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The Sweetheart Ranch #1
A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
At a magical time of year…Can a cowboy help falling in love? For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
19 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Cathy McDavid
173 books490 followersNew York Times bestselling author Cathy McDavid has written over 55 titles, many for Harlequin. She spends her days penning stories about handsome cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give them a run for their money.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 4, 2018
Take a type-A woman intent on making the new family wedding planning business a success and throw in an unexpected elopement of one member of said family wedding planning business and a substitute officiator with three rambunctious children, and the recipe for entertainment is delicious! Oh, and did I mention this is all during the busy holiday season?
Molly O’Malley has had plenty of failures in her past in both her career and romantic relationships. Owen Caufield has had a successful career, a romantic relationship that crashed and burned, and three children he’s spent very little time with. So when his great uncle asks him to fill in at Sweetheart Ranch as the wedding officiant, he sees it as an opportunity to bond with his kids. He never expected Molly.
There is plenty of head-butting between these two but Owen’s steadfast willingness to offer a hand, as well as his son and two daughters, sneak their way underneath Molly’s guard and straight to her heart.
Cathy McDavid sets up some great wedding s as well as some with moments of disaster, the different reactions from Molly and Owen proving that strong personalities can balance each other out. And when love is involved obstacles to a future are there to be hurdled, not to stop a couple in their tracks.
And while the question of whether these two were going to make it the finish line in their obstacle course, Owen’s perseverance just might push them over it.
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.
Molly O’Malley has had plenty of failures in her past in both her career and romantic relationships. Owen Caufield has had a successful career, a romantic relationship that crashed and burned, and three children he’s spent very little time with. So when his great uncle asks him to fill in at Sweetheart Ranch as the wedding officiant, he sees it as an opportunity to bond with his kids. He never expected Molly.
There is plenty of head-butting between these two but Owen’s steadfast willingness to offer a hand, as well as his son and two daughters, sneak their way underneath Molly’s guard and straight to her heart.
Cathy McDavid sets up some great wedding s as well as some with moments of disaster, the different reactions from Molly and Owen proving that strong personalities can balance each other out. And when love is involved obstacles to a future are there to be hurdled, not to stop a couple in their tracks.
And while the question of whether these two were going to make it the finish line in their obstacle course, Owen’s perseverance just might push them over it.
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.
November 24, 2018
Oh, Molly. I felt your pain, girl. All you wanted was to get your wedding ranch off to a great start – and to make sure there were no catastrophes. And, alas, the universe was just not cooperating with you. Cute guy notwithstanding.
McDavid wrote this tension so well – I really did feel it right along with Molly as one thing after another went against her perfect plans. One of the things I loved about Molly’s journey, though, is her character growth from the beginning of the novel to the end & how she learns when to roll with it and when to fall back on plan B. Something I myself am still working through lol.
Owen is swoony, yes, but he’s not perfect. He doesn’t necessarily come swooping in to save the day – instead, he (either directly or indirectly) usually makes it worse. Poor guy. He’s so endearing about it though, and I so appreciated how the author wrote his character. Maybe not the ‘perfect’ romance hero (at least at first) but goodness he sure is swoonilicious anyway. And his kisses!!! Whew.
The kids, the setting, the weddings, and the supporting characters – all of these other elements along with the great protagonists make a marriage made in heaven, so to speak. At least as far as romance novels go. There are various subthreads within the larger scheme of things, and each of these complements the main plot and adds dimension to the story.
Bottom Line: A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is cute, endearing, witty, and sweet. Not to mention the sparks that sizzle between Molly and Owen. The chaos the author has written into this novel is palpable – throw in the holidays, a new business, the stress of weddings (sometimes more than one in a single day), three restless (and adorable) kids, and the absence of two intended key players…. not to mention the losing battle of trying desperately not to fall in love. (because who needs more chaos?) And yet, the tender moments gradually overshadow the chaos – much like in real life – and leave readers breathing a blissful sigh of relief. Looking forward to more visits to the Sweetheart Ranch!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
McDavid wrote this tension so well – I really did feel it right along with Molly as one thing after another went against her perfect plans. One of the things I loved about Molly’s journey, though, is her character growth from the beginning of the novel to the end & how she learns when to roll with it and when to fall back on plan B. Something I myself am still working through lol.
Owen is swoony, yes, but he’s not perfect. He doesn’t necessarily come swooping in to save the day – instead, he (either directly or indirectly) usually makes it worse. Poor guy. He’s so endearing about it though, and I so appreciated how the author wrote his character. Maybe not the ‘perfect’ romance hero (at least at first) but goodness he sure is swoonilicious anyway. And his kisses!!! Whew.
The kids, the setting, the weddings, and the supporting characters – all of these other elements along with the great protagonists make a marriage made in heaven, so to speak. At least as far as romance novels go. There are various subthreads within the larger scheme of things, and each of these complements the main plot and adds dimension to the story.
Bottom Line: A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is cute, endearing, witty, and sweet. Not to mention the sparks that sizzle between Molly and Owen. The chaos the author has written into this novel is palpable – throw in the holidays, a new business, the stress of weddings (sometimes more than one in a single day), three restless (and adorable) kids, and the absence of two intended key players…. not to mention the losing battle of trying desperately not to fall in love. (because who needs more chaos?) And yet, the tender moments gradually overshadow the chaos – much like in real life – and leave readers breathing a blissful sigh of relief. Looking forward to more visits to the Sweetheart Ranch!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 23, 2018
This was a great book about Molly O'Malley, who is trying to get a marriage ranch built up and make a life for herself after several set backs. Single father of three, Owen Caufield, is starting to realize his children needs him in their lives more then he has been. Two adults searching for their futures and neither very sure of the next step.
When Molly's grandmother elopes with Owen's grandfather the action begins and it is one event after the other. You will really enjoy all the "trials" each of them encounter and when you add three small children to the mix..you have a great story to read and enjoy.
All business is Molly's goal in life and no time for romance. Can Owen make a difference in Molly's life? Owen has his own issues at hand with the three little ones he took with him to Molly's ranch on a request from his grandfather, who is usually the minster for the weddings held at the ranch. He has to care for the three children and try to do the fill in work his grandfather is counting on him to do.
Three children at a marriage ranch with so many things going on would be a challenge for anyone let alone a single dad, whose children are just getting to know him. A whirlwind story is in this book and I loved everything in it.
I recommend it highly and in so many ways I wasn't ready for it to end.
When Molly's grandmother elopes with Owen's grandfather the action begins and it is one event after the other. You will really enjoy all the "trials" each of them encounter and when you add three small children to the mix..you have a great story to read and enjoy.
All business is Molly's goal in life and no time for romance. Can Owen make a difference in Molly's life? Owen has his own issues at hand with the three little ones he took with him to Molly's ranch on a request from his grandfather, who is usually the minster for the weddings held at the ranch. He has to care for the three children and try to do the fill in work his grandfather is counting on him to do.
Three children at a marriage ranch with so many things going on would be a challenge for anyone let alone a single dad, whose children are just getting to know him. A whirlwind story is in this book and I loved everything in it.
I recommend it highly and in so many ways I wasn't ready for it to end.
November 19, 2018
A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal was a fun story. I really enjoyed the setting of the Sweetheart Ranch, a specialty wedding destination that had just opened as the book began.
Owen and Molly definitely had the opposites attract vibe going for them. I enjoyed watching as their feelings grew for each other and the beginnings of romance began to blossom amid the busyness of the Christmas wedding season at the ranch.
The additional chaos of Owen’s three small children served to show exactly how much these little ones needed him to take an active part in their lives. The interactions between all of the characters in this story, including the children, felt very authentic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Owen and Molly definitely had the opposites attract vibe going for them. I enjoyed watching as their feelings grew for each other and the beginnings of romance began to blossom amid the busyness of the Christmas wedding season at the ranch.
The additional chaos of Owen’s three small children served to show exactly how much these little ones needed him to take an active part in their lives. The interactions between all of the characters in this story, including the children, felt very authentic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 1, 2018
Cathy did a awesome job with this story. I loved how Owen Caufield was a compliment to Molly O'Malley. We start the story with Grandma Em eloping with her longtime friend who is Owen's great uncle. Because of life Molly likes to control things. Then Owen is stepping in to marry people in place of his Great uncle. But he has 3 children he is trying to reconnect with. This book is full of fun that only children can get into. In the process it brings Owen and Molly closer. Its a fun book to read full of mischief and learning to let go. Its a great book and I look forward to the next book in this series. I wonder who it will be?
October 25, 2021
This is a sweet story with plenty of conflict between the hero and heroine. Throw in three young children and you have plenty of cute scenes that will Mack you laugh. I loved the setting and the romance.
October 25, 2018
A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid. Molly O'Malley runs a wedding ranch with her grandmother and sister. Her Grandmother, Emily, elopes with the minister of the ranch. Since they were going to going several weeks he asked his nephew to come to the ranch and do the minister he was doing. Owen Caufield shows up with his three small children. He is divorced and wants to reconnect with his children. This is a funny, romantic and touching story. A very good read.
December 4, 2018
4.5 stars!
I really can't seem to get enough of the cowboy and rancher romance stories lately. This story gets bonus points for taking place during the Christmas season, because I also can't get enough of the Christmas romances at this time of year. This book fit both perfectly.
Molly is a mess in the romance department. She has failed at marriage more than once, and before she has even made it down the aisle. It's affected her on every level of her life. So when her grandmother decides to elope and asks her to take over the Sweetheart Ranch weddings for a month, she decides it is a good time to try for a fresh start helping other people have their dream wedding. She tends to be overly attentive to details and demands as close to perfection as one can muster, which makes her a good person for the job.
Owen is also starting over in a sense. He has left his demanding job and has come to the ranch to stand in for his great-uncle, who happens to be the groom of Molly's grandmother. He has brought his three young children with him so that he can get to know them better. They have spent most of their time with their mother, his ex-wife, and don't know him as well, because he has always been away for work. He has online ordination which allows him to perform secular weddings, which fit in perfectly at Sweetheart Ranch. It doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes. He is also used to being in charge at work. This can compliment Molly's style, or potentially stand in her way.
The two work extremely well together. They also mesh well together on a personal level. Owen is a bit more eager to make things work than Molly is. He wants to find someone with whom he is compatible to share his life and to care for his kids. All three of them have taken to Molly and she does well with them. The problem is, Molly has her guard up. I can't say that I blame her, especially considering her past love life.
You pretty much know the way the story is going to go, because these kinds of romances do follow a certain kind of formula. But what's lovely to enjoy is the road that gets them to that point. You watch Molly grow and she comes into herself while running the Sweetheart Ranch. You watch Owen grow as he bonds with his kids and truly realizes the importance of his relationship with them as their father. Both of them learn more about trusting others.
And how can you not fall in love with the Sweetheart Ranch? I wish this place was real, because I would love to go visit it. Carriage rides, hayrides, campfires, and an overall romantic air about the place just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I even had moments where my eyes got a little misty, but I am a big romantic at heart, myself. That's a sign of a great romance for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really can't seem to get enough of the cowboy and rancher romance stories lately. This story gets bonus points for taking place during the Christmas season, because I also can't get enough of the Christmas romances at this time of year. This book fit both perfectly.
Molly is a mess in the romance department. She has failed at marriage more than once, and before she has even made it down the aisle. It's affected her on every level of her life. So when her grandmother decides to elope and asks her to take over the Sweetheart Ranch weddings for a month, she decides it is a good time to try for a fresh start helping other people have their dream wedding. She tends to be overly attentive to details and demands as close to perfection as one can muster, which makes her a good person for the job.
Owen is also starting over in a sense. He has left his demanding job and has come to the ranch to stand in for his great-uncle, who happens to be the groom of Molly's grandmother. He has brought his three young children with him so that he can get to know them better. They have spent most of their time with their mother, his ex-wife, and don't know him as well, because he has always been away for work. He has online ordination which allows him to perform secular weddings, which fit in perfectly at Sweetheart Ranch. It doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes. He is also used to being in charge at work. This can compliment Molly's style, or potentially stand in her way.
The two work extremely well together. They also mesh well together on a personal level. Owen is a bit more eager to make things work than Molly is. He wants to find someone with whom he is compatible to share his life and to care for his kids. All three of them have taken to Molly and she does well with them. The problem is, Molly has her guard up. I can't say that I blame her, especially considering her past love life.
You pretty much know the way the story is going to go, because these kinds of romances do follow a certain kind of formula. But what's lovely to enjoy is the road that gets them to that point. You watch Molly grow and she comes into herself while running the Sweetheart Ranch. You watch Owen grow as he bonds with his kids and truly realizes the importance of his relationship with them as their father. Both of them learn more about trusting others.
And how can you not fall in love with the Sweetheart Ranch? I wish this place was real, because I would love to go visit it. Carriage rides, hayrides, campfires, and an overall romantic air about the place just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I even had moments where my eyes got a little misty, but I am a big romantic at heart, myself. That's a sign of a great romance for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2018
An adorably sweet family-oriented romance! She's too uptight, he's too lackadaisical ... but together, they shine! In a story of trying to pick up the pieces of a life that hasn't quite worked out the way you planned, two people meet and fall in love in less than ideal circumstances. She's stressed about making a success of a business she really needs to work out for a chance, and he's trying to make sure his kids know what they mean to him in a time that is in fluctuation. Neither are looking for love, but as much as they try to resist the attraction they have for each other, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The characters were well developed, the plot was steady and filled with cuteness and the story was overall a joy to read!
Single dad Owen Caufield needs to reconnect with his children, and taking a month long job at Sweetheart Ranch might just be the way to do it! When his Uncle Homer calls and asks him for a favor, Owen is quick to agree to fill in as the wedding officiant at the newly opening B&B wedding venue. He thinks this time on a peaceful ranch will do his kids some good and allow him to show them he's going to be there for them.
Molly O'Malley isn't thrilled with the idea of a fill-in when the most stressful time of their life is upon them as they try to get this fledgling business off the ground. What was her grandmother thinking? Three children under the age of five underfoot as they try to plan the most important day in every couple's life? She can see trouble on the horizon for sure!
Single dad Owen Caufield needs to reconnect with his children, and taking a month long job at Sweetheart Ranch might just be the way to do it! When his Uncle Homer calls and asks him for a favor, Owen is quick to agree to fill in as the wedding officiant at the newly opening B&B wedding venue. He thinks this time on a peaceful ranch will do his kids some good and allow him to show them he's going to be there for them.
Molly O'Malley isn't thrilled with the idea of a fill-in when the most stressful time of their life is upon them as they try to get this fledgling business off the ground. What was her grandmother thinking? Three children under the age of five underfoot as they try to plan the most important day in every couple's life? She can see trouble on the horizon for sure!
January 25, 2020
Cathy McDavid’s A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is the first book of the Sweetwater Ranch series. It is an adorably sweet family-oriented romance involving Molly O'Malley and Owen Caufield. Molly is a mess after losing two fiancées and loss of jobs, not to mention she’s all stressed out to make Sweetwater Ranch as a successful wedding venue. Single dad Owen gives up a successful career to spend more time with his three rambunctious children under the ages of 5 by taking a month-long job at Sweetheart Ranch as the wedding officiant. The moment Molly and Owen meet, sizzling attraction sparks between them, which neither wants.
Cathy McDavid creates weddings where everything goes perfectly until Owen’s children unintentionally bring moments of disaster much to the dismay of the wedding couples and of course, Molly. Oftentimes, Molly and Owen are at odds, but their strong personalities combine brings a yin and yang balance in their relationship. A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is about a small-town ranch, weddings, and love between Molly, Owen, and the kids.
Cathy McDavid creates weddings where everything goes perfectly until Owen’s children unintentionally bring moments of disaster much to the dismay of the wedding couples and of course, Molly. Oftentimes, Molly and Owen are at odds, but their strong personalities combine brings a yin and yang balance in their relationship. A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is about a small-town ranch, weddings, and love between Molly, Owen, and the kids.
November 13, 2018
A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is a really sweet romance with some fun characters and a cute story line. I love the idea of Sweetheart Ranch. I’m not sure I’d run a wedding venue…too much stress…but those cabins are just perfect.
I love Owen’s kids. They definitely steal the show (or the book). I like Molly, but I had a little bit of a hard time relating to her. I guess she just has a completely different personality from me. I’m looking forward to her sister’s story. I think I can relate more to her personality. I’m definitely not a type A. I appreciate that Owen was taking the time to spend with his kids too. The world can use more men like that. It’s not all about the money, it’s about time.
Clean romance lovers will enjoy getting to know these characters and this charming town.
I love Owen’s kids. They definitely steal the show (or the book). I like Molly, but I had a little bit of a hard time relating to her. I guess she just has a completely different personality from me. I’m looking forward to her sister’s story. I think I can relate more to her personality. I’m definitely not a type A. I appreciate that Owen was taking the time to spend with his kids too. The world can use more men like that. It’s not all about the money, it’s about time.
Clean romance lovers will enjoy getting to know these characters and this charming town.
November 15, 2018
This was a really cute story. I loved watching Owen trying to be a better dad for his kids. That made my heart feel full. His three little ones were adorably mischievous. They're exactly what Molly needs in her life even if she doesn't know it. Molly feels like she has to be perfect and in control because life has thrown her one too many curve balls. I loved the descriptions of Sweetheart Ranch. It made me want to have my wedding there. It sounds so magical with the horse drawn carriage rides. This book is one you don't want to pass up. It has a make you feel good story with a wonderful cast of characters. This story will hit you right in the heart. Plus you can't go wrong with the holiday season working it's magic.
April 3, 2020
This delightful romance story kept me entertained in the hardest of times. The characters are wonderfully developed, from the mischievous toddlers to the grandparents and beloved horses. A bed and breakfast combination ranch and wedding location set the scene for some marvelous family fun and sweet love stories. Wishing this would be made into a hallmark movie. Book has 2 names, also labeled as The Christmas Agreement.
November 16, 2018
A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid is an absolute lovely read. Opposite's really do attract in this story. Molly and Owen are great. Watching Owen become a better dad is great. Molly has no idea what she is in store for. She is a bit to uptight and they may just unwind her a little bit. You do not want to miss this great Christmas read.
October 7, 2020
Molly wasn't easily likeable to me. Though she's understandably wounded by her past, I found her a bit cold and I disconnected from her.
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November 11, 2018Miniseries: The Sweetheart Ranch
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