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Saddle Springs Romance #2
The Cowboy's Mixed-Up Matchmaker
Friends don’t let friends turn thirty… single.
It’s been almost fourteen long years since two teens made a pact to marry each other if both remained single at thirty. But the nearer the time comes, the more Lauren Yanovich steps up her matchmaking game to let James off the hook. Not that he likely remembers.
James Carmichael has been waiting forever, praying Lauren will be waiting for him. But, just when the end is in sight, she begins dating someone else, and his hopes crumble.
What’s a cowboy to do when the love of his life insists they’re all wrong for each other?
About the Montana Ranches Christian Romance series
Welcome to Saddle Springs, the fictional western town that’s home to the Montana Ranches Christian Romance Series! Revel in the lush mountain scenery with rocky peaks, tumbling rivers, and peaceful lakes. Meet the cowboys who ride the ranges, mend fences, and are lassoed by romance in this new series by USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer.
1. The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion (available in A Christmas to Remember box set in fall of 2018)
2. The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker
Join USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer in this new Christian romance series... with cowboys!
It’s been almost fourteen long years since two teens made a pact to marry each other if both remained single at thirty. But the nearer the time comes, the more Lauren Yanovich steps up her matchmaking game to let James off the hook. Not that he likely remembers.
James Carmichael has been waiting forever, praying Lauren will be waiting for him. But, just when the end is in sight, she begins dating someone else, and his hopes crumble.
What’s a cowboy to do when the love of his life insists they’re all wrong for each other?
About the Montana Ranches Christian Romance series
Welcome to Saddle Springs, the fictional western town that’s home to the Montana Ranches Christian Romance Series! Revel in the lush mountain scenery with rocky peaks, tumbling rivers, and peaceful lakes. Meet the cowboys who ride the ranges, mend fences, and are lassoed by romance in this new series by USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer.
1. The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion (available in A Christmas to Remember box set in fall of 2018)
2. The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker
Join USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer in this new Christian romance series... with cowboys!
- GenresRomanceChristian Fiction
213 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2018
178 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Comer
88 books232 followersValerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.
Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.
CONTACTING VALERIE
Newsletter | Website/Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
valerie@valeriecomer.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 28, 2019
Lovely book. I was getting a bit worried at one point that it wasn't going to have the fairy tale ending. With so many ups and downs thrown in I was praying for a happy ever after.
I was really drawn into this one and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Valerie Comer is a wonderfully talented writer and I've never been disappointed with any of her book.
I was really drawn into this one and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Valerie Comer is a wonderfully talented writer and I've never been disappointed with any of her book.
December 28, 2018
THE COWBOYS MIXED-UP MATCHMAKER is Ms. Comer's latest release. Don't stress if you haven't read the first (mentioned above) because this one stands alone.
Lauren and James has been secretly in love for years but now that they are almost thirty they keep thinking about a silly pact they made (sealed with a high-five) when they were sixteen. Both are ready to dive into the relationship head on but both also believe the other isn't interested.
How will they ever move past this - especially when she keeps fixing him up with her friends and her mom fixes her up with her friends sons? Not easily.
I especially love how Ms. Comer works in a strong faith message and keeps the relationship Christ-centered. If you haven't read Ms. Comer's books and love cowboys, don't miss THE COWBOY'S MIXED-UP MATCHMAKER.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Lauren and James has been secretly in love for years but now that they are almost thirty they keep thinking about a silly pact they made (sealed with a high-five) when they were sixteen. Both are ready to dive into the relationship head on but both also believe the other isn't interested.
How will they ever move past this - especially when she keeps fixing him up with her friends and her mom fixes her up with her friends sons? Not easily.
I especially love how Ms. Comer works in a strong faith message and keeps the relationship Christ-centered. If you haven't read Ms. Comer's books and love cowboys, don't miss THE COWBOY'S MIXED-UP MATCHMAKER.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2019
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
The story begins with a focus on the two main characters and a promise made between best friends fourteen years earlier. They swear to save each other from growing old alone (with old being defined as thirty) by getting married. Trouble is that fourteen years is a long time for teenage insecurity to build into walls, especially with a deep friendship at risk.
James doesn’t want to pressure Lauren, or stand in her way if she loves another. He set his mind so firmly on the deadline, he’s done little to clue Lauren in on the love he already had when he’d offered the promise. Even worse, Lauren’s tentative attempts to make him aware of her feelings are too subtle to break through his belief that she isn’t ready, almost costing him both best friend and love. She is reluctant to risk their friendship over feelings she’s sure are one sided.
All of which leads them to within spitting distance of their shared thirtieth birthday still ignorant of how their feelings are returned. Yes, it falls in the “if they would only talk to each other” category. But, the barriers develop throughout the story and are plausible enough to stand when considered through the lens of someone afraid of throwing away what they have by asking for more only to be rejected. It helps that while James and Lauren are blind, the other characters are quick to point out their mistakes, giving each something to actively reject rather than recognize their own cowardice.
The only jarring element for me was a firm separation of the sexes in traits and perceptions that comes up several times. However, James’ father does suggest that just because many women or men hold a certain opinion doesn’t mean they all do. The same could be said for James blaming his reticence on his gender when Lauren is just as bad. So what the characters say and what they demonstrate doesn’t match…not in a contradictory way, but in the way people believe things to be true so never look to see they aren’t.
The book starts out as inspirational romance light, with the focus on an earthly relationship, or rather non-relationship. A mention of God here or there makes His presence known, but they face no real questions of faith. That doesn’t mean the story is without conflict by any measure though, and internal struggles soon turn to faith ones because they’re blind to God’s will.
This story begins with questions of risk: when to take the chance and when to hold tight. James even looks at God’s call for perseverance and ties it with his patient waiting, a false connection to my mind. Both characters are inspired by their pastor’s sermon on God’s will to recognize how they’ve been ignoring their faith and failing to trust in God to know what’s best. These are solid themes, and while the risk is only gnawed upon by the main characters, their group of friends and family all take on the challenge of understanding how to hear God’s will in their lives, leading to some good discussions.
They both have much to learn about taking chances on love and not standing in their own…and God’s …way.
The strong characters I love from Valerie Comer are here in full force between over-involved sisters, meddling friends, and those on the sidelines who make themselves known. Once the story turns to a stronger inspy focus, it’s in the form of discussions that explore the meaning behind scripture, something only possible because the cast is much broader than just the leading pair. There are even fun metatextual discussions about writing and fiction versus reality…by fictional characters. This is thanks to one friend being a freelance fiction editor.
I enjoyed the story and the characters’ struggles, which–though self-inflicted–carried elements that rang true especially with the ongoing self-revision to make their poor decisions appear logical. The rich community filled with people who care about each other and look out for their friends’ emotional and spiritual well being even when it’s not appreciated forms a solid part of my enjoyment. I look forward to hearing the stories to come, and even those that have already happened in this crowd, a sign of a robust fictional world.
The story begins with a focus on the two main characters and a promise made between best friends fourteen years earlier. They swear to save each other from growing old alone (with old being defined as thirty) by getting married. Trouble is that fourteen years is a long time for teenage insecurity to build into walls, especially with a deep friendship at risk.
James doesn’t want to pressure Lauren, or stand in her way if she loves another. He set his mind so firmly on the deadline, he’s done little to clue Lauren in on the love he already had when he’d offered the promise. Even worse, Lauren’s tentative attempts to make him aware of her feelings are too subtle to break through his belief that she isn’t ready, almost costing him both best friend and love. She is reluctant to risk their friendship over feelings she’s sure are one sided.
All of which leads them to within spitting distance of their shared thirtieth birthday still ignorant of how their feelings are returned. Yes, it falls in the “if they would only talk to each other” category. But, the barriers develop throughout the story and are plausible enough to stand when considered through the lens of someone afraid of throwing away what they have by asking for more only to be rejected. It helps that while James and Lauren are blind, the other characters are quick to point out their mistakes, giving each something to actively reject rather than recognize their own cowardice.
The only jarring element for me was a firm separation of the sexes in traits and perceptions that comes up several times. However, James’ father does suggest that just because many women or men hold a certain opinion doesn’t mean they all do. The same could be said for James blaming his reticence on his gender when Lauren is just as bad. So what the characters say and what they demonstrate doesn’t match…not in a contradictory way, but in the way people believe things to be true so never look to see they aren’t.
The book starts out as inspirational romance light, with the focus on an earthly relationship, or rather non-relationship. A mention of God here or there makes His presence known, but they face no real questions of faith. That doesn’t mean the story is without conflict by any measure though, and internal struggles soon turn to faith ones because they’re blind to God’s will.
This story begins with questions of risk: when to take the chance and when to hold tight. James even looks at God’s call for perseverance and ties it with his patient waiting, a false connection to my mind. Both characters are inspired by their pastor’s sermon on God’s will to recognize how they’ve been ignoring their faith and failing to trust in God to know what’s best. These are solid themes, and while the risk is only gnawed upon by the main characters, their group of friends and family all take on the challenge of understanding how to hear God’s will in their lives, leading to some good discussions.
They both have much to learn about taking chances on love and not standing in their own…and God’s …way.
The strong characters I love from Valerie Comer are here in full force between over-involved sisters, meddling friends, and those on the sidelines who make themselves known. Once the story turns to a stronger inspy focus, it’s in the form of discussions that explore the meaning behind scripture, something only possible because the cast is much broader than just the leading pair. There are even fun metatextual discussions about writing and fiction versus reality…by fictional characters. This is thanks to one friend being a freelance fiction editor.
I enjoyed the story and the characters’ struggles, which–though self-inflicted–carried elements that rang true especially with the ongoing self-revision to make their poor decisions appear logical. The rich community filled with people who care about each other and look out for their friends’ emotional and spiritual well being even when it’s not appreciated forms a solid part of my enjoyment. I look forward to hearing the stories to come, and even those that have already happened in this crowd, a sign of a robust fictional world.
November 22, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance
Location: Saddle Springs, Montana
Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: Woven throughout the story. Verse applied well to the characters and helped them grow spiritually.
Valerie Comer delivers another sweet cowboy romance with strong faith elements. I loved the way both characters feared how their friendship would change if they admitted they harbored stronger feelings for each other. Comer showed the genuine struggle Christian characters face in this situation, and she presented a strong, faith-based example for dealing with it.
As an independent, career minded woman, Lauren faced the challenge of focusing on her career versus dealing with past heartache and insecurities. In her attempts to push away the man she loves, she must confront her own weaknesses and desire to control situations. Her personal growth and spiritual growth felt real to life and had me rooting for her to face her weaknesses.
James’s sensitive inner quiet drew me to his character and seemed very realistic for a cowboy and worship leader. His strong faith grew more when he faced his own fears. Comer used his desire to please God, even in his relationships with others, as an encouraging example to us all.
One reason I keep returning to this series is the way Comer writes her heroes. They are manly men who are devout Christians trying to navigate life in a godly manner. I appreciate the realistic way she writes these characters and wonder if she is blessed to have such examples in her own life. It’s refreshing to read great male characters.
I strongly recommend this book for fans of modern cowboy romance with a sweet, clean love story and strong faith-based worldview.
Location: Saddle Springs, Montana
Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: Woven throughout the story. Verse applied well to the characters and helped them grow spiritually.
Valerie Comer delivers another sweet cowboy romance with strong faith elements. I loved the way both characters feared how their friendship would change if they admitted they harbored stronger feelings for each other. Comer showed the genuine struggle Christian characters face in this situation, and she presented a strong, faith-based example for dealing with it.
As an independent, career minded woman, Lauren faced the challenge of focusing on her career versus dealing with past heartache and insecurities. In her attempts to push away the man she loves, she must confront her own weaknesses and desire to control situations. Her personal growth and spiritual growth felt real to life and had me rooting for her to face her weaknesses.
James’s sensitive inner quiet drew me to his character and seemed very realistic for a cowboy and worship leader. His strong faith grew more when he faced his own fears. Comer used his desire to please God, even in his relationships with others, as an encouraging example to us all.
One reason I keep returning to this series is the way Comer writes her heroes. They are manly men who are devout Christians trying to navigate life in a godly manner. I appreciate the realistic way she writes these characters and wonder if she is blessed to have such examples in her own life. It’s refreshing to read great male characters.
I strongly recommend this book for fans of modern cowboy romance with a sweet, clean love story and strong faith-based worldview.
December 12, 2019
Contemporary Christian Romance. James and Lauren have been friends forever, the kind of friends that made a pact-- if they were both single on their shared 30th birthday, they would marry each other. While they have remained close over the years, both of them want something more. But who will make the first move? Their birthday is coming up soon...
A fun story set in a ranching community in Montana. I was getting frustrated by the constant miscommunication between the two protagonists. I kept looking to see how many pages were left to see if there was still time for a happily ever after! This book included a lot of church and scriptural references, mainly on the theme of following God's will.
A fun story set in a ranching community in Montana. I was getting frustrated by the constant miscommunication between the two protagonists. I kept looking to see how many pages were left to see if there was still time for a happily ever after! This book included a lot of church and scriptural references, mainly on the theme of following God's will.
March 24, 2020
Valerie Comer's The Cowboys Mixed-Up Matchmaker centers around Lauren and James. She is a veterinarian he works on his family's ranch. They share the same birthday. At 16 they made a pact that if they hadn't married by 30 they would marry each other. Well 30 is coming. Do they have feelings for each other? If they do they sure have a weird way of showing it. Their story teaches them to seek God and his will. It's sweet story. sometimes I wanted to knock some sense into them to see. But that's what good writers do. Get you into the story and make you feel for the characters. It's a good read. Read and find out what happens to these two. Blessings.
October 22, 2018
This is a very inspirational book you can’t stop reading. The characters in this story are all very special people. Lauren and James have been friends there whole life. Watching these two try to figure out how to tell each other how they feel about each other will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
December 2, 2018
I like Val Comer's writing. This time I got frustrated with the two main characters. If I'd been involved, I would have stuck the 2 of them in a room and told them to talk and not come out until they'd figured out their relationship. It would have been a real short book :-) Comer does a good job with all the ins and outs of their relationship. I just get fed up with people who don't communicate. You'll probably love it :-)
September 1, 2019
Lauren and James made a pact in high school. They would not let their shared 30th birthday go by without being married. If not to someone else, they would marry each other. They remained friends all through their 20s. James learned the ranching business and Lauren became a veterinarian. Their jobs often brought them into contact. But now, with age 30 hanging over their heads, friendship wasn't so easy anymore.
December 1, 2018
This is a wonderful story of second chances. James and Lauren suffer from the same thing.....failure to communicate and ego. Will they manage to get this worked out????? A must read for those who love great Christian Love Stories. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
January 27, 2019
Not seeing what’s right in front of you
James and Lauren have an amazing friendship. Both wish for more but neither is willing to lay out their feelings.
Lauren comes off a little clueless and James is far from perfect which makes them seem real. There’s some great laughs and sizzling chemistry for your reading enjoyment.
James and Lauren have an amazing friendship. Both wish for more but neither is willing to lay out their feelings.
Lauren comes off a little clueless and James is far from perfect which makes them seem real. There’s some great laughs and sizzling chemistry for your reading enjoyment.
August 10, 2022
Cowboys...
How can people be so dumb? Or stubborn? We see what we expect to see, wasting precious time and energy.
Friends, both crazy about the other one, but both afraid of rejection. The "don't want to lose my best friend" genre is not my favorite, yet as always Valerie Comer makes it an unteresting journey.
How can people be so dumb? Or stubborn? We see what we expect to see, wasting precious time and energy.
Friends, both crazy about the other one, but both afraid of rejection. The "don't want to lose my best friend" genre is not my favorite, yet as always Valerie Comer makes it an unteresting journey.
January 4, 2023
How a pack at sixteen came about at thirty.
Valerie, you did it again with is one also. It was well written with lots of feeling , some laughter and a lot of faith in God. The storyline is fabulous along with some incredible characters and God's love, mercy and forgiveness. Loved it.
Valerie, you did it again with is one also. It was well written with lots of feeling , some laughter and a lot of faith in God. The storyline is fabulous along with some incredible characters and God's love, mercy and forgiveness. Loved it.
December 1, 2018
A Beautiful Christian Romance
This was a beautiful romance about second chances.
I loved the storyline,the characters and the locale.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance with an inspirational message.
This was a beautiful romance about second chances.
I loved the storyline,the characters and the locale.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance with an inspirational message.
July 2, 2019
Beautiful Love Story
This is a refreshing and outstanding love story with endearing and adorable characters that will steal your heart from the very first moments as they journey towards unconditional love and forever.
This is a refreshing and outstanding love story with endearing and adorable characters that will steal your heart from the very first moments as they journey towards unconditional love and forever.
November 7, 2019
Focusing On Faith
So many amazing verses quoted this story. Never ceases to amaze me how easily we mortals can be led astray. In this story we must battle some intense stubbornness as well as butting in other people's business.~
So many amazing verses quoted this story. Never ceases to amaze me how easily we mortals can be led astray. In this story we must battle some intense stubbornness as well as butting in other people's business.~
March 8, 2021
Good story
Some good messages in the story stressing how to seek & find direction in life.
James is slow to move & took years before he decides he needs to declare his feelings. Finally he decides to state his feelings.
Some good messages in the story stressing how to seek & find direction in life.
James is slow to move & took years before he decides he needs to declare his feelings. Finally he decides to state his feelings.
February 4, 2019
If you like friends to something more, kind of romance, this is a cute one. It was not quite traditional, and the characters were so real, I felt like they could be someone that I know!
August 12, 2023
A fun book
This couple was so much fun to read about. The author did a fantastic job of writing about a fun couple that just could t see what was right in front of them.
This couple was so much fun to read about. The author did a fantastic job of writing about a fun couple that just could t see what was right in front of them.
February 19, 2024
I wanted to shake Lauren and James throughout this book. Gracious! Talk about not seeing what is right in front of you! So thankful they finally opened their eyes and took a risk! Another great read from Comer.
December 4, 2018
How Does Seeking God 1st, Draw James & Lauren Closer?
Valerie Comer is a Master Christian Romance Storyteller, that's why she's my Favorite Author! She's Created Another Dynamic Story in, "The Cowboy's Mixed-Up Matchmaker", that You Need To Read.
I 💗 that I was inspired & entertained. I 💛 the small town, Montana setting, & the compelling characters in this Novel. I 💚 that James & Lauren are individually challenged, to seek God 1st, as they seek their future mate! I also 💙 that James took his family's advice, on how to express his 💕 to Lauren. I Highly Recommend this Outstanding, & Engrossing Story, that I 😍Ed!
Valerie Comer is a Master Christian Romance Storyteller, that's why she's my Favorite Author! She's Created Another Dynamic Story in, "The Cowboy's Mixed-Up Matchmaker", that You Need To Read.
I 💗 that I was inspired & entertained. I 💛 the small town, Montana setting, & the compelling characters in this Novel. I 💚 that James & Lauren are individually challenged, to seek God 1st, as they seek their future mate! I also 💙 that James took his family's advice, on how to express his 💕 to Lauren. I Highly Recommend this Outstanding, & Engrossing Story, that I 😍Ed!
December 17, 2018
Lauren keeps on trying to match James up with single women in the area. James does his best to avoid those matchups and is getting irritated by them. James doesn’t want to upset a friendship by stating his intentions so he just keeps things status quo. An easy read, with likeable characters. It’s fun to have a horse ranch as a focal point, along with a veterinarian. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
June 18, 2019
While this book includes some of my favorite things about books: Valerie Comer's writing style, the characters and worlds she creates, and most of all, the community life she writes into her worlds, I can't say I loved this book because it involves my least favorite romantic story plotline - no real problem in the book except for two main characters who just need to sit down and have one real conversation but they don't do it until the very end of the book. I know lots of people love that storyline though and I'm weird which is why I'm giving this book 4 stars. It is well-written and it has great characters and a storyline I know many people enjoy. I just couldn't help but spend the entire book wanting to shake both main characters and say "spit it out already!" the whole time.
October 5, 2019
You are going to LOVE this new story from Valerie Comer!
James Carmichael has been waiting for the right moment to tell Lauren Yanovich that he loves her… has always loved her… but he doesn’t know how to tell her, so he’s waiting to honor the pact they made when they were sixteen years old.
He’s been waiting for fourteen years!
Meanwhile, Lauren is trying to set him up with someone — anyone — so he won’t feel obligated to marry her. After all, who wants to marry someone who plans to fulfill a promise they made to you, but they don’t love you. I couldn’t wait to see how this story finally ends… and how they somehow get the courage to do what they had to do — to have a happily-ever-after.
Don’t miss this exciting new series by Valerie Comer!
Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews