The Christmas Ranch. RaeAnne Thayne

      

Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne

      “As always Ms Thayne writes a fascinating story that will keep readers interested from beginning to end … a feel good romance that takes place over the holidays in snowy Idaho, with sleigh rides and sparkling Christmas trees. It is sure to meet with readers’ approval.”

       —Romance Reviews Today on A Cold Creek Noel

      “I love RaeAnne Thayne. She is the best when it comes to crafting an engrossing mystery and characters you’d love to know personally. She deftly creates a love story that makes us believe that true love, such as that which happens to the characters in this story, can and does happen in the real world.”

       —Idaho Statesman on A Cold Creek Christmas Surprise

      “A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town … Poignant and sweet, this tale of second chances will appeal to fans of military-flavored sweet romance.”

       —Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

      “Once again, Thayne proves she has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart. Crisp storytelling and many amusing moments make for a delightful read.”

       —RT Book Reviews on Willowleaf Lane

      “Thayne pens another winner by combining her huge, boisterous cast of familiar, lovable characters with a beautiful setting and a wonderful story. Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.”

       —RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley

      “Hope’s Crossing is a charming series that lives up to its name. Reading these stories of small-town life engage the reader’s heart and emotions, inspiring hope and the belief miracles are possible.”

      —Debbie Macomber, No.1 New York Times bestselling author, on Sweet Laurel Falls

      “Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.”

       —Booklist on Woodrose Mountain

      “Thayne’s series starter introduces the Colorado town of Hope’s Crossing in what can be described as a cozy romance … [a] gentle, easy read.”

       —Publishers Weekly on Blackberry Summer

      The Christmas Ranch

      RaeAnne Thayne

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      RAEANNE THAYNE, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her books have won numerous honors, including RITA^® Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be contacted through her website, www.raeannethayne.com.

      To my wonderful readers, for sharing this amazing journey with me. I consider myself extraordinarily blessed that I can spend my days spinning stories with happy endings, while hoping that my words might make someone’s day a little brighter. Thank you!

      Contents

       Cover

Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      Though Thanksgiving was still a week and a half away, Christmas apparently had already rolled into Pine Gulch, Idaho, in all its snowy glory.

      Hope Nichols looked through the windshield of the crappy old Ford pickup truck she had picked up for a cool thousand dollars at the edge of a Walmart parking lot in Salt Lake City. On a late afternoon in November the storefronts of the small but vibrant downtown area were alive with Christmas displays—trees, lights, toy soldiers, the occasional Nativity scene.

      As she drove through more residential areas on her way to Cold Creek Canyon, she saw the holiday spirit extended here. Nearly every house had decorations of some sort, from inflatable snowmen to a full-fledged Santa and reindeer display.

      She didn’t mind even the kitschiest of decorations, even though to some it might seem early in the season. Considering she hadn’t spent the holidays at home for the past five years—or even in the country—she couldn’t wait to embrace the whole Christmas thing this year.

      She supposed that was a good thing, since her family’s Ranch was the holiday epicenter around here.

      This area of eastern Idaho already had a few inches of snow—not much, but enough to cover everything in a lovely blanket of white and add a bit of seasonal charm to the town she remembered with such warmth and affection.

      While