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Thunder Ridge #1
Surprise Christmas Family
Can a very merry mistake lead to a perfect holiday?
He isn’t the man she’s searching for…
but he could be the one she needs.
Hope Jeffries is determined to gain full custody of her twin nieces from their absentee dad. But when she finally confronts Dr. Walker Evans, Hope discovers she has the wrong man—this handsome Colorado widower is the girls’ uncle! While Hope and Walker try to locate his brother, can they also give their nieces a perfect family Christmas?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Thunder Ridge
Book 1: Surprise Christmas Family
He isn’t the man she’s searching for…
but he could be the one she needs.
Hope Jeffries is determined to gain full custody of her twin nieces from their absentee dad. But when she finally confronts Dr. Walker Evans, Hope discovers she has the wrong man—this handsome Colorado widower is the girls’ uncle! While Hope and Walker try to locate his brother, can they also give their nieces a perfect family Christmas?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Thunder Ridge
Book 1: Surprise Christmas Family
- GenresLove InspiredRomance
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
33 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ryan
62 books710 followersRenee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 6, 2020
Renee Ryan’s Surprise Family Christmas is a sweet story filled with family, love and holiday traditions!
Hope Jefferies and her twin nieces have travelled to Colorado in search of their father. Hope believes that Dr. Walker Evans married her sister and is the twin’s father. Hope is stunned to learn that Walker’s brother Brent was involved with her sister, not Walker.
Loved this plot choice as it allowed Hope and Walker to work together to care for their nieces. I enjoyed how Hope and Walker revealed bits and pieces of their past to each other—their conversations were honest and very emotional. Hope and Walker were worlds apart-in terms of upbringing and experiences- their common goal solidified their relationship.
I look forward to reading more books by Renee Ryan as I loved the characters, the importance of family and the many surprises throughout this heartwarming novel!
Hope Jefferies and her twin nieces have travelled to Colorado in search of their father. Hope believes that Dr. Walker Evans married her sister and is the twin’s father. Hope is stunned to learn that Walker’s brother Brent was involved with her sister, not Walker.
Loved this plot choice as it allowed Hope and Walker to work together to care for their nieces. I enjoyed how Hope and Walker revealed bits and pieces of their past to each other—their conversations were honest and very emotional. Hope and Walker were worlds apart-in terms of upbringing and experiences- their common goal solidified their relationship.
I look forward to reading more books by Renee Ryan as I loved the characters, the importance of family and the many surprises throughout this heartwarming novel!
December 23, 2023
A nice Christmas romance. I really felt for Hope and the position she was in with her twin nieces. Walker was likable and and sweet. Add in cute kiddos and adorable dogs in a gorgeous Colorado town and that makes for a pretty perfect Christmas story.
November 10, 2021
Great storyline about families, faith and unity. Highly recommended
November 18, 2020
Surprise Christmas Family by Renee Ryan left my heart feeding joyful and content. Fate often plays an instrumental role in our lives. This book provides that true. When two individuals we have both built emotional walls around them sometimes the smallest crack can help those walls crumble. Surprise Family for Christmas shows the reader Christmas through the innocence of 2 girls and their Aunt. The longer the girls and their Aunt remain in the Christmas friendly town the more they fall in love with its charm. From the various small businesses to the unconditional acceptance of loving families, this book has it all. I was hooked from the start falling in love instantly with the little girls and the family that saw even strangers as part of their own. I just can't say enough about how hopeful and joyous you feel as you read this book. It harkens back to childhood of the past. Please check out this book Surprise Family for Christmas by Renee Ryan and fall in love with Christmas and family during that time of year all over again!
December 17, 2025
HomiGAWSH, what garbage is this?!??!!
We have identical twin Hope who's estranged from identical twin Charity, but then identical twin Charity shows up dying of cancer and with *HER* identical twin daughters, and asks her identical twin to take care of them, except the dad legally has custody because his name's on the birth certificate.
But the dad doesn't KNOW about the identical twins, because it was a one-night-stand-in-Vegas-with-marriage, but then she gets pregnant and he divorced her because babies. Nevermind that he's one of SEVEN kids and is a *DOCTOR*.
(((((SIGH.))))) S0 identical twin Hope tracks down the doctor and HIDES BEHIND THE PLANTS AT THE HOSPITAL WITH THE KIDS, GLARING AT HIM. Then when he confronts her, she 1) won't tell him who she is/what she wants, 2) accuses him of being the jerk, and 3) treats him like garbage.
Only to find out that he's *NOT* their father, his not-identical but identical brother is. And HOW DARE YOU pretend to be their mother when you're not, and then act like *I'm* the bad guy, yadda stupid yadda good grief yadda.
I. Can't. Even.
You know those crappy not-Hallmark movies that are free on Youtube?
This is WORSE. I didn't even think that was possible.
I chucked it at a wall.
D. N. F.
We have identical twin Hope who's estranged from identical twin Charity, but then identical twin Charity shows up dying of cancer and with *HER* identical twin daughters, and asks her identical twin to take care of them, except the dad legally has custody because his name's on the birth certificate.
But the dad doesn't KNOW about the identical twins, because it was a one-night-stand-in-Vegas-with-marriage, but then she gets pregnant and he divorced her because babies. Nevermind that he's one of SEVEN kids and is a *DOCTOR*.
(((((SIGH.))))) S0 identical twin Hope tracks down the doctor and HIDES BEHIND THE PLANTS AT THE HOSPITAL WITH THE KIDS, GLARING AT HIM. Then when he confronts her, she 1) won't tell him who she is/what she wants, 2) accuses him of being the jerk, and 3) treats him like garbage.
Only to find out that he's *NOT* their father, his not-identical but identical brother is. And HOW DARE YOU pretend to be their mother when you're not, and then act like *I'm* the bad guy, yadda stupid yadda good grief yadda.
I. Can't. Even.
You know those crappy not-Hallmark movies that are free on Youtube?
This is WORSE. I didn't even think that was possible.
I chucked it at a wall.
D. N. F.
November 30, 2023
I started with book three in the Thunder Ridge series by Renee Ryan. After reading that one, I wanted to read Surprise Christmas Family, the first in the series. I was not disappointed.
Read this for:
all the Christmas vibes
mistaken identity
twins
all the feels
When Hope gets custody of her nieces, she begins a quest to find their father. Her search leads her to Thunder Ridge, and Dr. Walker Evans. Once Hope meets Walker and his family, she can see the writing on the wall. She is determined not to lose custody of her nieces, but will she end up not only losing them but her heart as well?
I adored Walker and the whole Evans family. While their lives are not perfect, the sibling relationships are strong, the kind of relationship we all desire with our family. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Read this for:
all the Christmas vibes
mistaken identity
twins
all the feels
When Hope gets custody of her nieces, she begins a quest to find their father. Her search leads her to Thunder Ridge, and Dr. Walker Evans. Once Hope meets Walker and his family, she can see the writing on the wall. She is determined not to lose custody of her nieces, but will she end up not only losing them but her heart as well?
I adored Walker and the whole Evans family. While their lives are not perfect, the sibling relationships are strong, the kind of relationship we all desire with our family. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next in the series.
November 27, 2020
Very nice read
Shortish, clean, very pleasant book. Love the reliance on God each character displays. Definitely recommend when you want something that is not too complex - an easy read.
Shortish, clean, very pleasant book. Love the reliance on God each character displays. Definitely recommend when you want something that is not too complex - an easy read.
May 11, 2021
Great read!
I guess I did this backward. I read the second story in the series, and it was so good, I had to go back and read the first!
I hated to lay either one down while I was reading. I had to see what happened next!
I guess I did this backward. I read the second story in the series, and it was so good, I had to go back and read the first!
I hated to lay either one down while I was reading. I had to see what happened next!
Read
November 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #1)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #1)
Read
November 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #1)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #1)
November 30, 2020
Wonderful story! Absolutely loved it!
January 28, 2021
A Wonderful Book
Renee is a new. author to me I loved this book I will be reading more of her books I recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
Renee is a new. author to me I loved this book I will be reading more of her books I recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
July 20, 2023
surprise Christmas family
I totally enjoyed reading this book. It is so sweet, it makes you feel happy. Read it! You won’t regret it.
I totally enjoyed reading this book. It is so sweet, it makes you feel happy. Read it! You won’t regret it.
November 4, 2025
Such a good Christmas read.
December 26, 2025
A great read and story. This would make a great Movie. 5 definitely
November 16, 2020
Renee Ryan has been one of my favorite authors for a little while. It all c0mes down to the clean stories, the heart behind the characters, and a story you cannot put down.
Hope and Walker were characters that were wounded. Hope was on a mission to find out the truth. Walker just didn't want to go on with his life. He wanted to stay stuck and not heal from things in his past. The two of them began on a journey to find out truth for Hope's nieces.
I read this book in a little over a day. I could not get enough. I had to find out what happened for the two little girls as well as for Hope and Walker.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in the series.
Hope and Walker were characters that were wounded. Hope was on a mission to find out the truth. Walker just didn't want to go on with his life. He wanted to stay stuck and not heal from things in his past. The two of them began on a journey to find out truth for Hope's nieces.
I read this book in a little over a day. I could not get enough. I had to find out what happened for the two little girls as well as for Hope and Walker.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in the series.
January 19, 2021
This is the first book by Renee Ryan for me, but it certainly won’t be the last! Believable and heartwarming characters along with a good storyline had me turning page after page to see what would happen next. Hope and Walker dealing with their respective pasts, while figuring out how to give their mutual nieces the best Christmas ever, and waiting to see if their father will make an appearance keeps the story moving with laughter and tears. This is the first in a series. I can’t wait for the next book!
November 16, 2020
Surprise Christmas Family By Renee Ryan
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters. Wonderful book to read at this time of year, or any time for that matter. It was a story that takes place in Colorado. About two people so broken, one didn’t want people too close because of their heartbreak, the other did, but was afraid to risk their heart. At the end of the story you will be smiling. I highly recommend this sweet book.
All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters. Wonderful book to read at this time of year, or any time for that matter. It was a story that takes place in Colorado. About two people so broken, one didn’t want people too close because of their heartbreak, the other did, but was afraid to risk their heart. At the end of the story you will be smiling. I highly recommend this sweet book.
All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2020
This is a good Christmas read. Hope and her sisters twin girls fly from New York to Colorado she is hoping to meet the twins father trying to get custody of the twins since her sister passed. Instead Hope's life is about to change when she meets the wrong man but gains a whole new family
this book is good and I look forward to the next in the Thunder Ridge series.
this book is good and I look forward to the next in the Thunder Ridge series.
October 30, 2020
I loved reading Walker and Hopes story!! I love books with twins. It was such a sweet story. I love that they thought they would end up one way but God had something much better in mind. It was awesome the way Hope found forgiveness for her dad through her own sorrow. If you are looking for a great Christmas Story, than get reading.
September 27, 2020
I'm already hooked on Ms. Ryan's new series and the Evans family.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
Such an awesome and heartwarming Christmas story, perfect for your holiday reading binge. My hope is the author will continue these delightful characters in another book.
November 19, 2020
Great book first time reading Renee Ryan. Great story and seem like a new fresh story in a book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews