Billionaires, cowboys, and romance collide during the holidays in this next book in the River Ranch series! It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all? He left town and never looked back. Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and … he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family–and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down. . .and if he will do so back at home. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see? His one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse.
She never forgot him. Can she ever forgive him?
Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody. Back then, the college-bound heartthrob believed he was too good for a small-town girl like Lexi. But now Cody can’t help but see her in a whole new light. Could it be that this beautiful single mother with an unbeatable can-do spirit is the one he’s been waiting for all along? That depends on whether Cody can prove to Lexi that, this time, he means business–and if a sudden snowstorm can lend just the right amount of Christmas magic to help move things along. . .
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He’d be content to stay in New York and dodge his family’s questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down and if he will do so back at home. But Cody Ford’s father is getting any younger and Cody doesn’t’ want to miss any last chances to see him and the folks back on the ranch. Lexi Murphy is working as Cody’s dad’s new live-in nurse and she holds a grudge against Cody since he believed he was too good for a small-town girl but she ever forgot him.
This second chance holiday romance is an angst ridden, emotionally gripping read that puts readers through an emotional wringer as Cody and Lexi tries to overcome the past and some emotional issues. Readers can’t help but experience all the emotions of the strong, compelling characters as they draw readers into their story which means they shed some tears but also hope and forgiveness as Cody works to prove that this time, he means business.
The plots is steady paced and captivates readers right from the start while keeping the readers glued to the pages with suspense as the HEA remains in question until the very end. Lots of family and secondary characters add that something extra to the story that makes it enjoyable and while Cody may be a bit of over dramatic, the magic of the holiday season and spirit of togetherness during the holidays makes this a gratifying and entertaining read.
I enjoyed the storyline intent. A 2nd chance romance that needed a 3rd chance, however, kind of stretched it for me. The setting sounded beautiful around River Ranch. I’m not sure on the authenticity of the continuing snow and cold it described at Christmas, it did fit the scene.
Cody came home from NYC to a huge surprise. How he handled seeing his Xgirlfriend was awful, and adding insult to injury, Lexi goes to bed with him, even though she supposedly hates him. There are other things at play here, which also come front and center, not endearing me to Cody, or Lexi, for that matter.
I just couldn’t get on board with this. I read the whole book, thinking it would get better, and it did have its moments. I loved the parts with Mr. Ford, who called hogwash if necessary, was pretty funny, and definitely in touch with reality. Lexi’s little boy, Harry, and Mia’s girls added some levity and a serious scare as well which added a lot of emotions.
The seriousness of PTSD was touched on at the end. I didn’t feel either, that it redeemed Cody, but rather a convenient label slapped on his immature way of running away wbw and every year since, until now
Once upon a Cowboy Christmas is a heartwarming second chance romance. Cody & Lexi were an item in high school. They were serious up until the day Cody left for college & left everyone behind. Now he’s a rich businessman that has come home for Christmas & has encountered Lexi working as his father’s caregiver. Walter Ford has cancer & it’s taking its toll on him. Lexi is also dealing with her mother & Alzheimer’s. The cost of her full time care is almost bankrupting Lexi so she can’t tell Cody what she thinks of him & how he hurt her. She can’t do anything to jeopardize her job & the housing it provides.
This story hits all of my emotional buttons. The writer manages to convey the depth of Lexi’s hurt & anger with Cody & the way he left her behind. Her fear of the future, her bills & her mom’s care comes through in everything she does. The biggest light is her overwhelming love for her son, Harrison. Harrison & Walter add joy & a lightness to some of the emotionally charged moments in the book. As a reader who understands the toll that both cancer & Alzheimer’s can take on a family’s emotions & finances, this story had me in tears at some moments. I really enjoyed this story. It’s message of second chance love & redemption is perfect for the Christmas season.
“Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas” A River Ranch Novel by Soraya Lane
I loved this contemporary romance story. I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review. I did skip the spicy scene(s) and it was still a great story that certainly did play quite the number on my heart-strings. If you have read my reviews you know that I laugh and I cry with/for the characters in the story. And, I do prefer fiction over non-fiction stories 99.9% of the time. Meanwhile, if you typically like the same types of stories I do… you will not want to miss this read. It is worth the read, for sure. Happy Reading !!
It’s never too early to start reading Christmas Romances, especially when there are so many and the holiday season isn’t long enough to read all the ones I want. When I read the synopsis for Once Upon A Cowboy, I was excited. Two of my favorites things are Christmas and cowboys. That said, this book had the potential to be a five star rating from me. But unfortunately, the hero was a bit too full of himself for me to love. By the end of the book I did like him, however I didn’t love him and that was a bit disappointing.
Cody moved on from the family ranch right after high school and didn’t look back unless you count the few and far between times he came to visit. He believed he had good reasons which I will not divulge to you because you should read that on your own. I will say that while I understood his reasons for staying away, I didn’t feel they were the huge drama he made them out to be. But that is just my own opinion, and one of the reasons I couldn’t fall in love with Cody. Also, I didn’t feel the connection between him and Lexi. Lexi, I loved. And on her behalf, I was frustrated with Cody. Look, I don’t want to downplay his way of thinking too much just because I couldn’t connect with him. But I can say that his situation was one that I know personally; it never would have even occurred to me to leave the way he did or stay away so long.
The synopsis for this book gives you good insight into the premise of this story so I won’t need to summarize it. You must be wondering why I gave this book four stars after reading how I didn’t like Cody. Well the answer to that is easy. The secondary characters and Lexi are who brought me entertainment and kept me turning pages. I especially adored Cody’s dad. He was such a wonderful addition to this story which takes place the week leading up to Christmas.
Cody and Lexi’s story is the third book in the River Ranch series. I have not read the previous books yet. Because I truly liked Cody’s younger brother and sister, I would like to read their books as well. In addition, there is the oldest sibling, Angelica, still to have her great love story told.
While this was my first book by this author, I would like to read more from her. Even though I wasn’t a fan of Cody, I enjoyed the author’s talent for storytelling; she kept me engaged in the story and that is all I need.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
With a hero who is a bit of a Scrooge, this sweet and angsty book finds Cody rediscovering his heart – and the woman he let get away – just in time for Christmas. The story follows Cody, a Texan who fled life on the family ranch when his mother passed away. He’s spent the last 15 years trying to avoid the painful memories that surround home, turning into a New York City businessman who cares more about the bottom line than how his actions affect others. Now that his father is ill, he’s returned home for the holidays and is shocked to discover that his father’s caretaker is none other than Lexi, his high school sweetheart. Lexi was devastated when Cody left without a word, and time has not healed all wounds between these two. The girl Cody once knew has turned into a woman, and he reluctantly finds himself drawn to both the woman and life he left behind. But the years apart have changed them both and Cody still isn’t sure if he’s ready to be the man Lexi needs.
It’s a heartwarming and emotional book about learning to appreciate the good things in life and not letting your work overtake you. Cody has to rediscover his love for Lexi, his family and his home. He’s a nice guy deep down but it’s clear he wasn’t his best self in the city, so it takes time for him to understand what needs to change. There are plenty of ups and downs in Cody and Lexi’s relationship, but they share a history that connects them in the present. I didn’t always love Cody (or Lexi for that matter), but I was still rooting for them to find love again. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story has depth and shows that anyone can change their ways when they realize how wrong they’ve been.
Loved it, was very enjoyable to read. May have to go back and read the earlier books.
This is a voluntary review and I don’t get paid for this review.
A very warm holiday story. Cody is surprised yo see a sexy woman in the ranch kitchen when he comes. Surprisingly it is Lexi the girl he left behind when he was 18. Cody is a workaholic and avoids all emotional entanglements. Lexi has never forgiven him for abandoning her and changing the trajectory of her life. This Christmas they get an opportunity to review the past and try and heal the hurts. Cody still struggles and has to figure out if he is capable of taking on not just Lexi but her son as well.
It is a charming story filled wi5h love of family and holiday spirit. There is spirited conversations and a patriarch who is doing everything to leave his family in a good place. This story will open your heart to dreams and leave you looking forward to a Christmas miracle.
Deeply emotional family Christmas tale of love and forgiveness.
This was an unusual second-chance romance, in that it took quite a while before I could feel that Cody deserved a second chance. I wasn’t really rooting for his HEA, but I was rooting for Lexi’s happiness, with or without Cody.
It’s not until near the end of the book that Cody gets an informal diagnosis that helps explain most of his previous behavior, and lets us understand the full extent of the events that have been hinted at throughout the book. The way this was paced, showing the consequences long before we truly understand the cause, had such a ring of authenticity that it made it easy to relate to Lexi’s conflicting emotions and underlying anger.
The emotional impact of this story cannot be overstated, and it was so well-written that I couldn’t put it down until the end. Their HEA was sweet and satisfying, although I would have loved to have read more closure on the topic of Lexi’s mom. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas is a new holiday story by author Saroya Lane. Cody Ford has returned from his high power investment company in New York City to the family’s Texas River Ranch to spend the holidays with his father, brother, two sisters and extended family. His father, Walter, is a cancer patient now able to live at home with a caregiver. His caregiver, Alexandra Murphy, and her young son, Harrison, live in a small house on the property. Cody is shocked to see his father’s decline since his last visit, but is even more surprised to discover his father’s nurse is the girl he left behind.
Lexi is the girl he left behind. But she was in the company of his entire family. He left for college and didn’t look back. It was him, not those left behind, who couldn’t deal with his mother’s terminal illness. That whole time period is blocked for him. Lexi only knows that she feels she somehow fell short and was left behind because she wasn’t good enough.
As Cody and Lexi face off emotionally, they also face off when she learns that it is Cody’s company that has purchased the nursing home where her mother is cared for with her Alzheimer’s. And Lexi is ready to take it to the media.
In this interesting story of family, feelings, and the holidays, Ms. Lane spins a story that will entice the reader. With strong characters, homespun settings, and a message for the heart, this is a very enjoyable book. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it,
I’ve always enjoyed cowboy romance and Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas is a good one. This is my first experience with Ms. Lane as an author and I will definitely be reading more.
High school sweethearts, second chances, tragic loss, this story has it all.
If you love second chance romance you will love this one. Cody changes a lot throughout this one. He goes from a bit of a selfish guy who is running from his roots to a family guy. He will make your heart melt just a little and swoon by the end. Lexi, I love her so much. I love how she puts Cody in his place and has such a huge heart for the Ford family. Watching the sparks ignite and fly between Cody and Lexi is so much fun. I enjoyed every bit of this one and sure did put me in the holiday spirit. Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas is an amazing read.
2.5stars
This second chance was for me painful to read. I couldn’t relate to characters it just didn’t klick with me. All this I hate you, I hate you not let’s forget everything,… it was just too much. I was glad when it was over.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
ARC kindly received via Netgalley for an honest review
I love a second chance romance. One set around Christmas time? Well, I am just putty in the hands when it comes to reading them.
Cody and Lexi’s story is full of emotion – it would switch me from loving to hating Cody in 2 paragraphs lol
I enjoyed the push/pull between our lovelies, never knowing where things would end up.
I was a big, big fan of Lexi’s son and of Cody’s father – they rounded out our MC’s lives well.
Lexi is one strong woman – so much on her plate, but she never waivers in her love and care for those around her, when a lesser person would crumple under the pressure.
This is the 3rd book in a series, and I have not read the previous books, however this did not affect my reading or enjoyment at all.
This is the first book I have read by Soraya Lane. I was given an ARC by net galley. It’s a Christmas story with cowboys how bad could it be. Boy was I wrong, there is so much more going on in this story.
Lots of family drama, and very emotional with real life problems we can all understand.
Second chance stories are always good but made even harder when the characters are so life like.
Cole is a wealthy New York Land developer who makes deals on paper never stopping to think about who’s lives might be involved. He is a workaholic, only going home to the family ranch for holidays.
After he left home to go to Harvard he tries to never look back. His mother was diagnosed with cancer
just as he was getting ready to leave for collage. He could not handle seeing her so sick so run as fast as he
could using the college as an out. He was so scared he also left his girlfriend behind Lexi with out talking to her. He sent a letter telling him how he felt but as it happens her mother never gave it to her thinking it would make things worst . Now 15 years later, when Cole goes home for Christmas he founds Lexi is the nurse taking care of his ill father. To make matters worst he does not know her when he first see her.
Lexi has not had an good 15 years, she was heart broken by Cole. Not understanding how he was there one day and then just gone, without a word. She marries the first fellow who is nice to her which ends in divorce leaving her with a 6 year old to care for. Her mother has just been diagnose with Alzheimer.
Can these two work out all the differences between them now ? Are their 2nd chances that work out.
As Cole and Lexi work on their feeling and past, more life gets in the way with a business deal that will change both their lives.
His family is great trying to help, her son is wonderful, problems are Hugh for them to overcome,
and if all of that wasn’t enough to make you want to buy a copy lets not forget about the wonderful pony Cleo. Great Christmas Story.
I will for sure be reading other of Soraya books. This is a River Ranch Novel
First off, the blurb about this book isn’t exactly accurate. It says the hero, Cody, left years ago because the small town girl just wasn’t good enough for him. He left because he couldn’t stand to see his mother die inch by inch. It also says that he returns home because his father isn’t getting any younger. Cody’s father is terminal and making it day to day on pain meds. Enough said.
I love Christmas books and I love cowboys! This book does double duty, even though Cody is a cowboy transplant into the city. Lexi, the girlfriend he left behind, is living at Cody’s family ranch and taking care of his father. The two have lots of issues to work through.
My favorite characters were probably Cody’s father and Lexi’s young son. They added a lot of sugar and spice to the story.
This is probably my third cowboy romance by this author and I have enjoyed them all. Her characters are interesting and the plots flow well. I’ve just discovered that she also writes women’s historical fiction revolving around women during war time and their contributions. I think I’m going to read those, too!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I will start off saying I did not read any of the other books in this series so I am not sure of the background of these characters. I will say I was not a fan of this book is was so completely predictable and I found the main characters annoying and whinny. I can honestly say the few characters I did like was Mia, Harry, and Walter. Mia was this spitfire mama who stood up for all those she loved and cared for. Walter was the patriarch of the family and he’s fighting cancer but he also played a huge roll in this book. This book did have some good moments in it. Also there is sex and a good fair amount of cussing in this book so this may not be suitable for all. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
I really enjoyed Cody and Lexi’s story. I love Christmas stories and second chance romance so this was great! This is a true second chance romance after the first ended abruptly 10 years earlier when Cody left town without even saying goodbye. Despite that I really like both characters and we do get to know them and why choices were made. so it is easy to gain understanding into the characters. I like the rest of the supporting characters too. This is a sweet well written read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family—and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see was his one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse. Single mum Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody
This is the third book in the series & I think it could be read on its own. A touching second chance love story. I loved Lexi a strong independent woman, I liked Cody but didn’t love him as I found him a little too arrogant, however I did love Walter & especially Harry who was the star of the book for me.. A heart warming story that held my interest all the way through & a welcome addition to the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas (River Ranch, #3) by Soraya M. Lane .. This is the 3rd book in the series but the first I have read. Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. This is a second chance romance … Cody Ford ( left home and never looked back ..has fear of loss issues) Lexi Murphy ( the girl he left behind and now his father’s nurse) This story has angst, laughter, happy and sad tears..I cried a few…, wonderful family, a sweet little boy and lots of steam all getting us to a HEA.