What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet River Ranch #1
A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy
She's never done a spontaneous thing in her life. Neither has he. But a marriage-of-convenience seems like a good idea to this embattled woman and grieving sudden dad in this Montana Ranches Christian Romance.
Everything hit all at once. Tate Sullivan became the guardian of his young nephew after his brother's death, and now Grandfather has bought a failing guest ranch in Montana. Tate's used to handling Fortune 5000 companies, but moving halfway across the country and learning an entirely new, rural business is a challenge, especially with a toddler in tow.
Nice girls finish last... or that's what it seems like to Stephanie Simpson when her ex-boyfriend, a pastor, proposes to a former bad girl. It's not that Stephanie wants her ex to rethink his life choices, but would it be so wrong to move on as quickly as he has? A quick wedding to that cute but faltering cowboy with the adorable toddler might get her what she wants. After all, it's clear Tate needs a helping hand.
He's a Christian, just like she is. What could possibly go wrong?
About the Sweet River Ranch Romance series:
Walter Sullivan is frustrated with the soft lives his entitled sons and grandsons lead. Yes, it’s because he’s given them an education and money, but now he’s just frustrated with the namby-pamby city kids. Working together to revive a failing guest ranch in Montana will give those young men a chance to prove their worth. And if they settle into the cowboy life and find romance in the bargain, it will be well worth the risk.
Everything hit all at once. Tate Sullivan became the guardian of his young nephew after his brother's death, and now Grandfather has bought a failing guest ranch in Montana. Tate's used to handling Fortune 5000 companies, but moving halfway across the country and learning an entirely new, rural business is a challenge, especially with a toddler in tow.
Nice girls finish last... or that's what it seems like to Stephanie Simpson when her ex-boyfriend, a pastor, proposes to a former bad girl. It's not that Stephanie wants her ex to rethink his life choices, but would it be so wrong to move on as quickly as he has? A quick wedding to that cute but faltering cowboy with the adorable toddler might get her what she wants. After all, it's clear Tate needs a helping hand.
He's a Christian, just like she is. What could possibly go wrong?
About the Sweet River Ranch Romance series:
Walter Sullivan is frustrated with the soft lives his entitled sons and grandsons lead. Yes, it’s because he’s given them an education and money, but now he’s just frustrated with the namby-pamby city kids. Working together to revive a failing guest ranch in Montana will give those young men a chance to prove their worth. And if they settle into the cowboy life and find romance in the bargain, it will be well worth the risk.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2023
123 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Comer
87 books229 followersValerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.
Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.
CONTACTING VALERIE
Newsletter | Website/Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
valerie@valeriecomer.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 19, 2023
Valerie Comer has a special way with writing cowboy tales & I am in love with what she did with Tate's story. He is definitely not a cowboy when our heroine, Stephanie, accidentally runs into him while on her way to meet another man. In fact, he doesn't want to be a cowboy at all and is a bit miffed he's being summoned to Montana by his grandfather when he would much rather be returning to his penthouse in Chicago. The story of how he decides that his home really is in Montana involves his brother's son, Jamie, that he has taken on to raise and the woman he "accidentally" meets that falls in love with Jamie first, and then Tate. Stephanie's transformation under Tate's love and care was beautiful, especially for those of us who struggle with our identity as God's beloved children. I enjoyed being introduced to the whole Sullivan clan and am anxiously awaiting Graham's story!
August 26, 2023
Pretty Good
It was a good story but not quite as good as most of her other books. Not sure if what threw me was the title. It makes me think of a wedding being sprung on the groom with no warning, “surprise, you’re getting married today, right now,” but that’s not what happened. I will continue to read this series as they come out though because I really enjoy this author.
It was a good story but not quite as good as most of her other books. Not sure if what threw me was the title. It makes me think of a wedding being sprung on the groom with no warning, “surprise, you’re getting married today, right now,” but that’s not what happened. I will continue to read this series as they come out though because I really enjoy this author.
March 13, 2025
Readers who love to make friends with characters and stay connected through a whole series (with crossovers to other series!) will love this series-opener. Stephanie and Tate have both appeared in previous books, so you may already know them. And if you've read the Cavanagh cowboy series, you'll recognize plenty of names.
I was intrigued by this one because of Tate (successful city-dweller) being planted in Montana to manage a guest ranch. There wasn't as much of a fish-out-of-water element as I'd hoped, but it was interesting to see how he and his brothers and cousins all found a place in this new venture of their grandfather's.
It's a sweet romance, complete with cute toddler, but what I most appreciated was the insight into the false beliefs Stephanie felt were true about herself. We see why and how she has them, as a "poor little good girl who's never good enough." And rock-solid Tate is able to speak truth to her, which we can take to heart ourselves. So many of us suffer with one form or another of damaged identity, and it's good to see her progress in working through this in an organic, non-preachy way. Maybe it all worked out a bit fast at the end? But this is a romance, not an introspective women's fiction.
It's also interesting to watch this couple, who marry fast but for love, navigate expectations and assumptions and build a strong relational foundation.
The epilogue features the male lead of book 2 in the series, and it ends with a note to him from the author. I liked that.
I did find the number of characters and their interconnections confusing at times.
I was intrigued by this one because of Tate (successful city-dweller) being planted in Montana to manage a guest ranch. There wasn't as much of a fish-out-of-water element as I'd hoped, but it was interesting to see how he and his brothers and cousins all found a place in this new venture of their grandfather's.
It's a sweet romance, complete with cute toddler, but what I most appreciated was the insight into the false beliefs Stephanie felt were true about herself. We see why and how she has them, as a "poor little good girl who's never good enough." And rock-solid Tate is able to speak truth to her, which we can take to heart ourselves. So many of us suffer with one form or another of damaged identity, and it's good to see her progress in working through this in an organic, non-preachy way. Maybe it all worked out a bit fast at the end? But this is a romance, not an introspective women's fiction.
It's also interesting to watch this couple, who marry fast but for love, navigate expectations and assumptions and build a strong relational foundation.
The epilogue features the male lead of book 2 in the series, and it ends with a note to him from the author. I liked that.
I did find the number of characters and their interconnections confusing at times.
December 3, 2024
Contemporary Christian Romance. I am a big fan of Valerie Comer's books but haven't read as much of them recently, as evidenced by the fact there are now 4 books in this series out and I just finished book 1. Tate recently became the legal guardian of his nephew after his brother and sister-in-law both died. He is on his way from Chicago to Montana to meet up with his grandfather, brothers, and cousin. As he takes the exit for a hotel on the way, he almost hits another car. She happens to be heading to the same hotel and they both extend each other a bit of grace after their inopportune meet-cute. When Tate's nephew Jamie immediately calls Stephanie "mama," Tate's heart skips a beat. He hires her on as the new nanny but both of them are feeling the attraction.
I have not read the two stories where these protagonists were introduced, which may explain why I didn't feel as connected to them. Comer's strength is in building a whole community, and I did enjoy seeing some of the characters from the Cavanaugh series make cameos. I found Stephanie to be a bit annoying honestly, though I did like Tate's character. I look forward to reading more about this new ranch family.
I have not read the two stories where these protagonists were introduced, which may explain why I didn't feel as connected to them. Comer's strength is in building a whole community, and I did enjoy seeing some of the characters from the Cavanaugh series make cameos. I found Stephanie to be a bit annoying honestly, though I did like Tate's character. I look forward to reading more about this new ranch family.
July 8, 2025
A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy
I enjoyed reading Tate and Stephanie’s wonderful story. Tate has become the guardian of his nephew recently. Their trip to a ranch in Montana that his grandfather has purchased has been long and miserable with the toddler crying loudly all the way from Kansas. When he approaches a young woman who almost ran them off the road, he could not have known the changes that were about to happen in his life and that of his nephew. Stephanie is tired of being the nice girl that finishes last. She lost her boyfriend to her roommate and is expected to be her maid of honor. Her life changes when she almost runs a man and his child off the road. Be sure to read how their relationship develops.
I enjoyed reading Tate and Stephanie’s wonderful story. Tate has become the guardian of his nephew recently. Their trip to a ranch in Montana that his grandfather has purchased has been long and miserable with the toddler crying loudly all the way from Kansas. When he approaches a young woman who almost ran them off the road, he could not have known the changes that were about to happen in his life and that of his nephew. Stephanie is tired of being the nice girl that finishes last. She lost her boyfriend to her roommate and is expected to be her maid of honor. Her life changes when she almost runs a man and his child off the road. Be sure to read how their relationship develops.
January 18, 2024
My thoughts: This is a sweet romance, a good strong faith message and a quick romance. I liked both of the characters until the end the the heroine got on my last nerve. But it all ended well. I enjoyed learning about dome of the things that might be involved in starting a dude ranch and that seems to be a popular subject now as I;ve read six books recently with that subject line. If you like romance and cowboys you will love A SURPRISE WEDDIMG FOR THE COWBOY. I was given a cooy free and all opinions are my own.
September 8, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Tate and Stephanie's story. I love the way the author portrayed Tate as a strong Christian man, holding to his convictions while adjusting to a few big curveballs in live.
Boundaries with family can be tough and I love the way the author wrote this process for both characters in their relationships with their families. Very encouraging.
Fans of inpsy romance, sweet, clean romance, and Christian romance will enjoy this beautiful story.
Boundaries with family can be tough and I love the way the author wrote this process for both characters in their relationships with their families. Very encouraging.
Fans of inpsy romance, sweet, clean romance, and Christian romance will enjoy this beautiful story.
November 20, 2023
This avid reader enjoys Valerie Comer's Farm Fresh and Urban Farm Fresh series, but is not fond of Cowboy Romances. Purchased the book in August, BUT never finished reading the story. Just can't relate to the characters and was difficult following the story line of a sudden dad and a contemporary marriage of convenience. This Midwesterner has never been to a Montana ranch. Even tried book 2 in the series, but still haven't finished the book.
December 25, 2024
Only God will never let you down.
Stephanie had always worked hard to be the good girl, to please her parents, but never felt she measured up. When her previous boyfriend (her parent's ideal man) broke up with her, it added to her feelings of worthlessness. Her relationship with Tate happened quickly, and she struggled to believe he would always love her. Only when her foundation was seeking God first, and believing she was truly loved by God, could she learn to trust Tate.
Stephanie had always worked hard to be the good girl, to please her parents, but never felt she measured up. When her previous boyfriend (her parent's ideal man) broke up with her, it added to her feelings of worthlessness. Her relationship with Tate happened quickly, and she struggled to believe he would always love her. Only when her foundation was seeking God first, and believing she was truly loved by God, could she learn to trust Tate.
March 10, 2025
I really enjoy Valerie Comer's writing style.I had read Stephanie's pre-story but not Tate's but I loved this series starter. I thought it was well written had some unexpected things and an adorable toddler in the story. I appreciate this author weaving faith into the story. And it is clean with no bad language. I love the Family series and look forward to reading the other character's stories.cant go wrong with Valerie!
August 27, 2023
on the solid rock
Wow! Stephanie is such an example of grace to me. She chose to let go of so many insecurities even when there was false evidence. Doing good things and being a “good girl” is only good when it comes from God. When the rug gets pulled out, she is standing on The Foundation. Well done!
Wow! Stephanie is such an example of grace to me. She chose to let go of so many insecurities even when there was false evidence. Doing good things and being a “good girl” is only good when it comes from God. When the rug gets pulled out, she is standing on The Foundation. Well done!
August 31, 2023
I enjoyed this marriage of convenience tale, the first book in a new series from Valerie Comer. Exploring themes of trust and the fact that marriage doesn't fix your problems, it also provides a unique look into some of the struggles of a family business. Be ready to fall in love with the setting of Sweet River Ranch and get to know a whole new family of cowboys.
December 6, 2023
awesome awesome awesome
Novel. Tate and Stephanie and little Eli, what a precious precious little family. This is a great novel with family being torn, growing and scared to death all rolled in to one. I can’t imagine having a grandfather yanking everyone’s chain and how to live your life. This is an awesome book. Read today.
Novel. Tate and Stephanie and little Eli, what a precious precious little family. This is a great novel with family being torn, growing and scared to death all rolled in to one. I can’t imagine having a grandfather yanking everyone’s chain and how to live your life. This is an awesome book. Read today.
May 7, 2024
I love Valerie Comer's books.. I love the Marriage of Convenience trope.. so I was destined to love this book. Tate and Stephanie showed up in earlier series, so they were not strangers to me. I loved seeing a bit of redemption for Stephanie.
This is not the typical MOC story (didn't expect typical from Valerie). Stephanie has struggled with love and rejection and while being married is what she wants most, it doesn't cure all that ails her. Tate is determined to realign his priorities, but finds himself falling back into his old ways. Loved watching them work through all of this, as well as find their place within each of their families and with each other.
This is not the typical MOC story (didn't expect typical from Valerie). Stephanie has struggled with love and rejection and while being married is what she wants most, it doesn't cure all that ails her. Tate is determined to realign his priorities, but finds himself falling back into his old ways. Loved watching them work through all of this, as well as find their place within each of their families and with each other.
June 27, 2024
2.5 Star Rating
DNF @ 67% and then skim to the end. The fmc suddenly did a 180 after they got engaged. She was jealous, insecure, not sure she loved mmc, not trusting in her faith, and is shocked/hurt when her parents continue to treat her horribly when they always have. Tate and the baby were great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy
This was n interesting story bout. City fellow out of Chicago, going to Montana and his other brothers to revamp a ranch. His grandfather owned the ranch and it was to be a western resort type. Along the way, he meets Stephanie, and he desperately needs her to be a nanny for his nephew. So much more to come, enjoy.
This was n interesting story bout. City fellow out of Chicago, going to Montana and his other brothers to revamp a ranch. His grandfather owned the ranch and it was to be a western resort type. Along the way, he meets Stephanie, and he desperately needs her to be a nanny for his nephew. So much more to come, enjoy.
November 18, 2023
What a great book
This author is really good at keeping your interest put in at all times. I loved the strength and faith they had. Yes there were problems to solve and they knew where to go for strength.
This author is really good at keeping your interest put in at all times. I loved the strength and faith they had. Yes there were problems to solve and they knew where to go for strength.
June 7, 2024
Against all odds.
A chance meeting leads to romance, but of course it's not plain sailing especially when self worth is measured by meeting parental expectations, but love and realizing that God is the One who makes us worthy results in a really good romance.
A chance meeting leads to romance, but of course it's not plain sailing especially when self worth is measured by meeting parental expectations, but love and realizing that God is the One who makes us worthy results in a really good romance.
June 22, 2024
Another five star from Valerie Comer
A sweet read with solid rock faith and a cute little toddler often stealing the show. What great scenery, written vividly and beautifully. Off to read the next one! I highly recommend.
A sweet read with solid rock faith and a cute little toddler often stealing the show. What great scenery, written vividly and beautifully. Off to read the next one! I highly recommend.
March 20, 2025
Great book
The characters are very detailed and they deal with real life problems. This is the first book I have read of this author and will read more of her books. I am also very thankful for her Biblical truths that are incorporated throughout the story.
The characters are very detailed and they deal with real life problems. This is the first book I have read of this author and will read more of her books. I am also very thankful for her Biblical truths that are incorporated throughout the story.
August 26, 2023
Fantastic.
This is a really good read. I like the storyline. It is remarkable and the characters was incredible and intriguing. It is also a page turned
This is a really good read. I like the storyline. It is remarkable and the characters was incredible and intriguing. It is also a page turned
September 10, 2023
a little hard to read at times
This is a good story and I’m glad I read it I’ll want to read some more of the family stories. I always love reading book by Valerie .
This is a good story and I’m glad I read it I’ll want to read some more of the family stories. I always love reading book by Valerie .
June 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy was fun to read. I enjoyed every minute. Currently reading the next book in this series.
A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy was fun to read. I enjoyed every minute. Currently reading the next book in this series.
August 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, and especially the fact that it doesn't end with the wedding, but addresses the challenges of a couple after they're married! Comer does a great job at addressing a lot of issues of a lot the characters in the book, with good Scriptural thoughts on communication, trust, who can fix things, and much more.
If you want some back stories, Comer's book Her Unlikely Hero (Easter in Gilead book 1) introduces Tate, his mom, and Jamie. Her book Amethyst Attraction (Pot of Gold Geocaching book 4) introduces Stephanie and other minor characters in this new book.
I really look forward to the next book in this new series.
If you want some back stories, Comer's book Her Unlikely Hero (Easter in Gilead book 1) introduces Tate, his mom, and Jamie. Her book Amethyst Attraction (Pot of Gold Geocaching book 4) introduces Stephanie and other minor characters in this new book.
I really look forward to the next book in this new series.
May 21, 2024
Enjoyed reading Stephanie and Tate’s story. Lots of scripture, prayer, and Christian advice. Stephanie is like lots of women who grow up in the church, making good choices but not seeing the godly outcome. Pleased she saw God’s hand in her marriage.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews