Christmas at Cade Ranch
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pagesby Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
November 7th 2017 by Harlequin
The Christmas they never had.
James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother's death. With Jesse's ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn't save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he's betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.
My Review: 5 Stars
Something about this book wrapped me right around its little finger and captured my heart. I typically read to escape and although this story had plenty of chances to do that, there are some hard matters to process. Karen Rock magically transported me right into the thick of things and allowed me to watch the characters change and develop. Their trials and pains were almost tangible and it was enlightening to work through things right along with them.
Single mom, Sofia, and her young son, Javi, are trying to get on their feet. Sofia has had a very rough life but to see where she is now gave me so much hope. Rock takes the reader through some tough situations and struggles, but it's not depressing; I have so much admiration for Sofia. As for Javi, that little kid stole my heart. He's precocious and hasn't had the best shot at life, despite Sofia's efforts, but all he wants is love and acceptance and the way he warms up to this family, eager to please, is so sweet that it's almost heart breaking. James is stern and precise, but this second chance even melts him like a snowman in the sun.
The emotion and triumphs are what I love best about this story. With a sweet and gentle romance blossoming in the wings, second chances at life and a family's love give the characters power to change prejudices and allow for stunning growth. Family really is everything and this whole family is fantastic, even with their flaws. I ran the gamut with my feelings and was enveloped in Carbondale, CO from the first page to the last. This is one series that I'm definitely watching out for.
Content: mild romance; very mild language; mild talk of drug use, death, violence.
*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions.*
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About the Author
In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.
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Other Heartwarming Books by the Author
Tour Schedule
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November 11th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
- Ends November 15th
Great review thank you, I love the cover,
ReplyDeletePenney
Thank you! The cover really is fantastic. :)
DeleteThank you for the review! Karen Rock is an awesome author. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Karen Rock is definitely one of my favorites.
DeleteWow! I absolutely love this review, Katie! When you mentioned that it's all about family, you got to the heart of this entire series. I was a big Waltons fan big I loved big families that, like you mentioned, have their flaws, but love and support each other through it all :) Thank you for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen!! You write such wonderful stories and it's always a pleasure to host you. :) I really can't wait for more of this series.
DeleteLOVED reading her series = awesome author!
ReplyDeleteYes! She always has such great series and is a very awesome author!
DeleteBeautiful cover! This is really getting me in the holiday spirit.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for the chance Karen as you know I love love your books and always review them! I am a follower that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat review! I felt the same way about this story. It all felt so real to me.
ReplyDeleteI think it's probably a pretty universal feeling. So good...and thanks!
DeleteSounds like a great book
ReplyDeleteIt is! I hope you get a chance to read it sometime.
DeleteThanks for the introduction to this book.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I hope you get a chance to read it!
Deletenice
ReplyDeleteWonderful review. I haven't read any books by this author but I'll be sure to look into more books by her.
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