Ransom Canyon welcomes you back for a Christmas that has everything you’re looking for: romance, family and a whole lot of Texas. Cooper Holloway would take nature over people any day–especially visiting relatives. That’s why he’s headed for a rustic cabin in remote Winter Valley, where he’ll care for a herd of wild mustangs. But Cooper’s plans are quickly thwarted by the arrival of two … two unexpected guests: one, a stranger in desperate need of his help, and the other, a very attractive young veterinarian.
Elliott is busy trying to keep Maverick Ranch running smoothly with Cooper gone, which is no easy task with family visiting. And when a long-lost love suddenly reappears in his life, Elliott knows he’ll have more than just books to balance this season.
With a big, chaotic family Christmas around the corner and love blooming in surprising ways, the Holloway men will have to make big choices about the future–just in time for the holidays.
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In “Christmas in Winter Valley”, wonderful writer Jodi Thomas treats readers to holidays with the Holloways! In a return to her awesome “Ransom Canyon Series”, with Book #8, the author has loner Cooper Holloway hightailing it to an isolated cabin in Winter Valley to escape incoming relatives and keep company with a herd of wild mustangs. Fate has its own ideas for Cooper, however, and an accident, a beautiful young veterinarian named Hayley Westland, and a small boy named Tatum will not only change Coop’s plans, they will change his life forever. Meanwhile, back at the Maverick Ranch, family folks and old friends are finding the spirit of the season in their own ways, and it looks like a memorable yuletide for all. Jodi Thomas is one of my all-time favorite authors, and she never fails to make each new book a true reader’s delight. She always draws me deeply into the story line and then takes me completely by surprise when she pulls an Ace or two from her sleeve. I highly recommend the works of Jodi Thomas, and her “Ransom Canyon Series” is sure to thrill lovers of contemporary western romance with touches of humor, a good dose of adventure, and a heaping helping of Terrific Texans.
Book Copy Gratis Harlequin Books
Jodi Thomas is a talented storyteller, whose words on paper paints vivid pictures into the reader’s mind, embedding them into the tales, while wrapping their hearts to the warm, loving feels radiating from her characters.
Christmas in Winter Valley tells the tales of four couples destinies, endearing romances on the side of the most adorable, heartfelt bromance between a young orphan boy and Cooper.
The characters all are charming and sweet, the drama is limited, and while passion and loving are notching the temperatures up in the cold winter weather, the action mostly happens off the pages of the book.
With multiple storylines fusing into one plot, the happiness, joyous, miraculous Christmas spirit is a tangible force bringing people and families together. Of course, the multiple narratives have no chance or space to dig deep into all of the characters and the nuances of the romances budding through the ranch. Yet the message of the season, that there are hope and faith for the future if love conquers all, that is the genuinely tangible happily ever after in the air at the Holloway ranch at Christmas in Winter Valley
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
A three-for-one book, with mature love, new love, and second chance love. Oldest brother Griffin and his wife are away from the ranch, visiting her sick father. He’s left his two brothers, Elliott and Cooper in charge.
The book opens as Cooper is preparing to leave in a hurry, killing two birds with one stone. He needs to head into the hills and check on the wild mustangs before winter sets in. The local vet is supposed to meet him up there. He is also desperate to get away before his sister-in-law’s cousins arrive. He’s encountered them before and doesn’t want to deal with the giggly, party animals again. Cooper gets quite a surprise when he arrives at the cabin and finds a nine-year-old runaway boy named Tatum. Cooper is too soft-hearted to immediately turn the boy into social services, which turns out to be a good thing when Cooper is badly injured in a fall. It’s Tatum who finds help in the form of Hayley, veterinarian, and granddaughter of the vet Cooper was expecting.
We also meet Elliott, the middle brother, and ranch business manager. For the most part, Elliott would prefer to work with the books than the cows, but he can do both. Elliott had left college early when his father died, returning to the ranch to help run it. He left behind his fiancée, Jessica, who refused to come with him, telling him he was a fool to give up his education. He’s never forgotten her and hasn’t gotten involved with anyone since then. He has a lot on his plate with both Cooper and Griffin away, the cousins visiting, and the end-of-year paperwork for the ranch. Griffin hired an accountant to come to the ranch and help with the books. To say that Elliott was surprised to find Jessica sitting at the desk in the study would be putting it mildly.
Then there’s the new ranch hand, Tye. He’s older, a former rodeo rider and a magician with horses. At his previous job, he was contacted by a Texas Ranger who delivered Tye’s “inheritance” from his grandfather, who died in prison. Tye was puzzled by his grandfather’s old journal and sketchbook, which talked about a “gift” for Tye, but never comes right out and says where or what it is. He eventually figures out that it’s somewhere around Crossroads, Texas, and takes a job at the ranch while he tries to decipher the journal. There he meets the ranch cook, Danielle, a plain-speaking, big-hearted woman that he’s immediately drawn to.
I loved the way that the three stories were intertwined throughout the book. Each chapter alternated among the various couples, giving a chance to see the relationship develop as the days progressed. I think Cooper changed the most, from the charming, commitment-free cowboy to a man who was looking for something more. I loved his relationship with Tatum, taking the boy home with him and giving him the kind of attention he needed. I also enjoyed watching his relationship with Hayley grow. Both of them are independent, neither one taking well to being bossed. It was fun to see a little bit of protectiveness come out, though Cooper was smart enough not to push it. There’s a great scene at the end between Cooper and the ex-boyfriend who doesn’t realize he’s an ex. I enjoyed their interactions, as Hayley has just as fun a sense of humor as Cooper does.
Elliott had spent years remembering the way that he and Jess split, still hurt and angry over the way she refused to give even a little when he had to leave school. He remembers her as the one with all the plans, each step of the future all mapped out. When she shows up at the ranch, it’s clear that she stuck to those plans and is precisely where she wanted to be. I have to say that Jessica irritated me a bit at first with the way she went on and on about her place in her father’s firm and her coworker fiancé. She was cold to Elliott and barely polite to anyone else. But the longer she stayed, the more she loosened up, especially once she and Elliott cleared the air over their breakup. It also became evident that the sparks between Jessica and Elliott were still there. The question was, would Jessica see that sticking to her plan wasn’t making her happy? I liked her “aha” moment and seeing her go after the future she wanted.
Tye and Danielle’s story was the sweetest. Tye’s life has been a transient one with no desire to settle down. He won’t even commit to staying long at the ranch, never sure when the urge to leave will hit. But the moment he met Dani, something changed. Dani is the single mother of two adult sons. Her marriage hadn’t been a good one and she has no desire ever to marry again. Her boys are not the brightest bulbs in the box, and she took the job as a cook at the ranch to get away from enabling their dependency on her. Dani is surprised to discover that when Tye looks at her, he actually sees her and who she is. She has been used to blending into the background most of her life. I loved watching her bloom under his attention and see herself as a desirable woman. I also liked the way that Dani’s attention gave Tye the feeling he could put down roots. Some interesting moments between Tye and Dani’s sons created some problems, but peace was restored thanks to a little unexpected interference. I liked the way that Dani helped Tye with his search and loved the surprise that was waiting for him at the end of it.
I loved the wrap-up of the story at Christmas. The family meeting among the three brothers produced a surprise for Tatum and an especially heartwarming moment for Cooper. I loved seeing each couple face the future in their unique styles. None of the women are slackers in making their desires known, and their men are smart enough to follow through.
Anything Written by Jodi is a MUST read for me. She never disappoints
Whenever I have free time and want to snuggle in with a good book I can always count on Jodi Thomas. She is an artist with words. She paints a picture of the old West but brings it into present day. The scenes and relationships she creates are captivating and this book did not disappoint. But full disclaimer, Jodi Thomas is one of my favorite authors. I pre-order her books and countdown the days until they arrive. This novel involved multiple relationships which could come across as confusing for an average author but Jodi Thomas is far from average. Her superior skills easily navigate each unique storyline. She brings it all-mystery, drama, romance as well as a tug at your heartstrings. Humor is sprinkled throughout to keep it light. I believe this is the final book in this series and I am going to be sorry to leave Crossroads and Ransom Canyon behind. Guess I’ll just mosey on over to Honey Creek and Wayward Bend.
This is the second book I have read from the Ransom Canyon series, and I have absolutely loved them both. I keep meaning to start from the beginning; however, as the saying goes, so many books, so little time. The unfortunate dilemma of every reader. And while this story picks up not too long after the events of Mistletoe Miracles, each book completely stands alone, so there is no reason to feel as though you are missing anything. Each book is connected by this rural and remote town that is incredibly rich in Texas heritage, and you will be lovingly welcomed wherever you chose to begin.
“From the moment I touched you, I felt like I’ve been waiting for you. Like I’ve been working my way back to you, but we’ve never met.”
Following the relationships of three very different couples, this is another heartwarming, inspiring, and charming story that will wrap you up in the arms of this completely genuine community. Each couple is navigating different stages of their lives, while also exploring the relationships that they suddenly find themselves trying to embrace. The author’s writing style is so effortless that in her deft hands, these fictional characters become masterfully relatable and delightfully engaging. She breathed such life into these distinct individuals that I couldn’t help but become invested in their outcomes. I found myself most connected to Dani and Tye’s story, anticipating their return at each reading to find out how everything would work out for them.
“She felt like this stranger was really seeing her. No on had done that for a long time. Maybe ever. As he walked away, she almost laughed to aloud. A worthless man and an invisible woman might just become friends.”
Loneliness is a central theme, and though each character is struggling in his or her own way, the author is able to converge each of these separate story lines into a meaningful exploration of family, new beginnings, and second chances. There is no doubt as to the authenticity of this cast of characters. They were all hardworking, friendly individuals who like anyone else may find themselves facing struggles; however, it is through healthy connections and relationships with others that they keep moving forward. None of them are perfect, and they don’t or haven’t always made good choices, but they continue to push themselves towards redemption and happiness as they find friendship, guidance, and love in the most unlikely places.
The romance aspects of the story are so subtle, showcasing the power of the author’s use of description to let your imagination do all the work. And though it’s a simple, conversational tone between characters, you can feel the sparks igniting, and it’s breathtakingly magical to watch unfold.
Ultimately, happy endings come together in a touching tapestry that makes this a perfect selection to curl up with this season!
Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for sending me a copy of this book for free. This is my honest and thoughtful review.
Awesome book
A very heartwarming story that will keep you reading to the very end! Her best novel EVER!
Jodi Thomas Ransom Canyon series has long been a favorite as she creates vivid scenes and stories involving Texas ranching and the people who live and work them. Christmas in Winter Valley is a heartwarming addition to the series and lives up to my high expectations of a Jodi Thomas novel. It is always easy to engage with her characters. Four couples are involved in this story, and an orphaned and entertaining boy is thrown in the mix. I really enjoyed his story. Made me want to go back and reread the entire series, which I plan to do this winter. Well done!
Christmas in Winter Valley is a perfect Christmas story. Cooper Holloway prefers nature to people & jumps at the chance to head for the hills when his sister in law’s cousins come for a visit. His plans are to meet up with the vet & try to work up the wild mustangs. When he encounters an unexpected visitor at the camp, he should have realized it was the first sign things weren’t going to go the way he planned. His young visitor shouldn’t have made it anywhere near the camp & the vet wasn’t the old grizzly guy he was expecting but the old vet’s granddaughter, Hayley.
This was an interesting story with several subplots running throughout it. The main relationship is that between Cooper, Hayley & Tatum. Cooper fought it tooth & nail but the chemistry between Hayley & him continued to grow. His affection for Tatum grew stronger everyday they were together. There are several other relationships growing at the same time & they all had to fight for what they wanted & learn to trust the others. This was truly a story of a family forged out of experiences, not blood & their concern & love for each other.
I received and ARC of Christmas in Winter Valley from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This was a very good book, very well written and had a wonderful storyline. I found it a hard book to put down, once I got started reading it. The book was able to pull lots of emotions from me which I look for in a book. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Such a magnificent storyteller! Jodi Thomas’s writing style is the most unique and soothing, I’ve ever encountered.
Christmas In Winter’s Valley was a perfect conclusion to a phenomenal series.
Cooper, Elliot, and Dani all find their happy-ever-after. Tatum truly became the star of the story. He melted my heart in every scene.
Such an amazing plot, a book which will leave readers believing in true love, no matter what age.
Sometimes the best things in life come latter when the time is right.
From Ransom Canyon’s prequel, Winter’s Camp, to the series finale, Christmas At Winter’s Valley, I’ve been mesmerized with Crossroads, Texas and the wonderful individuals who call this home.
Many times strangers wonder into each other’s lives and define the true meaning of family, not always blood related, but spiritually destined.
Jodi Thomas’s best series, one which has been woven into my heart and soul.
Tonya Lucas 7-10-2019