aspects of the past few years take over. Emma's sister Lucy dubs Emma as having OCS--over-committed syndrome, because if a job needs to be done, Emma is on it. As an owner of a ranch, there is plenty of work to be done. Emma embraces it all with a joyful spirit, and the upcoming Christmas holidays are an exciting time for everyone on the ranch.
Former navy SEAL Zach Norman has come back to the ranch. Zach's adorable nieces are on his mind, and admittedly Emma is, too. Zach had carried a flame for Emma, but when his brother Steve showed interest in her years ago, Zach had enlisted in the navy and put her from his mind. Now that he is back at the ranch, the feelings he'd once had for her came crashing back, despite his determination to not allow that. Zach is not a Christmas-loving person, but in spite of that, Emma's overwhelming love of the Christmas season begins to settle his Bah Humbug attitude.
"I think you might be coming over to the green-and-red side." -Emma Norman
Tina Radcliffe has done a wonderful job of capturing the emotions, the conflict, and the idiosyncrasies of the characters. I found myself chuckling, sighing, and feeling sympathetic toward the characters. Feeling fully immersed into a story is the mark of great writing, and I definitely was gripped with the tale.
Tina also managed to effectively lay a Christian foundation to the story in which the characters seem drawn. The themes in this story include love, trust, and endurance.
I highly recommend Christmas with the Cowboy. It was a quick, inspiring and enjoyable read. If you like Christmas stories, I believe you'll enjoy this one.
Also posted at: http://www.jamiswords.com/christmas-w...
Tina's writing is so easy to like. Christmas with the Cowboy had no complicated characters that drove me insane, and the story flowed flawlessly. Scene transition was seamless, and the story built steadily at a pace that didn't feel rushed.
Emma Norman is a widow with twin two-year-old daughters. A go-getter with a positive attitude, Emma isn't going to let the painful aspects of the past few years take over. Emma's sister Lucy dubs Emma as having OCS--over-committed syndrome, because if a job needs to be done, Emma is on it. As an owner of a ranch, there is plenty of work to be done. Emma embraces it all with a joyful spirit, and the upcoming Christmas holidays are an exciting time for everyone on the ranch.
Former navy SEAL Zach Norman has come back to the ranch. Zach's adorable nieces are on his mind, and admittedly Emma is, too. Zach had carried a flame for Emma, but when his brother Steve showed interest in her years ago, Zach had enlisted in the navy and put her from his mind. Now that he is back at the ranch, the feelings he'd once had for her came crashing back, despite his determination to not allow that. Zach is not a Christmas-loving person, but in spite of that, Emma's overwhelming love of the Christmas season begins to settle his Bah Humbug attitude.
"I think you might be coming over to the green-and-red side." -Emma Norman
Tina Radcliffe has done a wonderful job of capturing the emotions, the conflict, and the idiosyncrasies of the characters. I found myself chuckling, sighing, and feeling sympathetic toward the characters. Feeling fully immersed into a story is the mark of great writing, and I definitely was gripped with the tale.
Tina also managed to effectively lay a Christian foundation to the story in which the characters seem drawn. The themes in this story include love, trust, and endurance.
I highly recommend Christmas with the Cowboy. It was a quick, inspiring and enjoyable read. If you like Christmas stories, I believe you'll enjoy this one.
Also posted at: http://www.jamiswords.com/christmas-w...
October 5, 2018
Return to Big Heart Ranch and experience Zach and Emma's story. Zach, a Navy Seal had always loved Emma but tried hard to hide it. Emma was married to Zach's half-brother Steve before his death in an accident. Now that Steve is gone, she shares ownership of Steve's company with Zach and wants him involved in the lives of her two-year-old twins. When Zach shows up at Big Heart Ranch just before the holiday celebrations, it's either an answer to her prayers or a dilemma about to be made worse in more ways than she can handle.
Zach is loyal, noble, strong and tender-hearted, yet convinced he must move on before Emma sees how he really feels about her. Emma is headstrong, confident and all-in whether it is with her children, the ranch or Christmas. But keeping Steve's legacy in place for her daughters meets up with opposition from Zach she doesn't know how to fight.
Can Zach open his heart enough to let Emma and his nieces inside? Will the Christmas season bring him joy or only more pain? Can Emma allow herself to love again or is the risk too great? Can she help heal Zach's heart without breaking her own?
This third visit to Big Heart Ranch is the best one yet and it can be read stand-alone. But you don't want to miss the other to Big Heart stories or falling in love with Maxwell family. Open the covers of this beautiful book and you won't be closing them until that final chapter gives you all the warm fuzzies you've come to expect from a Tina Radcliffe romance.
Zach is loyal, noble, strong and tender-hearted, yet convinced he must move on before Emma sees how he really feels about her. Emma is headstrong, confident and all-in whether it is with her children, the ranch or Christmas. But keeping Steve's legacy in place for her daughters meets up with opposition from Zach she doesn't know how to fight.
Can Zach open his heart enough to let Emma and his nieces inside? Will the Christmas season bring him joy or only more pain? Can Emma allow herself to love again or is the risk too great? Can she help heal Zach's heart without breaking her own?
This third visit to Big Heart Ranch is the best one yet and it can be read stand-alone. But you don't want to miss the other to Big Heart stories or falling in love with Maxwell family. Open the covers of this beautiful book and you won't be closing them until that final chapter gives you all the warm fuzzies you've come to expect from a Tina Radcliffe romance.
October 1, 2018
What fun going back for a visit to Big Heart Ranch for Emma and Zach’s story! Tina Radcliffe is a master at creating multi-layered, realistic, and endearing characters. Zach Norman is such a swoony, self-sacrificing hero who definitely needs someone to love him. Enter Emma, his brother’s widow with twin daughters, who is the perfect heroine for him. I absolutely adored the interaction between these two—the witty banter, the sparks, and all the feels. Radcliffe’s stories are so charming and well-written, and it’s an absolute joy to read them.
Christmas with the Cowboy is part of the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. It was such fun revisiting some of the characters from previous stories in the series. They added to the enjoyment of the story. Tina Radcliffe is a favorite author of mine. I love the humor and inspirational elements she adds to her writing. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Christmas with the Cowboy is part of the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. It was such fun revisiting some of the characters from previous stories in the series. They added to the enjoyment of the story. Tina Radcliffe is a favorite author of mine. I love the humor and inspirational elements she adds to her writing. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 28, 2018
Zach has finally come home! Or so Emma believes. I enjoyed this sweet Christmas read, emphasis on CHRISTMAS. It’s filled with all Christmas all the time with Emma slowly but surely converting the Christmas curmudgeon, and two little cuties help!
One thing I like about this story of a sister-brother -in-law falling in love story is that Zach respected Emma’s and Steve’s relationship- he never tried to convince Emma otherwise at some time in the past and Emma truly loved Steve; her feelings for Zach didn’t morph until in this story. That is something that this troupe in general often annoys me – the whole “I had feelings for you, but I married your brother anyways for whatever reason.” Ms. Radcliffe did no that which made me like the characters and connect more. I also respected Zach and admired him even, for choosing to remove himself from the situation. While I don’t agree with avoiding his family, I get it.
The secondary characters are also great. This is the first book in the series I’ve read and I didn’t feel like I missed anything, but I’m definitely going to catch up!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
One thing I like about this story of a sister-brother -in-law falling in love story is that Zach respected Emma’s and Steve’s relationship- he never tried to convince Emma otherwise at some time in the past and Emma truly loved Steve; her feelings for Zach didn’t morph until in this story. That is something that this troupe in general often annoys me – the whole “I had feelings for you, but I married your brother anyways for whatever reason.” Ms. Radcliffe did no that which made me like the characters and connect more. I also respected Zach and admired him even, for choosing to remove himself from the situation. While I don’t agree with avoiding his family, I get it.
The secondary characters are also great. This is the first book in the series I’ve read and I didn’t feel like I missed anything, but I’m definitely going to catch up!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book from start to finish. If you've read the two other "Big Heart Ranch" books you will recognize alot of the characters; if not, it can be read as a stand alone story.
Christmas time is my favorite holiday and I LOVE the Big Heart Ranch characters so I was thrilled she wrote a book featuring them around the holidays.
I loved the main character Emma and her determination and drive to take care of her family, her late husbands legacy, and the Big Heart ranch kids. The whole concept of the ranch is phenomenal and I loved reading how Emma and Zach worked together to decorate the ranch for Christmas along with their usual chores and day to day life.
I read the book in one night because I didn't want to put it down. Have I said how much I loved this book??!! It was the perfect Christian holiday story with some romance and lots of fun. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Christmas time is my favorite holiday and I LOVE the Big Heart Ranch characters so I was thrilled she wrote a book featuring them around the holidays.
I loved the main character Emma and her determination and drive to take care of her family, her late husbands legacy, and the Big Heart ranch kids. The whole concept of the ranch is phenomenal and I loved reading how Emma and Zach worked together to decorate the ranch for Christmas along with their usual chores and day to day life.
I read the book in one night because I didn't want to put it down. Have I said how much I loved this book??!! It was the perfect Christian holiday story with some romance and lots of fun. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
September 28, 2018
Christmas with the Cowboy is a great read! I liked the "friends becoming more" theme. I really enjoyed learning the history between Zach and Emma and I was cheering for them throughout the book. They had fantastic banter! I liked Emma's independence and spunk. I was also impressed by how she remained positive no matter what life was throwing at her. I was a fan of Zach as soon as I read the scene where he was helping one of the kids at the ranch learn to ride a horse. Zach used his past to reach the young boy and it melted my heart. Two-year-old twins, Rachel and "Bit", were adorable additions to the story.
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.
If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.
If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 28, 2018
I loved the story of Emma and Zach! They are such fun characters to get to know as they learn to work together again, after being childhood friends who grew apart as they got older and Emma fell for Zach's brother. Life has changed a lot for both of them, so they have to reconnect and figure out if they still work well together. The ranch they work on is amazing, with it's beautiful mission.
I haven't read the other books in the Big Heart Ranch series. I felt like this story is able to stand alone, though reading the other books will give a bit more of a background on some of the characters. I personally look forward to reading the other books in this series, since this one was so enjoyable!
I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
I haven't read the other books in the Big Heart Ranch series. I felt like this story is able to stand alone, though reading the other books will give a bit more of a background on some of the characters. I personally look forward to reading the other books in this series, since this one was so enjoyable!
I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
September 18, 2018
"It's perfectly obvious that you can't go forward while your past is chasing you down. Big Heart Ranch is all about that. This is the place where we let go of our past. New beginnings. Like the birth of our Lord at Christmas."
Man, Tina Radcliffe really knows how to pull those heartstrings, wind them tight, and then let them fly without warning. The entire Big Heart Ranch series is heart-breaking, heart-tugging, and heart-warming all at the same time but I really identified with this third book in the series (but, of course, I loved the first two books as well). Zach is the strong and silent type former Navy SEAL visiting the Big Heart Ranch for Christmas holiday to see his twin nieces and his sister-in-law Emma who is still grieving the death of her husband Steve, who was Zach's half-brother. Zach has had a rough childhood and has always loved Emma but backed away and stayed away when his brother Steve started dating her. He's gruff, action-speaks-louder-than-words Scrooge that scoffs at Emma's Christmas spirit and enthusiasm. But when he starts to soften.... he becomes this swoony, considerate, thoughtful man able to steal Emma's breath away. Emma is a smart, efficient, loving therapist who works with the abused and neglected children whom she and her family serve at Big Heart Ranch. Both Zach and Emma need to heal from their pasts and accept/extend forgiveness so that they can move ahead into their future. Dialogue is fantastic, sassy, and fun; Zach and Emma had me laughing out loud so much that my sides hurt!
If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. Though it's book #3 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But you need to read the entire series! The Maxwell family is incredible and you have to experience each of the character's stories!
I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Man, Tina Radcliffe really knows how to pull those heartstrings, wind them tight, and then let them fly without warning. The entire Big Heart Ranch series is heart-breaking, heart-tugging, and heart-warming all at the same time but I really identified with this third book in the series (but, of course, I loved the first two books as well). Zach is the strong and silent type former Navy SEAL visiting the Big Heart Ranch for Christmas holiday to see his twin nieces and his sister-in-law Emma who is still grieving the death of her husband Steve, who was Zach's half-brother. Zach has had a rough childhood and has always loved Emma but backed away and stayed away when his brother Steve started dating her. He's gruff, action-speaks-louder-than-words Scrooge that scoffs at Emma's Christmas spirit and enthusiasm. But when he starts to soften.... he becomes this swoony, considerate, thoughtful man able to steal Emma's breath away. Emma is a smart, efficient, loving therapist who works with the abused and neglected children whom she and her family serve at Big Heart Ranch. Both Zach and Emma need to heal from their pasts and accept/extend forgiveness so that they can move ahead into their future. Dialogue is fantastic, sassy, and fun; Zach and Emma had me laughing out loud so much that my sides hurt!
If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. Though it's book #3 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But you need to read the entire series! The Maxwell family is incredible and you have to experience each of the character's stories!
I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
October 2, 2018
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2N9yL2r
Christmas with the Cowboy is the total package – humor, romance, inspiration, and emotion. Tina Radcliffe brings a lot of depth to a story that would just be a light romance by any other author. The Maxwell family of Big Heart Ranch returns in this sequel that features the youngest sibling, Emma, widowed mom with the most precious twin girls.
First of all, Christmas with the Cowboy is truly a Christmas story. It doesn’t merely hint at the Christmas theme, but starts with the day after Thanksgiving and goes on from there. Emma and Zach are opposites in a way that is guaranteed to create tension – one filled with Christmas spirit and excitement, the other’s joy blocked by painful memories. Zach carries both physical and emotional scars, and the way he opens up under Emma’s influence is like watching a slow thaw.
The narrative is infused with delightful humor, snappy and witty conversation – and great chemistry between Zach and Emma. Then there’s the themes that hooked me emotionally, from parents grieving the loss of their son in combat, to children who need the love and security that Big Heart Ranch provides. I especially enjoyed Zach’s mentoring of two young boys.
Christmas with the Cowboy is a wonderful story for any time of year; but if you’re looking for an enjoyable and fulfilling Christmas read, look no further. If you haven’t tried any of Tina Radcliffe’s books yet, I highly recommend the Big Heart Ranch series.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the author and JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Christmas with the Cowboy is the total package – humor, romance, inspiration, and emotion. Tina Radcliffe brings a lot of depth to a story that would just be a light romance by any other author. The Maxwell family of Big Heart Ranch returns in this sequel that features the youngest sibling, Emma, widowed mom with the most precious twin girls.
First of all, Christmas with the Cowboy is truly a Christmas story. It doesn’t merely hint at the Christmas theme, but starts with the day after Thanksgiving and goes on from there. Emma and Zach are opposites in a way that is guaranteed to create tension – one filled with Christmas spirit and excitement, the other’s joy blocked by painful memories. Zach carries both physical and emotional scars, and the way he opens up under Emma’s influence is like watching a slow thaw.
The narrative is infused with delightful humor, snappy and witty conversation – and great chemistry between Zach and Emma. Then there’s the themes that hooked me emotionally, from parents grieving the loss of their son in combat, to children who need the love and security that Big Heart Ranch provides. I especially enjoyed Zach’s mentoring of two young boys.
Christmas with the Cowboy is a wonderful story for any time of year; but if you’re looking for an enjoyable and fulfilling Christmas read, look no further. If you haven’t tried any of Tina Radcliffe’s books yet, I highly recommend the Big Heart Ranch series.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the author and JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
December 20, 2018
Christmas with the Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe is a great way to start the Christmas season! I was so excited to come back to Big Heart Ranch in Oklahoma for a visit. I am a huge fan of the ranch and the characters there. I love Tina Radcliffe’s characters. They seem like the kind of people I would want to have lunch with. In Christmas with the Cowboy we learn more about Emma who works at the ranch and Zach who is a six-foot five former Navy Seal. Emma had been married to Zach’s brother, but is now a widow. Zach has always been fond of Emma since they were kids. They have wonderful chemistry and I was cheering for Zach and Emma to get together. I loved their banter and Emma’s twin girls added so much.
This story has wonderful adventures, great cowboys, and the down-home feeling of Oklahoma. (I was born in Oklahoma so I know this.) I highly recommend you read Christmas with the Cowboy. Prepare yourself to get into the Christmas spirit and make some new friends.
I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review.
This story has wonderful adventures, great cowboys, and the down-home feeling of Oklahoma. (I was born in Oklahoma so I know this.) I highly recommend you read Christmas with the Cowboy. Prepare yourself to get into the Christmas spirit and make some new friends.
I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review.
August 28, 2018
This story is like one big family reunion and so much fun. I love that Zach and Emma are not living in denial to themselves. They may not have a clue about how the other feels and they sure aren’t letting their own cat out of the bag, but at least they know how they feel, or felt. And poor Emma has a lot of emotional conflict to deal with but I love that she’s even tempered and very kind. And with the way I feel about software programs, I’m kind of with Zach about RangePro!
Elizabeth and Rachel are almost “pros” at wrapping Uncle Zach around their tiny twin fingers. Way to go girls. Keep up the good work! And how much fun to see the Dubster again.
But my favorite character! Dutch. I love his lines and sense of humor. I could almost hear him snickering outloud while I read.
If you’re looking for a great holiday read with good writing, quick wit and a happy ending be sure to read Christmas with the Cowboy. Another good one from Tina Radcliffe.
Elizabeth and Rachel are almost “pros” at wrapping Uncle Zach around their tiny twin fingers. Way to go girls. Keep up the good work! And how much fun to see the Dubster again.
But my favorite character! Dutch. I love his lines and sense of humor. I could almost hear him snickering outloud while I read.
If you’re looking for a great holiday read with good writing, quick wit and a happy ending be sure to read Christmas with the Cowboy. Another good one from Tina Radcliffe.
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