Home for the holidaysA second chance at love on Big Heart Ranch Former navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots–and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother’s widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled … troubled past…and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all–love?
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Always enjoy sitting down to read Tina Radcliffe’s latest novel. And what could be more perfect than a happily-ever-after set during the Christmas holidays?
I absolutely LOVED this book from start to finish. If you’ve read the two other “Big Heart Ranch” books you will recognize alot of the characters; if not, it can be read as a stand alone story.
Christmas time is my favorite holiday and I LOVE the Big Heart Ranch characters so I was thrilled she wrote a book featuring them around the holidays.
I loved the main character Emma and her determination and drive to take care of her family, her late husbands legacy, and the Big Heart ranch kids. The whole concept of the ranch is phenomenal and I loved reading how Emma and Zach worked together to decorate the ranch for Christmas along with their usual chores and day to day life.
I read the book in one night because I didn’t want to put it down. Have I said how much I loved this book??!! It was the perfect Christian holiday story with some romance and lots of fun. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
“It’s perfectly obvious that you can’t go forward while your past is chasing you down. Big Heart Ranch is all about that. This is the place where we let go of our past. New beginnings. Like the birth of our Lord at Christmas.”
Man, Tina Radcliffe really knows how to pull those heartstrings, wind them tight, and then let them fly without warning. The entire Big Heart Ranch series is heart-breaking, heart-tugging, and heart-warming all at the same time but I really identified with this third book in the series (but, of course, I loved the first two books as well). Zach is the strong and silent type former Navy SEAL visiting the Big Heart Ranch for Christmas holiday to see his twin nieces and his sister-in-law Emma who is still grieving the death of her husband Steve, who was Zach’s half-brother. Zach has had a rough childhood and has always loved Emma but backed away and stayed away when his brother Steve started dating her. He’s gruff, action-speaks-louder-than-words Scrooge that scoffs at Emma’s Christmas spirit and enthusiasm. But when he starts to soften…. he becomes this swoony, considerate, thoughtful man able to steal Emma’s breath away. Emma is a smart, efficient, loving therapist who works with the abused and neglected children whom she and her family serve at Big Heart Ranch. Both Zach and Emma need to heal from their pasts and accept/extend forgiveness so that they can move ahead into their future. Dialogue is fantastic, sassy, and fun; Zach and Emma had me laughing out loud so much that my sides hurt!
If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. Though it’s book #3 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But you need to read the entire series! The Maxwell family is incredible and you have to experience each of the character’s stories!
I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I love all of Tina’s books, but this is my all-time favorite.
Christmas stories are just awesome to begin with but these characters bring it to another level! This author has paired a Navy SEAL (Zach) who is a strong, silent type with a bubbly, overachiever (Emma)! They were childhood friends and somewhere along the way, Zach fell in love with Emma but Emma had feelings for his half-brother and Zach just couldn’t hang around for that. Emma married his half-brother and eventually had twins but now the man died in a tragic accident and Emma is a widow. Zach still hasn’t been able to visit Emma and the girls on the Big Heart Ranch. I loved watching this tough Navy SEAL who had never had a good Christmas growing up, finally visit Emma on the Ranch where Christmas is everywhere! He is overwhelmed to say the least! She ropes him in to all that is Christmas and the spirit of Christmas wins him over. I loved how much he changed! Also, Emma changed because she was the Energizer Bunny and he taught her to slow down and just “be”! Such a great story!!!
I loved this book! It’s a sweet Christmas story of new beginnings and forgiveness. Adorable toddler twins; a ranch that’s home to boys and girls who have been rescued from the foster system; and a cowboy named Dutch who loves playing jokes means that every page has something to keep the reader entertained all throughout the book.
But it’s not just the great setting for this story, it’s the characters that steal your heart. It was good to reconnect with the Maxwell family again. This story focuses on Emma, the Maxwell sister who is a young widow with twin girls. Zach Norman, Emma’s brother-in-law, is a Navy SEAL who has not only been dealing with his own career-ending injury, but also with the death of his best friend who was killed in action. Even though they find themselves attracted to each other, they both have to deal with the heartaches in their past. Their story is a tender one that will have the reader cheering for them to find their happily-ever-after.
The “Big Heart Ranch” series is a good one, and I enjoyed this book in the series. You can read easily read this one as a “stand alone”, but after reading it, I’m confident you’ll want to read the rest of the series.
Christmas with the Cowboy is the third book in Tina Radcliffe’s Big Heart Ranch series. I think this one is my favorite of the three. If you read them in order, you are also becoming acquainted with the secondary characters.
These secondary characters add so much to the depth of the story. This story has the added bonus of my favorite hero blend, the military cowboy. Zach is all things hero, wrapped in a very humble demeanor. Emma is all things bubbly and extroverted. Their story is a long time developing because they’ve known each other for years. See how Zach and Emma conquer their pasts, defeat their fears and find their way together to a happily ever after.
A Christmas romance filled with lovable characters from adults to children, laughter, hurts, grief, faith and love is the perfect read for any day. Christmas with the Cowboy was perfect for a warm summer day for me. I was immersed into the story from the beginning. I wanted to see how Emma and Zach were going to work through all their pain over the years; after all they had known each other since childhood. Throw in adorable toddler’s twins, Rachel and Elizabeth, to capture their Uncle Zach’s heart even though he hadn’t been a part of their lives in the past 28 months and you’ll be spellbound till the end.
Tina Radcliffe knows how to win new readers to her books with relatable characters who are inspirational but still have flaws to overcome. She penned another moving and touching story with the happenings on Big Heart Ranch just in time for the holidays. Christmas was for everyone and especially children who had never experienced merriment were owed that when they came to the ranch. It wasn’t the quantity of gifts but the true meaning of Christmas, giving to others and showing love that they were immersed with throughout the season with the Holiday Rodeo, Christmas lights, live nativity and so much more.
There are charming secondary characters that made this story extra special in how they grew and gave to others. I love how Radcliffe has crafted this series with true to life issues that can shatter or mold individuals to be better like the Maxwell’s and others have proven in this series. Now on to the next book to see how my new family members are doing that I have fallen in love with at Big Heart Ranch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a review but have shared my own opinion.
Another delightful Christian romance in Tina Radcliffe’s Big Heart Ranch series!
I loved Christmas with the Cowboy! Zach has always loved Emma. He finally gets a chance to win her heart at Big Heart Ranch. Zach is a good uncle to Emma’s twins. Great story!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY by Tina Radcliffe is exactly what the Love Inspired books inspires to be – heartwarming, inspirational, and romantic – all wrapped up in Christmas.
Emma Maxwell Norman is a recent widow raising her twin daughter’s while trying to make sure Big Heart Ranch and her husband’s company, RangePro survive and prosper even when it seems to be getting harder with each passing month. She has an upbeat personality, always looking for the positive in any situation, and loves everything to do with Christmas which is evident with Holiday Roundup at Big Heart Ranch.
Zach Norman, Emma’s now brother-in-law and childhood best friend, recently left the Navy SEAL due to an injury he got in the line of duty and the inability to be satisfied sitting behind a desk. With a bum leg even after several surgeries, he’s trying to figure out what his purpose in life is. First on his agenda was to finally pay a visit to his fellow SEAL’s folks. It’s the very least he could do after he survived and his friend didn’t – to give them closure. Since it was close to his brother’s widow, he’d check on her and his nieces too. He knew this would be difficult because he had always loved Emma, but he had stepped away when she took interest in his brother. That’s why he has stayed away all this time. Distance was what he had to keep from Emma. Zach’s only experience with Christmas were bad ones. Christmas to him was just sad memories of never belonging or being loved – something to be avoided.
When old friends reunite and with their clash of opinions of Christmas, it makes for a wonderful adventure – better than events inside the corral of the ranch and definitely makes life very interesting.
Love the way the author lets you understand the feelings and reasoning of both Emma and Zach. It’s great to see the positive attitude of one counter the negativity of the other’s past bringing them closer and closer. Loved the way Zach became a vital part of the Big Heart Ranch not only to help out but also to find a purpose and see life through different eyes.
I would wholeheartedly recommend CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY to anyone that not only loves a wonderful Christmas story, but one that has values and meaning for the whole year. Love sure makes the world go around and Christmas sparkle a little brighter in Timber, Oklahoma!
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. After reading this book, I know I have to read books one and two to read about the other adventures.
I thought the first two books in the Big Heart Ranch series, Claiming Her Cowboy and Falling for the Cowgirl were my favorites, but I’m a sucker for a Christmas love story and this one takes the cake…er…chocolate muffins. Christmas With The Cowboy has it all…cowboys, cowgirls, babies, snow, trees, and love, but most of all, the wonder and miracles of the Christmas season. This sweet romance is full of family, forgiveness and faith. Tina writes with humor, heart and inspiration. Zach and Emma’s love story touched my heart and I’m positive it will make you believe in second chances at love. I was given an advanced reading copy for an honest review.
What fun going back for a visit to Big Heart Ranch for Emma and Zach’s story! Tina Radcliffe is a master at creating multi-layered, realistic, and endearing characters. Zach Norman is such a swoony, self-sacrificing hero who definitely needs someone to love him. Enter Emma, his brother’s widow with twin daughters, who is the perfect heroine for him. I absolutely adored the interaction between these two—the witty banter, the sparks, and all the feels. Radcliffe’s stories are so charming and well-written, and it’s an absolute joy to read them.
Christmas with the Cowboy is part of the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. It was such fun revisiting some of the characters from previous stories in the series. They added to the enjoyment of the story. Tina Radcliffe is a favorite author of mine. I love the humor and inspirational elements she adds to her writing. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Second chances for the Navy SEAL
My rating is 4.5 stars
Emma is quite a dynamo! She is the mother of 2-year-old twins, does ranching work, organizes events for the ranch, and bakes cookies and other desserts pretty much all the time! She is also very positive, always looking at the bright side of things. I wish I had her energy!
I enjoyed Zach and the way he kept trying to avoid Emma – but just couldn’t. He was so in love with her from the very start but didn’t think it would be right to get involved. However, Emma and her darling daughters had a way of wrapping him around their fingers. It was adorable the way that Rachel, the shy quiet twin, was head-over-heels over Unca Zach!
Zach won brownie points with me for the way he jumped in to work with the boys from the ranch, helping them to be comfortable around the horses, letting them get involved in the decorating, and being a great role model for them.
Author Tina Radcliffe has such a way with words, turning phrases in such delightful ways. I had so much trouble limiting myself to just a few favorite quotes. Dutch, the older hand on the ranch, had the best sayings. He was so funny!
If you have read the other Big Heart Ranch books as I have, then you will be glad to welcome Emma’s family back to this story. Though they played prominent parts, it is not necessarily important to know their backstory. Then again, these books are all so good it would be a shame not to read the entire series.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Oh, this story was so good! It is the third book in the series, and now I have read books two and three. Each book can stand alone, even though the characters from previous books are part of each story.
I really enjoyed this sweet story. The romantic tension between Zach and Emma was absolutely perfect. I loved the background on these two and that Zach had stayed away for so long because of his feelings for the woman he couldn’t have but whom he had always loved.
There were many sweet and romantic moments, quite a few humorous moments, and definitely lots of Christmas season moments. Christmas with the Cowboy is a great choice for holiday reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Christmas with the Cowboy
I wasn’t ready to read Christmas books yet but after reading this one it got me inspired to read them. I always enjoy books with children in it and when the focus is on helping them also. Being set in Oklahoma is a plus also since my home state.
Zach and Emma story is wonderful, she was the wife of his deceased brother. Love the way Emma loved working on the Ranch. Zach was in the Navy Seals and hurt his knee so he went home for a visit. I just loved Zach and how he helped the kids at the ranch.
Here is a quote from the book that really struck me.
“ The only easy day was yesterday “. That is so true.
I brought this book through the reader service. I was not required to write an positive review or any review at all.
Emma loves Christmas and the festivities at the Big Heart Ranch start early. When Zach Norman returns to Timber, Oklahoma, after an injury and subsequent discharge from the Navy, he cannot believe the hype around the holidays. And his sister-in-law is at the center of everything.
With a super dose of Christmas cheer, two little girls who adore their “Unca Zach,” and a special woman will this Scrooge come home for good?
With open arms, those at the Big Heart Ranch absorbs new member to the family no matter how much they resist. Tina Radcliffe offers readers a touch of humor and a ton of heart in Christmas with the Cowboy.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In a conversation near the end of Christmas with the Cowboy Lucy Maxwell Harris reminds her sister Emma that “Every single day we have an obligation to live a life that asks ‘What’s on the agenda today, Lord?’ You, Travis and I have done that to the best of our ability with our lives and with Big Heart Ranch”.
This is the third book in the Big Heart Ranch series and each one has been my favorite while I was reading it but I do believe that Christmas with the Cowboy is truly my top choice. I don’t know if it is the heroine who loves all things Christmas or the hero who is Scrooge incarnate and could care less about the holidays. Could it be the adorable three-year-old twin girls who are being raised by their widowed mother but are now experiencing the joys of getting to know “Unca Zach”? Maybe it is Benjie and Mick and the other children who are blossoming from the love and care that they are receiving at this special ranch in Oklahoma. And then there are the three Maxwell siblings and the other employees who are determined to help these children. I’m not really sure of the exact reason but I do know that there are many things to love about this book! Readers get to see first hand the preparations that begin in November for the Holiday Roundup and continue through Christmas Day. We watch as Emma Maxwell Norman works to provide a wonderful holiday for her children and for the orphans at the ranch and I marvelled at her energy and her positive attitude. We also get to catch up with her brother Travis and sister Lucy and some of the other beloved characters from the previous books. And most of all, we get to view the incredible chemistry between Emma and her late husband’s half brother. Zach Norman suffers from physical injuries he received during his service as a Navy SEAL and he carries emotional wounds from his childhood that are equally painful; it is, however, his long-time feelings of love for his sister-in-law that may be the hardest for him to accept and to overcome.
Christmas with the Cowboy is the perfect book to help you get in the Christmas spirit! There are candy canes, chocolate chip cookies and Emma’s famous chocolate muffins; Christmas trees and sparkling lights; beautiful music provided by carolers and bell ringers; ugly Christmas sweaters and even a Christmas baby! Most of all, this book has love of family, a devotion to God and the promise of a second chance at romantic love. This is a wonderful Christian romance and once again Tina Radcliffe proves her ability to write books that both entertain and inspire!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
this is a great story, if you like cowboys and Christmas you will enjoy reading the book. Zack if back home because he was injured in the service now he just wants to get through till the new year then he is gone, but his nieces are getting to him and so is Emma.
This story is like one big family reunion and so much fun. I love that Zach and Emma are not living in denial to themselves. They may not have a clue about how the other feels and they sure aren’t letting their own cat out of the bag, but at least they know how they feel, or felt. And poor Emma has a lot of emotional conflict to deal with but I love that she’s even tempered and very kind. And with the way I feel about software programs, I’m kind of with Zach about RangePro!
Elizabeth and Rachel are almost “pros” at wrapping Uncle Zach around their tiny twin fingers. Way to go girls. Keep up the good work! And how much fun to see the Dubster again.
But my favorite character! Dutch. I love his lines and sense of humor. I could almost hear him snickering outloud while I read.
If you’re looking for a great holiday read with good writing, quick wit and a happy ending be sure to read Christmas with the Cowboy. Another good one from Tina Radcliffe.