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Redemption on Rivers Ranch
The return of his childhood friend
leads to t he fresh start he never expected
Horse rancher Carson Rivers has his own emotional demons. There’s no place in his life for a divorced single mom pulling at his heartstrings. But when Gabriella Tucker and her adorable children move next door—the place of her favorite childhood memories—Carson’s tempted to help the heart-guarded beauty make more adult memories. Maybe Gabriella and her kids are the healing balm he’s been yearning for…
Sweet Briar Sweethearts
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Sweet Briar Sweethearts
Book 1: How to Steal the Lawman's Heart
Book 2: The Waitress's Secret
Book 3: The Rancher and the City Girl
Book 4: Winning Charlotte Back
Book 5: The Rancher's Return
Book 6: A Baby Between Friends
Book 7: The Single Mom's Second Chance
Book 8: A Soldier Under Her Tree
Book 9: Redemption on Rivers Ranch
leads to t he fresh start he never expected
Horse rancher Carson Rivers has his own emotional demons. There’s no place in his life for a divorced single mom pulling at his heartstrings. But when Gabriella Tucker and her adorable children move next door—the place of her favorite childhood memories—Carson’s tempted to help the heart-guarded beauty make more adult memories. Maybe Gabriella and her kids are the healing balm he’s been yearning for…
Sweet Briar Sweethearts
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Sweet Briar Sweethearts
Book 1: How to Steal the Lawman's Heart
Book 2: The Waitress's Secret
Book 3: The Rancher and the City Girl
Book 4: Winning Charlotte Back
Book 5: The Rancher's Return
Book 6: A Baby Between Friends
Book 7: The Single Mom's Second Chance
Book 8: A Soldier Under Her Tree
Book 9: Redemption on Rivers Ranch
- GenresRomance
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
14 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Douglass
119 books68 followersKathy is a born reader who as a child always had her nose in a book. That love of reading grew with her. She often would finish one book and immediately pick up another. She went from reading Bobbsey Twins to long, lush romance novels. One day she stumbled upon the Shining by Stephen King and was hooked. She turned her back on romance and became a serious Stephen King fan, reading every word he wrote. When she caught herself checking under the bed and looking in the closet for monsters or worse, she knew it was time to put down the horror stories and pick up the romance novels.
Her return to romance novels was short lived. She’d started law school and soon her reading was limited to legal opinions. Then one happy day her younger sister handed her a Harlequin romance. They were just what the doctor ordered. The books were short enough to read in a week and still get her required reading done. Best of all she knew there would be a happy ending and she wouldn’t have to search her room before she went to bed each night.
When her first child was born, she stopped practicing law to become a stay at home mom. Her second child followed nineteen months later. With two little ones in the house, reading suddenly became limited to Dr. Seuss and other children’s books. Any free time was spent trying to catch up on sleep or laundry.
All too soon her kids were attending pre-school two hours a day. She spent those few precious renewing her relationship with romance novels. After a while she felt the urge to write a book of her own and she began writing the stories she wanted to read. She spent many years writing some really terrible books and learning her craft. In 2014, Kathy participated in Brenda Novak’s online auction to raise money for a cure for Diabetes. She was the highest bidder for a critique by editor, Charles Griemsman. He did not buy that book immediately, but requested another which became her first book in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series.
Her return to romance novels was short lived. She’d started law school and soon her reading was limited to legal opinions. Then one happy day her younger sister handed her a Harlequin romance. They were just what the doctor ordered. The books were short enough to read in a week and still get her required reading done. Best of all she knew there would be a happy ending and she wouldn’t have to search her room before she went to bed each night.
When her first child was born, she stopped practicing law to become a stay at home mom. Her second child followed nineteen months later. With two little ones in the house, reading suddenly became limited to Dr. Seuss and other children’s books. Any free time was spent trying to catch up on sleep or laundry.
All too soon her kids were attending pre-school two hours a day. She spent those few precious renewing her relationship with romance novels. After a while she felt the urge to write a book of her own and she began writing the stories she wanted to read. She spent many years writing some really terrible books and learning her craft. In 2014, Kathy participated in Brenda Novak’s online auction to raise money for a cure for Diabetes. She was the highest bidder for a critique by editor, Charles Griemsman. He did not buy that book immediately, but requested another which became her first book in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 13, 2021
3.5 ⭐
[I received a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review]
Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a friends to lovers romance by Kathy Douglass. It's also a single parent romance with two kids that will warm your heart.
Gabriella is headed to spend the summer with her kids at the place she spent every summer up until 15 years ago. She has amazing memories being at her Aunt's and spending every moment with her best friend Carson. Since her divorce and her kids' father not stepping up, she wants to give her kids' the same happiness she had. Both Carson and Gabriella pick right up at being friends but now that they are grown , attraction has been added to the equation. They both suffer from having their trust broken by people they loved and with the Gabriella's kids to consider they are hesitant to explore their more than friendly feelings.
"The sound of his deep baritone voice reached inside her and her heart skipped a beat."
I quite enjoyed Gabriella and her children Jason and Sophia , and when you threw Carson into the mix they made a cute little family unit. Carson was wonderful with the kids and quickly cared for them as if they were his own. I loved how Gabriella slowly let herself be more than just a mom and get back to her roots. I feel like kids in a romance can be tricky to write perfectly, you don't want them to completely take over the adults connection and romance, but you don't want them to be a complete side note. Kathy Douglas did a great job incorporating them into Gabriella and Carson's love story and creating great family moments between them all.
Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a low drama and very low steam romance, very Hallmark movie vibes. We are given a few steamy kisses but besides that just lots of yearning from both main characters. Overall, this was a sweet friends to lovers family romance.
[I received a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review]
Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a friends to lovers romance by Kathy Douglass. It's also a single parent romance with two kids that will warm your heart.
Gabriella is headed to spend the summer with her kids at the place she spent every summer up until 15 years ago. She has amazing memories being at her Aunt's and spending every moment with her best friend Carson. Since her divorce and her kids' father not stepping up, she wants to give her kids' the same happiness she had. Both Carson and Gabriella pick right up at being friends but now that they are grown , attraction has been added to the equation. They both suffer from having their trust broken by people they loved and with the Gabriella's kids to consider they are hesitant to explore their more than friendly feelings.
"The sound of his deep baritone voice reached inside her and her heart skipped a beat."
I quite enjoyed Gabriella and her children Jason and Sophia , and when you threw Carson into the mix they made a cute little family unit. Carson was wonderful with the kids and quickly cared for them as if they were his own. I loved how Gabriella slowly let herself be more than just a mom and get back to her roots. I feel like kids in a romance can be tricky to write perfectly, you don't want them to completely take over the adults connection and romance, but you don't want them to be a complete side note. Kathy Douglas did a great job incorporating them into Gabriella and Carson's love story and creating great family moments between them all.
Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a low drama and very low steam romance, very Hallmark movie vibes. We are given a few steamy kisses but besides that just lots of yearning from both main characters. Overall, this was a sweet friends to lovers family romance.
July 21, 2021
Carson Rivers is a horse rancher who believes love is not in the cards. For one thing, there is something he learned about his father that he feels has tainted him. What is more is that the woman he fell in love with and became engaged to married her first love. For now Carson just wants to care for his grandmother after her recent stroke. He moves in with her and rents out his house for the summer.
Imagine Carson's shock when the woman he rented to is Gabriella Tucker, his childhood friend. She is as beautiful as he he remembers, and now has two adorable children. Why is she pulling at his heartstrings now?
Both Carson and Gabriella are bearing under quite a bit. For the two to find their way to love certainly means overcoming past hurts, secrets and fears. Their atrraction is undeniable so perhaps they might be strong enough to overcome the challenges that face them.
Redemption at Rivers Ranch is the 9th book in a sweet series by Kathy Douglass. Each book, including this title, has been truly enjoyable. I love the characters, the small town and the stories that brought all of these lovely couples together. This book was so emotional, as Carson's pain was palpable, as was Gabriella's, especially when it came to her children's father and his withdrawing his attention towards them. Watching Carson and Gabriella navigate all of their pain to find a way to love and a wonderful future was quite gratifying.
Many thanks for Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Imagine Carson's shock when the woman he rented to is Gabriella Tucker, his childhood friend. She is as beautiful as he he remembers, and now has two adorable children. Why is she pulling at his heartstrings now?
Both Carson and Gabriella are bearing under quite a bit. For the two to find their way to love certainly means overcoming past hurts, secrets and fears. Their atrraction is undeniable so perhaps they might be strong enough to overcome the challenges that face them.
Redemption at Rivers Ranch is the 9th book in a sweet series by Kathy Douglass. Each book, including this title, has been truly enjoyable. I love the characters, the small town and the stories that brought all of these lovely couples together. This book was so emotional, as Carson's pain was palpable, as was Gabriella's, especially when it came to her children's father and his withdrawing his attention towards them. Watching Carson and Gabriella navigate all of their pain to find a way to love and a wonderful future was quite gratifying.
Many thanks for Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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June 17, 2021A sweet feel good second chance tale... Sweet Briar continues to be a fave series and so much a comfort read for me. Hope this series isn't ending soon!
May 24, 2021
Kathy Douglass shines with this emotional journey of reconnection and second chances! With book nine in her always endearing Sweet Briar Sweethearts series Douglass reunites childhood friends at a time when they need each other most. I was hooked right from the start and the captivating characters and heartwarming plot kept my attention throughout.
Gabriella and her adorable kids are the breath of fresh air that Carson needed to recover from the hard knocks that life has been throwing at him of late. He's kind-hearted and special, but doesn't feel good about himself at the moment. Watching him reconnect with the childhood innocence he once knew is breathtaking.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with great characters, great community and more heart than you know what to do with.
Gabriella and her adorable kids are the breath of fresh air that Carson needed to recover from the hard knocks that life has been throwing at him of late. He's kind-hearted and special, but doesn't feel good about himself at the moment. Watching him reconnect with the childhood innocence he once knew is breathtaking.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with great characters, great community and more heart than you know what to do with.
August 11, 2021
Redemption at River's Ranch is a small town romance that gets you right in the heart. Carson and Gabriella had been best friends as children. Now she is back in town healing from her divorce and trying to figure out a life for her 2 children. After finding about what his father did, Carson is not sure how he fits in his hometown any more.
I really enjoyed this one. It's part of a series, but I never felt like I was missing anything. It holds up very well as a stand alone book. I am interested in going back and reading about some of the other characters from the town who show up. I loved watching Gabriella and Carson figure out their feelings were growing for each other. It was a sweet journey and a relationship I was cheering for. I also found myself rooting for Carson to realize he was loved in the town. I highly recommend this one, especially if you love small town romances.
I really enjoyed this one. It's part of a series, but I never felt like I was missing anything. It holds up very well as a stand alone book. I am interested in going back and reading about some of the other characters from the town who show up. I loved watching Gabriella and Carson figure out their feelings were growing for each other. It was a sweet journey and a relationship I was cheering for. I also found myself rooting for Carson to realize he was loved in the town. I highly recommend this one, especially if you love small town romances.
June 7, 2021
Childhood best friends Carson Rivers and Gabriella Tucker are reunited when Gabriella temporarily moves into her aunt's home with her 2 children for the summer. Recently divorced, Gabriella is excited to get reacquainted with her old friend, and she welcomes the idea of making new memories with Carson. Unfortunately, "once bitten twice shy" Carson, is a bit more hesitant, and would rather keep his distance from Gabriella and her kids. This summer romance told the story of how two kindred spirits helped each other get over past hurts, and realized that sometimes the best romances begin as friendships.
I've really enjoyed all of the stories in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series. I love Kathy Douglass's work and for a hopeless romantic like myself, Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a solid 5 stars!
I've really enjoyed all of the stories in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series. I love Kathy Douglass's work and for a hopeless romantic like myself, Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a solid 5 stars!
June 29, 2021
Redemption on Rivers Ranch is the 9th book in Kathy Douglass's Sweet Briar Sweethearts series and the third that I've read. I came in at book 7, and at this point, it's fair to say that Douglass has me hooked on these sweet and heartfelt romances. This one is a second chance romance with a cowboy and single mom, so I was all in just from reading the blurb. The story did not disappoint. Carson and Gabriella each have some things to work through, but they also have great chemistry and they're just good for each other. Gabriella's sweet kiddos add another layer to the heart of this one, and Douglass creates such wonderful characters that you can't help but be completely invested in their lives. This sweet romance is everything I expected from this author and a reminder that I really need to go back and check out the earlier books in the series. All in all, I'd say this slow-burn love story is perfect for a weekend or vacation read.
June 16, 2021
Gabriella Tucker and her two children moved to her Aunt's house for the summer. Gabriella had spent summers there and was best friends with Carson Rivers. Unfortunately, Carson's father had committed murder and Carson had withdrawn from everyone. He felt he should isolate himself because of what his father had done. Gabriella's two children started going to Carson's ranch because he was so kind and patient with them. He taught them how to ride and about ranching. Because of their interactions Garbiella was around Carson alot. Both she and Carson had trouble trusting their feelings due to previous realtionships. It was interesting to see how they reconnected as friends. It was great how Carson finally stood up to the one person that was harassing him and put him in his place.
June 18, 2021
Sad story, happy ending!
It took me a while to get through this story because I guess I sensed the hurt and sadness that encompassed this mother, her children and the man I believe she has loved since childhood. Sometimes we can build up in our minds one thing about our friendships/relationships when the converse is actually the truth. I was glad when both Carson and Gabriella came to terms with what they had built up in their heads and give their love a chance to bloom and make them all happy. Of course Gabriella's children were more astute than they were given credit for and their insight about their non relationship with their biological dad and their acceptance of Carson solidified what he had already purposed in his heart!!!! Great story Kathy, thank you.
It took me a while to get through this story because I guess I sensed the hurt and sadness that encompassed this mother, her children and the man I believe she has loved since childhood. Sometimes we can build up in our minds one thing about our friendships/relationships when the converse is actually the truth. I was glad when both Carson and Gabriella came to terms with what they had built up in their heads and give their love a chance to bloom and make them all happy. Of course Gabriella's children were more astute than they were given credit for and their insight about their non relationship with their biological dad and their acceptance of Carson solidified what he had already purposed in his heart!!!! Great story Kathy, thank you.
July 23, 2021
Nice story in the series. Gabriella has come to Sweet Briar, NC for the summer with her two children, Justin and Sophie. She's staying at her great Aunt Mildred's ranch for the summer, after her ex has exhibited no interest in his two kids, preferring his new wife and baby. And next door to Mildred's ranch is the Rivers Ranch, where Carson Rivers lives. For 10 years in her childhood, Gabrielle spent her summers at Mildred's ranch, and was Carson's best friend. But high school, college and life changed that, and Carson is now living with the consequences of what his father did. Gabrielle isn't in love with her ex, but can Carson overcome the past?
June 8, 2022
A real good read. Carson, a hurt and unhappy cowboy, reunites with his school friend. Matter of fact, Gabriella was his only friend. After a surprising divorce, Gabriella and her children return to N. Carolina for a summer vacay. The reunion is bittersweet. She is willing to take the friendship to a new level, but Carson is afraid. Gabriella’s kids have fallen madly in love with this Cowboy. Carson must come to term with his haunting secret so that he can move forward. Once he comes to accept his family’s secret, he can’t wait to enjoy life without holding back.
June 9, 2021
From Friendship To Love!! 🥰
Kathy has done it again! I absolutely love this series and everything Sweet Briars! It was nice to revisit with some of the residents from the other books! It’s that old saying…”One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure!” That pretty much sums up Carson, Gabriella, Justin and Sophia!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!! Kudos, Kathy! 💜
Kathy has done it again! I absolutely love this series and everything Sweet Briars! It was nice to revisit with some of the residents from the other books! It’s that old saying…”One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure!” That pretty much sums up Carson, Gabriella, Justin and Sophia!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!! Kudos, Kathy! 💜
August 1, 2021
Douglass pulls at the heart with deep connections and breathtaking moments. Carson and Gabriella tug at emotions from start to finish. Beautifully broken. Heartstoppingly real. Redemption on Rivers Ranch will bring you to tears even as it opens your heart.
December 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book's storyline. This book's storyline was sad 😔. I really liked Carson's character. I felt sorry for Carson. I really liked Gabriella's character. I loved ❤️ the kids. I really liked the ending.
December 16, 2023
DNF’d at 18 pages in. I didn’t realize I have to read these in order and felt like I was getting a big exposition dump on past books and it feels too complicated. Written well I just don’t feel these books are for me:
May 29, 2021
Loved this book ..second chance sweet romamce
June 6, 2021
Friends for Life
We can’t always rekindle friendships but true relationships just flow. When there is something special no circumstances will keep love from flourishing!
We can’t always rekindle friendships but true relationships just flow. When there is something special no circumstances will keep love from flourishing!
October 16, 2021
Four and a half stars
March 7, 2023
This was my first book from this author. I must say I really enjoyed it. I'm starting another title immediately.
June 8, 2021
Gabriella Tucker got over her divorce. But what she have trouble accepting is that her ex neglect their two children more and more now that he have a new family. She believes her kids need a change of scenery for the summer and accept her great-aunt's offer to live at her house while she's on vacation. Bye bye Ohio and hello to North Carolina where she'll meet again a childhood friend she haven't seen in years. Carson Rivers is happy to see her again and doesn't mind that her kids always invite themselves to his horses ranch. But despite the mutual atttaction between him and Gabriella, he's reluctant to give into it because he became the town pariah for something he's not responsible for and doesn't want it to affect her family.
Another touching book in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series! I love that the heroine doesn't gossip nor ask about Carson's story, no matter what the people in town imply and that she'll wait until he's ready to tell her himself. My heart broke for him, for what he have to deal with.
Another touching book in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series! I love that the heroine doesn't gossip nor ask about Carson's story, no matter what the people in town imply and that she'll wait until he's ready to tell her himself. My heart broke for him, for what he have to deal with.
June 7, 2021
Childhood best friends Carson Rivers and Gabriella Tucker are reunited when Gabriella temporarily moves into her aunt's home with her 2 children for the summer. Recently divorced, Gabriella is excited to get reacquainted with her old friend, and she welcomes the idea of making new memories with Carson. Unfortunately, "once bitten twice shy" Carson, is a bit more hesitant, and would rather keep his distance from Gabriella and her kids. This summer romance told the story of how two kindred spirits helped each other get over past hurts, and realized that sometimes the best romances begin as friendships.
I've really enjoyed all of the stories in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series. I love Kathy Douglass's work and for a hopeless romantic like myself, Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a solid 5 stars!
I've really enjoyed all of the stories in the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series. I love Kathy Douglass's work and for a hopeless romantic like myself, Redemption on Rivers Ranch is a solid 5 stars!
June 16, 2021
Gabriela is off to spend the summer at her aunt's horse ranch. Carson taught horse riding and they both have difficult pasts to get over. Gabriela is back at the ranch after 15 years and a divorce.
She now has two kids, Sophia and Justin, who are very cute.
Carson's relationship with Raven ended and he still has memories of the summers when Gabriela went to the ranch often.
Is the spark between Carson and Gabriela still there?
I have now reviewed three books by Kathy Douglass and I love them all. I would like to catch up on the rest of the series.
Kathy Douglass' writing is atmospheric, romantic and detailed. She goes well into the depths of each character's emotions and thoughts and has a great eye for detail.
Redemption of River's Ranch is slow burn but brilliantly crafted and a gripping sweet romance.
Another excellent book by Kathy Douglass. Highly rated if you are after a quick yet powerful book. I have now reviewed books 7 (The Single Mom's Second Chance) 8 (A Soldier under her Tree).
Thanks to Kathy Douglass for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
She now has two kids, Sophia and Justin, who are very cute.
Carson's relationship with Raven ended and he still has memories of the summers when Gabriela went to the ranch often.
Is the spark between Carson and Gabriela still there?
I have now reviewed three books by Kathy Douglass and I love them all. I would like to catch up on the rest of the series.
Kathy Douglass' writing is atmospheric, romantic and detailed. She goes well into the depths of each character's emotions and thoughts and has a great eye for detail.
Redemption of River's Ranch is slow burn but brilliantly crafted and a gripping sweet romance.
Another excellent book by Kathy Douglass. Highly rated if you are after a quick yet powerful book. I have now reviewed books 7 (The Single Mom's Second Chance) 8 (A Soldier under her Tree).
Thanks to Kathy Douglass for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
May 14, 2021
Carson is an all sexy, lean muscles, perfect thighs and butt cowboy - I don’t need to say anymore, right? 🔥🤠
This is such a lovely romantic story of friends to lovers and did I mention Carson is a sexy cowboy?
I liked that this story was slightly longer than other True Love Stories, so you got to know the characters better and there was more to the story that just will they/ won’t they.
Definitely recommend this one for all romance fans, especially if you like yourself a cowboy!
This is such a lovely romantic story of friends to lovers and did I mention Carson is a sexy cowboy?
I liked that this story was slightly longer than other True Love Stories, so you got to know the characters better and there was more to the story that just will they/ won’t they.
Definitely recommend this one for all romance fans, especially if you like yourself a cowboy!
July 23, 2021
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this sweet friends to lovers romance. Sometimes it can be hard when a romance includes kids, but I felt the inclusion of Gabriella's kids and how Carson interacted with them was really well done. The writing style was easy to read and made this a quick and fun read. Though the steam level is relatively low it was still a great story. The characters and their emotional baggage was really well written and their actions were believable as they moved from friends to lovers.
I really enjoyed this sweet friends to lovers romance. Sometimes it can be hard when a romance includes kids, but I felt the inclusion of Gabriella's kids and how Carson interacted with them was really well done. The writing style was easy to read and made this a quick and fun read. Though the steam level is relatively low it was still a great story. The characters and their emotional baggage was really well written and their actions were believable as they moved from friends to lovers.
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May 1, 2021Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Sweet Briar Sweethearts (Book #9)
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Sweet Briar Sweethearts (Book #9)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews