Susan's Review of Wishing on a Christmas Cowboy by Sara Richardson

Pediatric nurse Kyra Fowler is finally going to realize her dream. She’s got a job lined up at the most prestigious children’s hospital in London. There’s only one little snag—first she has to sell the Wyoming town she’s just inherited from her estranged father. After a little fixing up, the place should easily attract a buyer. Hopefully she’ll be celebrating the sale by New Year’s.

Ex-Navy SEAL Aiden Steele couldn’t save his brother-in-law on the battlefield, but he can save his sister’s ranch and give his nieces the life they deserve in the town they love. He’s not about to let some outsider make a mint selling to a ruthless developer. Operation Save Star Valley is foolproof: show Kyra the sights, let the Christmas spirit work its magic, and bam! She’ll decide not to sell and he can ensure his family is taken care of. Except as he tries to make Kyra fall in love with the town, Aiden starts falling for her.

Susan's Review of Last Dance With A Cowboy-Silverado Lake --# 3

Can this wandering cowboy convince his first love that he deserves a second chance?

Leila Valentino will do anything to keep her grandparents’ Colorado winery afloat. Even partner with August Harding, the first—and last—man to break her heart. Fifteen years ago, August left Silverado Lake, and Leila, far behind. Now the cowboy’s back with an offer that could save her family’s business. But to keep her grandparents from worrying over the vineyard’s finances, Leila insists August give a different reason for his return: her.

August Harding is one step away from a huge promotion. All he has to do is ensure that his company acquires Valentino Bellas Vineyards. And if pretending he and Leila are back together is the cost . . . well, he can’t say no. Leila has never forgiven him for the way he ended things, but the longer they pretend to be a couple, the more he begins to wonder if a second chance isn’t impossible after all. But can he convince Leila that this time he’s not walking away?

I enjoyed Sara Richardson’s One Night With A Cowboy, the second book in the Silverado Lake series. It was one of my favorite reads in 2021. The Harding family dynamics, the gorgeous setting and the close knit community of Silverado Lake appealed to me. Last Dance with A Cowboy is the third book in the series—it’s August Harding’s story. Enjoyed every word in this well- plotted character driven novel!

Leila Valentino realizes that her family’s vineyard is on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. She reaches out to Kingston Wineries and brokers a secret deal with them. She has 3 months to increase the wineries profit margin or Kingston takes over. Leila’s family loyalty and determination to succeed made her a likeable, relatable character.

Auggie Harding is handsome cowboy who is not afraid of using his good looks and charming personality to climb the corporate ladder at Kingston Wineries. He has brokered many acquisitions for the company and views it as a game—a role to play. Forrest Kingston dangles a huge promotion in front of August to supervise the vineyard takeover - knowing that Auggie and Leila have a history.

Sara Richardson choice to reunite Auggie and Leila worked for me. Fifteen years have passed since they went their separate ways but, the chemistry between the couple bubbled like a glass of champagne. Ms. Richardson is able to blend emotion, conflict and passion perfectly in this novel. I was drawn to their story—the history, the passion, the love for the ranch and the vineyard- and rooted for Auggie and Leila.

The secondary characters add depth and humor to the storyline. I adored Nonna and Poppa—their love for each other, their family, friends and vineyard is the cornerstone of the novel. I was glad to catch up with Ryan, one of my favorite characters from One Night With A Cowboy, and to meet Leila’s brother Sam. I am hoping Sam will be featured in an upcoming book.

Last Dance With A Cowboy has all of the story elements I look for in a novel- dynamic characters, descriptive prose, conflict and romance. Auggie and Leila’s story will tug at your heartstrings-- the themes of forgiveness, acceptance and love are woven perfectly throughout this novel.

If you enjoy novels by RaeAnne Thayne, Cindy Kirk and Robyn Carr—than this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by Forever

Susan's Review of the Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson Juniper Springs #2

The Buchanan sisters share everything—including their inherited Juniper Inn. But when their mother won’t let go of a decades-long feud with their Aunt Sassy to attend the inn’s grand re-opening, the sisters decide a family reunion is long overdue.

Youngest sister Rose is determined to put together an extravagant celebration. Only she needs to convince a certain surly hardware store owner to help finish the inn’s renovations.

After a heartbreaking end to her marriage, Dahlia and her kids are just starting to rebuild their lives. Dahlia’s even considering opening herself up to love again, but will that upset the stability she’s worked so hard to give her children?

Sassy McGrath has never stopped missing her sister, Lillian, and though they’ve both been too stubborn to reconcile, some shocking news might finally change everything. As family bonds are tested, will these two very different generations of women find the strength to believe in themselves and each other?

Sarah Richardson’s Home for the Holidays was one of my favorite holiday reads last year. I loved the Buchanan sisters and their delightful Aunt Sassy! The Summer Sisters is the second book in the Juniper Springs series – and FABULOUS is the best way to describe it!

The Summer Sisters continues the storyline from Home for the Holidays. Rose and Dahlia Buchanan have relocated to Colorado and are restoring the cabins at the Juniper Inn. Loved the scene when Sassy and Colt returned from their vacation to find Rose with her leg stuck in the roof of a cabin! I enjoyed the heart-to heart conversations between Dally and Rose as they worked together to make each cabin special.

Sara Richardson creates charming, entertaining and relatable characters. I adored Sassy McGrath - her affection for her family and community fills the pages of this novel. Sassy agrees to be the mayor of Juniper Springs because her community needs her and this decision opens up a new chapter in her life.

Dahlia needs a fresh start after her divorce and welcomes the opportunity. Dahlia’s journey resonated with me; she saw herself as a wife and mother but wanted a chance to be happy to find love again. Rose immersed herself in the renovations to put distance between her broken engagement and to figure out her feelings for Colt. I admired Rose’s determination to finish the inn renovation and rooted for her romance with Colt.

The Summer Sisters is a heartwarming story that celebrates sisters. Sarah Richardson illustrates the bonds, the love and the complex relationships between two generations of sisters. Each sister is tested during the novel—this kept me engaged because I wanted to see how they would respond to their challenges

The Summer Sisters is a well-paced novel with character growth and development—with the perfect amount of laughter, romance and forgiveness!

I highly recommend this book—it’s the perfect vacation read. I can’t wait to read Sara Richardson’s next novel!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by the publisher

Susan's Review of Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson

The Buchanan sisters all share special childhood memories of their Aunt Sassy's beloved Juniper Inn. There, they frolicked in the snow, baked sugar cookies, and celebrated the town's annual Christmas extravaganza. They haven't been back to Colorado in nearly fifteen years, but when their aunt invites them for one last Christmas, they can't say no . . .

Home for the Holidays is my first Christmas -themed read of the season. Words can’t express how much I enjoyed this heartwarming, magical story set in Juniper Springs!

Sara Richardson’s descriptive writing style drew me into the story immediately. Sisters Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose Buchanan receive a package and an invitation from their Aunt Sassy to spend one last Christmas together. I enjoyed reading how each sister treasured the Christmas holidays in Juniper Springs and that the invitation arrived when the sisters needed each other’s strength and support.

Each one of the Buchanan sisters needs a bit of Christmas magic. Dahlia is newly divorced mother of two young children. She needs to regain her self-confidence and embrace her future. Magnolia is newly separated and desperately needs a Christmas miracle. Rose is struggling. She is overwhelmed with wedding planning, social obligations and everyone’s expectations of her.

I enjoyed that the author chose the alternating point of view narrative in this novel. I was able to appreciate each sister’s unique situation, their emotions and perspective. Sara Richardson has created three distinctive stories for the Buchanan sisters. The conversations between Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose are honest, heartfelt and humorous. The bond between sisters is one of the key pieces in the storyline- Sisters may not live near each other but they are always there for each other- and the author does a fabulous job weaving this element throughout the book.

The author adds the right amount of magic and romance to create a wonderful holiday read. I enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to read Sara Richardson’s next book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

ARC provided by the publisher