What do you think?
Rate this book
Cowboys of Cold Creek #4
The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle
Christmas was tough for widow Jenna Wheeler and her four children. But even though she'd sold part of her family's land to make ends meet, she was determined to spin the holiday into the stuff of magic--no matter what it took. Now if she could only find a job....Maybe her new landlord could oblige--gorgeous, child-averse Carson McRaven. He needed a chef, and he knew the lovely Jenna could do a bang-up job--if only she could keep her brood out of his hair. But as he found himself catapulted into the cheerful chaos of her family...not to mention Jenna's arms... he learned more about the spirit of Christmas than he'd ever dreamed.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
383 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
314 books3,878 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 20, 2017
Awwww, I loved this Christmas story! Carson is a grumpy, grinchy cowboy who has his life turned upside down by widow Jenna and her four kids. This was a sweet, heart-warming holiday story without being sickening or ridiculous. And I may, or may not have had to dab at my eyes a couple of times with a tissue...allergies, you know? 😉
Highly recommend if you're looking for a holiday romantic story that isn't just about the romance.
This may just be my favorite from RaeAnne Thayne so far!
Highly recommend if you're looking for a holiday romantic story that isn't just about the romance.
This may just be my favorite from RaeAnne Thayne so far!
December 21, 2011
A wonderful Christmas read!
CEO Carson McRaven has lost touch with what is really important in life. Growing up with his drug addict mother didn't give him the time to enjoy life and appreciate the little things. The death of his young wife and their son in childbirth has left him not allowing anybody to depend on him.
Since buying widow Jenna Wheeler's ranch, he's constantly having to keep his eyes on her three young sons. When he sees her life, all he sees is chaos and noise.
Yet, one day when he's bringing the boys home from a fall, the mother of the 3 boys and a 18month little girl sneaks into his heart.
Over the course of a week he begins seeing the children in a different light. Taking them Christmas tree hunting for his house and getting to know them. He begins seeing the things he missed out on.
The real connection comes when he's forced to ask for Jenna's help catering two days for his big business meeting for potential. Tripling her pay, she agrees.
During the madness of cooking on short notice, these two shot off sparks of awareness, but Carson isn't prepared to become a family man. Despite kisses, when the two days are up, the tension breaks and harsh words are spoken to keep the other away. Storming out of his house, Jenna falls breaking her wrist, spraining her ankle, and recieving a concussion.
Not leaving her alone, Carson ends up taking care of her at home with her kids. Surprisingly he stays a float and baby Jolie sinks her teeth in him farther.
When he opens his gifts, he's forever changed with the longing of the family he's never had. Getting up, he leaves with the notion not to come back.
With a knock on the door later that night, he unloads hill pile of presents all the way from California. Not letting him walk away, Jenna tells him she's fallen for the one man who doesn't want a family.
But now she's the only family he could imagine himself with. Closing the door, he's there to stay.
I loved Carson and Jenna. Both had been through so much, yet were strong and kept going. The love Jenna felt for her kids were touching as was the pain she felt over losing her husband. Reading Carson evolving from his isolated self to welcoming the noise four kids pose was written perfect.
CEO Carson McRaven has lost touch with what is really important in life. Growing up with his drug addict mother didn't give him the time to enjoy life and appreciate the little things. The death of his young wife and their son in childbirth has left him not allowing anybody to depend on him.
Since buying widow Jenna Wheeler's ranch, he's constantly having to keep his eyes on her three young sons. When he sees her life, all he sees is chaos and noise.
Yet, one day when he's bringing the boys home from a fall, the mother of the 3 boys and a 18month little girl sneaks into his heart.
Over the course of a week he begins seeing the children in a different light. Taking them Christmas tree hunting for his house and getting to know them. He begins seeing the things he missed out on.
The real connection comes when he's forced to ask for Jenna's help catering two days for his big business meeting for potential. Tripling her pay, she agrees.
During the madness of cooking on short notice, these two shot off sparks of awareness, but Carson isn't prepared to become a family man. Despite kisses, when the two days are up, the tension breaks and harsh words are spoken to keep the other away. Storming out of his house, Jenna falls breaking her wrist, spraining her ankle, and recieving a concussion.
Not leaving her alone, Carson ends up taking care of her at home with her kids. Surprisingly he stays a float and baby Jolie sinks her teeth in him farther.
When he opens his gifts, he's forever changed with the longing of the family he's never had. Getting up, he leaves with the notion not to come back.
With a knock on the door later that night, he unloads hill pile of presents all the way from California. Not letting him walk away, Jenna tells him she's fallen for the one man who doesn't want a family.
But now she's the only family he could imagine himself with. Closing the door, he's there to stay.
I loved Carson and Jenna. Both had been through so much, yet were strong and kept going. The love Jenna felt for her kids were touching as was the pain she felt over losing her husband. Reading Carson evolving from his isolated self to welcoming the noise four kids pose was written perfect.
October 24, 2011
Carson McRaven doesn't have anything againist kids, he just doesn't want any and plans to steer clear of them. It seems harder to do when widower Jenna Wheeler's kids keep finding their way on his property. As if the reasons to bump into each other keep adding up, the final straw is when his personal chef cancels last minute for an event that is planned at the McRaven ranch, and Jenna is the best cook he knows. She agrees to help him out, but Carson can't seem to keep his eyes or lips off the woman and is not sure he wants to but fear from the past has him running scared, until he realizes what he will be missing.
Pretty good story, it was sweet.
Pretty good story, it was sweet.
February 28, 2018
An enjoyable Christmas story. Jenna is a widow, her husband dying at Christmas 2 years earlier. To get out of debt and take care of her 4 children, she had to sell the ranch to weathly Carson, keeping a small house and 20 acres for herself. She also caters. Carson is in a bind and needs to hire Jenna to cook for his guests. She falls on the stairs and Carson has to take care of her and her children.
June 12, 2022
Delightful Read
As always with a RaeAnne Thayne book, this is a nice easy read about nice people. I love reading her various series as they are a nice break from reality.
As always with a RaeAnne Thayne book, this is a nice easy read about nice people. I love reading her various series as they are a nice break from reality.
November 13, 2012
Jenna Wheeler is a widowed mother of four,trying to give her young children as much normalcy as possible. The past two Christmases have been very hard on them and she vows to herself to make this a great Christmas. Her husband died from a tragic farming accident two Christmases ago and the last Christmas found Jenna in the hospital again, this time with her baby girl fighting pneumonia. She has had to make some tough decisions regarding her family’s finances and one of them was to sell off a major portion of her deceased husband’s family lands. This does not sit well with her mother-in-law and her eldest son, Hayden, who is only 10.
The town’s folk of Cold Creek aren’t too keen about having a “big wig” coming into their community, albeit only “part-time”, and trying out his fancy ranching ideas. Enter Carson McRaven, of McRaven Enterprises, founder and CEO. He wanted a place to remind him of the best times he ever had, spent with his grandparents, not very far from where the property that he purchased from Jenna Wheeler. Carson’s headquarters and business are in San Francisco, but on occasion he gets away to Cold Water, or more precisely “Ravens Nest”, when he can. The Wheeler children always seem to be on his property and not behaving very well at the times he’s found them. Carson always has to complain about the children to their mother, Jenna. Well this year is a bit different when one of the boys gets hurt while on Carson’s property and he feels he must bring the boy to his mother. Fate or circumstances seems to have other ideas for Carson and Jenna this holiday season, whether they want to admit it or not. Read this delightful story about finding a home, even when you didn’t know you were looking for one.
The town’s folk of Cold Creek aren’t too keen about having a “big wig” coming into their community, albeit only “part-time”, and trying out his fancy ranching ideas. Enter Carson McRaven, of McRaven Enterprises, founder and CEO. He wanted a place to remind him of the best times he ever had, spent with his grandparents, not very far from where the property that he purchased from Jenna Wheeler. Carson’s headquarters and business are in San Francisco, but on occasion he gets away to Cold Water, or more precisely “Ravens Nest”, when he can. The Wheeler children always seem to be on his property and not behaving very well at the times he’s found them. Carson always has to complain about the children to their mother, Jenna. Well this year is a bit different when one of the boys gets hurt while on Carson’s property and he feels he must bring the boy to his mother. Fate or circumstances seems to have other ideas for Carson and Jenna this holiday season, whether they want to admit it or not. Read this delightful story about finding a home, even when you didn’t know you were looking for one.
March 14, 2011
December naturally calls for a holiday story and so I snagged Thayne's The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle off my TBR.
WHY did it take me so long to read something by this author? I wish I'd done it sooner. I really really loved this book. Maybe not everyone would - I know my neighbour doesn't enjoy romances with kids in them for example. But here's my list of what I loved:
A strong heroine who has faced adversity but hasn't let it make her bitter - she's a hard worker and a good woman. Jenna's kindness and patience are definite virtues.
A sexy, aspirational hero who is a bit grumpy at first but boy, when those kids win him over, he's irresistible.
Speaking of kids - loved them. All of them. Even the sullen Hayden. I knew there had to be a scene where something changed for him and when it came I was wiping my eyes. Brilliant move for Christmas Eve.
It made me hungry. Yummy food. I love books with food.
Realistic dialogue. Sometimes it had me laughing out loud, but anyone who has raised a family will recognize certain conversations! :-)
Fantastic sexual tension. Even though it was a sex-scene-free story, the ST was tight and breathless and believable.
Take all those good things and wrap them up with a Christmas bow and I closed the back cover with a sigh, looked at my dh and said, "That was PERFECTION."
In the end, I was a happy reader, and as a writer I was thinking to myself, now that's the kind of book I want to write!
WHY did it take me so long to read something by this author? I wish I'd done it sooner. I really really loved this book. Maybe not everyone would - I know my neighbour doesn't enjoy romances with kids in them for example. But here's my list of what I loved:
A strong heroine who has faced adversity but hasn't let it make her bitter - she's a hard worker and a good woman. Jenna's kindness and patience are definite virtues.
A sexy, aspirational hero who is a bit grumpy at first but boy, when those kids win him over, he's irresistible.
Speaking of kids - loved them. All of them. Even the sullen Hayden. I knew there had to be a scene where something changed for him and when it came I was wiping my eyes. Brilliant move for Christmas Eve.
It made me hungry. Yummy food. I love books with food.
Realistic dialogue. Sometimes it had me laughing out loud, but anyone who has raised a family will recognize certain conversations! :-)
Fantastic sexual tension. Even though it was a sex-scene-free story, the ST was tight and breathless and believable.
Take all those good things and wrap them up with a Christmas bow and I closed the back cover with a sigh, looked at my dh and said, "That was PERFECTION."
In the end, I was a happy reader, and as a writer I was thinking to myself, now that's the kind of book I want to write!
March 1, 2010
The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle is my first "category" or "series" romance. I had no idea what to expect and what I discovered was a wholesome, family Christmas story with a very sweet romance.
At first Jenna and Carson obviously dislike each other, Jenna because Carson bought up her ranch (except for the plot her home is on) and seems to dislike her children who are having a hard time letting go and Carson because Jenna's children always seem to be on his property making problems. They are polite to each other and nothing more. But quickly they start to see other sides of each other when they are thrown together in a series of events, from a banquet dinner to a catering emergency to an actual emergency.
Jenna and Carson get to know each other and Carson begins to warm up to Jenna's boys and the whole thing is very AWWWW-worthy. I ate the whole thing up and I think this would be a great romance for someone that is looking for a sweet and family friendly holiday romance.
At first Jenna and Carson obviously dislike each other, Jenna because Carson bought up her ranch (except for the plot her home is on) and seems to dislike her children who are having a hard time letting go and Carson because Jenna's children always seem to be on his property making problems. They are polite to each other and nothing more. But quickly they start to see other sides of each other when they are thrown together in a series of events, from a banquet dinner to a catering emergency to an actual emergency.
Jenna and Carson get to know each other and Carson begins to warm up to Jenna's boys and the whole thing is very AWWWW-worthy. I ate the whole thing up and I think this would be a great romance for someone that is looking for a sweet and family friendly holiday romance.
July 17, 2010
Jenna Wheeler may have been a widow with four children but that didn't mean she wasn't capable of holding her own with the wealthy businessman who had bought all but 20 acres of of the Wheeler family ranch. Every time he turned around, one of Wheeler's three boys was on his property and causing him grief. But when an emergency requires that Carson hire Jenna as his personal chef, suddenly the tables are turned. He's invited her family into his home and his life will never be the same. This was a delightful and satisfying story. Wheeler's boys were normal little boys and got into realistic mischief. McRaven had reasons for being child-averse but sometimes a little Christmas spirit is all you need to get those pent up emotions flowing forward.
September 11, 2014
Sweet
I'm NOT one for romance stories, usually I'm the type of woman who like action and fantasy. I found Raeanne Thayne about two years ago on a whim and she stole my heart with Blackberry Summer and the folks of Hope's Crossing, so I decided to give her other series a try and once again she has woven a charming tale of love lost and the road to healing one's self. so when I'm between fantasy series I read her novels and the good ole boys of Cold Creek don't disappoint.
I'm NOT one for romance stories, usually I'm the type of woman who like action and fantasy. I found Raeanne Thayne about two years ago on a whim and she stole my heart with Blackberry Summer and the folks of Hope's Crossing, so I decided to give her other series a try and once again she has woven a charming tale of love lost and the road to healing one's self. so when I'm between fantasy series I read her novels and the good ole boys of Cold Creek don't disappoint.
January 5, 2016
The only Mills and Boon author that I read. You know what you get with these but there are still things that happen which aren't predictable. The best aspect of her books, especially the Christmas ones are her descriptions of Christmas and the houses at Christmas and the cooking. Some people would say they are cheesy and maybe they are but I really enjoyed this and in fact,I found the chapter on Christmas Day quite moving.
December 24, 2018
Wonderful story!
Heartwarming and encouraging! Just perfect for Christmas! I haven't read this author before and usually don't like contemporary stories, but this was so good! Loved it!
Heartwarming and encouraging! Just perfect for Christmas! I haven't read this author before and usually don't like contemporary stories, but this was so good! Loved it!
June 7, 2015
Loved it
A great read love all the Cowboys of Cold Creek books that I have read and this one is no different. RaeAnne's writing is great. Love all her books.
A great read love all the Cowboys of Cold Creek books that I have read and this one is no different. RaeAnne's writing is great. Love all her books.
January 15, 2020
Loved this book, it was so filled with emotions. Really well written, you could really feel the characters. Couldn’t stop crying through bits of it. Carson is the CEO of his own company and has bought most of Jenna’s farm. Which has left them being neighbours. Jenna is a widow struggling to juggle working as a caterer and looking after her 4 young children. Carson at first finds Jenna’s boys hard work as they keep trespassing into his land and Jenna is exhausted from the constant apologising.
Carson and Jenna are polar opposites and keep denying the attraction they feel towards each other. But something happens and they can no longer deny their feelings.
This was such a lovely story. I loved how the boys were able to crack Carson’s hard exterior shell and get under his skin. Carson is a completely different person by the end of the book, as he’s finally able to start letting people in.
Carson and Jenna are polar opposites and keep denying the attraction they feel towards each other. But something happens and they can no longer deny their feelings.
This was such a lovely story. I loved how the boys were able to crack Carson’s hard exterior shell and get under his skin. Carson is a completely different person by the end of the book, as he’s finally able to start letting people in.
September 25, 2023
I've never read one of Rae Ann's books I haven't been blessed by. Jenna, a widow of 2 years, with 4 children and sells off part of her ranch. She is determined to give her children a magical Christmas. She sells to Carson who is successful business man. He needs a chef for entertaining a client by next day. He had to talk Jenna into helping him out. He lives just up the hill from her and her kids get on his nerves. Boys will be boys no matter how obedient. Each child is unique in their own way. It is amazing how love works. No one is prepared for Jenna slipping on ice right before Christmas. Carson has to step in and help her. Carson and Jenna thrown together many times. This book will bless you. Definitely ends with a magical Christmas.
January 14, 2022
Jenna's husband died 2 years ago in a ranch accident. She had to sell the family ranch to keep going for her 4 children. She sold everything but the house and 20 acres. The new owner is a multi-millionaire single a grumpy. Her 3 boys keep doing things on his ranch, like walking his rail fence like a tight-rope walker, he's not happy when 1 falls off and he has to take them home, again. Jenna and Carson seem to be at odds constantly, they seem to rub each other the wrong way, over the kids mostly. It was fun to read. The characters are so opposite in every way. Great Christmas read for that feel good feeling.
November 21, 2023
Jenna was widowed 2 christmases ago and struggles with 4 children, a start up catering business and an ailing and cranky mother in law. She has had to sell her family farm to make ends meet but still owns the house and a parcel of land. Her rambunctious boys are caught by the new rich owner, Carson McCraven, playing on his fence and they are thrown together through a series of events that melt his heart toward the kids and hers toward the hard shell he has erected. Heart warming- especially the scenes with him interacting with the kids!
November 25, 2018
A sweet holiday romance. The couple fell in love a little fast, but it's forgivable. I loved that the children didn't come off as perfect, in fact just the opposite, although they had their adorable moments. I also liked that the hero decided to return on his own, and wasn't forced by circumstances, although the heroine had to give him a little push to reveal his feelings.
December 26, 2018
The best Christmas ever.
This story was an excellent choice to put me into a warm holiday spirit. There is nothing more heart breaking than a child who never gets to enjoy the magic of Christmas and sadness of the loss of a loved one is so intense around the holidays. This story reminds us that there can still be happy endings and love.
This story was an excellent choice to put me into a warm holiday spirit. There is nothing more heart breaking than a child who never gets to enjoy the magic of Christmas and sadness of the loss of a loved one is so intense around the holidays. This story reminds us that there can still be happy endings and love.
June 29, 2019
Widow with four adorable, rambunctious mites, sassy sense of humor, and amazing cooking skills? Check. Grumpy bazillionaire who needs, like, tons of love and patience to reveal his heart of gold? Check. Snow, Christmas trees, horses, cliched yet fulfilling plot? Mmmhmm. Needless to say, I enjoyed it. :P
August 12, 2019
Hermoso. Puede que no tenga misterio ni drama pero se nota el amor qué hay entre Jenna y Carson. Es una lectura ligera y llena de sorpresas, quien hubiera pensado que terminarían así ( aunque fuera algo obvio), literalmente tuvieron su felices para siempre. Lo volvería a leer. Está narrado en tercera peso a y ofrece los puntos de vista de Carson y Jenna.
December 18, 2021
The Cowboys of Cold Creek
Are you ready for a great romance series? I have fallen in love with the writing of RaeAnne Thayne. Her stories capture the your attention immediately leaving
A reader wanting more. Honestly, why have her books not been made into a Television series?
Are you ready for a great romance series? I have fallen in love with the writing of RaeAnne Thayne. Her stories capture the your attention immediately leaving
A reader wanting more. Honestly, why have her books not been made into a Television series?
December 11, 2017
Two people for quite different backgrounds - a poor widow with 4 young children and a business wizard whose hard work has paid off in great wealth. As neighbors the children accidentally led the adults to an unlikely romance.
December 22, 2022
New Beginnings
This heading was chosen because that is what Jenna and her children was given when she welcomed and married Carson. The Cowboys Christmas Miracle is a five-star rating because it was an entertaining and poignant book to read.
This heading was chosen because that is what Jenna and her children was given when she welcomed and married Carson. The Cowboys Christmas Miracle is a five-star rating because it was an entertaining and poignant book to read.
November 18, 2024
This was just way too fast-paced for me. I feel like the story needed another 50 pages to really explore and develop the relationship. I really enjoyed the kids, though. The author captured their exuberance, sibling squabbles, and unique personalities very well.
November 3, 2017
Nice story.
November 14, 2017
Sweet Christmas fluff.
November 26, 2017
Outstanding story! Really depicts the true meaning of family. Jenna, Carson, and the kids - great characters - loved them all. Another fall-in-love Christmas story!
July 10, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! I love this author's books!!
December 2, 2018
Refreshing read.
A great holiday story. Two people with sadness in their pasts find a way to overcome their immense differences to become a family ever after.
A great holiday story. Two people with sadness in their pasts find a way to overcome their immense differences to become a family ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews