Her Billionaire Cowboy

Steeple Ridge #0.5

by Liz Isaacson

HE BOUGHT HER FARM, AND SHE'S NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT.

Tucker Jenkins has had enough of tall buildings, traffic, and business meetings to determine the next app that will change the world. He's sold his technology firm for billions and traded it for Steeple Ridge Horse Farm in rural Vermont.

Missy Marino has worked at the boarding stable and farm since she was a teen, and she's always dreamed of owning it. But her ex-husband left her with a truckload of debt, making her fantasies of owning the farm unfulfilled.

When she meets Tucker, she starts having a new kind of fantasy—one where they work with the horses together. Tucker didn't come to the country to find a new wife, but he supposes a woman could help him start over in Steeple Ridge. Will Tucker and Missy be able to navigate the shaky ground between them to find a new beginning?

Read all the novels by USA Today bestselling and Kindle All-Star Author Liz Isaacson:
Steeple Ridge Romances:
1. Her Billionaire Cowboy
2. Her Restless Cowboy
3. Her Faithful Cowboy
4. Her Mistletoe Cowboy
5. Her Patient Cowboy

Three Rivers Ranch Romance Series:
1. Second Chance Ranch
2. Third Time's the Charm
3. Fourth and Long
4. Fifth Generation Cowboy
5. Sixth Street Love Affair
6. The Seventh Sergeant
7. Eight Second Ride
8. The First Lady of Three Rivers
9. Christmas in Three Rivers
10. Lucky Number Thirteen
11. The Curse of February Fourteenth
12. Fifteen Minutes of Fame
13. Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love
14. The Sleigh on Seventeenth Street

Horseshoe Home Ranch Romance Series:
1. Falling for Her Boss
2. Falling for Her Roommate
3. Falling for His Best Friend
4. Falling for His Nanny
5. Falling for Her Ex's Brother
6. Falling for Her Old Boyfriend
7. Falling for His Next-door Neighbor
8. Falling for His Nurse

Brush Creek Brides Romance Series:
1. A Wedding for the Widower
2. A Companion for the Cowboy
3. A Bride for the Bronc Rider
4. A Family for the Farmer
5. A Home for the Horseman
6. A Refuge for the Rancher
7. A Marriage for the Marine
8. A Fiance for the Firefighter
9. A Treasure for the Trooper
10. A Date for the Detective
11. A Partner for the Paramedic
12. A Catch for the Chief

Grape Seed Falls Romance Series:
1. Choosing the Cowboy
2. Craving the Cowboy
3. Charming the Cowboy
4. Courting the Cowboy
5. Claiming the Cowboy
6. Catching the Cowboy
7. Cheering the Cowboy

Christmas in Coral Canyon Romance Series:
1. Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Friend
2. Her Cowboy Billionaire Boss
3. Her Cowboy Billionaire Boyfriend
4. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bodyguard
5. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bull Rider
6. Her Cowboy Billionaire Bachelor
7. Her Cowboy Billionaire Blind Date
8. Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Man

Last Chance Ranch:
1. Her Last First Kiss
2. Her Last Billionaire Boyfriend
3. Her Last Make-Believe Marriage
4. Her Last Second Chance
5. Her Last Secret Sweetheart
6. Her Last Cowboy Christmas

Quinn Valley Ranch:
1. Contracted Cowboy
2. Secret Sweetheart
3. Landscaping Love
4. Birthday Boyfriend

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Christian, Christian Fiction, Westerns, Audiobook

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2019

About the author

★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★

Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhh I loved this one! If you are looking for another great single from the Timeless Romance Singles(part of the Timeless Romance Anthologies) this is one that was great! Sweet, Swoony, fun humor and a fun setting.

Missy has been burned and is struggling to make ends meet after being left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from her ex-husband. All her dreams have now been pushed aside to slowly work and pay off those debts. Try as she might, the only way to get rid of them is to pay them. As her dream to buy the horse ranch that she loves and has worked at for years and years disappears, Missy knows the next best thing is to continue working there as manager. When her dear friend, and owner of the ranch, decides to retire and sell, Missy is not ready for the new owner.

She's especially not ready for the new owner to be a fresh from the city, dressed all fancy with no clue about horses or a ranch. What follows their first meeting is some great humor, two great characters who are seeking for healing from their past and a swoony romance.

I really enjoyed both characters in this book. It's a novella so there's not lots of time to rehash their whole backstories but I thought the author did a great job giving us the right pieces which connected me as the reader to the MCs emotionally. I felt sorrow for their struggles and loss and loneliness. I laughed and was giddy at their flirtations and sweet friendship and I cheered right along when the guy swoops in and saves the day! It's great and I can't wait to read more by Liz Isaacson! I have a couple of her books waiting for me on my kindle. Woohoo!!!

I have to say also that I was so in love with the horse ranch aspect. I LOVE horses!!!! Do I own a horse? No. :-( Do I hear about horses constantly and the need to purchase one for each of my children? Yes!!! ;-) They have it all figured out...our backyard is fenced and the horses can run around back there and we can ride them everywhere and take care of them and they can just eat our grass and we'll set up a water bowl for them. Hahaha! Love my kiddos! We've gone riding several times on some friend's horses so of course they are now experts on all things horses. But hey I was cheering them on in trying to convince my hubby to get a horse(definitely couldn't live in our backyard). My mom grew up on a dairy farm and would tell us while growing up she'd just go out to the pasture by her house, call her horse "Pet" over to the fence, give her an apple, hop on bare back and ride to her hearts content. Talk about some green jealousy monster coming out when I heard that and I didn't have my own horse. I love horses, if you can't tell. So this was a great read to enjoy a sweet, clean romance and lots of horse imaginings. <3333

Content: Clean with just some sweet kisses!

I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had a good premise, but I didn't quite connect with the characters. I wish there had been more development before they jumped into a relationship- it felt kind of surface level. Missy is getting her feet back under her after a messy divorce, and Tucker hasn't dated since he left his pessimistic wife. Missy resents that he bought the horse farm, but his handsome looks and physique make her forget that for a while, until later in the story when some conflict is needed. Tucker quickly falls in love with the country life and appreciates Missy's no frills beauty. There didn't seem to be much substance to their friendship beyond working together and kissing- I would have liked to see more depth in their interactions. I was let down when Tucker turns out to be a pushover for Missy's drama, and found myself skimming through the last quarter of the book to make it to the predictable ending.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Timeless Romance series and I love these Timeless Romance singles as well. The original series is an anthology of novellas written by different authors. These singles are from those same authors but one at a time so the spotlight shines on just one.

Starting over at Steeple Ridge is by Liz Isaacson. It is only about 100 pages, and is set in rural Vermont. I've always wanted to go to Vermont and this book makes that desire even stronger. I'm going to have to plan a trip!

I loved Tucker. He's so out of his element and doesn't really have a clue, but he really wants to learn about horses and the new horse farm he just bought. Missy is the best of the best when it comes to running and managing the horse farm. She starts teaching Tucker right away, putting aside her disappointment at not being able to buy the farm herself. The relationship between Tucker and Missy develops both quickly and agonizingly slowly, if that makes any sense. :) Tucker has a kind and generous heart and I loved that about him. That and his patience.

This was a sweet love story in a beautiful setting. It was a fun, quick diversion on a rainy day for me.

Content: Clean, some kisses

- I received a copy of this book free. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people, totally different, will meet each other and fall in love while caring for horses.

So, I had to read a book for a challenge on my group, and I decided this one would be fun. I love books about horses, this one seemed to have a fair amount of romance, and so I just had to try it out. And boy oh boy, I am happy I did. Sure, some of the drama was unnecessary (like the whole thing about Missy kind of resenting Tucker for buying the place), but the romance was sweet, the characters fun, and of course there are horses.

We first meet with Missy, see her working her butt off at the stables. We see her being hurt that she wasn't able to buy it (it was one of her dreams), and already quietly resent the guy she doesn't even know for buying it. And then we meet Tucker, see how oblivious he is to everything, how he just bought the farm on a whim to run away from everything in the city (which is just a terrible reason, but hey, you don't hear me complaining it got these two characters together).

I have to say I didn't quite like Tucker at the start. I just found it way too stupid that he just bought a whole farm without even knowing how to work it, how to care for the animals, how to do anything actually. And then to also just buy a house in the town instead of living on the farm. He just seemed like a slick playboy with too much money and too big ego. Over the course of the book I started to like him more and more, and I started to appreciate him. Though I am not too sure what I thought near the end when he did that for Missy. It is a sweet gesture, but really... just ask before you do that.
But I did think he was really sweet towards her. He respected her boundaries and went really slow, and I just loved that. So many romance books have them hurry through all the firsts, but he takes it slow and sweet.

Missy, I did like her, but I did have a laugh at how she tried her best to be kind of angry at Tucker, but how she couldn't stop her feelings and just fell head-first in love with him. I did think she was really brave to keep going, some people would have just gone away after having their dreams shattered, but she stayed, she fought, she tried her best to make something of her life.
We also learn of her previous marriage and I just wanted to hug and hold her. Poor girl, I can imagine dating isn't easy then with that experience. Not to mention finding a guy who doesn't mind his girl working 10 to 12 hours a day.

As the book continues we see them fall in love, get to know each other's past (both of them have an interesting past). There is a good amount of horses and care for them (and even an escape).

I also liked the religious aspect that was featured in this book. Both characters believe in God, they go to church, they pray. The author really found a way to make religion important, but not overbearing. I am religious myself, but I am not a big fan of overly religious books, this book just has the perfect amount.

I loved that this book is written from both Tucker and Missy's POV. You get to see both of them and learn all about them. I am happy that the writer did this. I am sure I wouldn't have liked Tucker as much as I did now if I hadn't seen his POV.

The ending was a bit over the top for my feeling, but I am happy with how everything turned out in the ending! I would love more books with this couple.

All in all, recommended if you are looking for a cute, clean, adult romance.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance? Missy's bad marriage left her with too much debt to purchase the horse farm of her dreams and Tucker needs a change from the fast-pace of city life and is also starting over again--alone.

I love a book that is short and sweet, but still packs an emotional punch. Although it is short, the story takes place over a longer period of time, which makes it very believable, especially as each character works through issues and unresolved feelings.

Missy is hard-working and although she initially tries to fight the attraction she feels towards Tucker, she isn't bitter and rude. Yes, misunderstandings occur, but that only makes for some great plot twists. I love her big, loud, Italian family, especially her blunt brother. As for Tucker, he's used to climbing his way to the top and he didn't get there by loafing around. He works for what he wants. And a sweeter man can't be found. From being a gentlemanly neighbor to acting on the palpable chemistry to learning what he can to make his new adventure successful, he's a charming winner for any lady.

If you love a clean romance, you're sure to love this one, as it's a fun escape. I only wish it was longer because I wasn't ready to leave yet.

Content: mild talk of past violence; mild romance; mild Christian elements.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book, which didn't affect my thoughts in any way.*

[Cordelianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting over at Steeple Ridge was a fun and lighthearted story. I enjoyed the setting of the book: it took place on a ranch, so horses played a role as well. This book was not bad, but there was nothing remarkable about it. Nothing that made the book unforgettable, I did not feel any emotion. I did not really care for the characters. The relationship between Missy and Tucker felt a bit like instalove as well

I felt that somethings were left in the middle, so I would have enjoyed getting a bit more background information. An example of this is: why were all the horses named after food? The book felt huried at times as well, because it is so short. Especially the ending was really anticlimax and I expected more of it.

But overall it was a fun and quick read. So I would defenitely recommend reading it if you are looking for a short romance book! *I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review*

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

STARTING OVER AT STEEPLE RIDGE was a sweet and sassy romance from beginning to end. The characters are charming and pull off this opposites attract story-line quite well. The romance is sweet with plenty of chemistry and a few bumps in the road for the characters to work through. If you're looking for a short and sweet romance with a happily-ever-after ending, give this one a try!

I really loved these characters. I loved the small-town charm with all the interesting characters. I loved how Tucker watches out for his elderly neighbor. I love how he jumps right in to this new phase of his life and isn't egotistical about it. He's willing to let Missy show him the ropes. I loved the chemistry between the two characters as well. My hang-ups had to do with the ending a little. I don't always think that everything should be perfectly tied up and I didn't like how Missy was going to hold the ranch over Tucker's head.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story. I had a few hang-ups towards the end, but still loved these characters and the story overall.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through ebooksforreview.com, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I can always count on Timeless Romance for a delightful, clean romance that I can get through in a weekend. Starting Over at Steeple Ridge was just that. Liz Isaacson has crafted a sweet story that will pull on your heartstrings and leave you with a smile on your face.

Missy is devastated that her beloved Steeple Ridge has been sold to some rich city slicker. Not only did her ex-husband leave her with debt and emotional scars, but now her dream of owning the horse farm is forever out of reach. The fact the new owner makes her pulse race only complicates matters.

Tucker wants nothing more than to escape the city. His jet-set lifestyle left him feeling unhappy and unfulfilled. Moving to a tiny town in Vermont and buying a horse farm, even though he's never even been on a horse, seems the perfect solution.

Even though Missy and Tucker are seemingly opposites, they quickly learn how to work together and find that the attraction is mutual. Neither is looking for a new relationship. Both have things in their pasts they'd like to keep hidden. Both need a new beginning.

Sweet western romance that even a city slicker can enjoy.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean, mild Christian elements
While part of a series of single novellas, this is a stand alone read. This was more of a 3.5 for me, and perhaps just due to length. I wanted more from the story, or it ended too quickly! Missy and Tucker's story was fun and quick. My only complaint is it felt like the ending came together a little too quickly. It was a quick read, Missy was hardworking, and Tucker out of his element a bit but in need of respite from his life in the city as a self-made billionaire (millionaire? Can't remember!). His introduction to horse farm life was interesting and fun. Missy had a hard time reconciling who she thought he was, with who he really was. It was hard for Tucker to see how Missy resented him a bit.
They definitely had an instant attraction, and it was up to them to see what it really led to and developed into. Tucker was a read Missy very well, and held back to help her learn to trust him. Cute fun read, and lovely setting. Loved the family scene with Missy's family. Too typical, loud and fun!
Always a fan of genuine, honest characters, with great chemistry! Perhaps too quick of a fall, but L. I. always delivers a good read.
I received an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute, short and clean read. I appreciated the passage of time that was represented even though it was a short book. It has been a while since I've read a cowboy book too and I liked that this cowboy started as a city slicker.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Starting Over at Steeple Ridge" is a warm and clean romance that keeps the heart content page after page.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Liz Isaacson and all of her many different novels that she has written! She is wonderful and creates so many different stories that I have all fallen in love with, and I am so excited to read this new series about Steeple Ridge.

"Starting Over at Steeple Ridge" begins a new chapter by the most wonderful Liz Isaacson, and I am so happy to have read the love story between Tucker and Missy. In my everyday mind, I would not have chosen a billionaire to become a country boy; however, Tucker was able to pull it of beautifully. This has been a wonderful story and I am so excited to see what comes next.

Please, if you have never picked up a novel by Ms. Isaacson, I would like to encourage you to do so. I promise you that you will not regret it!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this 3rd book in the Timeless Romance Singles line. These single novellas can definitely be read as stand-alone's.

Tucker Jenkins is a really rich guy who's tired of the city life and just longs for some peace and quiet. So he buys a horse farm sight unseen! When he arrives and meets Missy Marino, the farm's manager, he immediately falls under her spell. I liked Missy. She's kind and supportive of Tucker even though he's taken away her dream of owning the horse farm. She's also good at what she does and has stood strong in the face of adversary. Now they just need to let go of things in the past and learn to let each other in. A quick short read with some swoon worthy romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

[Joann Herley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting Over at Steeple Ridge is a sweet love story. A quick read for an afternoon of snuggling under a blanket. Steeple Ridge is bought by Tucker. Coming from the big city, he is completely out of his element. Missy is the Manager of Steeple Ridge Farm and had always dreamed of buying it one day. He must rely on her to teach him all about the forty-acre horse farm. Their relationship blossoms but when secrets come to light things begin to change. This is an enjoyable read with good flow and some witty characters. A happy ending adds to the pleasure of the story.

[Nari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet and simple romance. Both Missy and Tucker had bad experiences with their first marriages. Both were questioning if they ever wanted to try again. The chemistry is pretty much instant spark from the time the two meet. The romance is slowly developed. The part I struggled with was when they have one conflict and everything falls apart. It was a bit dramatic for how simple the conflict was. It didn't seem very real.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Over at Steeple Ridge is a contemporary romance novella. I enjoyed Missy and Tucker's story. Just a great, sweet, clean, and romantic read.
Highly recommended.
10 stars

[Meg Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free Spotify audiobook I listened to while packing and quite possibly the greatest love story of our time. I loved the complicated, headstrong yet vulnerable lead character of Missy, who reluctantly falls for city slicker (and secret billionaire) Tucker Jenkins when he buys the farm she’s always dreamed of owning. What really touched me is the sensitive description of their erotic attraction, with highlights including “His nerves buzzing like someone had injected live bees into his bloodstream” “Her giggle filled the truck, and his soul, with a happy sound” and “He leaned down and kissed her, the brims of their cowboy hats knocking together.” No smut just pure chemistry!
Overall a stunning insight into heterosexual mating, would recommend to a friend.

[Tara Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I love romance novels. They're a nice break from what I usually read. So when I saw the description for Starting Over at Steeple Ridge (and let's face it, the cover got me too) by Liz Isaacson, I didn't think I could pass it up.

Missy had to say goodbye to her friend and mentor and, she thought, any dreams of owning the farm she's ridden/worked at for two decades. A city boy has swooped in and purchased the farm, sight unseen, and now she's working for him. Tucker, the city boy, really had no idea what he was getting himself into when he bought Steeple Ridge but he's definitely out of his element in the Vermont country.

*

I enjoyed both main characters. But unfortunately I felt like I didn't really get to know them. Even when they were getting to know each other it seemed like it was only ever skimming the surface. Neither was too interested in telling the other about their past and we didn't really see a lot of development in them individually.

Don't get me wrong, I did like the story. But I felt like it was incredibly rushed. Their was no fleshing out of their relationship. First they didn't like each other.... then magically (and very suddenly) they did. I understand that stuff like that happens... but it didn't really make sense in the book for me. Like I said, everything seemed to only skim the surface. All the other reviews that I've read said it was a short, simple and sweet romance novel... and they're 100% correct. It was all of those things. I just wish there had been more to it.

With that being said, again, I did enjoy it. Despite what I've mentioned above. I love horses. I love the country. And I would give anything to have been in Missy's position (working on a farm... not the falling in love with a billionaire city man). The small town feel and the friendliness of the people in Missy and Tucker's life is something I've desired in my own life.

Tucker was the gentlemanly, chivalrous cowboy type even before he was a gentlemanly, chivalrous cowboy. And Missy was dedicated and passionate and I could completely understand her feelings toward the farm and her horses. The two of them made a wonderful pairing, I only wish I had seen more buildup to the relationship.

If you're looking for a clean, easy, quick read this is definitely for you. If you love the country and/or horses then this is for you, too. If you are looking for a book you can sit out on the back porch and read while you drink tea or coffee, grab this one. It's a very lighthearted and sweet read.

[Anoush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missy grew up riding and taking care of the horses at Steeple Ridge. She always thought should would buy the farm when the owner Jamie was ready to retire, but when the time came, Missy was in mounds of debt from her dirt bag ex-husband and instead some city guy from New York owned the farm. Missy stayed on to help him get the hang of things--and really where else would she go?--but she resented the whole arrangement.

Tucker bought the farm and moved down to get away from the rat race. After selling his very successful tech company, he was ready to get into something real and slow. And, as he says, it helped that the manager was a beautiful young woman. He finds himself falling for her and she keeps pushing back, trying to keep him away with excuses about mixing business and pleasure and deciding they could never work together because of his massive wealth and her near destitution.

In the end, they both have to figure out what's more important--being right or being together.

I quite liked Tucker and was just a bit impatient for Missy to figure out what was going on, although maybe it's unfair to expect something to move faster in a book than it would in real life.

This book includes religion as an integral part of the characters' development and relationship without feeling preachy. It's just part of life.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Starting Over at Steeple Ridge. It is a story that can be read in an evening, but has all the substance and depth of Ms Isaacson other cowboy books. When Tucker decides to leave his busy city life behind and settle in small town Island Park, buying a ranch out of town, he finds the peace and quiet he has been looking for. He doesn't expect the ranch to come with an attractive but feisty manager who knows more about horses than he will ever know. Missy is paying the price for being married to a man that had not proved himself to be husband material and she knows that she will still be paying for a long time yet. Her dreams of buying the ranch have come to nought and she feels a certain amount of resentment that a rich city slicker could just walk in and take it over from her. The fact that the city slicker is good looking, kind and is attracted to her is beside the point. The attraction between Tucker and Missy grows, but because issues remain unresolved between them, when the match that lights the fire of discontent ignites, both Missy and Tucker retreat. This tender love story speaks of second chances and mature love. Although it is part of series, it is nevertheless a standalone and ends on a very positive note. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy and Tucker

Missy can't believe her best friend Jamie has sold her horse farm and is moving to Arizona to live with her youngest daughter. She's also upset that she wasn't able to purchase the farm as they had discussed over the years, but, with the debt her ex-husband left her with after the divorce, there was no way she could afford it. 😔 Tucker bought the farm unseen and the fact he has never seen a horse up close and personal never entered his mind, until he got to the farm and a dog corners him! Thankfully the dog, Fritz, owner is the farm's manager Missy and gets the dog to behave. The first day is chaotic to say the least, but, the second is absolutely crazy. He even washes a horse in his khaki pants, dress shirt and patent leather shoes! So he suggests she help him get the appropriate clothes, including boots and Cowboy hats so he is much better prepared to work on the farm! What he didn't expect was for her to take him to her parents home for dinner. He sure is grateful she did! It was the absolute best meal with over 20 people in such a small space he had ever had! The only bad thing about it was her brother Leon, asked too many questions. What were they? Why did Missy get so upset? What happens next? Read this great short story by Liz Isaacson to find out more! It will leave you smiling! 😉

[MJSH · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet quick contemporary read. It was also my introduction to Liz Isaacson's writing.

I love the setting of the story. We often go up to Stowe, Vermont so the mentioned cities (like Burlington and Montpelier) in the book are familiar to me. Vermont holds a special place in my family's heart so the backdrop of the book made me nostalgic.

Missy and Tucker are both broken people, trying to climb out of loneliness and remnants of broken marriage. Their story is sweet and the other people in town as well as Missy's family create a warm and safe place for their romance to bloom.

I would have liked more discussion of faith and prayer in Missy and Tucker's lives. Yes, they go to church, and, yes, they pray and help their neighbors but seeing more of their relationship with God through their darkest hours prior to their meeting would have given another layer to the characters. Also a differentiation between loneliness and emptiness, especially as a Christ-centered Christian, would have painted another dimension to the main characters.

I received a copy of this book from EBooksForReview. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and thoughts are solely my own.

[Mary Pilling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like the cringiest romance novel, and of course it was interspersed with Christianity, so there were no spicy sex scenes to counteract the cringiness. It was hilarious because it was so bad, but I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. I only “read” it because it was free on Apple audiobooks and I like free things.
And for real, who would be upset that the person they were dating had that much money?!?

I am surprised that so many people rated this 5 stars. At best it would be a 2.5/5. The characters were unrelatable (to the majority of people anyways, unless most of y’all are working with horses), the storyline was predictable, and the drama was so unreal. Missy spent so much time trying to be angry at Tucker and this seemed to be created just for the plot line to thicken a bit, which it did not. I also didn’t like the religious aspect, but that is a bias that is not relatable to all. Also at the end when the horses got loose, there was entirely no reason for that to be added to the book. It added no plot development, and instead just distracted from the book. It made me think that maybe there was about to be something interesting because he released the horses on purpose, but he did not.

[Shash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve come to expect good things when I sit down with a Timeless Romance book, and this one lived up to those expectations. It was a great book!

I really enjoyed the characters! Tucker is extremely successful, and could have become arrogant with that success, but he is just the opposite. He is humble, caring and a true gentleman. He was eager to learn about the horse farm, and willing to do anything Missy asked him to do. I loved his appreciation of the country and small town life.

Missy is such a hard worker. She loves working at the farm, and is so good at it. I admired her willingness to teach Tucker even though she was disappointed she wasn’t able to buy the farm herself.

Along with great characters, there was a great setting. I loved the descriptions of the farm and the town. I would love to visit there!

This is a novella, so it’s a pretty quick read that you can curl up with when you don’t have much time. It’s the first thing I’ve read by Liz Isaacson and I’m now looking forward to reading more of her work.

I received a free copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stable manager, Missy Marino feels inadequate with her mountain of debt and failed marriage. She runs a “tight barn” but when a new owner takes over the farm, her world is disrupted. City boy, Tucker Jenkins is ready to reinvent himself. “He wanted slow and quiet and to find a way to be happy again.” The ending of his marriage shredded his heart and precipitated his abrupt change of lifestyle. “She gave him a smile he wanted to catch in his palm, curl his fingers around, and release whenever he needed to know someone on this earth cared about him.” Beautiful phrasing such as this excites me as a reader. I love the characters in this story as much as I love the large, loud, Italian Marino family. Tucker is not prepared for Missy or her family. “He had expectations but he never expected a woman who muddled his mind and stole his breath.” Fun scenes, thought provoking moments, sweet romance, and one spunky, hard working woman to steal his heart. Elements of faith are never overwhelming or overbearing. “She was ready to move on, to live a life again, a life she wanted. A life she enjoyed. A life worth having.” This is a wonderful addition to Isaacson’s body of work.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Tucker is a city boy multibillionaire sells everything and buys a horse farm even though he has never seen a horse much less been on one. Missy is the manager of the farm and she wanted to buy it but because of the debt her ex-husband racked up in her name she couldn't. Now she teaches her boss everything he needs to know about running a ranch. From the start they are both attracted to each other but don't act on it. Both having been married and divorced think they will never be able to love again and neither have dated much if at all since their divorces several years ago. Will Tucker be able to separate business and pleasure in the country because they never did in the city. Will Missy give him a chance even though he bought the farm that she had dreamed about owning? What does Missy do when she finds out that not only is Tucker rich but a multibillionaire? Will they be able to work things out and be together or will they be just boss and employee?

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation

Starting Over at Steeple Ridge is a Timeless Romance that is the start of a new series Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson and what a way to begin this series! Such a sweet, humorous and fun read.

Missy, is a divorced woman who was left tons of debt by her ex and is slowly working to pay them off before she can start on her dream of owning a ranch. She is working as the manager of the ranch she hopes to one day buy when the owner retires but that happens before she can pay the old debts and save for the ranch.

Tucker, is a city slicker billionaire who sold his company and decides he now wants to own a horse ranch even though he know nothing about horses. When he and Missy meet sparks fly but each one needs to find a way to move forward from their pasts. Will they find it together???

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a go to author for me on a sweet cowboy romance. This story was no different. The characters had small problems and worked them out rather easily, especially because Missy was a bit over the top about her issue, but it’s sweet and short which makes it a great summer escape. I think the small problems I had with the story would have ironed themselves out if it was longer, but it’s novella length didn’t allow it to happen. Tucker is a city boy who wants to be a cowboy, which is super adorable. I don’t know what it is about a ranch that makes this city girl fall in love with these books, but I’m a sucker for a cowboy.

[EmbGram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being rich can complicate things

I really enjoyed this first book in the Steeple Ridge series. I know you will love it, too.

Being a multi-billionaire doesn't make life easy, sometimes it can possibly cost you more than you are willing to lose Missy just might be the one "something" for Tucker.

Missy's lifelong dream was to one day own Steeple Ridge, but her poor choice in a husband pretty much cost her that dream. Now divorced, with a boatload of debt, someone else now owns the stables. Tucker, a city-slicker, is the new owner. Missy must resign herself to continue as just an employee. When a romance develops between the two, complications arise. Will love prevail?

[Colleen Sasser]

Enjoyed

This was a heartwarming romance. Missy had dreamed of buying Steeple Ridge Ranch but her ex left her saddled with so much debt that she couldn't afford it. Tucker, a billionaire city slicker, comes along and buys it. He depends on her to teach him the ropes while she resents him for his money, for buying the ranch. As he learns how to run the ranch they start to date and fall in love. The twists, turns and surprises are mostly because Missy couldn't admit she was in love with him or get past his money and the fact he had bought the ranch. Luckily things work out in the end.