I am so excited to introduce an author I’ve gotten to know over at Harlequin Heartwarming–Karen Rock! She writes the most amazing stories about characters who have made major mistakes in their lives. While the Heartwarming books aren’t sold in the CBA market, they are sweet romances with characters who have strong moral codes.
I’ve just finished an arc copy of Christmas at Cade Ranch and the story lingers on in my mind.
Here’s the back cover blurb and then I’ll give my review.
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:
When the story opens, it’s almost Christmas and former drug addict Sofie Gallardo is fleeing Albuquerque to start over in Portland, Oregon with her five-year-old son Jave. If the job she’s going to see about in Portland falls through, they will be homeless–something that has happened in the past. When she stops in a small town in Colorado for her son to meet his grandmother and visit his father’s grave, Sofie loses her wallet with their money and bus tickets in it.
When the grandmother offers them a place to stay, Sofie reluctantly accepts and the whole family wraps them in love and acceptance…except for James, the oldest son. He is suspicious of Sofie while drawn to her at the same time. But Jave soon has him wrapped around his little finger and James wants to give him the Christmas he’s never had.
I loved watching their relationship develop, knowing her past would eventually break them up. And not just her past, but James’ as well. Christmas at Cade Ranch is a touching story of second chances and a little boy who wants a family. I highly recommend you pre-order this book–it’s one you won’t soon forget.
A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile.
What are you reading this week? Have you read any of Karen’s books in the Heartwarming line?
To pre-order Christmas at Cade Ranch on Amazon, click here. for Barnes and Noble click here.
Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for one of the books mentioned on Reader Friday!
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Comments 17
I have not yhet read anything by that author, but like that plot and title. I just finished rdg. The Garden of Burning Sand by Corban Addison which is fiction focused well on HIV/AIDS legal and economic issues in Africa.
Author
Wow, Delores, that’s a deep subject and sounds very interesting. Thanks for stopping by.
That sounds like a sweet story. I will check it out. I am reading Imperfect Justice by Cara Putnam.
Author
It is a really sweet story, Gloria and addresses a lot of issues to chew on. Thanks for stopping by!
I am not familiar with this author but it sounds like an interesting book. I just finished reading Margaret Daley’s soon-to-be released “Lone Star Christmas Rescue” and am starting “Crown of Souls” later today.
Author
Oh, Edward, book 2 of the Tox files! I must get that one. I really enjoyed the first one.
I have not read this author, but would love to!! This week I’ve read Book 2 in Tracie Peterson’s Heart of the Frontier series (Beloved Hope) and Karen Kingsbury’s Love Story….both great!
Author
Jackie, thanks for stopping by. I think you’d enjoy Karen’s Heartwarming books.
Thank you so much for featuring me today, Patricia and for your beautiful review!
Author
Welcome to my blog, Karen! It was a pleasure to write a review of Christmas at Cade Ranch. I enjoyed it so much! Thanks for dropping in!
I have not read this author yet but she looks good! I’m reading An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter.
Author
Karen is a great writer, Paula, as are all the Heartwarming authors! I’ll have to check out An Inconvenient Beauty! Thanks for stopping by.
I enjoyed meeting Karen. I just finished reading The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman.
Author
That book sounds intriguing, Caryl! Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve never read any of the Harlequin Heartwarming line of books. I have two on my shelf from Dana Mentink who I know for sure is a Christian author and I won’t find anything questionable in the content. I’ve read some reviews on some of the book who mention mild language in the pages. I don’t read books labled “clean” for this reason. Mild or not, I don’t like any kind of inappropiate language. I know not all books aren’t that way, I’d just rather not risk it and stick with authors I know! 🙂
As for this weeks reads: I finished and reviewed An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter, Still Life by Dani Pettrey, a few of the novella’s in The Oregon Trail Romance Collection, and a short story by Darlene Franklin entitled Her Rocky Mountain Highness (the idea taken from John Denver’s song). I’ll be starting Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey (third in the Chesapeake Valor series). Then I have several early copies of some Love Inspired holiday themed stories I received in the mail to keep me busy for the next couple of weeks at least 😉 It’s always a good reading week at my house 🙂
Author
Hi, Trixi! Thanks for stopping by. I haven’t encountered any even mild language in the Heartwarming books I’ve read. And I didn’t have any in the two I wrote. I’m not writing for them right now because they wouldn’t let me have a body. lol. And I’m so busy writing for Revell, too. And you’ve been busy reading, as usual. 🙂
The only way I’d read a Heartwarming would be by an author I already read in the regular Love Inspired line because I’d know the content would be fine. I’m sure the stories are really nice and heartwarming as described. They just aren’t something I’d pick up for myself as I love the faith element you find in LI. The Dana Mentink ones are ones I won years ago…lol! I’ve just not gotten around to reading them yet 🙂
I’ve just got notification that I won 4 different suspense books from a contest, yours included; Justice Buried! To say I’m excited is an understatement because I have Justisce Delayed so I’ll have both for my collection….yay!