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Lazy L Ranch #1
Runaway Cowboy
Jessica Ledbetter had worked too hard on her family's Colorado dude ranch, the Lazy L, to roll over and play dead when Jim Bradford showed up as the new manager. The former power broker from New York City was darkly handsome in his custom suit and tie, but downright devastating in tight jeans and Stetson.
Once back in the saddle after a decade in the city, Jim, a native Texan, took the reins and steered the operation, roped in the guests and even tamed Jess's uncooperative brothers. But the Lazy L was her legacy. Jess couldn't let it fall into the hands of an outsider. No matter what those hands did to her…
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Judy Christenberry
248 books70 followersJudy Russell Christenberry was born in Dallas, Texas, USA, where she raised in a family of four children with a stay-at-home mom who was a terrific cook and an excellent teacher, where family tradition was concerned. As a child, Judy was surrounded by animals. Her father raised a few head of cattle to keep meat on the table. At one time or another, there were sheep, Thanksgiving turkeys, ducks and dogs, and there were always chickens.
Judy learned the importance of family at an early age. But, Judith's marriage ended in divorce. Yet, with support from her mother and siblings, she and her two daughters discovered their own definition of family. The family comes in all shapes and flavors. What's important isn't the two parents and the 2.5 children, it's love and support. She raised her children, taught during the day, wrote at night, and pursued her dream.
Judy, hasn't always been a writer, but she's always been a dreamer. As a child, for entertainment while doing chores, she told herself stories-she was always the heroine. However, she didn't start writing until she turned thirty-eight, just one year after her father's unexpected death. After this, she realized life promised no guarantees about how much time you have. Why wait to pursue your dreams? She had begun reading Harlequin Romance novels about ten years earlier, so romance writing came naturally. She signs her novels as Judy Christenberry, Judith Christenberry and Judith Stafford.
Over time, Judy realized two central themes dominating her writing: family and small town/country life. Many of her books have cowboy heroes, partly because she read all Zane Grey's romantic versions of the Old West as a teenager, and partly because her parents grew up on farms. The last element that frequently appears in Judy's stories is a dash of humor, just enough to bring a smile to your face. She believes laughter is good medicine and it definitely makes a six-foot hunk even more attractive!
Now, with her daughters pursuing their own dreams, Judy writes full-time and is wrapped up in her storytelling. She lives each new adventure with the vigor of a young girl, still dreaming up tales while washing dishes. She hopes to entertain her readers as much as she entertains herself!
Judy learned the importance of family at an early age. But, Judith's marriage ended in divorce. Yet, with support from her mother and siblings, she and her two daughters discovered their own definition of family. The family comes in all shapes and flavors. What's important isn't the two parents and the 2.5 children, it's love and support. She raised her children, taught during the day, wrote at night, and pursued her dream.
Judy, hasn't always been a writer, but she's always been a dreamer. As a child, for entertainment while doing chores, she told herself stories-she was always the heroine. However, she didn't start writing until she turned thirty-eight, just one year after her father's unexpected death. After this, she realized life promised no guarantees about how much time you have. Why wait to pursue your dreams? She had begun reading Harlequin Romance novels about ten years earlier, so romance writing came naturally. She signs her novels as Judy Christenberry, Judith Christenberry and Judith Stafford.
Over time, Judy realized two central themes dominating her writing: family and small town/country life. Many of her books have cowboy heroes, partly because she read all Zane Grey's romantic versions of the Old West as a teenager, and partly because her parents grew up on farms. The last element that frequently appears in Judy's stories is a dash of humor, just enough to bring a smile to your face. She believes laughter is good medicine and it definitely makes a six-foot hunk even more attractive!
Now, with her daughters pursuing their own dreams, Judy writes full-time and is wrapped up in her storytelling. She lives each new adventure with the vigor of a young girl, still dreaming up tales while washing dishes. She hopes to entertain her readers as much as she entertains herself!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 19, 2020
Pleasant contemporary romance set on a ranch with cowboys, family matters and a few love matches.
June 6, 2020
Nice cowboy romance! It's perfect for afternoon reading.
February 2, 2021
This was a nice, quick read that I read after I had a tooth pulled. I found it a bit rushed for the romance, but it was sweet. Her brother's started off really angry at first, but they calmed down the more the book progressed. Looking forward to reading their stories.
June 7, 2018
Loved this book can't wait to read more books by this author I didn't think they would work it out but love sexy alpha cowboys do what they have to to get what they want
March 7, 2020
Jessica has her hands full with two brothers unwilling to follow her lead when they have to step up to run the dude ranch after their parents' death.
When their grandfather hires Jim Bradford, lately a Wall Street broker, Jessica is positive his so-called assistance won't work, either. But, surprising her and everyone, Jim's background growing up in Texas makes his job easy as he begins to turn things around.
What's harder is convincing Jessica that a) he can be trusted, and b) he loves her.
When their grandfather hires Jim Bradford, lately a Wall Street broker, Jessica is positive his so-called assistance won't work, either. But, surprising her and everyone, Jim's background growing up in Texas makes his job easy as he begins to turn things around.
What's harder is convincing Jessica that a) he can be trusted, and b) he loves her.
February 26, 2020
I loved reading this book. I have never read anything by Judy Christenberry before but I liked her style and I'll be looking for more of her books.
A love story it was. Had it's ups and downs but all came together in the end.
A love story it was. Had it's ups and downs but all came together in the end.
February 17, 2020
This was a perfect Sunday read. Couldn't put it down ..loved it.
March 9, 2020
I liked this story. A fast read with good characters and storyline. Jessica and Jim work well together. They got to know each other during weeks of working a dude ranch together with her family.
January 4, 2021
I loved it . It was a good read , It gets good towards the middle and I didn't want it to end. I also like it because the main character has the same name as me .
June 13, 2021
This story is a quick delightful read. The characters are easy to relate to and the plot moves quickly. Nice read for a summer afternoon.
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January 16, 2022I thought this book was an amazing book. Really good characters in this book.
May 15, 2024
fast read
July 30, 2025
loved this easy read.
March 19, 2013
Nice easy read. Something to read on the beach.If cowboys and dude ranches sound interesting to you you would love this story. It's a lighthearted love story that puts a smile on your face.
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July 31, 2011The beginning a a great series. loved it.
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December 29, 2014Miniseries: Cowboy at Heart
Category: Contemporary Romance
Category: Contemporary Romance
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews