The Prodigal's Holiday Hope

Wyoming Ranchers #1

by Jill Kemerer

He’s learned from his mistakes…

But can he prove he’s changed?

When Sawyer Roth is hired to work on his childhood ranch, he knows he has a damaged reputation to repair. Tess Malone, the new ranch owner’s daughter, is the hardest to win over. But as Christmas approaches, Tess and her toddler son find a way into Sawyer’s heart. He lost everything the last time he put his trust in love. Can he risk it all again?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wyoming Ranchers

Book 1: The Prodigal's Holiday Hope
Book 2: A Cowboy to Rely On

Genres: Christmas, Love Inspired, Romance, Inspirational, Westerns

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels with Harlequin Love Inspired. Nearly a million of her books have sold worldwide.

A former electrical engineer, Jill now writes full-time. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She rarely passes up a bookstore and spends too much time at the library. She resides in Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this sweet Christmas Romance by Jill Kemerer. It was a cowboy romance that I thought was filled with the Spirit of Christmas. I loved the characters and thought they all went well with the story. I was drawn into the book quickly and it held my interest to the last page. It was an easy read and I didn’t want to put the book down. This is the first book to the Author’s Wyoming Ranchers series.

Sawyer Roth grew up on a ranch. After High School he moved to New York City where he lived for 15 years. After his Father died Sawyer came back and sold the ranch. Returning to the city he went through his inheritance quickly then supported himself as a cook in a diner. After years of barely getting by he returns to Sunrise Bend to manage the very same ranch he sold to Ken McKay years ago. Ken is a stubborn man that has let the ranch go down hill and he isn’t open to any of Sawyer’s suggestions on how to make the ranch profitable again. The one bright thing is Ken’s daughter Tess Malone and her young son Tucker. Both Tess and Sawyer become attracted to each other but because of past relationships neither are in a hurry to start a new romance. Could it be that God has bought Sawyer and Tess together for a reason?

I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and Love Inspired Books. If you enjoy reading Christmas books you will enjoy this book.

I downloaded a copy of this book from the Hoopla library. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'She'd never deserved lavish love, but Jesus gave it to her freely.'

I love Jill Kemerer's cowboy stories and her way of describing ranch life in the west. Here she begins a new series and it sure promises to be good! Great storyline, wonderful characters and heart-felt emotions, all in abundance! Well done! I can't wait for the next in this series.

My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. My opinion here is my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet perfection and then some. I do so love a well-written prodigal story and Kemerer has pulled out all the stops to deliver the kind of romance that feels as comforting as a warm hug (especially if said hug comes from Sawyer...snicker.)

Love the hero and heroine's back stories, the cast of mixed characters a reader is either going to love or hate or waffle in-between. Honestly, Tess's dad grated on my very last nerve but he's written with so much compassion that I had to -- grudgingly -- work my way over to his side. Took the whole book to get there though. :-)

And Sawyer's friends are a hoot, all confirmed bachelors who watch his fall from grace (aka romancing Tess) with abject horror. Ha! I can only hope that the author already has them in her sight-lines and is brewing up their own bachelorhood downfalls...because, woohoo, this is the first book in the Wyoming Ranchers series. I'm Cheshire grinning in anticipation.

A tender but angsty (courtesy of Tess's stubbornly defensive nature) romance paired with Christmas highlights and the sweet distraction of an adorable toddler made this a read-in-one-sitting experience for me. I hope I don't have to wait long for my next visit to Wyoming ranch country!

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love and love this story!! Christmas is the most amazing time of the year, where God's promises truly come alive! We all face moments where we think we're nothing more than an absolute failure and that we'll never deserve love again. But God, who is so loving and merciful always gives us another chance. He also puts the right people in our lives to remind us of His promises whenever we need them. If God loves us enough to give us another chance at the life He's always wanted for us, then we need to give ourselves a chance and some grace too. We don't need to worry about the details, He's got everything already covered.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, handling regrets from the past, a chance of forgiveness for self and others, and a beautiful unfolding love story are found in this heartwarming story by author Jill Kemerer. A great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to begin the holiday season. A small book that contains a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption. I loved the characters and little Tucker warmed my heart. Faith, family, regrets, and romance all tied up with a big red bow. I look forward to reading more in this new series.
I won a copy on a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beginning to a new series. These characters and setting are so easy to fall in love with. I can not wait for the next book.

[Jill Kemerer]

Thank you to everyone who bought/borrowed and read The Prodigal's Holiday Hope!! I hope you enjoyed it!!

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kemerer always crafts wonderful, relatable characters, and the holiday setting makes this book even more enjoyable! This is a great start to a new series. The faith element is woven throughout so it's not preachy or overwhelming. I look forward to reading upcoming books.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Mindy Obenhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series. Can’t wait to read more!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, richly faith based holiday novella! So glad I picked this up. The main character, Sawyer, sold his fathers ranch after his father passed away, and from what the towns grapevine say, "lost all of his inheritance" with frivolous living in New York. His family's ranch is now owned by the man he sold it to, Ken, and Kens daughter. When Ken falls ill, in a move only God could pull of, Ken hires Sawyer to return to the ranch and manage it. When Sawyer returns to the ranch, he finds redemption far beyond what he could ever imagine.

The faith based threads in this book were so masterfully weaved together through practical daily living and realistic hardships, that I think this book will always be one of my favorites, and one I will read during future holiday seasons. And that says a lot, because I am not generally a re-reader. It was filled with so much hope, emotional healing and Gods love, I just loved it. Very much looking forward to the other books in this series.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming read! I especially loved the themes of redemption and second chances. Kemerer created endearing and authentic characters and a story that gives readers a taste of daily life on a Wyoming cattle ranch. Cowboys, ranchers, and hardworking men in general are my favorite flavors of hero, and this series promises a yummy line-up. I'm looking forward to reading every one of their stories!

[Kris Horstman]

Another amazing book by Jill. The Prodigal Son is my favorite parable...and my 1st son is named Tucker....couldn't have loved this book any more!!!!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Tender, well-written Christmas love story set in the contemporary west. As the title would suggest, The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope is about second chances, and rather than use Christmastime as a plot device or prop, the author focuses steadfastly on the real reason for the season: the birth of our Savior, Jesus, and the gift of hope and faith He brings to our hearts.

Sweet and chaste, not cloying or trite, Jill Kemerer expertly tells her story with deep affection and tenderness for her characters, their struggles and the ranching life they love.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jill Kemerer’s Christmas book is not only heartwarming but is uplifting. Sawyer and Tess are well written characters who are both dealing with pasts that have caused hurts just as many of us are, but Kemerer reminds us that through God there is forgiveness and a second chance.

The author’s past cowboy stories have been enjoyable reading, and this one is no exception to that. The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope has a great story line, with attention to the details of ranching. I enjoyed learning some new things about this line of work. Kemerer deals with the subjects of cancer and infidelity but throws in a cute toddler who loves all things tractors; it adds a lightness to a story that could be really serious from beginning to end. This book ends up having all the feels, including a clean romance of course. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal's Holiday Hope by Jill Kemerer is a story of moving on from past hurts and the hope that comes from second chances.

When Sawyer Roth decides to return to Sunshine Bend, he has no idea what his buddies will think of him. Rumor is he has been up to no good since his father's death and squandering away his inheritance, but Ken McKay needs a ranch manager and Sawyer needs a job away from the city, so he returns to the ranch once owned by his family for a fresh start. What he doesn't expect is Tess Malone.

Tess and her son, Tucker, live with Ken on the ranch. Her stubborn father didn't even tell her that he hired that no good Sawyer to manage it. Well, Sawyer won't win her over quickly, even if he did grow up on Sunshine Bend and she is desperate for help. But with Christmas approaching, and her dad in dire straits, Tess has to lean more on Sawyer than she would like.

Sawyer isn't fond of getting too close to Tess either. But she and her son sure could weave their way into his heart if he isn't careful.

I loved The Prodigal's Holiday Hope so much that I stayed up late to finish it. I simply couldn't wait to see how it all turned out. The first book in Kemerer's Wyoming Ranchers series is a strong debut, bringing together an engaging plot, well-developed characters, romance, and the ranching life. Cowboy romances remain one of my favorites, and The Prodigal's Holiday Hope is a fine example of an author knowing her audience and delivering a solid story that will leave you yearning for more. Lucky for readers, there are four other books in this series.

If you enjoy romance, second chances, seeing characters learn how to move on from past hurts, and seasonal stories filled with the joy and hope of the holidays, then you need to grab The Prodigal's Holiday Hope today!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

To be honest, I struggle to read Love Inspired books. The back-and-forth between the protagonist and the love interest, wish-washy decisions, the "Do I love him?"/"Do I love her?" dilemmas ... but THIS book, Jill Kemerer's "The Prodigal's Holiday Hope" was gritty enough that it wasn't too sugary-sweet and both main characters were strong in their confidence and their decisions.

This cowboy love story was so awesome that I started this as my first Christmas read, LOVED the first chapter, and put it away so that this could be the LAST holiday read of the year! I wasn't disappointed! I loved the ending AS MUCH AS the first chapter! Yay!

I have to brag about the protagonist, Sawyer. He made a decision to come home although he'd be misunderstood--and he was. While at home, he had obstacle after obstacle, but he kept his decision--even as he doubted himself. The best part was that as he made these steps, which weren't his own mistakes but became that way through the fault of others, he GREW IN CONFIDENCE.

Maybe that's why the story hit home for me. I'm waiting to see how my decisions are right ones and I can stop doubting myself.

I'll say it again: I loved Sawyer's calm, embracing heart as he took each insult silently and pushed on.

ALSO, Kremerer presents the gospel SO BEAUTIFULLY AND CLEARLY!

What is more, this book is the FIRST book of the series! So, there is more to come of Sawyer, Tess, and little guy Tucker :) I'm DEFINITELY looking for those!!!

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute introduction to a new to me series

Sawyer moves back to work on the ranch he had sold after his dad died. Tess is the daughter of the guy who now owns the ranch. She and her son Tucker live there taking care of her ill father. Sawyer is just happy to be like the prodigal son. There is so much to do, but he wants to redeem himself. Tess doesn't trust him at first, but watching how he works the ranch and treats her toddler son Tucker brings her around. But will he be able to continue working, when things get very difficult?

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging, especially Tucker. He is a doll! The Christian values are woven into the story and don't seem to be tacked on. This is a fun introduction to a sweet cowboy romance series.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Kemerer is starting a new series, A Wyoming Ranchers Story, with “The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope.” Sawyer Roth sold his dad’s farm, after his death, and moved to New York City. He has lost his inheritance and has returned to now work on that farm for Ken McKay, the present owner. Sawyer feels shamed and fears what everyone will think of him. Ken is fighting cancer and is being cared for by his daughter, Tess Malone and her 2yr old son, Tucker. A book of faith, forgiveness, and second chances.
This is a well written story with good characters, good storyline, and a cute kid! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t festive or exciting. There wasn’t anything memorable about this book and it wasn’t spicy 🌶️.

This is a story about a guy named Sawyer Roth who returns home and to his childhood ranch. He has a reputation and rumors about what he did while he was away. It was just because of a bad relationship with a woman he was with.

On the ranch he is asked to help with he meets Tess Malone who is a single mother of a young infant son. She has a sick father who hires Sawyer to work the ranch. There was no dating going on between Sawyer and Tess and yet he proposes at the end which I didn’t understand. They didn’t hang out together or date and they end up together in the end ??????

[Karen Baney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Kemerer delivers a delightful story about a young man’s second chance. When Sawyer Roth sold his family’s ranch and moved to New York City, he did not know he would return to Wyoming years later, humbled. His internal struggle revolved around how he thought others perceived him—a reckless fool. Yet his hard life in New York refined him into a wonderful, caring, and thrifty man.

When he meets the rancher’s daughter, single-mom Tess, he vows to help her and her father, even though he fears they will use him. Tess has her own hang-ups and learns to overcome them.
I loved the way Kemerer allowed both Sawyer and Tess to overcome their pasts in a lifelike way. I enjoyed Tess’s son and appreciated that she did not have a perfect relationship with her tough father.

Kemerer writes believable characters that learn to apply their faith to their lives engagingly. She reveals tidbits about past relationships at just the right time to propel the story forward at a pleasing pace. I really enjoyed how the romance grew between Sawyer and Tess.

I would strongly recommend this book to fans of inspirational romance, contemporary romance, clean romance, and Christian romance.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance, Christmas Romance, Christian Romance
Location: Wyoming
Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: Message of relying on God to redeem a broken past.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope
By: Jill Kemerer
Kemerer has started her new series off with a bang. I loved it and her cowboy story with the ranch life. Loved the wonderful characters all were well developed. Ranch life and second chances. I believe we all deserve a second chance at times. A heartwarming story that will have you trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope was a wonderful start to Jill Kemerer’s new series! I loved Sawyer and his desire to right the wrongs of his past. And Tess, I enjoyed how there seemed to be no hope of a HEA at the beginning of the story, but by the end the story seamlessly fell into place. I’m excited to read the stories of Sawyer’s friends in the rest of the Wyoming Ranchers series!

*I received this book as a gift. No positive review required. Opinions my own.

[Jordann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope, by Jill Kemerer, is the first book in her new series, Wyoming Ranchers. This heartwarming story is one that will keep you fully engaged until the very end!

If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance books especially ones that take place during the holidays, then The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope is a book that you will undoubtedly enjoy!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author, but was under no obligation to leave a review.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer and Tess

Sawyer returns home to work on the ranch that use to be his own. Tess is a single mother trying to make ends meet for her father and son. I love inspiration HQN romance stories for the message and the brief stories.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer Roth has returned to Wyoming to manage the ranch he had sold to another after his father died. There he meets the daughter of the rancher, Tess Malone, a divorced mother with a son.

Great story about faith, hope and forgiveness.

[Tessa :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the goofiest books I've ever read. I got it ages ago from one of those free libraries cause the main girl's name is Tess so I thought it would be funny. It is literally the book version of a Hallmark movie.

[Bookworman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet love story filled with faith and hope. Very enjoyable! In fact, I enjoyed this new author so much I bought the whole series!

Many thanks to my GR friend, Katherine for making me aware of this author.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wyoming Ranchers (Book #1)