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Vanishing Ranch #8
Troubled Tidings
A blown tire on a lonely desert road leads to Christmas Eve trouble.
Vanishing Ranch chef Dean Burns just needed to pick up a few things for Christmas dinner. When his tire blows on the way home, he assures coworker Kota Perez that they’ll be back on the road in no time.
Dean soon realizes the flat tire was no accident, and the simple trip transforms into a terrifying fight for survival. Robbers known as the Roadside Bandits have set their sights on the pair, and Dean and Kota have no choice but to leave the truck and run for their lives, striking out on foot into the vast Arizona desert.
Will Christmas tidings turn deadly this year? Or will Dean and Kota manage to pull off the ultimate Christmas takedown?
Vanishing Ranch chef Dean Burns just needed to pick up a few things for Christmas dinner. When his tire blows on the way home, he assures coworker Kota Perez that they’ll be back on the road in no time.
Dean soon realizes the flat tire was no accident, and the simple trip transforms into a terrifying fight for survival. Robbers known as the Roadside Bandits have set their sights on the pair, and Dean and Kota have no choice but to leave the truck and run for their lives, striking out on foot into the vast Arizona desert.
Will Christmas tidings turn deadly this year? Or will Dean and Kota manage to pull off the ultimate Christmas takedown?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
274 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,689 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 17, 2023
2.5 stars
This was an okay read. I was liking it in the beginning, but then toward the end things just didn’t seem to add up or be very plausible.
I did like Dean and Kota. There was a hint of a coming romance (not a fan of it since one was divorced), but it was clean. One or two kisses not described.
Although this is book 8 in a series and I haven’t read the rest, it worked as a stand alone. I felt like I could read some other books and find out more about the characters, but it wasn’t necessary for this story.
The Christmas aspects were enjoyable.
This was an okay read. I was liking it in the beginning, but then toward the end things just didn’t seem to add up or be very plausible.
I did like Dean and Kota. There was a hint of a coming romance (not a fan of it since one was divorced), but it was clean. One or two kisses not described.
Although this is book 8 in a series and I haven’t read the rest, it worked as a stand alone. I felt like I could read some other books and find out more about the characters, but it wasn’t necessary for this story.
The Christmas aspects were enjoyable.
December 24, 2022
After all of the books that this author has written, I find it fascinating that she continues to come up with fresh, interesting plots and characters. I really like the fact that the main characters are older. The desert setting was also unique. How the plot tied together was also fascinating. Since it is a novella, it makes for a quick read. And while there are some sentimental moments, it is not sappy like many Christmas novellas since it is also suspenseful.
December 19, 2022
It's Christmas time at Vanishing Ranch the Chef is planning his famous Turducken, but desert bandits have another plan for Dean and Kota.
I enjoyed this book because it focused on two of the support people at Vanishing Ranch. Dean also known as Chef and Kota a housekeeper for the VR. They have important roles in the lives of the guests but are never it the spotlight.
This is a novella but Barritt does a great job of introducing the characters and ramping up the action quickly. There's definitely dangers in the desert not only the environment, but 2 legged and 4 legged kind.
This was an enjoyable and quick read. Although, part of the Vanishing Ranch series it stands alone and makes for a great introduction to this author if you've not read her before.
I enjoyed this book because it focused on two of the support people at Vanishing Ranch. Dean also known as Chef and Kota a housekeeper for the VR. They have important roles in the lives of the guests but are never it the spotlight.
This is a novella but Barritt does a great job of introducing the characters and ramping up the action quickly. There's definitely dangers in the desert not only the environment, but 2 legged and 4 legged kind.
This was an enjoyable and quick read. Although, part of the Vanishing Ranch series it stands alone and makes for a great introduction to this author if you've not read her before.
February 1, 2023
This novella was a Christmas Surprise, and did not focus on one of the main characters at the ranch. It was great to get to know two of the characters that help keep the ranch going as they traveled to town to pick up groceries for a special Christmas dinner. But, trouble finds them on the way back, and stranded in the desert with road pirates after them, Chef Dean and Kota have to depend on God and each other to get them out of a very dangerous situation. A welcome, fun seasonal read, full of suspense.
December 22, 2022
Fabulous Christmas Suspense!
Troubled Tidings adds a fabulous Christmas suspense to the Vanishing Ranch series. The best part is that we get to know more of the ranch workers… and enjoy their romance… and the rather suspenseful adventure that leads to their romance… and watching Dean and Kota’s faith in action… and… and… I guess that there are A LOT of ‘best parts’ to this book!
Troubled Tidings adds a fabulous Christmas suspense to the Vanishing Ranch series. The best part is that we get to know more of the ranch workers… and enjoy their romance… and the rather suspenseful adventure that leads to their romance… and watching Dean and Kota’s faith in action… and… and… I guess that there are A LOT of ‘best parts’ to this book!
December 23, 2022
More trouble for the people associated with Vanishing Ranch. When Chef Dean Burns runs to the city to get what he needs for a special Christmas meal, along with coworker Kota Perez, peril lurks along the way and attempts to keep them from returning. The escalating tale as they escape in the desert adds desolation to the danger. This exciting thriller offers a short but intense read, perfect for a winter escape for a few hours. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2022
Be ready to suspend reality for awhile & enjoy the suspense of being chased in the desert by some really bad guys. Canyons, ghost towns, wild animals, no phone service...what a Christmas Eve! The age of this duo was a little troubling to fit into the plot but Christy Barritt can write her way through any problems. I enjoyed the idea of trying to evade danger while in a desert in the dark!
December 28, 2022
Dean Burns, chef at Vanishing Ranch was returning from a Christmas grocery run with coworker Kota Perez when they have a flat tire and are chased by Roadside Bandits who recognize Kota as the former girlfriend of their crime lord boss. As they narrowly continue to outrun the bandits, their energy and strength start to diminish. A touching Christmas theme story.
December 29, 2022
A Christmas miracle in a stable
The first one was years ago, the baby who was a King, came to earth to be a man and with Him,he brought tidings of comfort and joy. Now over two thousand years later, in the words of a story, a miracle of protection drove a couple across a desert to become in need of a miracle. Love this twist on a familiar story.
The first one was years ago, the baby who was a King, came to earth to be a man and with Him,he brought tidings of comfort and joy. Now over two thousand years later, in the words of a story, a miracle of protection drove a couple across a desert to become in need of a miracle. Love this twist on a familiar story.
January 14, 2023
Finally! Chef!
As I read other books in the Vanishing Ranch series, I wandered about Chef. What a great story portraying him! As often expected, there was so much more to him than whipping up a good hollandaise sauce! Another riveting, keep you turning the pages, book from Ms. Barritt. Enjoy!
As I read other books in the Vanishing Ranch series, I wandered about Chef. What a great story portraying him! As often expected, there was so much more to him than whipping up a good hollandaise sauce! Another riveting, keep you turning the pages, book from Ms. Barritt. Enjoy!
January 30, 2023
Troubled Tidings
Christy Barritt brings us another good book filled with action and danger. After going into the larger city to find ingredients for preparing Christmas dinner, Chef Dean and coworker Kota run into problems. The blown tire on his truck sends the two into a day of terror that goes on into the night. Will they be able to survive until the Ranch crew can find them?
Christy Barritt brings us another good book filled with action and danger. After going into the larger city to find ingredients for preparing Christmas dinner, Chef Dean and coworker Kota run into problems. The blown tire on his truck sends the two into a day of terror that goes on into the night. Will they be able to survive until the Ranch crew can find them?
February 6, 2023
Lost Hiker, Bandits, And Domestic Violence
I am enjoying Christy Barritt's Vanishing Ranch stories. The impossible is possible with God and his protection. A desert sandstorm created more difficulties when two employees became lost in the desert after being attacked by bandits.
I am enjoying Christy Barritt's Vanishing Ranch stories. The impossible is possible with God and his protection. A desert sandstorm created more difficulties when two employees became lost in the desert after being attacked by bandits.
February 27, 2023
Dean & Kota thought their trip to get groceries for the Christmas dinner at the ranch would be routine. But they soon discover they will find it very hard to stay alive in the desert. Kota is in extra danger because of the gang that discovers who she is. Another heart-pounding adventure with possible deadly consequences!
December 18, 2022
Christmas on the run
Christy Barritt writes another great story about Vanishing Ranch that has suspense but this one also has family, forgiveness and redemption along with it. A perfect read for Christmas. I received a copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
Christy Barritt writes another great story about Vanishing Ranch that has suspense but this one also has family, forgiveness and redemption along with it. A perfect read for Christmas. I received a copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
December 27, 2022
Short but still…
Exciting and sweet. I truly hope there’s someone, or several someone’s with places like Vanishing Ranch. So many ppl need the love and care places like this provide!! Such a great storyline. I hope there are more coming.
Exciting and sweet. I truly hope there’s someone, or several someone’s with places like Vanishing Ranch. So many ppl need the love and care places like this provide!! Such a great storyline. I hope there are more coming.
February 24, 2023
Tremendous story
Who knew that a trip across the desert to shop for Christmas dinner fixings could turn so wrong. Dean and Kota are running for their lives as four bandits chase them. How will their Christmas turn out?
Who knew that a trip across the desert to shop for Christmas dinner fixings could turn so wrong. Dean and Kota are running for their lives as four bandits chase them. How will their Christmas turn out?
April 19, 2023
What is the focus for Christmas? In Christy new book it is a story of survival and focus. Not focus on ourselves but focus on others in our lives around us. Christy continues her story of the ranch life but with another new twist that will keep you up till you finish the story!
November 22, 2023
cute novella
Dean and Kota are on the way back to Vanishing Ranch after picking up supplies for Christmas dinner when things go south. they become targets of highway bandits. They just need to survive until the VR team can rescue them. Cute story.
Dean and Kota are on the way back to Vanishing Ranch after picking up supplies for Christmas dinner when things go south. they become targets of highway bandits. They just need to survive until the VR team can rescue them. Cute story.
March 30, 2024
Almost Christmas
A trip to town for last minute items gets a little difficult. A lost young man almost dies. Can they be found before Christmas? This is such a great book. So many surprises. You will not believe all the twists and turns.
,, ,,,,
A trip to town for last minute items gets a little difficult. A lost young man almost dies. Can they be found before Christmas? This is such a great book. So many surprises. You will not believe all the twists and turns.
,, ,,,,
October 23, 2024
Love Christy Barrit's books!
This was a very exciting story with great characters and lots of danger and action. The romance portion is sweet and clean and full of heart. All of the Vanishing Ranch books have been great to read!
This was a very exciting story with great characters and lots of danger and action. The romance portion is sweet and clean and full of heart. All of the Vanishing Ranch books have been great to read!
December 16, 2022
Exciting
This was an amazing, exciting Christmas miracle as Dean and Koto fight for their lives in the desert. A delightfully touching story mixed with heart pounding excitement.
This was an amazing, exciting Christmas miracle as Dean and Koto fight for their lives in the desert. A delightfully touching story mixed with heart pounding excitement.
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December 21, 2022
short, but awesome read
December 21, 2022
Wonderful
Best book to read on December 21st. This is another great book in the series and all the books have been awesome.
Best book to read on December 21st. This is another great book in the series and all the books have been awesome.
December 22, 2022
Holiday treat
Here's an entertaining Christmas suspense Vanishing Ranch novella sure to offer a few hours of pleasurable reading. What a treat.
Here's an entertaining Christmas suspense Vanishing Ranch novella sure to offer a few hours of pleasurable reading. What a treat.
December 26, 2022
great series
Good storyline, lots of action, believable characters, clean story, Biblically based, Christmas themed. Enjoyed learning the geography and history of the area.
Good storyline, lots of action, believable characters, clean story, Biblically based, Christmas themed. Enjoyed learning the geography and history of the area.
December 27, 2022
Short but Worth It
A cozy, action packed mystery with a bit of romance sprinkled in. Engaging characters make this one to read. Highly recommend.
A cozy, action packed mystery with a bit of romance sprinkled in. Engaging characters make this one to read. Highly recommend.
December 29, 2022
Great Christmas story!
This novella was really well written and had a great cast of characters. The Christmas angle brought the final perfect piece to the plot.
This novella was really well written and had a great cast of characters. The Christmas angle brought the final perfect piece to the plot.
December 30, 2022
Turducken?
Wow! What are the impossible odds of "everything" going so wrong? This story is packed full of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down! Super great read!
Wow! What are the impossible odds of "everything" going so wrong? This story is packed full of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down! Super great read!
January 1, 2023
Dean and Kota
Awesome book but it was too short for me. I love stories on vanishing ranch. Just great things happen s with some bad. Enjoy.
Awesome book but it was too short for me. I love stories on vanishing ranch. Just great things happen s with some bad. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews