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Thunder Ridge #3
Opening His Holiday Heart
With a little boy’s help,
can he let go of painful memories?
Casey Evans wants no part in the holidays, which is a major problem for Mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on their town winning a national Christmas contest, and Casey’s refusal to decorate his coffee shop could ruin everything. Thankfully, her precious son has worked his charms on Casey. But can one little boy—and his mother—change the mind of the local grinch?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Thunder Ridge
Book 1: Surprise Christmas Family
Book 2: The Sheriff's Promise
Book 3: Opening His Holiday Heart
can he let go of painful memories?
Casey Evans wants no part in the holidays, which is a major problem for Mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on their town winning a national Christmas contest, and Casey’s refusal to decorate his coffee shop could ruin everything. Thankfully, her precious son has worked his charms on Casey. But can one little boy—and his mother—change the mind of the local grinch?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Thunder Ridge
Book 1: Surprise Christmas Family
Book 2: The Sheriff's Promise
Book 3: Opening His Holiday Heart
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 30, 2021
12 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ryan
62 books709 followersRenee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2021
Everything that I want in a Christmas story times 100!
This is only my second Thunder Ridge Romance I've read (there are three) but I'm a fan of this town and these people and the way Renee Ryan portrays them all! A rom/com with heart.
We've got a cute kid (and lots more sprinkled throughout) and dogs! A bulldog couple named Winston and Clementine. :-) (and puppies!) A reunion romance that kept me in stitches -- seriously lethal one-liners courtesy of Casey. Love, love, love the verbal sparring and the way he can always coax an almost grin out of Sutton even when she's in a gnarly mood.
And a town that's exploding Christmas -- except for one grinchy corner -- the coffee house owned by "Ebenezer Grinch" himself. :-) I was on tenterhooks trying to figure out what his bah humbug reason was and how these high school love birds messed up their romance the first time 'round. Love the way the author drew out those reveals, kept me turning pages, that's for sure.
Equal parts laughter and swooning with enough angsty stuff to make me nervous. And tons of festive touches that definitely make for one truly exceptional holiday read.
This is only my second Thunder Ridge Romance I've read (there are three) but I'm a fan of this town and these people and the way Renee Ryan portrays them all! A rom/com with heart.
We've got a cute kid (and lots more sprinkled throughout) and dogs! A bulldog couple named Winston and Clementine. :-) (and puppies!) A reunion romance that kept me in stitches -- seriously lethal one-liners courtesy of Casey. Love, love, love the verbal sparring and the way he can always coax an almost grin out of Sutton even when she's in a gnarly mood.
And a town that's exploding Christmas -- except for one grinchy corner -- the coffee house owned by "Ebenezer Grinch" himself. :-) I was on tenterhooks trying to figure out what his bah humbug reason was and how these high school love birds messed up their romance the first time 'round. Love the way the author drew out those reveals, kept me turning pages, that's for sure.
Equal parts laughter and swooning with enough angsty stuff to make me nervous. And tons of festive touches that definitely make for one truly exceptional holiday read.
December 10, 2021
Awesome, emotional, sappy, and heart tugging story. Loved it
February 9, 2022
This is a contemporary romance with some surprises
Casey Evans is the local grinch who no one realises
Just needs inspiring again to join in the fun
Instead of shutting himself away until Christmas is done!
Mayor Sutton Wentworth recently returned to town once again
And she's giving Casey lots of pain
She's wanting to win a national Christmas contest that may
Help put the town on the map of visitors, sending them their way.
This is a story of her son, Toby, and how he
Helps bring recognition of secrets to unite the three.
Sometimes loyalty, trust, helping others and not sharing
Makes them believe you're no longer caring.
It is a story of forgiving the past,
Moving on to look to the future at last.
Filled with festivities, laughter, families and romance
A heartwarming, love inspired love given a second chance.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Casey Evans is the local grinch who no one realises
Just needs inspiring again to join in the fun
Instead of shutting himself away until Christmas is done!
Mayor Sutton Wentworth recently returned to town once again
And she's giving Casey lots of pain
She's wanting to win a national Christmas contest that may
Help put the town on the map of visitors, sending them their way.
This is a story of her son, Toby, and how he
Helps bring recognition of secrets to unite the three.
Sometimes loyalty, trust, helping others and not sharing
Makes them believe you're no longer caring.
It is a story of forgiving the past,
Moving on to look to the future at last.
Filled with festivities, laughter, families and romance
A heartwarming, love inspired love given a second chance.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Read
November 1, 2021Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #3)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #3)
December 16, 2024
I'll be honest - my stack of X-mess books is *INSANELY* huge, and I just don't have much tolerance for bad writing/stupidity on a good day. There are too many books out there. There are too many 'Love Inspired' books out there. Impress me.
This one didn't. At all.
Since when does a mayor have the right to strong-arm business owners in her town into decorating their stores on her whim? When was it ever okay to THREATEN to 'decorate for him - making it as garish as she wanted'? When is that okay??
Because it goes down like this:
Her: I'd like for you to join me outside.
Him: Now?
Her: It won't take long.
Him: (gesturing to the crowd filling the shop and the line growing longer by the second) I'm a little busy at the moment.
Her: Make yourself unbusy.
!!!!!!!
Him: No can do.
Her: I mean it, Casey. Outside. NOW!!!
Him: She was relentless... he knew when he was beat...
WHAT?!?!! What. IS. THAT?!?!?! NO! She has *NO RIGHT* to demand anything, to embarrass him in front of his customers, to be high-handed, and to shove the business owners around. MORE, if he were *half* the man the author says he is (ex-military fighter pilot, etc), he wouldn't stand for that crap. AT ALL.
Speaking of... how is it he has TWO bustling coffee shops in two different towns *AND* an airfreight company that was 'booming' with business? That's not actually feasible, not in the least. He can't even keep up with *ONE* store, according to this book, let alone all of that.
It's garbage. It's unbelievable. It's offensively stupid, and intolerably written.
D.N.F. Pick something meaty, with love and joy and LOGIC in it.
Not this.
This one didn't. At all.
Since when does a mayor have the right to strong-arm business owners in her town into decorating their stores on her whim? When was it ever okay to THREATEN to 'decorate for him - making it as garish as she wanted'? When is that okay??
Because it goes down like this:
Her: I'd like for you to join me outside.
Him: Now?
Her: It won't take long.
Him: (gesturing to the crowd filling the shop and the line growing longer by the second) I'm a little busy at the moment.
Her: Make yourself unbusy.
!!!!!!!
Him: No can do.
Her: I mean it, Casey. Outside. NOW!!!
Him: She was relentless... he knew when he was beat...
WHAT?!?!! What. IS. THAT?!?!?! NO! She has *NO RIGHT* to demand anything, to embarrass him in front of his customers, to be high-handed, and to shove the business owners around. MORE, if he were *half* the man the author says he is (ex-military fighter pilot, etc), he wouldn't stand for that crap. AT ALL.
Speaking of... how is it he has TWO bustling coffee shops in two different towns *AND* an airfreight company that was 'booming' with business? That's not actually feasible, not in the least. He can't even keep up with *ONE* store, according to this book, let alone all of that.
It's garbage. It's unbelievable. It's offensively stupid, and intolerably written.
D.N.F. Pick something meaty, with love and joy and LOGIC in it.
Not this.
November 7, 2023
While Opening His Holiday Heart by Renee Ryan is the third book of the series, it can easily be a stand-alone novel. I do not feel like I missed anything by starting with this book.
The first line-Casey Evan sat in his vintage 1965 pickup truck, silently embracing the nickname his sister had given him-Ebenezer Grinch-immediately drew me in. I found Casey relatable and intriguing.
Sutton is not only back in town but is also the Mayor of Thunder Ridge, Colorado. She is determined to win a national Christmas competition, but Casey is standing in her way. Since Casey is unwilling to follow Sutton's orders to decorate, she takes matters into her own hands. What ensues is a comical battle of wills that will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head at their antics. Through in a kid, some dogs, and extended family, and you have the makings of a comical Hallmark movie.
Opening His Holiday Heart is a story of second chances, family, and redemption. It is a quick, engaging read. It has the expected happily ever after and left me with a smile. While this is my first book by Renee Ryan, it won't be my last.
The first line-Casey Evan sat in his vintage 1965 pickup truck, silently embracing the nickname his sister had given him-Ebenezer Grinch-immediately drew me in. I found Casey relatable and intriguing.
Sutton is not only back in town but is also the Mayor of Thunder Ridge, Colorado. She is determined to win a national Christmas competition, but Casey is standing in her way. Since Casey is unwilling to follow Sutton's orders to decorate, she takes matters into her own hands. What ensues is a comical battle of wills that will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head at their antics. Through in a kid, some dogs, and extended family, and you have the makings of a comical Hallmark movie.
Opening His Holiday Heart is a story of second chances, family, and redemption. It is a quick, engaging read. It has the expected happily ever after and left me with a smile. While this is my first book by Renee Ryan, it won't be my last.
November 14, 2021
This was a nice read for the season. There is a guy in the story named Casey Evans. He runs a coffee shop in town. He wants nothing to do with Christmas or decorations.
Casey’s refusal to put up decorations outside homies coffee shop is a problem for the very stubbm mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on her town winning a national Christmas contest. As Casey begins to spend time with Sutton’s young son he begins to see that maybe the holidays aren’t so bad after all. Sutton and Casey had a huge misunderstanding in the past which could have been worked out if they both had talked to one another. I liked the book I wish there would have been some steamy moments along the way.
Casey’s refusal to put up decorations outside homies coffee shop is a problem for the very stubbm mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on her town winning a national Christmas contest. As Casey begins to spend time with Sutton’s young son he begins to see that maybe the holidays aren’t so bad after all. Sutton and Casey had a huge misunderstanding in the past which could have been worked out if they both had talked to one another. I liked the book I wish there would have been some steamy moments along the way.
November 30, 2021
Opening His Holiday Heart by Renee Ryan.
Thunder Ridge Book 3.
Casey Evans wants no part in the holidays, which is a major problem for Mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on their town winning a national Christmas contest, and Casey’s refusal to decorate his coffee shop could ruin everything. Thankfully, her precious son has worked his charms on Casey. But can one little boy—and his mother—change the mind of the local grinch?.
This was a good read with good characters. I liked how Casey and Sutton were together. This is a lovely read for Christmas. 5*.
Thunder Ridge Book 3.
Casey Evans wants no part in the holidays, which is a major problem for Mayor Sutton Wentworth. Sutton has her heart set on their town winning a national Christmas contest, and Casey’s refusal to decorate his coffee shop could ruin everything. Thankfully, her precious son has worked his charms on Casey. But can one little boy—and his mother—change the mind of the local grinch?.
This was a good read with good characters. I liked how Casey and Sutton were together. This is a lovely read for Christmas. 5*.
January 17, 2022
I loved coming back to Thunder Ridge. I loved seeing more of the Evans family. Sutton, the mayor, was so much fun too. Shenanigans abounded in this story. There was conflict and heart. I definitely could not get enough.
Ms. Ryan is good at coming up with situations you don't see coming. I had a difficult time putting it down to get things done. Definitely one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints me.
Ms. Ryan is good at coming up with situations you don't see coming. I had a difficult time putting it down to get things done. Definitely one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints me.
March 3, 2022
Trust
I have spent the last four days in Thunder Ridge after discovering #1 book in the series sitting unread in my library. All three have been a great read but this one my favorite.
I have spent the last four days in Thunder Ridge after discovering #1 book in the series sitting unread in my library. All three have been a great read but this one my favorite.
September 26, 2023
Always enjoy reading a book by Renee Ryan and this was no exception. I loved how Mayor Sutton decorated Casey's store and in turn he decorated her roof.
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it too
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it too
December 19, 2021
This was a nice Christmas story, Casey and Sutton were great main characters. This is book #3 in the Thunder Ridge series.
December 22, 2021
Very enjoyable
I love books about second chances in love and life . the Santa showing up made me laugh out loudly and it wasn't pretty with a mouthful of snacks😋
I love books about second chances in love and life . the Santa showing up made me laugh out loudly and it wasn't pretty with a mouthful of snacks😋
January 12, 2022
Great story and such fun!!
January 19, 2022
Fantastic book
March 9, 2022
Can one little boy and his mother change the mind of the local grinch?
August 29, 2022
A very strong and compassionate story.... Highly recommended
February 15, 2023
Fun Christmas story . . . loved the Christmas spirit and the holiday pranks. Feel good book with all the Christmas vibes and a Scrooge and Santa in the mix.
July 24, 2023
Great story!
I enjoyed reading this book. It has conflict, love and humor. It is true to life. It was fun reading the book. You will enjoy the book.
I enjoyed reading this book. It has conflict, love and humor. It is true to life. It was fun reading the book. You will enjoy the book.
November 13, 2025
Such a sweet book!
December 3, 2021
I've read several holiday romances this past month, but this is my first grinch of the season. Not that Casey is overly grinchy or grumpy. I mean, he has his reasons. But nothing can melt a heart like a sweet little boy and a promise to keep. Sutton and Casey certainly have some sparks between them, some on both sides of that thin line between love and hate, which means we get some witty banter along with the feels. Opening His Holiday Heart is the third Thunder Ridge book, but if I was missing some vital piece of information, I didn't notice, so I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say this can be read as a standalone. It is a reasonably quick read, easily finished in an afternoon or evening, and it pairs perfectly with an evening by the fire curled up with a warm mug of cocoa.
January 27, 2022
Casey Evans is a modern-day Scrooge. Ignoring mayor’s and town request, Casey refused to decorate for his shop for Christmas. The mayor is Sutton Wentworth and he formerly broke her heart. Sutton, and her young son Toby, determined to win a magazine contest as it means a lot to her. The entire town takes Christmas very seriously - everyone except Casey. He intends for his coffee shop to stand out and does not intend on anyone changing his mind.
What happened on Casey and Sutton's past that broke them up and did that have any impact on Casey's utter dislike of the holidays? In this sweet story, we learn about their past, their common love for dogs and how Sutton's son plays a role in winning over Casey.
This was a delightful story and I loved seeing Casey's heart thaw as well as this second chance romance finding its way. I fell in love with the small town of Thunder Ridge and even though I didn't have the opportunity to read the first two books in this series I could definitely tell it was a place I would love to visit.
Many thanks to Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What happened on Casey and Sutton's past that broke them up and did that have any impact on Casey's utter dislike of the holidays? In this sweet story, we learn about their past, their common love for dogs and how Sutton's son plays a role in winning over Casey.
This was a delightful story and I loved seeing Casey's heart thaw as well as this second chance romance finding its way. I fell in love with the small town of Thunder Ridge and even though I didn't have the opportunity to read the first two books in this series I could definitely tell it was a place I would love to visit.
Many thanks to Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 29, 2021
If you are looking for a book to get you into the holiday spirit then I'd recommend this one. I loved watching the banter back and forth with Casey and Sutton. Casey was kinda a Grinch not wanting everything to do with the holidays meanwhile Sutton, town mayor, wanted to pep up the place for the christmas seasons for a contest that would benefit the town. I loved the little Santa prank they kept pulling on eachother and with each back and forth with it I was curious to see how they would mess with each other next with it. If you like a clean romance type of book then this is also a good choice. I loved the family getting together on a contest entry and the overall holiday spirit of the book. Overall really enjoyed it and highly recommend!
Read
November 1, 2021Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #3)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Thunder Ridge (Book #3)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews