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Callahans of Copper Creek #1
Making a Cowgirl
A mystery girl who made bad choices. A cowboy who’s made things right. Can he help her face the past and find love?
Sarah Newton is beautiful, rich, and has a big secret. She won’t be spending this summer on her college campus. Instead, the sheriff has assigned her to community service at the Callahan ranch. But anything is better than spending time in jail or having her parents find out.
Or so she thinks until she meets the handsomely irritating, almost-perfect cowboy who’s her boss…
Dax Heaton has worked on the Callahan ranch for years. After five years of sobriety, he’s now calm, cool, and skilled at working with horses. That is, until that stubborn brunette shows up on the ranch for the summer. The one he can’t stop thinking about.
Dax wants to know why Sarah is at the ranch, especially because she seems to be a magnet for trouble. Isn’t saving her life—twice—reason enough to tell him the truth?
Sarah is falling hard for Dax. But when her past catches up with her, will she tell Dax her secret and take a chance on love? Or will she run away in fear…
Sarah Newton is beautiful, rich, and has a big secret. She won’t be spending this summer on her college campus. Instead, the sheriff has assigned her to community service at the Callahan ranch. But anything is better than spending time in jail or having her parents find out.
Or so she thinks until she meets the handsomely irritating, almost-perfect cowboy who’s her boss…
Dax Heaton has worked on the Callahan ranch for years. After five years of sobriety, he’s now calm, cool, and skilled at working with horses. That is, until that stubborn brunette shows up on the ranch for the summer. The one he can’t stop thinking about.
Dax wants to know why Sarah is at the ranch, especially because she seems to be a magnet for trouble. Isn’t saving her life—twice—reason enough to tell him the truth?
Sarah is falling hard for Dax. But when her past catches up with her, will she tell Dax her secret and take a chance on love? Or will she run away in fear…
- GenresContemporaryWesterns
264 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2022
1067 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 10, 2023
Second Chances
We have all done things we are ashamed of. Secrets will destroy relationships. Thankfully, in the end, Sarah and Dax realize this.
We have all done things we are ashamed of. Secrets will destroy relationships. Thankfully, in the end, Sarah and Dax realize this.
August 19, 2023
2 stars
First off - weird cover. Why isn’t it Dax and Sarah? Looks like it’s Sarah and Brielle.
Secondly, this book was all over the place. As a character, Sarah had zero consistency other than to not be consistent. She went from speaking like a teenager and acting even younger, to acting older. She was very annoying in her reasoning, lack of communication and how one minute she is written as being terrified of horses but she suddenly decides to be a trainer? Is good at it? What? Her choices and the events in this book make zero sense. Zero. Her reasoning for keeping her not-so-interesting secrets was so cliche and eye-rolling (just like her secrets).
Dax was a somewhat solid character and it was refreshing to see a male character that has serious struggles but prioritizes himself and his health. I could understand keeping his secrets close-hold, as they were very heavy and clearly impacted his life strongly.
Brielle was also annoying.
This book was just so surface level. They all claim to be “family”, but we see only one meal where they are all together. Other than that, you see Brielle a handful of times and Connie once or twice. The author tells you how it is instead of building that relationship.
I really doubt I’m going to continue the series. As a side note - I had found this book while searching for contemporary Christian romance. I’m not sure why this popped up; I don’t think this is Christian? Very little mention of God but there was one or two sentences. There was very little spice as well. So maybe it was? Idk.
First off - weird cover. Why isn’t it Dax and Sarah? Looks like it’s Sarah and Brielle.
Secondly, this book was all over the place. As a character, Sarah had zero consistency other than to not be consistent. She went from speaking like a teenager and acting even younger, to acting older. She was very annoying in her reasoning, lack of communication and how one minute she is written as being terrified of horses but she suddenly decides to be a trainer? Is good at it? What? Her choices and the events in this book make zero sense. Zero. Her reasoning for keeping her not-so-interesting secrets was so cliche and eye-rolling (just like her secrets).
Dax was a somewhat solid character and it was refreshing to see a male character that has serious struggles but prioritizes himself and his health. I could understand keeping his secrets close-hold, as they were very heavy and clearly impacted his life strongly.
Brielle was also annoying.
This book was just so surface level. They all claim to be “family”, but we see only one meal where they are all together. Other than that, you see Brielle a handful of times and Connie once or twice. The author tells you how it is instead of building that relationship.
I really doubt I’m going to continue the series. As a side note - I had found this book while searching for contemporary Christian romance. I’m not sure why this popped up; I don’t think this is Christian? Very little mention of God but there was one or two sentences. There was very little spice as well. So maybe it was? Idk.
September 5, 2022
Making a Cowgirl is an adventure waiting to be read. It is full of love, suspense, blackmail, and horses. When a young woman gets involved with the wrong young man while in college and they spend their school break in malicious vandalism in Cooper Creek, he is sent to jail and she is sentenced to community service at Slate Rock Ranch. She is placed under the supervision of Dax that is living with secrets of his own. He shares his love for horse training with Sarah and together they start to form a bond. Will the secrets that Sarah has cause her billionaire parents unwanted press that could hurt their company? Or will the safety of Dax and Sarah be threatened due to her secrets?
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.
September 6, 2022
Sarah and Dax are opposite in all was she's ran write into trouble in her need to rebel against life and her rich parents expectations which lead her to a boy full of trouble now he's in jail her parents will be unhappy if they find out about everything so when the sheriff gives her a choice being on a ranch doing community service is better then telling her parents anything. Dax has been the one breaking all the rules now hes 5 years sober working for the very family that gave him a chance and he doesn't need trouble and Sarah is exactly that. This is a sweet clean romance about making better choices and growing up.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 5, 2022
Making a Cowgirl by Natalie Dean is a great read to start the series..A rich girl who's a bit rebelious and acting out to get some attentions and surrounded by a bad crowd.;now she's in the Callahan ranch to do community service assigned by the sheriff..A seasoned cowboy who's been sober in years and working in the rach for the horses..both is having trust issues and secrets that neither of them willing to share..But when Sarah's past catches up with her, will she tell Dax her secret and take a chance or run away in fear? I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book
September 5, 2022
A ranch just made for second chances
Sarah needs Dax and he needed her they just didn’t yet realize it when they met. She is paying for a super big mistake she made and she has just a bit of attitude. Dax has had his own problems but knows just how important second chances are yet it took a little birdie to clue him in. I enjoyed seeing the growth that Sarah went through and how she dealt with things at the end of the book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Sarah needs Dax and he needed her they just didn’t yet realize it when they met. She is paying for a super big mistake she made and she has just a bit of attitude. Dax has had his own problems but knows just how important second chances are yet it took a little birdie to clue him in. I enjoyed seeing the growth that Sarah went through and how she dealt with things at the end of the book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 15, 2022
Although it isn’t the main focus of this book, I’m still trying to wrap my mind around having to wait for the next older sister to marry before I can date. I’m sure that will be playing a part in upcoming books, but for this one, Natalie Dean has introduced us to Sarah Newton who has been assigned community service at the Callahan ranch but no one knows this or if they do they don’t know why. Sarah is like a fish out of water being assigned to work on a ranch. Dax Heaton is no stranger to problems but he’s not sure how to deal with Sarah. I loved this book and look forward to watching the rest of the Callahans find their place in the world.
October 16, 2022
Making a Cowgirl
This book was so good. I loved it! Sarah and Dax both had a past and secrets that they were keeping from each other and even though they got off to a rough start, when they start developing feelings for each other, the past rears its ugly head. I loved the characters in this book and the storyline. It has love, suspense, mystery and of course horses and cowboys. This was a delightful book and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good story. Author, Natalie Dean, has started another great series and I look forward to the next book.
This book was so good. I loved it! Sarah and Dax both had a past and secrets that they were keeping from each other and even though they got off to a rough start, when they start developing feelings for each other, the past rears its ugly head. I loved the characters in this book and the storyline. It has love, suspense, mystery and of course horses and cowboys. This was a delightful book and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good story. Author, Natalie Dean, has started another great series and I look forward to the next book.
September 6, 2023
Redemption story
This is an age-old story proving that the old saying is true, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.”it’s a story of maturation, taking responsibility for your own actions and being willing to stand firm against evil and temptation, even when it requires sacrifice. The characters are solidly developed and grew in faith and love as the plot progressed. I only gave four stars because I felt there were loose ends that left me in the dark. I’m not much of a fan of cliffhangers. Otherwise I really liked this one.
This is an age-old story proving that the old saying is true, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.”it’s a story of maturation, taking responsibility for your own actions and being willing to stand firm against evil and temptation, even when it requires sacrifice. The characters are solidly developed and grew in faith and love as the plot progressed. I only gave four stars because I felt there were loose ends that left me in the dark. I’m not much of a fan of cliffhangers. Otherwise I really liked this one.
September 6, 2022
Natalie Dean manages to write stories about the life challenges that people face every day in a way that's encouraging and moves the story line forward. I'm always amazed at the approach she takes and the insight it brings me. This is a great new series and I'm looking forward to the next installments.
In this book, Sarah is a spoiled little rich girl rebelling in all the wrong ways. She gets paired up with Dax, who's 5 years sober and ends up saving her behind way too often.
In this book, Sarah is a spoiled little rich girl rebelling in all the wrong ways. She gets paired up with Dax, who's 5 years sober and ends up saving her behind way too often.
December 14, 2022
I liked this book, but...
I enjoyed this story, but like so many authors who don't really understand horses and their body, this one had them starting a yearling! Only done with race horses who start racing at two year's old! It's not how you start a horse which you plan to use into old age! That said, it was a good storyline and loved the ending! I am sure there was a guide to training horse's that more authors would read before making such a mistake.
I enjoyed this story, but like so many authors who don't really understand horses and their body, this one had them starting a yearling! Only done with race horses who start racing at two year's old! It's not how you start a horse which you plan to use into old age! That said, it was a good storyline and loved the ending! I am sure there was a guide to training horse's that more authors would read before making such a mistake.
April 17, 2023
A cowboy finds his soulmate.
Loved being back with this author again. Dax and Sarah story was sweet. Dax taught Sarah everything she needed to know about being on a ranch. Both had secrets they thought would hurt each other. But they shared and got through it and found love in the process. Looking forward to reading more about the Callahan's and their love stories. I hope Brielle finds somebody to love her.
Loved being back with this author again. Dax and Sarah story was sweet. Dax taught Sarah everything she needed to know about being on a ranch. Both had secrets they thought would hurt each other. But they shared and got through it and found love in the process. Looking forward to reading more about the Callahan's and their love stories. I hope Brielle finds somebody to love her.
November 11, 2023
Entertaining read. It is always interesting how the author can change the rich boy falls in love with the poor girl. Everyone knows guys have a thing about marrying a girl with lots of money. Right! Thank you Natalie Dean for creating the tension between Dax and Sarah to real issues and not hangups on who comes into the relationship with the most money. It is the hearts of the two people which makes the best love stories.
September 5, 2022
Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters with a steamy chemistry and weaves an entertaining story. She does a terrific job building the story , bringing two total opposites together, adding danger and secrets and delivers a great read. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 5, 2022
Making a Cowgirl is a story of two people with secrets - Sarah, the poor little rich girl, and Dax, five years sober. Sarah has a lot to learn about being on a ranch. Dax saves her more than once. There is a bit of suspense from Sarah's past. Ms. Dean's well written book kept my attention as I watch Sarah grow and make better choices.
September 10, 2022
LOVE IT‼️ Sarah and Dax had me laughing, cheering and then wondering what the heck is going to happen! It kept me reading from page one to the end….yes I could not put it down until it was done! Great story,great characters and well worth the read. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review
September 26, 2022
Marrying a Cowgirl
This first book in the Callahan series was a great start to the series. The story of Dax a young man who had done bad things in his young life and how he turned himself around and fell in love with a young mystery woman who showed up at the ranch. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This first book in the Callahan series was a great start to the series. The story of Dax a young man who had done bad things in his young life and how he turned himself around and fell in love with a young mystery woman who showed up at the ranch. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
December 13, 2022
Making a Cowgirl
Dax had his work cut out for him. He was trying to train a young lady, how to work with horses and on a ranch. Sarah was working on a community service program. She was in trouble and had to report to the sheriff every week. This story gap had some twists and turnsbut you will enjoy the end.
Dax had his work cut out for him. He was trying to train a young lady, how to work with horses and on a ranch. Sarah was working on a community service program. She was in trouble and had to report to the sheriff every week. This story gap had some twists and turnsbut you will enjoy the end.
April 27, 2023
I enjoyed Dax and Sarah's story. They both have a troubled past they are trying to work through but hesitate to reveal too many secrets for fear of what the other will think. Are they able to learn to trust and deepen their relationship? Read, and find out! A sweet contemporary story set on a ranch - love Natalie Dean books!
May 2, 2023
It was just ok and I will not finish the series. Some of the circumstances are just not believable. I wondered many times just how old the heroine was because at times she appeared as a recalcitrant teen and other times somewhat older. Someone else may love this series, but it just wasn't for me.
July 30, 2024
A gentle first book in the Callahans series. I look forward to reading the others. It drifted a little in the middle but I enjoyed the read. Sarah and Dax are at first glance opposites, but they have more in common than they realise. I'm a fan of gentle, cowboy romance and read in between heavier stuff. So, now my secret's out there too!
February 7, 2025
Horsing around
Quite a nice start for a series about ranching and horses. Both main characters have pasts they would rather forget, but they keep coming up. He is alcoholic, she got involved with the wrong guy and is doing community service at Copper Creek ranch. Ready for the next book already.
Quite a nice start for a series about ranching and horses. Both main characters have pasts they would rather forget, but they keep coming up. He is alcoholic, she got involved with the wrong guy and is doing community service at Copper Creek ranch. Ready for the next book already.
September 6, 2022
I love stories like these! This one had a bit of everything, including personal growth and some suspense. There were two things that I'm still pondering on, and I'm hoping they are answered in the upcoming books. I look forward to the next one!
September 19, 2022
Secrets
A lie is just that. When we tell one we have to tell more to cover the on we told the first time! Now multiply that and add friends and ,family’s and friends. You have a mess but a chance to grow!,,,
A lie is just that. When we tell one we have to tell more to cover the on we told the first time! Now multiply that and add friends and ,family’s and friends. You have a mess but a chance to grow!,,,
October 28, 2022
A great read
I really liked this story about Sarah and Dax. It's a sweet clean romance, set in a beautiful small town community. It shows how, rich or poor, everyone has their challenges even though the grass may seem greener on the other side.
I really liked this story about Sarah and Dax. It's a sweet clean romance, set in a beautiful small town community. It shows how, rich or poor, everyone has their challenges even though the grass may seem greener on the other side.
March 11, 2023
A great read!!
I enjoyed this gentle romance. As always I want to thanks this author who never disappoints me with her books. At almost eighty with a much younger tablet I enjoy travels around the world to online.
I enjoyed this gentle romance. As always I want to thanks this author who never disappoints me with her books. At almost eighty with a much younger tablet I enjoy travels around the world to online.
March 12, 2023
Secrets and Heartaches
A story of two people with secrets and he heartaches they cause. Can the hidden truths keep two hearts from finding true love? Find out .. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with all the conflicts and ups and downs!
A story of two people with secrets and he heartaches they cause. Can the hidden truths keep two hearts from finding true love? Find out .. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with all the conflicts and ups and downs!
April 25, 2023
Making a Cowgirl
Glad Sarah and Dax were able to work out the problems keeping them apart. True happiness is hard to find and should be treasured. Glad they both admitted to the crimes they committed and were willing to accept the required punishment.
Glad Sarah and Dax were able to work out the problems keeping them apart. True happiness is hard to find and should be treasured. Glad they both admitted to the crimes they committed and were willing to accept the required punishment.
May 12, 2023
Very enjoyable
I really enjoyed the clean story. Enough drama in the relationship. Being able to hit on strong subject. Owning up to your mistakes and doing a better job with your future. Nice easy read
I really enjoyed the clean story. Enough drama in the relationship. Being able to hit on strong subject. Owning up to your mistakes and doing a better job with your future. Nice easy read
July 14, 2023
Good book
This was a good book. I think since I had read some of the other series those author has written I wasn't as thrilled with it but I would still recommend reading it. Cute story.
This was a good book. I think since I had read some of the other series those author has written I wasn't as thrilled with it but I would still recommend reading it. Cute story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews