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Hope Ranch #1

Hope for Christmas

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He wasn’t sure what he was looking for. She wasn’t looking for anything.
Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?

Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.

Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

Hope Ranch is a place where second chances and God's love are waiting for everyone. Click to buy your copy and come to Hope Ranch today!

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2020

353 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Maddrey

69 books253 followers
USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

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5 stars
256 (53%)
4 stars
138 (28%)
3 stars
67 (14%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
3,956 reviews1,764 followers
October 10, 2021
We all need a little hope for Christmas and you'll find it within the pages of this book. Hope for reconciliation. Hope for a fresh start. Hope for second chances. And, of course, the most important hope of all -- hope in a new faith.

Cyan has recently connected with the grandparents he never knew and when he's ready to trade in his nomadic lifestyle for something more stable, he heads to New Mexico to meet them.

Ah -- this location! Who knew that it snowed in New Mexico?! I sure didn't! Loved the ranch setting and all the regional holiday touches that made this Christmas read extra special. And -- eeepp -- Hope for Christmas is the first in a series and it looks like Cyan's siblings are going to find their way 'home' in future stories.

Cyan is smitten with Maria right from the start. Maria...not so much. Well, the attraction is there but she's so focused on her son and work that there just isn't time to explore anything more. Until Cyan gently works his way into her life. His careful, respectful pursuit of Maria is toe-curl worthy!

And if you like your Christian fiction with an inspirational thread, you'll be thrilled with Cyan's faith journey and the encouragement he gets from the people dearest to him. So many great conversations -- nothing preachy, mind you, but heartfelt truths that can make a difference in everyone's life...including this reader's.

A memorable holiday romance centered around the true meaning of Christmas.
Profile Image for Celia Dodge.
66 reviews
December 22, 2023
📚THE STORY📚

After a lifetime of family estrangement, Cyan decides to reconnect with his grandparents as an adult. So he drops in on their beautiful New Mexico ranch for the holidays and discovers two faithful, welcoming, generous people ready to welcome him into the family.

A big working ranch requires lots of hands to run, and one of those hands is Maria, who cooks and keeps house at the ranch. Cyan's grandparents took her in as a single pregnant woman, and she's raised her son at their ranch for the past seven years. Now he's a spirited elementary schooler who loves horses and is warming up to books.

Cyan falls hard for Maria and her son Calvin - but Maria isn't sure the relationship is a good idea. But when Calvin receives a life changing diagnosis, Cyan steps up and does his best to demonstrate that he'd like to be a partner to Maria and a father figure to Calvin.

💕THE ROMANCE💕

Cyan and Maria are two adults figuring themselves out. Cyan had an unconventional upbringing and is working on defining himself outside of his family, while Maria is unsure about her own ability and willingness to get into a relationship with a man.

Because of Calvin's health issues and Maria's responsibilities at the ranch, the romance mostly unfolds as the two lean on and support each other through the chaos of life. Initially, Maria is avoidant, but Cyan being great with Calvin and present to her struggles draws them closer together.

I liked how the other men pursuing Maria aren't used to create a sense of possessiveness or jealousy that 'proves' Cyan's feelings, but rather, allow the narrative to show rather than tell that Cyan is perfect for her by providing a contrast.

🎄CHRISTMAS🎄

Cyan is visiting his grandparents for the holidays, and the ranch runs a variety of Christmas events. There's tree cutting, hot cocoa, and sleigh rides through the snow. The holidays aren't the driving force for the plot but rather provide a context for Calvin's illness, forcing him to miss certain celebrations and amping up the tension for Maria as a single mother trying to handle everything herself.

✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️

Cyan is not a believer, having been raised in an atheistic family. It's implied that his father's lack of faith vs. his grandparents' Christian beliefs is behind the serious family estrangement. But because of other believers in his life, including a born again sister, Cyan is getting curious about Jesus. He ultimately decides to convert, a personal decision the other characters celebrate warmly.

Maria isn't interested in dating a non-believer, and is concerned about the potential pitfalls of dating a new believer. She is also worried about being pressured to have sex before marriage. But Cyan attends church with her and they pray together, and Maria concludes that dating Cyan won't be a threat to her relationship with God.

📝MY THOUGHTS📝

This was a sweet, slice-of-life romance with a sprinkle of Christmas as well as medical drama, ranching, and family healing. It was the first time I've seen a conversion narrative in a Christian romance that was handled with this light of a touch - Cyan's decision to become a Christian isn't a huge "road to Damascus" moment but rather a lowkey acceptance of a truth he seems to have mostly already started to believe. I liked this lowkey version of this trope, and the responses of the other characters to welcoming him into the faith were sweet.

Cyan is absolutely excellent with Calvin, though he isn't perfect. He does have real conflict with Maria, because the two of them are realistic humans who sometimes act out on their emotions. But they handle it with communication after some angst, and it establishes that these two have strong feelings about each other and are willing to find their way through those feelings to a healthy relationship.
3,107 reviews13 followers
December 7, 2022
"Elizabeth Maddrey ... loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after."
Good for her.
Unfortunately, I have no interest in threesomes, particularly when one of those involved is Jesus.
Computer security consultant Cyan Hewitt comes from a family of hippies but he's restless in his life.
Visiting his estranged grand-parents, Wayne and Martha, at their ranch in New Mexico he meets single mother of one Maria. She immediately, and without any reason, figures:- "He might try to hide it, but there was hurt under the skin there. Maybe he didn’t even realize it. He needed Jesus."
From the evidence provided up to that point he needs a good night sleep and a hearty meal but, no, godbotherers always know what's best for others.
I began to lose interest during Chapter 3 after the Bible reading and discussion of the relationship between God and man.
When Maria's son falls seriously ill suddenly there is the briefest moment when you figure her faith might be tested. However, she opts for "God’s got this. I just don’t know how yet."
Gimme a break - I couldn't take any more.
During December I read festive books more or less at random. There's a downside - sometimes you are faced with books you normally would not touch with a bargepole. This is a classic example.
1 Star.
Profile Image for SELENE LAKE.
Author 5 books23 followers
December 12, 2023
I am a first time reader of Elizabeth Maddrey and she does not disappoint. She wove a believable seasonal romance with (mostly) subtle references to GOD, faith, hope, and love.
I am hooked on the HOPE RANCH Series.

In Hope for Christmas we find a well written single mother, Maria, raising a spunky energetic son named Calvin while working for Wayne and Betsy Hewitt. A Christian couple that runs a ranch. The couple is estranged from their son and therefore has had no contact with their grandchildren.

That doesn't stop Cyan, from showing up on their doorstep interested in discovering who his extended family is. Expecting to be tossed out, he finds the opposite a faith-filled caring couple that immediately accepts and loves him.

Marie fights her instant attraction to Cyan, but he seems happy that his heart is leading him to settle down and he wants to do it with her. They have their struggles, one being that she is a devote Christian and he is not. (Hey it works in my own relationship with my husband).

I enjoyed that the entire group rallied around Maria, when it is discovered that Calvin is diabetic.

In Hope Ranch the constant is a nuance that GOD is there loving you through those trying times.

Ultimately Cyan and Maria get their HFN ending, although there is quite a bit of 'unfinished' aspects to Cyan, Maria, Calvin and the other characters written in the book.

I look forward to reading the entire series.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,311 reviews43 followers
January 1, 2022
This story was a sweet story of finding home and hope. I enjoyed the characters and the relationships they had. Cyan comes from a wandering family and now he’s finding his way home. I found the names of the characters in Cyan’s family fun and interesting.
I think I’ll enjoy reading more of the stories based on Hope Ranch.
Elizabeth Maddrey is a truly gifted author and I love how her books flow and move. They are easy and fun to read. The author also does a wonderful job of weaving God’s truth in such a way it isn’t fake, it’s real. She also brought in the real struggles of a mom trying to manage all the issues of a child with a medical condition. It was very well portrayed.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
178 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2022

Hope for Christmas is a heartwarming story that shows how God can play an important role in bringing family closer together during the holiday season.

Cyan Hewitt has been estranged from his grandparents and decides he wants to be better acquainted with them. So he decides to surprise them with a visit at their ranch in New Mexico. He meets their housekeeper, Maria Sanchez, and her son, Calvin. Cyan is instantly captivated with Maria but it takes some time for Maria to warm up to him. Maria is so absorbed in taking care of Calvin and doing her job that she believes she possibly doesn’t have time for anything more. Will Cyan find a way to persuade her to something more?

I really enjoyed the characters and the holiday setting. The holidays bring a message of hope when we put all our faith in God. This is a new author to me and I’ll definitely read more of her stories. I totally recommend it!
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
November 30, 2023
This is a novella which may account for the paucity of information. We don't know why the adult siblings have never met their quite pleasant grandparents in New Mexico. We don't know anything much about their lives. Cyan is a young man who goes to the NM guest ranch for the first time. He is instantly accepted and falls in with prep for the holiday season. During the story a child develops diabetes which may be of interest to parents. A relationship develops very fast and there is a lot of emphasis on prayer, none on women's status in organised religion. I am all in favour of treating others well, but not of leaving a deity to sort things out, because that stops people from having to think and to take responsibility. This is an undemanding romance tale.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,778 reviews28 followers
December 13, 2020
Hope Ranch is a place for second chances and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series by Elizabeth Maddrey. Cyan Hewitt is a successful young adult who has recently learned he has grandparents. He travels to Arizona to meet them and loves Hope Ranch, a Christian camp where he learns about God. I admired Maria Sanchez who works at the ranch where she and her seven year old son live. Maria is attracted to Cyan but is determined to be faithful to her Christian values. Cyan is supportive of Maria when she learns her son has a disease. I recommend this contemporary book to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
1,401 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2022
Truly a inspirational story

Elizabeth Maddrey is a wonderful inspirational author. The characters in this book are wonderful people. When Cyan came to Hope Ranch to meet his grandparents his life will change. Maria is a amazing young woman raising a son by herself. Can Cyan and Maria become friends? You will be turning the pages 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.
Profile Image for Janet Miller.
908 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2022
Cyan Hewitt is staying at his estranged grandparents' ranch in New Mexico and working online. He gets along fine with his grandparents and especially with their housekeeper Maria and her son Calvin. Can he leave the big city and stay here and make a life with Maria and Calvin? His grandparents and Maria and Calvin are all believers in Jesus Christ. Will he fit in with them? Then he's called to come back to New York for business. You'll have to read to find out what happens. Highly recommended.
497 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
It was nice to read about Azure’s brother Cyan. Their parents have raised them with a free-wheeling lifestyle in an old school bus. And they haven’t had a traditional relationship with their grandparents due to their Dads broken relationship with his parents. There is definitely more to that story. But now two of the siblings have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and have reached out to their grandparents. Who knew meeting your grandparents would lead to love? But Cyan and Maria have a few things to work out. Thankfully God is in control. Looking forward to more from this family.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,930 reviews30 followers
August 4, 2021
This overtly Christian story has great characters and a realistic plot.

There's no preaching but for one church service scene, but the characters talk about God, His grace, and the meaning of Christmas. And I'm left with the idea of forgiveness... not so much the forgiveness we bestow on others or that God bestows on us, but forgiveness we show ourselves. We should not be holding on to guilt for sins that God has blotted out.

Great story, great message.
2,262 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2021
Hope for Christmas

Really enjoyed reading about Maria and Cyan. Maria was a single mom living on Hope Ranch as the house keeper and cook. Cyan is the grandson of the owners and has come to visit for the first time. The story is about how they connect on a personal level and does have Christian values incorporated in the story line. I applaud the writers who do this as their type of ministry.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,403 reviews
November 8, 2023
Hope for a mother and her diabetic son. Everybody needs a little hope, especially at Christmas. As a mother of three sons, grandmother to two grandsons and high school English teacher, loved the Chapter 12 quote, "Reading is for girls." During the mundane daily responsibilities and obligations" life is convenient, useful, but not meaningful." Heart gripping story, relatable characters, twist and turn plot, and a believable resolution.
Profile Image for Valencia.
Author 5 books34 followers
January 21, 2024
My rating is based upon the fact that I did some dying Christmas. If Christmas is your jam, then you will likely love this book. The characters were cool. I like that she incorporates Dillon with type one diabetes in the story. That was good to see you says I am a type one diabetic, and my parents experience some of the same things. But again I don’t Christmas, but I needed a new series Cerita and this series comes with a lot of books on audio.
114 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2020
Heartwarming. Thought provoking

Calvin steals your heart. I enjoy meeting new characters and getting to know ones from previous books better. Real life issues that tug at your heart and characters who share their walks with God handled with grace and humor. Spend a little time with these folks from Here le ranch and you might grow in hope!
931 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2020
Fantastic

This book was such a great read & well written. Cylon &Ava touch on so many interesting things that people deal with every d Singles trying to deal with dating, illness & money issues. It makes you appreciate how hard they struggle.A good book points out so many things we take for granted.Especially our faith.
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 43 books836 followers
August 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this inspirational romance. Elizabeth Maddrey's books never seem to push the faith struggles of the characters to be side, and I thought Cyan's journey to Christ was inspiring. Maria was a character I wanted to cheer on, and I loved her son, Calvin. I also appreciated how the characters handled the tougher side of life. I can't wait to read more of the Hope Ranch books.
135 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2021
Awesome read!

So refreshing to read a book that offers Christians a lesson or more on how to obtain God's gift of love. I love the characters in this story, they are so relateable and accepting! I can not wait for the next book to be read. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. I will definitely be reading more of your books 📚!
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2022
Wonderful Beginning!

Hope for Christmas is a wonderful beginning to the Hope Ranch series. I’ve been anxiously waiting till all the books were out to read the series. My mum was describing this fabulous series that I just HAD to read 😉😂 It was Hope Ranch! The last book snuck out on me. LOL Definitely a Not-to-be-missed series!
154 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2022
Shades of Blue: Cyan

We met Azure in the Peacock Hill series, now in the first Hope Ranch book we meet her brother Cyan.

Like Maria, I often feel I don't deserve something, whether it is a gift or love. Although, it all happens faster than seems realistic, Cyan and Maria find love.
2,390 reviews13 followers
February 6, 2023
Hope for Christmas

This was an interesting story. It was sad in the way Cyan’s mom and dad had misrepresented Cyan’s grand parents. He was grown and had never met them until his sister Azure encouraged him to go to NewMexico and see them. That is where he met Maria and her son . Finding a new love makes this a great story.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,388 reviews19 followers
November 4, 2025
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction book series starter. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I was able to listen to a copy of this book via HOOPLA, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
1,113 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2025
Hope for Christmas

I enjoyed this sweet story that felt so real, Cyan and Marie felt an instant connection but Marie is used to doing things on her own so when her son has healt problems it's hard for her to let him help. I liked how loving and patient he was. Can they find their HEA?
Profile Image for Rochelle.
294 reviews37 followers
December 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. Sweet, inspirational with great characters. It was too short, I came to the end and wanted more. Thankfully there is more and I am eager to get my hands on the other stories.
Recommend if you are looking for a Christian Christmas read.
2,101 reviews19 followers
May 9, 2020
Good

I just love "the blues", as I call them. Want to read the story on each of them. Cyan sure had a tough job convincing Maria to "let him in" to their lives. Love the sermon. Can't get enough of this series.
133 reviews
November 4, 2020
Look for the Unexpected

I wish that Cyan and Maria’s romance had been concluded in this book. Otherwise, a very enjoyable afternoon read. I will look for other books by this author ❤️
Profile Image for Sarah.
794 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2020
A heart-warming Christmas, faith-filled story that was easy reading in these trying 2020 times. I genuinely enjoyed that this one was the beginning of a journey for the central couple, rather than the HEA - this was a realistic romance, and lovely for it.
Profile Image for Pamela.
749 reviews
February 18, 2021
Good story

I decided to get this book because my granddaughter is T1D too. I loved how realistic this book was, they got it right. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Samantha Ball.
Author 6 books19 followers
March 12, 2021
Heart warming romance

I loved this novella and can't wait to read more about Cyan, Maria, and Calvin in future Hope Ranch books. This story was touching, and I felt a real connection to the main characters. Just lovely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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