Books & Spoons Review for RODEO RANCHER by Mary Sullivan

9/3/2017

A FAMILY HOUSEWARMING

Visitors are rare at widower Michael Moreno's Rodeo, Montana, ranch. When Samantha Read and her two sons turn up, seeking shelter in a snowstorm, his kids are ecstatic. Michael is less enthusiastic. Sammy's sophisticated city vibe seems out of place in his country home. But even he can't deny that the bubbly beauty lights up the whole house.

Though Sammy doesn't know much about ranching, she recognizes an aching heart when she sees one. Michael and his kids could use some cheer, and she's determined to make the most of their time together. But as the heat between Sammy and Michael threatens to melt the snow, Sammy wonders if Michael's heart could be thawing, as well.

A heartwarming, sweet, cheerful tale that made me smile from ear to ear and wish we all could have a Christmas several times in a year. The story is filled with the kind of joy and magic we normally only attach to the December holiday time, yet the snow storm created the perfect surrounding for these two families to celebrate life, love, friends, and family.
Michael Moreno might come off as a bit grouchy and unwelcoming, but as the story unfolds his kind, caring heart is evident. His desire to do anything for his kids is clear, he is fair, loyal, hard working man with a humble mind and loving heart. I absolutely adored him with the children, all and any child got his attention, his guidance, and his protection.
Samantha Read has learned the hard way that life isn't fair. But she is determined to make a better foundation in life for her own children than she and her brother had. She loves to sing disco, she is always smiling, comes up with the coolest ideas for the kids to entertain themselves with, and is always ready to play and laugh with them. Just the perfect mom figure you can imagine.
I enjoyed the positive vibe the story had, despite the broken hearts of both Michael and Sammy. An accident brought these two families together, and eventually, the survival instinct turned into caring, before even deeper feelings took root.
Michael and Sammy truly were a match made in heaven. They were a great team when it came to taking care of the extended family, their opposite characters complemented each other just right, like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together so perfectly. It was a pleasure to witness their attraction for each other growing and their souls finding a second chance of getting stroked by the lightning of love.
The story is filled with whimsical, enchanted moments and miraculous plot twists. There's nothing conventional about Sammy or her antics, yet there are only good intentions and everyone's best at her heart. For me, a big Christmas lover, this story read like a cheerful, marvelous winter fairytale filled with family values, adorable, gentle characters, and good tidings for all
~ Four Spoons