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Three Rivers Ranch #16
Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love
A cowboy veterinarian who works sixteen steps from the woman of his dreams...and doesn't even know she's there. Can a chance meeting in a different location open his eyes to happily-ever-after?
Boone Carver, carrying the weight of past mistakes, seeks redemption and a fresh start in Three Rivers. As the new owner of the local animal clinic, he works tirelessly to care for the town's pets while finding solace in the equine therapy program at Three Rivers Ranch, which is owned and operated by his cousin, Squire.
His office administrator, Nicole Hymas, harbors resentment towards him for buying the clinic she had always dreamed of owning. She’s never told him he swooped in and bought it out from under her, or that she’s harboring ill will toward him for doing so.
They just don’t get along at work and never have.
Despite their strained relationship at the clinic, a chance encounter at a dog park brings Boone and Nicole together, revealing a new side to the handsome veterinarian that Nicole can't ignore.
As they gradually open up to one another, Nicole struggles with her growing admiration for and attraction to Boone and the burden of her own unresolved feelings.
Determined to put down roots in Three Rivers, Boone senses the undeniable connection between them and refuses to let it slip away. Will they lean on their faith to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their happiness? Or will sixteen steps forever separate them?
In this heartwarming Christian cowboy romance in beloved Three Rivers, Boone and Nicole learn the power of forgiveness, second chances, and the healing power of love.
Boone Carver, carrying the weight of past mistakes, seeks redemption and a fresh start in Three Rivers. As the new owner of the local animal clinic, he works tirelessly to care for the town's pets while finding solace in the equine therapy program at Three Rivers Ranch, which is owned and operated by his cousin, Squire.
His office administrator, Nicole Hymas, harbors resentment towards him for buying the clinic she had always dreamed of owning. She’s never told him he swooped in and bought it out from under her, or that she’s harboring ill will toward him for doing so.
They just don’t get along at work and never have.
Despite their strained relationship at the clinic, a chance encounter at a dog park brings Boone and Nicole together, revealing a new side to the handsome veterinarian that Nicole can't ignore.
As they gradually open up to one another, Nicole struggles with her growing admiration for and attraction to Boone and the burden of her own unresolved feelings.
Determined to put down roots in Three Rivers, Boone senses the undeniable connection between them and refuses to let it slip away. Will they lean on their faith to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their happiness? Or will sixteen steps forever separate them?
In this heartwarming Christian cowboy romance in beloved Three Rivers, Boone and Nicole learn the power of forgiveness, second chances, and the healing power of love.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2018
861 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Liz Isaacson
435 books1,204 followers★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 30, 2018
I wanted to like it. As an avid 3 Rivers fan I really wanted to like it but right from the start I couldn't get beyond the fact that Nicole was 40. They reiterated it over and over throughout the book and yet THAT wasn't her issue. Anyone who reads this and the Grape seed series , knows that Boone is around 32. The facts are all there but him being at least 6 years younger was never brought up. I just couldn't find any redeeming qualities that would draw Boone to her besides the fact that she was blonde and petite. She was mean spirited , judgmental and a harpy and through it all I could not believe that she was 40. If it hadn't been stated in the book, I would have thought she was 19 from her juvenile attitude. This book only got 3 starts because I enjoyed Boone's character and I love reading Liz's books ( normally)
August 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book about a Veterinarian and his office manager. Boone moves to a small town in Texas where his cousins live to get away from a big mistake he made misdiagnosing a disease in a herd of cattle and his disapproving father. He buys a Vet clinic and he enjoys it except for one thing. His office manager Nicole treats him very badly. One day he is at the dog park with his dogs and he sees a beautiful blonde woman. When she turns around he realizes it is Nicole. He didn't recognize her because she always wore her hair in a bun and wore scrubs. He talks to her and asks why she doesn't like him. She starts to realize it is not him as much as it is her disappointments in life. They start to date and things are going really well for a while. Boone has dyslexia and tells Nicole about his struggles. One day in the office she goes off the deep end and embarrasses him in front of the whole office and puts him down. He breaks up with her and decides to accept an offer to partner with a friend in Amarillo. He doesn't tell her he is leaving or where he is going. He is a runner and has been training for months to run the Amarillo marathon. When he nears the finish line he hears someone cheering him on and it is Nicole. What happens next? Is he able to forgive her? Do they get back together? I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.
August 29, 2018
Clean, christian lit quick read.
I liked the main characters for the most part. Boone was a nice guy and I never really figured out why he has such a hard time with his dad. Does dad behave like he does simply because Boone doesn't fit the mold his father wants? And it is too bad that Boone is ashamed of dyslexia. A lot of people struggle with it and there is no need to feel less-than because of it. Nicole has some issues she really needs to work out. She needs to learn to communicate with people instead of internalizing her anger. It is too bad that she hadn't been able to work things out with her siblings and felt she needed to put her life on hold instead of asking for help. It was a little surprising that Boone could overlook Nicole's issues so quickly since he had been the recipient of her anger for a year.
This is definitely Christian lit and the characters pray for assistance a lot in addition to attending church. Not a lot of sermonizing. It didn't feel heavy handed but if you don't like Christian themes then give this book a pass.
I am still trying to figure out why a person who is so terrified of public singing that she mouths the words instead of singing them would join a choir at all but overall I liked the book.
No sex, language or violence
I liked the main characters for the most part. Boone was a nice guy and I never really figured out why he has such a hard time with his dad. Does dad behave like he does simply because Boone doesn't fit the mold his father wants? And it is too bad that Boone is ashamed of dyslexia. A lot of people struggle with it and there is no need to feel less-than because of it. Nicole has some issues she really needs to work out. She needs to learn to communicate with people instead of internalizing her anger. It is too bad that she hadn't been able to work things out with her siblings and felt she needed to put her life on hold instead of asking for help. It was a little surprising that Boone could overlook Nicole's issues so quickly since he had been the recipient of her anger for a year.
This is definitely Christian lit and the characters pray for assistance a lot in addition to attending church. Not a lot of sermonizing. It didn't feel heavy handed but if you don't like Christian themes then give this book a pass.
I am still trying to figure out why a person who is so terrified of public singing that she mouths the words instead of singing them would join a choir at all but overall I liked the book.
No sex, language or violence
September 1, 2018
A Good Romance
A reworking of the novel Loves Pulse, this book has been expanded to fit into the Three Rivers series. This also includes another Liz Isaacson series Grape Seed Falls, as Boone, our handsome vetinarian, is a member of the Carver family ( i really am in need of a family tree, i've read so many books my brain has fried and characters get melded together)!
This is a story of learning how to let go of your anger, Boone is angry at his family for not supporting his dreams and Heather at her older siblings for leaving her to be her parents carer. A poignant storyline of the effects of dementia on a family give this story a subdued touch. On a lighter note, there are Star Wars themed dogs! There is a plot about a rival vet and his wife that dos not seem to have an actual conclusion. It would have been nice to have seen the outcome of this.
Another good read.
A reworking of the novel Loves Pulse, this book has been expanded to fit into the Three Rivers series. This also includes another Liz Isaacson series Grape Seed Falls, as Boone, our handsome vetinarian, is a member of the Carver family ( i really am in need of a family tree, i've read so many books my brain has fried and characters get melded together)!
This is a story of learning how to let go of your anger, Boone is angry at his family for not supporting his dreams and Heather at her older siblings for leaving her to be her parents carer. A poignant storyline of the effects of dementia on a family give this story a subdued touch. On a lighter note, there are Star Wars themed dogs! There is a plot about a rival vet and his wife that dos not seem to have an actual conclusion. It would have been nice to have seen the outcome of this.
Another good read.
August 26, 2018
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
Boone can't figure out why Nicole has hated him so much since he started working at the clinic a year ago. When he sees her the first time at the dog park after a year of working there and she isn't the same with him they start to have a civil relationship at work. Then things get a whole lot better and they spend a lot of time together and their feelings grow until something happens and Nicole hurts Boone in the worst way possible. He decides to move to Amarillo to prepare for the marathon and then start a new job after that. Will Nicole figure out why she acted the way she did before it's too late? What does she do when she finds out that Boone has quit his job and moved away and didn't tell her anything? Will Boone be able to forgive her? Will he really be happy in Amarillo?
Boone can't figure out why Nicole has hated him so much since he started working at the clinic a year ago. When he sees her the first time at the dog park after a year of working there and she isn't the same with him they start to have a civil relationship at work. Then things get a whole lot better and they spend a lot of time together and their feelings grow until something happens and Nicole hurts Boone in the worst way possible. He decides to move to Amarillo to prepare for the marathon and then start a new job after that. Will Nicole figure out why she acted the way she did before it's too late? What does she do when she finds out that Boone has quit his job and moved away and didn't tell her anything? Will Boone be able to forgive her? Will he really be happy in Amarillo?
August 25, 2018
I've read quite of few of Liz Isaacson's books and enjoyed all of them. Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love is my favorite though. I felt the raw emotions of the characters as I was reading.The main characters are very well developed and the story is paced just right. I enjoyed the faith element--one character comes back to God, and another deals with her faults that she had for years even though she was in church. And, there was one kiss in there that was (fans face); well, you just need to read it to find out. There is a lovely HEA. I would highly recommend this book to sweet romance readers and to Christian romance readers. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this book.
August 28, 2018
I had the privilege of reading the original novella that became this book. And while I can still see the bones of that story in this one, it’s become a different and more complex tale now. Nicole's got steamer trunks stuffed full of emotional baggage that she needs to unpack and deal with. All of that baggage causes lots of havoc in her every interaction with Boone. Boone has issues of his own that he's dealing with and it was inspiring watching him come to terms with all the drama he was working through. I adored this pair and their crazy canines. I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was there, experiencing everything, with them. It's a quick read that packs a lot of punch within it's covers.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
August 28, 2018
Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love by one of my favorite authors, Liz Isaacson takes us back to Three Rivers Ranch where we meet the new vet, Boone Carver and his office administrator, Nicole Hymas. Boone and Nicole offices are Sixteen Steps apart, sparks fly from the moment they meet but not in a good way, leaving Boone to wonder what he did for such a response. Both have personal secrets that they would just as soon keep to themselves. Can these two broken people find peace with each other or will they let love slip through their fingers? Liz has the knack in giving us a chance to become involved in these characters, to want to help and see that they see what is right in front of their faces (and yes, sometimes smack them!).
September 4, 2018
Overall I enjoyed this book and reading about Boone and Nicole's story. There was drama, growth, and romance, but I was disappointed to read or understand about Boone's father's critical and snobbish nature. Also, since I had fallen in love with Heather and Levi's story, I was similarly disappointed Boone chose not to attend their wedding. And why would Nicole join the choir, only mouth the words to the songs during choir rehearsals, and then panic when she couldn't sing in front of an audience?? Never got the understanding behind that one. All in all, though, I did enjoy this sweet clean romance by one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Texas Hill Country, having recently moved there myself.
June 1, 2025
Another great story!
Continuing the stories based in Three Rivers is this excellent story of Boone and Nicole. Boone had a few issues, was aware if it and addressing them. Nicole, on the other hand, had a lifetime full of problems! She was aware of most of them but not doing anything about them. She treated Boone very badly for his first 20 months in Three Rivers followed by them getting to know and love each other. Unfortunately, Nicole cruelly sabotaged the best relationship she'd ever had, causing Boone to put his house and business up for sale and leave town. The ending is their HEA but I think Boone made things too easy for Nicole and shouldn't have forgiven her so quickly!
Continuing the stories based in Three Rivers is this excellent story of Boone and Nicole. Boone had a few issues, was aware if it and addressing them. Nicole, on the other hand, had a lifetime full of problems! She was aware of most of them but not doing anything about them. She treated Boone very badly for his first 20 months in Three Rivers followed by them getting to know and love each other. Unfortunately, Nicole cruelly sabotaged the best relationship she'd ever had, causing Boone to put his house and business up for sale and leave town. The ending is their HEA but I think Boone made things too easy for Nicole and shouldn't have forgiven her so quickly!
April 30, 2019
I’m at odds with this story - I enjoyed the storyline but I didn’t like the heroine sadly. I know that no one is perfect & misunderstandings happen but she seemed to have some major insecurities & anger management issues which resulted in lots of hurt feelings which just made me sad. It all ends well & like I said, the storyline is fine - it’s clean & has a lot of happy & good points - I really liked the way the hero was developed & it’s always nice to “catch up” with other characters from previous books. Hopefully the next book (about a character mentioned in this story) will be more my cup of tea.
August 28, 2018
What a great story. The characters really had some struggles to deal with. Boone has dyslexia and does not want anyone to know about it. Nicole struggles with her self-image. Boone is so kind, caring and supportive as Nicole try’s to figure out how to deal with feeling and things that she has misdirected and ignored for years. You will have to read the story to find out if they get everything worked out.
September 1, 2018
Boone and Nicole have a strained work relationship because Nicole says "he took her job". So....with this being said, he moves on. Boone sees a girl from afar at the dog park while walking his dogs. He decides to approach her and ask her out. She turns. Their eyes meet and the rest is history - a little dramatic - but history is made!.
Liz Isaacson continues to be at the top of my favorite author list.
Liz Isaacson continues to be at the top of my favorite author list.
August 30, 2022
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Veterinarian, Boone Carver purchased the animal clinic in Three Rivers. Office manager Nicole is not nice to him for several months because she had wanted to purchase the clinic, but couldn’t manage it financially. When she finally sees it’s her attitude, not Boone’s fault, she sees him in a different light. The plot of this book features overcoming misunderstandings and hurt feelings. A tender story.
August 28, 2018
Life’s difficulties can make one bitter or better. Love cannot coexist with anger and unforgiveness. Nicole and Boone’s story reveals their struggles to deal with these issues in a realistic yet compassionate way. Isaacson inspires her readers to become better people in every aspect of their lives.
August 28, 2018
An excellent example of hiding your anger and hurt and leaving the person responsible totally confused about what they have done. It is so much better to be honest and let the person know for good or bad why you are reacting badly to them. You can’t heal the hurts that you won’t release. And it is hard to apologize for something you don’t know you did. Step up and be honest.
August 29, 2018
Loved Boone!!! He was one patient and long suffering man. Nicole has lots of anger and she seems to direct it at Boone - felt for him. I did appreciate reading about real christians and how we still sin and struggle with sin but are saved by grace alone. Their dogs loved each other can Boone and Nicole find their hea? I love the Three Rivers Ranch series and this one is a good addition.
September 1, 2018
I liked how this story started. The characters were believeable. They has some communication issues with each other. They both had baggage to work out. This book kept my attention. However the ending felt rushed. It did not follow in the same manner of the rest of the book. I do recommend this book.
September 3, 2018
Nicole is a very angry woman, and she takes her anger out on whoever is convenient. Boone takes over the veterinarian clinic she wanted and becomes her target. I don't know how he kept her on for so long with her blatant animosity. I didn't understand the outside interference with his clinic and it felt unresolved. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 11, 2018
Good, clean, quick ,Christian novel.
The story is about Boone, a veterinarian , and his surly office manager, Nicole. He can't figure out why she dislikes him so much. One day he sees Nicole in the park, though he does not recognize her at first, and is totally taken by her.
The book has good characterization though i was surprised at Nicole's age. The plot moves smoothly along and it is unified.
Didn't really care for the ending.. I thought it was rather abrupt.
The story is about Boone, a veterinarian , and his surly office manager, Nicole. He can't figure out why she dislikes him so much. One day he sees Nicole in the park, though he does not recognize her at first, and is totally taken by her.
The book has good characterization though i was surprised at Nicole's age. The plot moves smoothly along and it is unified.
Didn't really care for the ending.. I thought it was rather abrupt.
September 15, 2020
I loved this book! I liked getting a glimpse at Grape Seed Falls as it’s the next series I’m going to read. I loved these characters and their journey working things out. There were definitely times that got my heart pounding - for multiple reasons.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 10, 2021
Boone and Nicole are both characters that are filled with self-doubt and many negative feelings about themselves. This carries over into their relationship with each other and with God. Going along for the ride as they work through all their issues makes a great story.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 25, 2021
Love Is Fickle
Boone and Nicole have been at odds since his arrival in Three Rivers. He has no idea why. When they see each other in a different light, they learn so much more. When things come crashing down, Nicole realizes she was never really mad at Boone, he's just the scapegoat. Can she get him back? ~
Boone and Nicole have been at odds since his arrival in Three Rivers. He has no idea why. When they see each other in a different light, they learn so much more. When things come crashing down, Nicole realizes she was never really mad at Boone, he's just the scapegoat. Can she get him back? ~
March 18, 2023
Can Boone get over his mistake in his work, can Nicole find the confidence to let him into her life and can they each be brave enough to conside in each other? This story is a bit 'bity' and sometimes it's hard to understand why they are each upset with the other. But right throughout it's easy for the reader to cheer them on to a happy ending
August 31, 2025
Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love
This story is about a lady who had a beautiful voice but she could not sing in front of a crowd, like in church. Her friend, owner of the Puppy Paz, tried to encourage her and help her, but this went all wrong and she was very angry for a while. Enjoy.
This story is about a lady who had a beautiful voice but she could not sing in front of a crowd, like in church. Her friend, owner of the Puppy Paz, tried to encourage her and help her, but this went all wrong and she was very angry for a while. Enjoy.
August 31, 2018
A Beautiful Romance
This is a beautiful romance about two people that had to work their insecurities to find love.
I loved the characters and the storyline.
This book is recommended for those who love sweet romance.
This is a beautiful romance about two people that had to work their insecurities to find love.
I loved the characters and the storyline.
This book is recommended for those who love sweet romance.
August 30, 2018
Forgiveness sets you free
Boone and Nicole both have secrets and both harbor repressed anger towards family members. When they turn their anger on each other, hope for a budding romance fades. Love takes a back seat, and only by forgiving do they stand a chance. Very good read!!
Boone and Nicole both have secrets and both harbor repressed anger towards family members. When they turn their anger on each other, hope for a budding romance fades. Love takes a back seat, and only by forgiving do they stand a chance. Very good read!!
August 30, 2018
Can a difficult relationship end up in love?
I like how hard this couple had to work on their issues to make it to their happy ever after. I also appreciated how the difficult role of a caregiver was portrayed and the impact it can have on the carer.
I like how hard this couple had to work on their issues to make it to their happy ever after. I also appreciated how the difficult role of a caregiver was portrayed and the impact it can have on the carer.
September 6, 2018
Sixteen Steps to Fall in Love
Absolutely loved the book and the characters. The sixteen steps seem so symbolic between Boone and Nicole. Just a perfect title to the book. The slow build to their relationship makes the book all the more intense.
Absolutely loved the book and the characters. The sixteen steps seem so symbolic between Boone and Nicole. Just a perfect title to the book. The slow build to their relationship makes the book all the more intense.
September 10, 2018
This is book 13 in the series can be read as a stand-alone. This is a good clean romance book about a vet and his office manager. They didn’t get along until one day they ran into each other at a dog park and saw a different side to each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews