What do you think?
Rate this book
Cotton Tree Ranch #3
Parker
When bumbling veterinarian Jennifer Barsby’s friend Hazel falls ill, she doesn’t hesitate to take action. After quitting her job in Atlanta, she packs up her life and moves to the Cotton Tree ranch in South Georgia to take care of her sick former room-mate. But when circumstances change, she wonders what she should do with the rest of her life.
Handsome and brooding cowboy, Parker Williams, is just another pal — at least that’s how Jen sees him. A former Army Ranger, he’s found renewed purpose as part-owner of the ranch. But he’s given up on the idea of ever moving on or finding love. That is until Jen moves in.
She’s fun-loving, accident-prone, earnest and caring. But could she ever see him as anything more than a friend?
Read this sweet and heartwarming penultimate installment in the Cowboys & Debutantes contemporary romance series by a best-selling author, and find out what happens when cowboys and debutantes collide.
** This story is a standalone romance with an HEA.
Handsome and brooding cowboy, Parker Williams, is just another pal — at least that’s how Jen sees him. A former Army Ranger, he’s found renewed purpose as part-owner of the ranch. But he’s given up on the idea of ever moving on or finding love. That is until Jen moves in.
She’s fun-loving, accident-prone, earnest and caring. But could she ever see him as anything more than a friend?
Read this sweet and heartwarming penultimate installment in the Cowboys & Debutantes contemporary romance series by a best-selling author, and find out what happens when cowboys and debutantes collide.
** This story is a standalone romance with an HEA.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2018
128 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Vivi Holt
56 books454 followersVivi Holt writes inspirational romance. Of her books, readers say:
"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"
Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.
Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romances stories that captivate the reader and transport them to another place and time.
Follow Vivi on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/viviholt.aut...)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivi_holt)
Contact her at vivi@viviholt.com
"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"
Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.
Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romances stories that captivate the reader and transport them to another place and time.
Follow Vivi on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/viviholt.aut...)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivi_holt)
Contact her at vivi@viviholt.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 27, 2018
We were introduced to Jennifer and Parker back in book three of the series, Eamon. We were all left hanging at the end of book three when, in the final pages of that book, Dalton and Hazel return late from their honeymoon with the devastating news that Hazel has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This last book in the series begins where book two ended.
I believe, as good as the other stories were, this is the best of the series. Without disclosing spoilers, let me say that I shed tears from time to time and belly laughed at others. The trials that the brothers and their wives faced seemed insurmountable as they nearly lost their ranch through no fault of their own. The near miraculous and believable manner in which all were saved, and Jennifer and Parker reached their HEA ending touched my heart and was exceptionally well written. I recommend this series to all my friends who enjoy clean, well-written, contemporary romance. However, please read the series in sequence – you will be glad you did.
I believe, as good as the other stories were, this is the best of the series. Without disclosing spoilers, let me say that I shed tears from time to time and belly laughed at others. The trials that the brothers and their wives faced seemed insurmountable as they nearly lost their ranch through no fault of their own. The near miraculous and believable manner in which all were saved, and Jennifer and Parker reached their HEA ending touched my heart and was exceptionally well written. I recommend this series to all my friends who enjoy clean, well-written, contemporary romance. However, please read the series in sequence – you will be glad you did.
January 22, 2018
I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE, ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE
The fifth book in the contemporary Cowboys and Debutantes series will read as a stand-alone and is a continuation of this saga of the Williams brothers, Dalton, Eamon, and Parker. The three brothers have pulled together to make the Cotton Tree Ranch prosper as much as they can in the beginning. It seems, just as things are looking up, life happens, and now they must face many uncertainties. Life is all about how you deal with the unexpected, and the Williams family will face those trials.
The story is a clean, contemporary that will have a family pulling together during trials, tragedy, with loyal friends, a faithful family, and some new beginnings. This is Parker’s story.
Parker Williams felt like he lost every male influence in his life at once while he was a teenager.
While his mother was very unhappy with his choice, he went into the Army. Now he is discharged but is a haunted man with PTSD from his time with the Army Rangers in Syria. He has pulled together with his two brothers to make the Cotton Tree a surviving ranch with horses and cattle in an area that is mostly peaches and cotton.
When Hazel is diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after she and Dalton married, her best friend and college roommate, Jen Barsby, will pack up her car, resign from her job, and come to the Cotton
Tree to be there for Hazel and Dalton as she undergoes surgery. Jen is a veterinarian and is able, with the assistance of Parker, to join with the other local vet in town and work part-time.
The plot of the story will encompass the lives of Hazel and Dalton, and they're coping with her cancer, with Eamon and Emily as they elope and start their married life after her family disapproves of her choice to marry, and Parker and Jen, and new beginnings.
Parker will find friendship and someone he can easily talk to about some of the issues he is dealing with since returning to civilian life. He opens up about seeing a Psychologist and Jen will surprise him that she has visited one during her teen years. She will be a sounding board, but also accompany him to a military ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Jen is enjoying her time working with the other vet, Will, and has amazing stories to tell about the animals and their owners. She is developing a comradery with the townspeople, and slowly, she and Parker are getting closer. Her family was disappointed that she didn’t come back to work in their family business, but she is happy doing what she chose for herself as a career.
When tragedy strikes the ranch in the form of a freak storm that does damage to the home, it is heartwarming to see how neighbors come together to make repairs. “Lemme see if I can sort somethin’ out. We’re neighbors, Parker, and neighbors take care of each other.”
Once Hazel is recovered from her surgery, what will Jen decide to do? She won’t be going back to Atlanta since no ties are holding her there. The town of Tipton has started to feel like home, and she is making a name in the community as a veterinarian. But what about her family in Birmingham? They still want her to come back and make it her home. What is happening between her and Parker, is it just a friendship, or is it developing into something more serious?
“Well, we both have a chance now to set up the kind of life we want.”
The story does show a family that has faith, prays, and relies on each other.
The fifth book in the contemporary Cowboys and Debutantes series will read as a stand-alone and is a continuation of this saga of the Williams brothers, Dalton, Eamon, and Parker. The three brothers have pulled together to make the Cotton Tree Ranch prosper as much as they can in the beginning. It seems, just as things are looking up, life happens, and now they must face many uncertainties. Life is all about how you deal with the unexpected, and the Williams family will face those trials.
The story is a clean, contemporary that will have a family pulling together during trials, tragedy, with loyal friends, a faithful family, and some new beginnings. This is Parker’s story.
Parker Williams felt like he lost every male influence in his life at once while he was a teenager.
While his mother was very unhappy with his choice, he went into the Army. Now he is discharged but is a haunted man with PTSD from his time with the Army Rangers in Syria. He has pulled together with his two brothers to make the Cotton Tree a surviving ranch with horses and cattle in an area that is mostly peaches and cotton.
When Hazel is diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after she and Dalton married, her best friend and college roommate, Jen Barsby, will pack up her car, resign from her job, and come to the Cotton
Tree to be there for Hazel and Dalton as she undergoes surgery. Jen is a veterinarian and is able, with the assistance of Parker, to join with the other local vet in town and work part-time.
The plot of the story will encompass the lives of Hazel and Dalton, and they're coping with her cancer, with Eamon and Emily as they elope and start their married life after her family disapproves of her choice to marry, and Parker and Jen, and new beginnings.
Parker will find friendship and someone he can easily talk to about some of the issues he is dealing with since returning to civilian life. He opens up about seeing a Psychologist and Jen will surprise him that she has visited one during her teen years. She will be a sounding board, but also accompany him to a military ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Jen is enjoying her time working with the other vet, Will, and has amazing stories to tell about the animals and their owners. She is developing a comradery with the townspeople, and slowly, she and Parker are getting closer. Her family was disappointed that she didn’t come back to work in their family business, but she is happy doing what she chose for herself as a career.
When tragedy strikes the ranch in the form of a freak storm that does damage to the home, it is heartwarming to see how neighbors come together to make repairs. “Lemme see if I can sort somethin’ out. We’re neighbors, Parker, and neighbors take care of each other.”
Once Hazel is recovered from her surgery, what will Jen decide to do? She won’t be going back to Atlanta since no ties are holding her there. The town of Tipton has started to feel like home, and she is making a name in the community as a veterinarian. But what about her family in Birmingham? They still want her to come back and make it her home. What is happening between her and Parker, is it just a friendship, or is it developing into something more serious?
“Well, we both have a chance now to set up the kind of life we want.”
The story does show a family that has faith, prays, and relies on each other.
December 16, 2018
Another wonderful addition to the Cowboys and Debutantes series! This book is a continuation of other books in the series, but is also a standalone. Dalton and Emily figure prominently in the book and Eamon and Emily are key players once again.
Parker Williams is a Veteran who has problems adjusting to his life after his stint with the Army Rangers in Syria. When his sister-in-law Hazel is diagnosed with breast cancer, her college roommate, Jennifer Barsby, decides to quit her job and come to Cotton Tree ranch to help her through this difficult time. Jen is a clumsy Veterinarian with a big heart and she quickly adapts to her new life in Tiften GA.
Neither Jen nor Parker are interested in more than friendship, but romance readers everywhere know that isn't likely to stop their budding romance.
This is a lovely, inspirational book that will have you laughing, crying and cheering for the characters. I love the way that Ms. Holt intertwines these books and the characters. There is just enough inspiration to inspire you (pardon the pun!) without being preachy. The characters are well-developed and believable and you will feel like you know them by the time you finish the book.
Dawson McBride's deep voice will have you swooning from the first and he does an amazing job with his narration. His performance really adds a lot to the book.
If you love inspirational romances with a HEA ending, give this series a chance. You won't be disappointed! I was given the chance to listen to the Audible version of this book by the author and chose to review it.
Parker Williams is a Veteran who has problems adjusting to his life after his stint with the Army Rangers in Syria. When his sister-in-law Hazel is diagnosed with breast cancer, her college roommate, Jennifer Barsby, decides to quit her job and come to Cotton Tree ranch to help her through this difficult time. Jen is a clumsy Veterinarian with a big heart and she quickly adapts to her new life in Tiften GA.
Neither Jen nor Parker are interested in more than friendship, but romance readers everywhere know that isn't likely to stop their budding romance.
This is a lovely, inspirational book that will have you laughing, crying and cheering for the characters. I love the way that Ms. Holt intertwines these books and the characters. There is just enough inspiration to inspire you (pardon the pun!) without being preachy. The characters are well-developed and believable and you will feel like you know them by the time you finish the book.
Dawson McBride's deep voice will have you swooning from the first and he does an amazing job with his narration. His performance really adds a lot to the book.
If you love inspirational romances with a HEA ending, give this series a chance. You won't be disappointed! I was given the chance to listen to the Audible version of this book by the author and chose to review it.
December 16, 2018
Cowboys and Debutantes continues with this romantic story of Jenn and Parker. As Hazel begins her fight with breast cancer, Jenn quits her job and moves to the Cotton Tree Ranch to help her out. She gets a local job as a vet and helps around the ranch as Hazel recovers. She had no idea what else the ranch had in store for her. Parker is one of the three Williams brothers, and finds himself drawn to Jenn. He knows she is only here while Hazel gets better, but will that be enough? These two have sweet journey to their happily ever after. What I truly love about this series is the integration of the characters from book to book. While each could be a standalone, I think it's best to start with Dalton's story and continue, each building on the next. The bond between the brothers is unbreakable and the feeling on this ranch is so warm and full of family that it's hard to not fall into it. It would be easy to sit at their dinner table and just feel at home. I also loved the compassion that Vivi Holt writes about Hazel's journey with breast cancer. It's a tough topic, and she handles it with grace. Parker and Jenn are wonderful together and I enjoyed their journey.
Dawson McBride is an amazing narrator. His raspy baritone voice is perfect for the cowboy scene and he brings this family to life. His different voices are so easily distinguished. I love that the inflection in his voice will make your heart wrench or soar as he reads the story as he brings it to life.
Dawson McBride is an amazing narrator. His raspy baritone voice is perfect for the cowboy scene and he brings this family to life. His different voices are so easily distinguished. I love that the inflection in his voice will make your heart wrench or soar as he reads the story as he brings it to life.
January 23, 2018
A heartwarming story of finding love!
Parker is the fifth book in the sweet contemporary romance in the Cowboys and Debutantes Series. A unique and captivating story with romance and a happy-ending that we all have come to expect. This is another story that I had a hard time putting down. It is such a passionate, unique and captivating story. This book has so many different “feelies” throughout – laughter, happiness, sadness, and joyfulness.
The characters are well developed and engaging. I really like that Vivi Holt creates characters that are realistic and easy to connect to with their imperfections. The characters become one of your friends, family and/or neighbors. I enjoy that Vivi incorporates the characters from previous books in the series so that you can keep up with what is going on with them while keeping the spotlight on two other main characters.
Vivi Holt is a gifted author that keeps you entertained from the beginning to the end of the story. I will definitely continue to read the series to see what happens with the rest of the characters. She is one of my top go-to authors. I have read several books by her and have not been disappointed yet! I recommend this book and series to anyone that enjoys reading a clean romance with a heartwarming ending.
Parker is the fifth book in the sweet contemporary romance in the Cowboys and Debutantes Series. A unique and captivating story with romance and a happy-ending that we all have come to expect. This is another story that I had a hard time putting down. It is such a passionate, unique and captivating story. This book has so many different “feelies” throughout – laughter, happiness, sadness, and joyfulness.
The characters are well developed and engaging. I really like that Vivi Holt creates characters that are realistic and easy to connect to with their imperfections. The characters become one of your friends, family and/or neighbors. I enjoy that Vivi incorporates the characters from previous books in the series so that you can keep up with what is going on with them while keeping the spotlight on two other main characters.
Vivi Holt is a gifted author that keeps you entertained from the beginning to the end of the story. I will definitely continue to read the series to see what happens with the rest of the characters. She is one of my top go-to authors. I have read several books by her and have not been disappointed yet! I recommend this book and series to anyone that enjoys reading a clean romance with a heartwarming ending.
January 3, 2019
Audio book review
This is a novella of a listen but a great one . It’s about Parker , one of the brothers that you meet in another book. It’s book 3 , Eamon , if you haven’t gotten around to listening to it , your missing out , grab it.
The love story touches your heart , the story is well developed so are the characters. The characters and settings is so real , it seems like your seeing your neighbor go through it .
Parker and Jen are hit with a difficult situation. Parker is a war veteran that is going through a hard time adjusting to like outside of the service. Meanwhile Jen goes to Cotton Tree because of a situation with a college roommate, who happens to be Parker’s sister in law .
When Parker and Jen first meet , they didn’t see the love coming their way , all they were looking for was friendship, but everyone knows that love will strike when the two people deserve it .
Dawnson the narrator is great . His voice is deep and smooth, clear and strong. He did the part perfectly
This is a novella of a listen but a great one . It’s about Parker , one of the brothers that you meet in another book. It’s book 3 , Eamon , if you haven’t gotten around to listening to it , your missing out , grab it.
The love story touches your heart , the story is well developed so are the characters. The characters and settings is so real , it seems like your seeing your neighbor go through it .
Parker and Jen are hit with a difficult situation. Parker is a war veteran that is going through a hard time adjusting to like outside of the service. Meanwhile Jen goes to Cotton Tree because of a situation with a college roommate, who happens to be Parker’s sister in law .
When Parker and Jen first meet , they didn’t see the love coming their way , all they were looking for was friendship, but everyone knows that love will strike when the two people deserve it .
Dawnson the narrator is great . His voice is deep and smooth, clear and strong. He did the part perfectly
December 30, 2018
Friends, Ranch Style
This is one of a series of books by multiple authors, but within that series author Vivi Holt has produced a trilogy dealing with brothers taking on a ranch in Georgia. Each novel stands alone and has sufficient background data to let you know how the pieces fit together and each highlights a different brother, his life issues, and his quest for an HEA (Happily Ever After). Fittingly, narration is by Dawson McBride, whose rich gravelly voice imbues Southern Charm (and not a single "bless your heart") in this Walton Family episode. And that is meant as a sincere compliment to the Hallmark moments and complexity of plot and characters smoothly stirred together into a delicious ambrosia. Full five stars and maybe two hankies, in parts, but overall joyous--and rather perfect for the holiday season, as it ends on Christmas Day!
This is one of a series of books by multiple authors, but within that series author Vivi Holt has produced a trilogy dealing with brothers taking on a ranch in Georgia. Each novel stands alone and has sufficient background data to let you know how the pieces fit together and each highlights a different brother, his life issues, and his quest for an HEA (Happily Ever After). Fittingly, narration is by Dawson McBride, whose rich gravelly voice imbues Southern Charm (and not a single "bless your heart") in this Walton Family episode. And that is meant as a sincere compliment to the Hallmark moments and complexity of plot and characters smoothly stirred together into a delicious ambrosia. Full five stars and maybe two hankies, in parts, but overall joyous--and rather perfect for the holiday season, as it ends on Christmas Day!
January 22, 2018
Parker ( Cowboys and Debutantes Contemporary - Book 5 )
By: Vivi Holt
Parker is book five in Cowboys and Debutantes Contemporary series. This has been a great series. Parker can be read as a stand-a-lone with no problems. This is a heartwarming story that will have you trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Story of the William brothers and their family pulling together to help one another out and to keep the ranch running. This is Parker and Jen’s story. I fell in love with Jen . She is a very kind and caring young woman who is helping a friend out in time of need. There is romance brewing on the ranch . This is an awesome story .
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: Vivi Holt
Parker is book five in Cowboys and Debutantes Contemporary series. This has been a great series. Parker can be read as a stand-a-lone with no problems. This is a heartwarming story that will have you trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Story of the William brothers and their family pulling together to help one another out and to keep the ranch running. This is Parker and Jen’s story. I fell in love with Jen . She is a very kind and caring young woman who is helping a friend out in time of need. There is romance brewing on the ranch . This is an awesome story .
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
February 2, 2018
Can friendship blossom into love?
Parker left the military and joined his brothers in the Cotton tree Ranch. When Dalton's wife finds out she has breast cancer her college roommate Jen leaves her job and boyfriend in Atlanta and goes to Tifton to be with Hazel before and after her surgery. She and Parker becomes good friends and through all the problems for Hazel and Dalton and financial issues with medical bills and insurance and storms both realize there is more than friendship but neither one has the confidence to express their feelings. Great story and you'll love these characters! I enjoyed this book very much!
Parker left the military and joined his brothers in the Cotton tree Ranch. When Dalton's wife finds out she has breast cancer her college roommate Jen leaves her job and boyfriend in Atlanta and goes to Tifton to be with Hazel before and after her surgery. She and Parker becomes good friends and through all the problems for Hazel and Dalton and financial issues with medical bills and insurance and storms both realize there is more than friendship but neither one has the confidence to express their feelings. Great story and you'll love these characters! I enjoyed this book very much!
May 8, 2019
I have read quite a few of Vivi Holt's books and this is the second one I've read in the Cowboys and Debutantes series. As always, she does a great job connecting you to the characters and their histories... making the story entertaining and pulls you in where you feel invested emotionally too. If you like clean romance with a cowboy twist then you won't be disappointed with this one, it was such a fun ride! Dawson McBride also does an amazing job with the narration.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 22, 2018
I just finished Parker by Vivi Holt. It was like returning home and visiting family. Ms. Holt's writing always draws you into the story so that you feel like you are a part of it. After reading Dalton and Eamon, I was so excited to read Parker's story. I was given an ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2018
Hero: Parker/ Army Ranger - Heroine: Jennifer/Jen / Vetenarian
4.5* : I enjoyed this unique and captivating story. This is another story that I had a hard time putting down. This book has so many different types of emotions throughout – laughter, happiness, sadness, and joyfulness. The characters are well developed and engaging. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
4.5* : I enjoyed this unique and captivating story. This is another story that I had a hard time putting down. This book has so many different types of emotions throughout – laughter, happiness, sadness, and joyfulness. The characters are well developed and engaging. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
January 6, 2019
I loved this story of the series. The reader has been engaging throughout, but Parker and Jennifer's friendship turns to more as they learn to care how the other is feeling and understanding the pain they are both going through. Throughout each story, Parker was the brother that most concerned me, and Vivi Holt brings such love and caring to a man like Parker.
January 13, 2019
Parker is a former Army Ranger who has some PTSD and difficulty coping. He moves to southern Georgia to help his two brother run a rundown family ranch. His brother's wife becomes ill and her friend comes to help. They all have to deal with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Then sudden storm blows half the roof off the ranch house and the insurance company refuses to pay. Good book.
February 7, 2019
Family and friends
The Williams brothers struggle to keep from losing their ranch and their home following a storm that couldn't come at a worse time. This book stands alone, but is part of a colorful family series.
The Williams brothers struggle to keep from losing their ranch and their home following a storm that couldn't come at a worse time. This book stands alone, but is part of a colorful family series.
January 28, 2018
Great book!
Made me laugh and made me cry. Loved everything about this book. Thank you Vivi Holt for another great read!
Made me laugh and made me cry. Loved everything about this book. Thank you Vivi Holt for another great read!
January 28, 2018
Happiness
Fear and emotions and just being there for friends is the central theme in this wonderful story. Each couple finding their way and reaching for forever.
Fear and emotions and just being there for friends is the central theme in this wonderful story. Each couple finding their way and reaching for forever.
February 28, 2018
I enjoyed this story. This close family went through real life circumstances without losing their integrity and love for each other. They certainly had the respect of neighbors.
August 24, 2018
👍👍👍
Great book! Ms. Holt once again does a fantastic job writing characters that you consider family with a wonderful, believable plot.
Great book! Ms. Holt once again does a fantastic job writing characters that you consider family with a wonderful, believable plot.
September 22, 2018
Finally it's Parker turn
Parker gets his story! He might be my favorite brother in the group. Such a cute couple with truly coordinating quirks.
Parker gets his story! He might be my favorite brother in the group. Such a cute couple with truly coordinating quirks.
August 12, 2019
Review under box set
January 11, 2021
Loved the whole series
I loved all three books in this series. Easy to read with real life issues and love making it easy to relate to.
I loved all three books in this series. Easy to read with real life issues and love making it easy to relate to.
Read
June 19, 2018I really liked it it was short and not to long. Just right amount if you don’t have that much time for yourself!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews