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Christmas on the Ranch: The Rancher's Christmas Baby | Christmas Eve Cowboy
Cowboys for Christmas
The Rancher’s Christmas Baby by Arlene James
The quiet holiday season Dixon Lyons had planned is abruptly derailed when his long-absent mother appears at his doorstep with a baby and stunning beauty Fawn Ambor. Soon Fawn’s generous heart and endearing belief in the strength of family and forgiveness have him wondering if this might just be the Christmas he needs.
Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined.
The Rancher’s Christmas Baby by Arlene James
The quiet holiday season Dixon Lyons had planned is abruptly derailed when his long-absent mother appears at his doorstep with a baby and stunning beauty Fawn Ambor. Soon Fawn’s generous heart and endearing belief in the strength of family and forgiveness have him wondering if this might just be the Christmas he needs.
Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Arlene James
200 books88 followersArlene James has written romance for four decades, and has published 100+ novels. A mother of sons and now a happy grandmother to the brightest, most talented, and lovely of all granddaughters, she is finding her sixth decade to be great fun.
She and her very supportive husband of 45 years (whom she agreed to marry on their first date!) enjoy a busy social life and have visited much of the world. After calling Texas home for three decades, they now live in beautiful NW Arkansas.
Arlene grew up on a ranch in south central Oklahoma and still maintains strong ties in that area. She firmly believes that writing has afforded her the best of all possible means of earning a living, and credits a junior high school English teacher with proving to her that her dream of being an author was entirely achievable.
After 4 decades of deadlines and multiple-book contracts (for which she is deeply grateful), she is enjoying the ability to write exactly what she feels led to write on her own schedule.
She and her very supportive husband of 45 years (whom she agreed to marry on their first date!) enjoy a busy social life and have visited much of the world. After calling Texas home for three decades, they now live in beautiful NW Arkansas.
Arlene grew up on a ranch in south central Oklahoma and still maintains strong ties in that area. She firmly believes that writing has afforded her the best of all possible means of earning a living, and credits a junior high school English teacher with proving to her that her dream of being an author was entirely achievable.
After 4 decades of deadlines and multiple-book contracts (for which she is deeply grateful), she is enjoying the ability to write exactly what she feels led to write on her own schedule.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 30, 2021
This is a sweet compilation of two contemporary holiday stories set on ranches. I didn't really feel an emotional connection to the characters, but it was pleasant to read about them and the way the Christmas spirit helped them overcome their difficult circumstances and hope for a brighter future. Dixon and Fawn develop feelings for each other rather quickly, but their relationship plays second fiddle to Dixon's reconciliation with his mother, overcoming his feelings of abandonment, and bonding with his new baby sister.
Over in Montana, it's Elizabeth that struggles with deeply rooted issues left by her emotionally abusive ex-husband. Add a puppy, young daughter, thoughtful cowboy, and gruff rancher, and she has no choice but to embrace her new life and community. She gets the opportunity to encourage Brett as well when he has a tough decision to make. Overall, a heartwarming story.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Over in Montana, it's Elizabeth that struggles with deeply rooted issues left by her emotionally abusive ex-husband. Add a puppy, young daughter, thoughtful cowboy, and gruff rancher, and she has no choice but to embrace her new life and community. She gets the opportunity to encourage Brett as well when he has a tough decision to make. Overall, a heartwarming story.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
October 17, 2017
Two Christmas stories, written by two different authors, share only the theme in this little book about romance, faith, family, forgiveness, and the holiday season. The first story is about miscommunication, a second chance at family, and judging by appearances. I enjoyed the unique plot, the message of forgiveness, and the way it was wrapped up in the end.
The second story is also about second chances. The plot was sweet, heartwarming, and all about small town living. I enjoyed how the author portrayed the good and sometimes frustrating aspects of small town living. The romance between the couple was sweet. And the message of faith was woven throughout the story seamlessly. Overall, it was an enjoyable book that put me in the mood for Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The second story is also about second chances. The plot was sweet, heartwarming, and all about small town living. I enjoyed how the author portrayed the good and sometimes frustrating aspects of small town living. The romance between the couple was sweet. And the message of faith was woven throughout the story seamlessly. Overall, it was an enjoyable book that put me in the mood for Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
October 6, 2018
This book was a good read. I enjoyed the story written by Arlene James. It was well written, laid back; an inviting read. I really liked that Dixon was able to learn the truth about his mother and his opinion changed. The second story in the book written by Lois richer was good but slow. My favorite character was Clint, Brett's father. It was too repetitive for my liking. She went on and on about the ex-husband James, the abuse, the self-doubt. I believe it added to the dry feeling of the story.
October 11, 2019
This book contains two unrelated stories (both are set at Christmas and a ranch favors prominently in each story). If I could rate the two stories individually, I would rate Arlene James' story a 4 and Lois Richer's a 3.
I really enjoyed Arlene James' "The Rancher's Christmas Baby". Rancher Dixon Lyons returns home one night to find his estranged mother has returned, bringing with her a baby and a Lenape woman. Dixon wrestles with his past feelings and beliefs and comes to have a relationship with his mother--and surprisingly, his father (and the family he now has) also accept her into their fold. (Too often these stories make the exes a point of contention in the plot.) I feel that Dixon changed and learned life lessons. I do feel the romance part of the story came on rather quickly to know if it truly was a life-long love had this happened in real life. Of course, in fiction, it's the author who decides if the characters stay together or break apart.
In contrast, Lois Richer's "Christmas Eve Cowboy" seemed to start off too slowly and I never seemed to care for her characters as much as I did for James'. I can understand another reviewer's point that too much time was spent on Elizabeth dwelling on her ex-husband's trashing of her self-esteem. Perhaps that wasn't the best choice for a short piece of fiction. In real life, that kind of tearing down probably takes years to repair--probably needing more than a friendly small town and one man who's learning to love you and a few short months to accomplish. I did like that Brett was so encouraging in pushing Elizabeth to do things she liked to do but had given up because of he ex's criticism.
I wish more page time had been given to how Brett resolved his conflicts of wanting to be a veterinarian/not wanting his father to give up the ranch that was his dream/wanting to take care of his father/not wanting to leave Elizabeth instead of just a quick sum up that tells us he's figured out a way to do a distance learning program (not quite sure how you do that for something as competitive as veterinary school, but--as I said above, it's fiction and the author can mold events to her/his liking.)
I really enjoyed Arlene James' "The Rancher's Christmas Baby". Rancher Dixon Lyons returns home one night to find his estranged mother has returned, bringing with her a baby and a Lenape woman. Dixon wrestles with his past feelings and beliefs and comes to have a relationship with his mother--and surprisingly, his father (and the family he now has) also accept her into their fold. (Too often these stories make the exes a point of contention in the plot.) I feel that Dixon changed and learned life lessons. I do feel the romance part of the story came on rather quickly to know if it truly was a life-long love had this happened in real life. Of course, in fiction, it's the author who decides if the characters stay together or break apart.
In contrast, Lois Richer's "Christmas Eve Cowboy" seemed to start off too slowly and I never seemed to care for her characters as much as I did for James'. I can understand another reviewer's point that too much time was spent on Elizabeth dwelling on her ex-husband's trashing of her self-esteem. Perhaps that wasn't the best choice for a short piece of fiction. In real life, that kind of tearing down probably takes years to repair--probably needing more than a friendly small town and one man who's learning to love you and a few short months to accomplish. I did like that Brett was so encouraging in pushing Elizabeth to do things she liked to do but had given up because of he ex's criticism.
I wish more page time had been given to how Brett resolved his conflicts of wanting to be a veterinarian/not wanting his father to give up the ranch that was his dream/wanting to take care of his father/not wanting to leave Elizabeth instead of just a quick sum up that tells us he's figured out a way to do a distance learning program (not quite sure how you do that for something as competitive as veterinary school, but--as I said above, it's fiction and the author can mold events to her/his liking.)
October 22, 2017
Two sweet Christmas stories in one, delivering the cheer of Christmas with strong messages of forgiveness and trusting God with the side of romance and family matters.
In The Rancher's Christmas Baby by Arlene James Dixon Lyons struggles with his childhood issues of abandonment. Facing his mother again, after years of separation, he has to look at the past, his childhood, with the eyes of a grown man. Leaning on God's guidance, he seeks for peace for his mind and finds room in his heart for much more than he expected. The adorable romance developing between Dixon and Fawn, the relationship between Dixon and his baby sister, and the Christmas activities bring the lighter side to the poignant story of grace and mercy Dixon and his parents have to experience to be able to move on with their lives.
Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer is the story of Dr. Elizabeth Kendall and rancher Brett Carlisle who both are starting a new face in their lives. The Christmas spirit is high in Snowflake Montana, and it radiates from each page of the story.
Both Elizabeth and Brett have to learn to trust in God in a new, comprehensive way. Elizabeth was mentally abused and berated by her ex-husband, leaving scars in her mind and soul. She has to find her inner strength again and to realize, she is enough.
Brett put his dreams aside to help his father years ago. Now there is a new chance to seek the fulfillment of those dreams and goals, yet his heart is troubled by his father's health and having to leave Snowflake behind, especially now that Elizabeth and her daughter has begun such a big part of his life, capturing his heart, and making a home there. Can they trust in God's guidance, will they be able to fulfill their dreams and still walk in His plans for their lives? A thought-provoking tale that made an impact, for sure.
Both stories deliver a strong message of faith in the Lord while sharing an abundance of Christmas joy and jubilee, putting the family in the focus and sharing stories of delightful, sweet romance.
~ Four Spoons
In The Rancher's Christmas Baby by Arlene James Dixon Lyons struggles with his childhood issues of abandonment. Facing his mother again, after years of separation, he has to look at the past, his childhood, with the eyes of a grown man. Leaning on God's guidance, he seeks for peace for his mind and finds room in his heart for much more than he expected. The adorable romance developing between Dixon and Fawn, the relationship between Dixon and his baby sister, and the Christmas activities bring the lighter side to the poignant story of grace and mercy Dixon and his parents have to experience to be able to move on with their lives.
Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer is the story of Dr. Elizabeth Kendall and rancher Brett Carlisle who both are starting a new face in their lives. The Christmas spirit is high in Snowflake Montana, and it radiates from each page of the story.
Both Elizabeth and Brett have to learn to trust in God in a new, comprehensive way. Elizabeth was mentally abused and berated by her ex-husband, leaving scars in her mind and soul. She has to find her inner strength again and to realize, she is enough.
Brett put his dreams aside to help his father years ago. Now there is a new chance to seek the fulfillment of those dreams and goals, yet his heart is troubled by his father's health and having to leave Snowflake behind, especially now that Elizabeth and her daughter has begun such a big part of his life, capturing his heart, and making a home there. Can they trust in God's guidance, will they be able to fulfill their dreams and still walk in His plans for their lives? A thought-provoking tale that made an impact, for sure.
Both stories deliver a strong message of faith in the Lord while sharing an abundance of Christmas joy and jubilee, putting the family in the focus and sharing stories of delightful, sweet romance.
~ Four Spoons
November 4, 2017
Little did Dixon expect for his mother, a baby and her friend Fawn to be showing up in his house unexpectedly. He's been holding a lot of issues in about his mother who pretty much abandoned him and now hes got a bit of thinking to do while they are at his house.
As short at this novella was it was sweet and heartwarming I suppose. Dixon was holding in a lot when it came to his mother and it was interesting seeing how everything played out and why she even showed up at his house. Then there was the lovely Fawn who helped him out to show him the person that his mother is now and was able to open his heart a bit. With as sort as this book it was was a nice read, good for the holidays when things are crazy and your looking for a short escape for the craziness of this holiday season.
*********
Dr. Kendall and her daughter are new in the town of Snowflake after coming out of a bad relationship. Brett is the local rancher who is planning on becoming a vet soon and just doesn't know how to break the news to his dad. The towns people are looking for something to lead the Christmas Eve Choir and Kendall has experience and Brett is just the man to convince her to help out.
This was a sweet book. I loved seeing how right Kendall and Brett were for each other. They known each other for a short time and were able to help out and support one another, for Kendall to open up when it came to things she enjoyed and for Brett to finally get the nerve get an education towards being a vet. It was nice seeing how they complimented each other and when things looked grim they were there for each other. I also liked the small parts that Kendall's daughter played in this book. Overall this was such a sweet book and I enjoyed it.
As short at this novella was it was sweet and heartwarming I suppose. Dixon was holding in a lot when it came to his mother and it was interesting seeing how everything played out and why she even showed up at his house. Then there was the lovely Fawn who helped him out to show him the person that his mother is now and was able to open his heart a bit. With as sort as this book it was was a nice read, good for the holidays when things are crazy and your looking for a short escape for the craziness of this holiday season.
*********
Dr. Kendall and her daughter are new in the town of Snowflake after coming out of a bad relationship. Brett is the local rancher who is planning on becoming a vet soon and just doesn't know how to break the news to his dad. The towns people are looking for something to lead the Christmas Eve Choir and Kendall has experience and Brett is just the man to convince her to help out.
This was a sweet book. I loved seeing how right Kendall and Brett were for each other. They known each other for a short time and were able to help out and support one another, for Kendall to open up when it came to things she enjoyed and for Brett to finally get the nerve get an education towards being a vet. It was nice seeing how they complimented each other and when things looked grim they were there for each other. I also liked the small parts that Kendall's daughter played in this book. Overall this was such a sweet book and I enjoyed it.
December 11, 2023
Three stars for the Arlene James story ('The Rancher's Christmas Baby'), and one star for the Lois Richer story ('Christmas Eve Cowboy')... which brings this 2-novella book to a 2-star rating.
In the first story, Dixon lives in his grandparents' house. His mother had abandoned him there back in her meth-head days, and now that he's grown he realizes that his grandparents had purposely painted his dad to be worse than he was, so he's trying to forge a relationship with his father... when Mama shows up. She's got a beautiful girl and a baby with her. Mama's husband is conveniently dead, Mama's dying of heart failure, and... surprise, the baby is Dixon's 4-month old sister.
What *doesn't* make sense is how Mama got to be frennnnnzzzzzz with Fawn, the young Indian woman who of course is only in the story because James needed a heroine for Dixon to fall in love with it felt contrived and wrong, and the romance was WAY too rushed. Something like two weeks later, he's declaring love to her? Seriously, I get that it's a short story, but wOw.
As for the second story, I threw the book at the wall when, on Pg 2, the little girl is screaming "I WANT THAT PUPPY!! THAT'S MY PUPPY! YOU CAN'T TELL ME I CAN'T HAVE THAT PUPPY!" The heroine, the child, and the dog all deserve to be burnt in my burn barrel, I swear it. I don't put up with that crap in life, and I won't in a book, either. FL-INGGGGG!! No man deserves *ANY* o' dat garbage.
So no. This one ain't a keeper.
In the first story, Dixon lives in his grandparents' house. His mother had abandoned him there back in her meth-head days, and now that he's grown he realizes that his grandparents had purposely painted his dad to be worse than he was, so he's trying to forge a relationship with his father... when Mama shows up. She's got a beautiful girl and a baby with her. Mama's husband is conveniently dead, Mama's dying of heart failure, and... surprise, the baby is Dixon's 4-month old sister.
What *doesn't* make sense is how Mama got to be frennnnnzzzzzz with Fawn, the young Indian woman who of course is only in the story because James needed a heroine for Dixon to fall in love with it felt contrived and wrong, and the romance was WAY too rushed. Something like two weeks later, he's declaring love to her? Seriously, I get that it's a short story, but wOw.
As for the second story, I threw the book at the wall when, on Pg 2, the little girl is screaming "I WANT THAT PUPPY!! THAT'S MY PUPPY! YOU CAN'T TELL ME I CAN'T HAVE THAT PUPPY!" The heroine, the child, and the dog all deserve to be burnt in my burn barrel, I swear it. I don't put up with that crap in life, and I won't in a book, either. FL-INGGGGG!! No man deserves *ANY* o' dat garbage.
So no. This one ain't a keeper.
July 27, 2018
The Rancher's Christmas Baby [The quiet holiday season Dixon Lyons had planned is abruptly derailed when his long-absent mother Jackie (15 year-old teen mom with drug problems) appears at his doorstep with a baby, Bella Jo, his sister and stunning beauty Fawn Ambor. Soon Fawn’s generous heart and endearing belief in the strength of family and forgiveness have him wondering if this might just be the Christmas he needs.]
Christmas Eve Cowboy [Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey after living with an emotionally abusive husband that wanted nothing to do with her or their child. He eventually killed her dog and then served her with papers that he had a mistress and a son and wanted nothing further to do with them. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined. Soon Snowflake and it’s residences and their traditions bring her closer to God, help her get over her loses and help her to build her confidence in God. Brett also learns to trust God and forget the hateful prophesies uttered by his ex, who left him at the altar after telling him how unworthy he was of her love.]
Shows what can happen when we're open to God's love and trust God
Short Story
Christmas Eve Cowboy [Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey after living with an emotionally abusive husband that wanted nothing to do with her or their child. He eventually killed her dog and then served her with papers that he had a mistress and a son and wanted nothing further to do with them. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined. Soon Snowflake and it’s residences and their traditions bring her closer to God, help her get over her loses and help her to build her confidence in God. Brett also learns to trust God and forget the hateful prophesies uttered by his ex, who left him at the altar after telling him how unworthy he was of her love.]
Shows what can happen when we're open to God's love and trust God
Short Story
November 13, 2017
I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
These two tales are a good way to set the stage for the holiday season, as they are complete with all the traditions and festivities. Fresh starts and finding real love combine with a few Christmas surprises. Some plot points and relationships feel a bit rushed, but there is a cozy holiday feel overall.
In James’ “The Rancher’s Christmas Baby,” Dixon Lyons’ holiday plans shift suddenly when his estranged mother shows up at his door with a beautiful woman and baby. What could his mother want after all these years? Will this be a Christmas for them all to remember or one Dixon will want to forget? In Richer’s “Christmas Eve Cowboy,” Dr. Elizabeth Kendall is looking for a fresh start for her and her daughter, but she doesn’t want it to include leading the local children’s holiday choir. Brett Carlisle hopes to change her mind, as well as help Elizabeth and her daughter have a memorable Christmas. Will he succeed? (LOVE INSPIRED, Oct., 224 pp., $5.99)
These two tales are a good way to set the stage for the holiday season, as they are complete with all the traditions and festivities. Fresh starts and finding real love combine with a few Christmas surprises. Some plot points and relationships feel a bit rushed, but there is a cozy holiday feel overall.
In James’ “The Rancher’s Christmas Baby,” Dixon Lyons’ holiday plans shift suddenly when his estranged mother shows up at his door with a beautiful woman and baby. What could his mother want after all these years? Will this be a Christmas for them all to remember or one Dixon will want to forget? In Richer’s “Christmas Eve Cowboy,” Dr. Elizabeth Kendall is looking for a fresh start for her and her daughter, but she doesn’t want it to include leading the local children’s holiday choir. Brett Carlisle hopes to change her mind, as well as help Elizabeth and her daughter have a memorable Christmas. Will he succeed? (LOVE INSPIRED, Oct., 224 pp., $5.99)
December 26, 2023
3.25 stars for the collection
3.5 stars to each for the beautiful way the characters chose to live out their faith
3 stars for the rather 'insta-love-y' ness of the romances
(call me a curmudgeon, but the older I get, the less entranced I am with love stories that go from 'meet-cute' to 'marry me?' in less than a month)
but all in all, I did like these stories
3.5 stars to each for the beautiful way the characters chose to live out their faith
3 stars for the rather 'insta-love-y' ness of the romances
(call me a curmudgeon, but the older I get, the less entranced I am with love stories that go from 'meet-cute' to 'marry me?' in less than a month)
but all in all, I did like these stories
October 3, 2017
Both are sweet stories for a nice rainy day..
February 7, 2018
I really enjoyed both novels in this book, & it was a fun read!
December 23, 2019
Loved it
I love Christmas stories and this did not disappoint. Loved the characters and the story line reminding us to trust God.
I love Christmas stories and this did not disappoint. Loved the characters and the story line reminding us to trust God.
August 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book the stories are clean, funny and appeal to all ages. I recommend this title
Thank you netgalley and harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review
Thank you netgalley and harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews