Snowed in With the Cowboy

Horseshoe Home Ranch #2

by Liz Isaacson, Elana Johnson

A healing cowboy, his maid, and the forbidden relationship that begins when they get snowed in together...



Sterling Maughan, once a renowned snowboarder, is in self-imposed exile at his family cabin after a tragic accident stole his career. Lost and without purpose, solitude is his only companion until an unexpected visitor disrupts his isolation.



Norah Watson, not just a housekeeper but a counselor at Silver Creek, an equine rehabilitation center for troubled teens, has been using Sterling's cabin as a retreat for her girls. She sees the deep despair that Sterling is trying to hide, and despite her own burdens - caring for her mentally ill mother and three half-brothers - she can't help but reach out.



When Sterling learns about a job opening at Silver Creek, he turns to Norah for help. As he learns to work with horses and help the boys at the center, he also begins to heal himself.



The more time they spend together, the more Norah fears revealing her own troubled past, her modest home, and her challenging family. Yet, Sterling finds himself drawn to everything about Norah. As his body mends, so does his faith.



But can Norah trust Sterling enough to let him into her life and give their unexpected and forbidden love a chance?

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Horses, Western Romance

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 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

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

"After the Fall" was strangely disappointing and I have never had to say that about Ms. Isaacson before, I don't like having to say it but I also cannot lie. I don't know what it was necessarily but I didn't like the story line or the characters. I cannot place my finger on something specifically, but if I had to guess it would have been the pass drug use. This is a touchy feeling for my family due to my brother-in-law's fighting with this terrible addiction. I do not like the fact that the female lead suffered (suffers) from an addiction and was able to volunteer to help teenage addicts.

I would just like to say that there are over 6 books in this series (so far), and I am not normally a fan of series that run this long (unless they really hold your attention); however, Mrs. Isaacson grabs your attention with the multiple characters throughout the many novels and manages to keep them all tied together without having to repeat herself a multitude of times throughout each story. Wonderful job, if you enjoy one, you will enjoy all of them (normally).

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Didn't like this one as much as the second one, partly because of his family were just stupid. But still very cute part of the series, glad I have all of them!

Moral Note: Mild talk of depression, drug use.

[Elena Johansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Racism alert: while this probably isn't the author's fault, someone along the publishing food chain screwed up. Norah is never explicitly stated to be black, but she's obviously black-coded: "dark-skinned," "chocolatey-eyed," and with hair that depending on the hairstyle is either curly or poufy. So she's black, or since her absent father is never described, possibly biracial. Yet the woman on the cover is definitely white.

I don't read a ton of Christian romance, but romance in general is still a largely white genre, and I imagine the Christian sub-genre is even more so. If you're chicken about your audience rejecting the book because you put a black woman on the cover, then they're racist, and so are you, person who made that decision.

Moving on from that, I didn't like the book. Some romances suffer from not enough conflict keeping the leads apart; this one actually had too much. On Norah's side, you've got plenty of issues: her past drug abuse, her strained family life, the fact that she works for Sterling's family as one of her jobs, and her decision never to get involved with anyone because the men in her life have all sucked. On Sterling's side, you've got his potential snowboarding career taking him out of Gold Valley, his family's racist/classist disapproval in general, plus his brother's wife actively being racist/classist and trying to split them up by firing Norah. Oh, and throw in one scene of Sterling's cheating ex feebly trying to get back with him. So that's, what, seven stumbling blocks already? Then, for both of them, there's the non-fraternization policy at Silver Creek, where Norah got Sterling a counseling job.

Eight subplot conflicts. Eight. In a 266-page book. So none of them can be explored in any depth or with much seriousness, because there simply isn't time. The fraternization issue, after a few chapters of the two of them "sneaking" around, is resolved with a single, relatively calm discussion with the Silver Creek director, who harrumphes once and says "I guess policies can be changed."

Seriously? If that's all it took to fix the problem, then why even bother writing it in? Why make it an issue at all? Clean out the easy problems and focus on the ones that matter!

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sterling Maughan has gone from the pinnacle of success by winning the Olympic gold medal in snowboarding to possibly facing the end of his career after a fall that caused devastating injuries. In the aftermath, he's holed up in his parents' cabin in Montana.

Norah Watson is working multiple jobs to make enough money to help her family and finish a college degree. One of those jobs is house cleaning for Sterling's mother who also lets her bring a group of girls that she counsels at Silver Creek, a teen rehab center. When Sterling suddenly reveals his presence in the house, Norah has a decision to make - ignore him, or respond to her feelings that he needs help. But, as she reaches out to help him, she struggles to reconcile the differences between them.

As they get to know each other, Norah continues to struggle with the decision of whether to keep her troubled past a secret or reveal all to Sterling. The problem is that she can't bring herself to fully trust him with the full truth. As he heals and regains hope of a career again, can she trust him enough to give them a chance?

One of the main themes of the story is opposites. Whether its wealth or race/ethnicity, contrasts are mentioned throughout. And, as one character heals from past brokenness, the other's brokenness is gradually exposed so that they can heal as well. There is a Christian element to the story, but it's more subtle that book 1.

There are a couple of characters that are mentioned from book 1, but otherwise, it's completely stand alone.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book, but it didn't draw me in like book 1 of this series. Although I felt that each character individually is well developed, I think that their relationship together was not as convincing. Maybe it goes back to all the contrasts presented. Norah is constantly dwelling on them. I'm not sure, but I just didn't feel the connection as much as the other book. I'm hoping that book 3 draws me in more and I can return to a 5 star rating.

Romance - PG - kissing
Language - PG - nothing offensive

My rating - 4 stars

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling is a professional snowboarder who was injured and is staying at his family home in the mountains to recuperate. Norah is a counselor at a teen rehab facility and also cleans houses up in the mountain. She cleans the family home of Sterling's parents and his mom has told her she could bring the teen girls their at the halfway point in their treatment. Sterling thinks she is breaking in and finds out different. During their time together they form a friendship and because of her he starts his therapy instead of relying on drugs. They finally acknowledge that they have an attraction to each other but Norah doesn't believe that some like him could truly care for someone like her. She doesn't tell him about her past with drug abuse and when he finds out he is very upset and won't talk to her. Will Sterling believe her when she finally tells him the truth about her past abuse and family situation? Will Norah finally believe that Sterling can and does love her and doesn't care what anyone else thinks? Will they be able to count on their faith to get them through this?

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading After the Fall, one of Liz Isaacson's Gold Valley romances. The book has a great pace and well developed characters. Total opposites financially, Norah Watson meets Sterling Maughan while cleaning his family's cabin in Gold Valley. Norah works two jobs, and takes care of her three half-brothers. Her mother's health and depression limit her ability to take care of her children. Sterling, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy family. He had been a cop and then an Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding. He is currently recuperating at his family's cabin after suffering a broken femur and a shattered pelvis in an accident. Norah works as a counselor at the teen rehabilitation center (for teens with addictions). She has a compassionate heart and she gets Sterling a job at the teen center. The two get to know and like each other, but Norah doesn't think she is worthy to be Sterling's girlfriend. This book is well written and I like the addition of prayer in the character's lives.

[Zayneb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the many lengthy romance novels I've read, the simplicity and pace of this one was a very welcome change. I have loved the story since the very beginning and would've loved to read it all in a day if I could, but the final chapter felt underwhelming if I'm honest. The author could've extended the story into at least one more chapter. All the build-up to Sterling finally meeting Norah's mom fell flat in my opinion when it actually happened. We could've used at least a full conversation. As well as Norah's change of heart at the end? How does one believe so suddenly when it had been hard for her to do so when they were full-on together? If it was the fear of losing what she had with him, then it wasn't clearly mentioned.
I feel like the story needed a bit more from her perspective between "try harder" and her deciding "today is the day". But like I said, other than that, the story has been a delight to read. I'll be looking forward to reading more of your work in the future. Maybe even rereading this one.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational romance, After the Fall deals with failure and pain in a way that most people can relate to. As Sterling wallows in misery after his sporting accident, Norah blows through his life, upsetting his equilibrium and forcing him to accept that he is the only one that can choose to accept the changes in his life. The transition isn't easy, but as Sterling begins to step out of his dark hole, he finds that life is beautiful and that there are compensations in an otherwise dismal situation. Norah has had to make difficult choices early in her life, and she is carrying a burden that far exceeds what most young women have to deal with. Together Sterling and Norah find that if they place their trust in God, all things work together for good, despite the opposition they face. A really well written book with life lessons we can all learn from. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest voluntary review.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit rushed at the ending

but an otherwise good story. The themes of redemption and forgiveness are woven thru “After the Fall”. While it’s categorized as a Christian romance, the religious aspects are gentle, not preachy with hand holding, hugging ‘n kissing rounding out this totally chaste adventure. The main characters are well developed and have complex, difficult families from opposing sides of the economic railroad tracks. The majority of this novel is spent reckoning the disparity between the two worlds and the 2 main characters learning to trust each other and more importantly, God. This is not “pie in the sky” writing but lots or what I call “relationship reality”. Liz Isaacson writes real people, in situations you’ll recognize, having tho’ts and feelings you might have experienced yourself.

[JaneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn't think I was going to like Sterling when he was introduced in chapter 1. But as I got to know him more and see how he was with Norah I grew to really like him. I felt for Norah, having to be the mother to her brothers and her mother, working two jobs and going to school. I understood her hesitation with Sterling because they came from such different worlds. I loved Dr. Richards response after he found out that Norah and Sterling were seeing each other even after he told them co-workers dating was against policy, you could tell he truly cared about Norah and wanted her happy. I did not want to put this book down, I had to know things were going to work out for both of them.

I received this book free from the author but the views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Creek another equestrian therapy ranch that usually deals with teenagers. A small town and luxury condos on the mountain. What surprised me was that Sterling is a famous snowboarder. Hurt from a life changing fall durning practice or pleasure takes Sterling off the grid and to the luxury condo owned by his family. Down on himself he thinks someone has broken into the condo. He hobbles up the stairs since he was nested into the basement. Meets Norah. She works two jobs takes care of her brothers and mother, girls counselor at Silver Creek and house keeper for the condos on the mountain. The attraction is immediate, but can each over come the trails they face. With Gods help and love, they tackle the trails and forge ahead.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

As well as already the previous books from Liz Isaacson, this could also tie up me again. I recommend it to anyone looking to curl up and lose themselves for a while. It's a wonderful story
of love, self-doubt, forgiveness, faith and finally realizing what's important in life.
Indeed, I must confess that I miss the change of POV's from the first book in this series a little. Nevertheless, You feel the chemistry between Norah and Sterling.

If You want a great story You must read definitely this one, so looking forward to the next one in the
series. So go ahead and buy, you won’t be sorry.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Cinderella type story. Rich boy, Sterling, an Olympic snowboarder injures himself and ends up staying at his parents mountain home. Norah who cleans the house decides to help him out of his depression. Norah comes from a very poor background and an addiction when she was 15. She is now a Godly woman caring for her mom and siblings. Their relationship turns to love but some of Sterling's family looks down on Norah and she feels unworthy to be loved by Sterling. This causes problems between them and they need to work through it before they can fully committed to each other. I received a copy for free with no obligation.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer and Ben is all that needs to be said. What a great book! Life's problems, God's solutions. This book shows what can happen when people really care about others and are willing to let God work in their lives. I look forward to reading other books by this author. Relaxing to read. It grabs you at the first page and doesn't let go until the last page. I found this book hard to put down. I wanted to read all night to finish this book but the eyelids would not let that happen. I continued the next day and was able to complete it. I love the way this author writes. No sex. No profanity. No violence.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norah has spent years raising her younger siblings and caring for her sick mother. Add on her difficulties growing up with an absent and emotionally abusive mother. She decided she would never love or marry any one, it was not worth the pain. Sterling is recovering from a devastating snowboard accident and believes he has nothing left to live for without his career. Great dynamic between the two. Sterling must decide what he really wants in his future and Norah must decide if she can trust and open her heart. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Margaret J Mickelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

Really enjoy this author. I find it refreshing how two lost souls able to work through their problems. This story is about sterling who is in competitive sports and gets injured. He is angry and feeling sorry for himself. Norah who cleans his family home, does not know he is there when she comes in to clean. Sterling does not know who is in his family home and think is a burglar goes to investigate. She motivates him to work on his recovery and he helps to realize that she can be loved.

[Suzanne Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This author has been one my favorites from the first book of hers I read. This book is filled with the emotions of two people who comes from vastly different financial backgrounds. These differences are an obstacle that seem insurmountable at times, but Sterling doesn't see why it is such a big deal. I appreciate the way he wasn't wrapped up in how much he had, whether that be wealth or fame. The interactions between Norah and Sterling seem almost too easy sometimes but Iove them.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retired bull rider, hurt while snowboarding, decides to stay in the family home and feel sorry for himself. He discovers what he thinks is a burglar, but instead is a young woman with heavy responsibilities, both family and financial, dancing in his kitchen. The sparks fly and in spite of wanting to be alone, he begins to enjoy her presence. It is amazing how two people with such disparate circumstances can get together.

[Ixchelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author. She makes her characters have real feelings. That said, the title doesn’t match the story. She isn’t his roommate. She cleans his family’s cabin and gets stuck there one night because of snow. That bugged me. Also, I really didn’t like his family.
I liked the main couple and their thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed the book and I will definitely be reading more of Liz Isaacson’s books. I also enjoyed that it was a clean romance book.

[Brigid Wolfe O’Rielley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This “fell” into my kindle inbox and since it was Valentine’s Day it was an excuse to read what can only be described as a “candle movie”.

A candle movie is what my mother and her six sisters call a drippy predictable “romantic” movie where you can bet you’ll have “candles burning during the love scenes”...

If you have nothing better to do and want an easy predictable book to read, then off you go!

[Dorothy Beer · Rating 3 out of 5]

. After the fall

An interesting story. Unusual for some one who was raised with wealth and a,celebrated athlete to fall so quickly for someone from the other side of the tracks. Sterling was,very patient with Norah. She,had,a,hard time believing she,was,worthy of his,love. Gave it 4 stars

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the fall

What a wonderful clean romance story. Love wins out no matter if you are rich or poor, but overcoming the odds is all that matters. Liz Isaacson does a splendid job of writing books that are great and hard to put down. I am looking forward to the next book in the Gold Valley series.

[Jan Mcleod · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story is about a rich athlete and a poor girl "from the other side of the tracks".
It had a lot of potential, but I was disappointed in it. I have never said that about Ms. Isaacson's books, but I have to be honest. It was slow, lacked action, hard to get into, and seemed like things were missing, especially in regard to the minor characters.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not -the-usual romance! It is almost a fairy-tale version of Cinderella, and I loved it! The poor girl who lives in a bad part of town and cares for her abusive mother and younger brothers falls in love with a wealthy Olympic winner. Her "prince" values her for who she is, a loving and giving woman.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance

I enjoyed this well written story. The characters were well thought through and real. Both the main characters had to overcome personal issues and it was something that added to rather than distract from the budding romance. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recovery after the breaks of life, class differences... a lovely set up for this book! I was surprised that this book didn’t grab on to any of the cowboys from Horseshoe Ranch and instead featured new characters in a spot up the mountain that was only mentioned in a passing sentence in the previous book. I really enjoyed the addiction center and learning about their pasts and lives.

[JoAnn Schaltenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading

Enjoyed reading about Sterling and Norah. Sterling recovering from a broken leg he got when training for snowboarding. Norah comes to clean the cabin where he is staying. They both are in their own pain and they connect but Norah does no believe in herself. They have to find their way to believe.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters were genuine, and the story flowed well. I enjoyed watching the friendship and relationship progress. The story kept me drawn in, and wanting to find out what would happen next. This is a clean book, no sex scenes.

[Anne Rollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this great series by Liz. I enjoyed it immensely and couldnt put it down. Country/western theme with clean content centered around an Equine Therapy ranch. Family issues and hurt hearts needed to be dealt with on both sides. I would recommend to all.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust is where it's at...

This story deals with many real life issues and how they influence life decisions. Addiction, life-changing injury, parental care...the characters handle it realistically - as in not textbook and I think that's what made the story work.