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Cowboy Mountain Christmas #1
Dreaming of Her Cowboy's Kiss
A simple cowboy in love with a surgeon. A decade of unrequited love. A hopeless, one-sided romance. Except sometimes, if you’re patient, God writes your love story.
Ethan Shuff had spent a miserable childhood with an abusive father and a mother addicted to drugs and men.
No one had ever even pretended he wasn’t in the way, or that he was wanted.
Not until Race and Penny Steiner opened up their home and their lives to him. When they adopted a group of six siblings, Ethan stayed on the farm to help and to be a good example for the kids. He never intended to fall in love with the oldest sibling, Ruby.
Ruby Barclay became responsible for her siblings at age sixteen. She fought the state, social workers and anyone else who stood in her way until she had her brothers and sisters reunited and together under one roof.
With that mission accomplished, she will let nothing stand in the way of her next dream – becoming an accomplished surgeon. Maybe with more competent medical care, her parents wouldn’t have died.
She doesn’t have time to mess around and she’s not interested in silly boyfriends. If she gets married, it’s going to be to someone who shares her dream of saving lives.
But the dark eyes of the boy who’d fought for her when she was a teen haunt her nights, and maybe under her drive and ambition, she could admit that she still dreams of her cowboy’s kiss.
Ethan Shuff had spent a miserable childhood with an abusive father and a mother addicted to drugs and men.
No one had ever even pretended he wasn’t in the way, or that he was wanted.
Not until Race and Penny Steiner opened up their home and their lives to him. When they adopted a group of six siblings, Ethan stayed on the farm to help and to be a good example for the kids. He never intended to fall in love with the oldest sibling, Ruby.
Ruby Barclay became responsible for her siblings at age sixteen. She fought the state, social workers and anyone else who stood in her way until she had her brothers and sisters reunited and together under one roof.
With that mission accomplished, she will let nothing stand in the way of her next dream – becoming an accomplished surgeon. Maybe with more competent medical care, her parents wouldn’t have died.
She doesn’t have time to mess around and she’s not interested in silly boyfriends. If she gets married, it’s going to be to someone who shares her dream of saving lives.
But the dark eyes of the boy who’d fought for her when she was a teen haunt her nights, and maybe under her drive and ambition, she could admit that she still dreams of her cowboy’s kiss.
Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
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December 10, 2022
Great romantic Christmas story!
May 23, 2021
Ruby was getting married to a powerful family allowing her the chance to get in with a powerful medical group. She is a trauma surgeon and her fiance' is a doctor in a long-line of doctors. On the day of her wedding, she walks in on him, at the church, getting a little too cozy with the floral assistant. She runs away straight into the arms of her long-time friend, Ethan. Ethan had always had her back and been her protector. He saved her from bullies in school and from herself in college and medical school and during her residency. He had always shown up when she needed him but had never asked him to. She knew he would take her away and so he did.
Ethan had loved Ruby from the first minute he saw her. He had grown up in a family with an abusive father and an alcoholic mother. He had never felt good enough for anyone, especially not for Ruby. He knew he could never live up to what she wanted but he had always wanted only her. She was his perfect mate. He could never be with her but he could continue to be her friend and take care of her. Was that going to be enough?
I loved this story about two people who had lived through tragedies in their young lives and had come out stronger and better and more determined to make a difference. This was a clean, Christian romance with a lot of good feels and a wonderfully happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.
Ethan had loved Ruby from the first minute he saw her. He had grown up in a family with an abusive father and an alcoholic mother. He had never felt good enough for anyone, especially not for Ruby. He knew he could never live up to what she wanted but he had always wanted only her. She was his perfect mate. He could never be with her but he could continue to be her friend and take care of her. Was that going to be enough?
I loved this story about two people who had lived through tragedies in their young lives and had come out stronger and better and more determined to make a difference. This was a clean, Christian romance with a lot of good feels and a wonderfully happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.
January 5, 2023
Christian romance, good but could have been better
I liked the plot, the hard situation that Ethan & Ruby were in. And I enjoyed reading about the month long camp. The chicken fiasco was funny too. I didn't like the author having them repeat the same denial & reasons a romance wouldn't work until I was ready to just quit reading the book. Then on last page there's suddenly a solution, which made sense financially, but not in other ways that counted . Then the epilogue which is only a cliffhanger..very frustrating to end a book in that way. I feel that this author needed to show more depth in the story. The author showed children, but they were just filler, no conversations, no help to the plot.
I liked the plot, the hard situation that Ethan & Ruby were in. And I enjoyed reading about the month long camp. The chicken fiasco was funny too. I didn't like the author having them repeat the same denial & reasons a romance wouldn't work until I was ready to just quit reading the book. Then on last page there's suddenly a solution, which made sense financially, but not in other ways that counted . Then the epilogue which is only a cliffhanger..very frustrating to end a book in that way. I feel that this author needed to show more depth in the story. The author showed children, but they were just filler, no conversations, no help to the plot.
November 26, 2023
Strange ending
I did enjoy thus story but found that the ending left me hanging and guessing what may have been. Interesting
I did enjoy thus story but found that the ending left me hanging and guessing what may have been. Interesting
December 26, 2021
Race was a famous surgeon. He lost his wife and family to his career. Somehow, he and his wife got a second chance when he felt called by God to ministry.
Ethan was the terror of the town, a runaway from a horrible home situation, and Race took him under his wing, giving him a place to stay and guidance and eventually, Ethan gave his life to the Lord.
While Ethan was living with Race and Penny, they adopted a large family. The kids' parent had been killed by a drunk driver. Ruby, the eldest at 17, had gathered her siblings together and insisted they stay together. They had been separated, and one of the younger ones had been traumatized badly, none had had good esperiences. Ruby had been determined since her parents were alive and homeschooling them that she wanted to be a doctor, but after her parents died of their injuries, she derermined to be a trauma surgeon. It was a long haul with long hours and hard studying. Every so often she would call home, seeking encouragement from Race, and without saying anything, Ethan would go to wherever she was, feed her, make her sleep, do her laundry, clean her place, whatever she needed to give her the strength to go on. Ethan had fallen for her the day she'd come to the house with her siblings, admiring the strength of character that she exhibited in keeping her family together.
We actually meet Ruby in her wedding gown, reflecting on the man she is marrying - more as a business agreement since there is no love there. He is from a family of famous surgeons from LA, and being his wife will open up opportunities for her, and she has significant student debt. She thinks friendship and mutual respect are enough...until she goes to get the flower petals for the wedding and finds him just having finished humping the florist's assistant, who isn't old enough to be a girlfriend. She wonders how many other times this has happened. She expected fidelity but it's apparent she's not going to get it.
Ethan has come to the wedding. He didn't want to leave his ranch to see the woman he loves marry someone else but goes at his foster father's request. He has parked his motorcycle in back. He goes down to get his father's sermon notes, and sees Ruby running down towards him. He intercepts her to find out what's wrong and then, with her consent, takes her to his place. She has no clothes, no money, no cell phone, all of those were either in the room at church where she got into her wedding gown or in her fiance's car. Her mother retrieves them for her and takes them to her.
She finds herself relieved, except that her job with the team of surgeons is no longer hers, and there is an underlying hint that this family might blacklist her. We never find out if they do, however, because the focus shifts. It turns out Ethan has an informal camp where he takes in 10 boys from poor families and bad homes and teaches them how to do things around the ranch. They came for 4 weeks, going home on weekends, and the last week they have a Christmas in July type of celebration. Ruby think girls should be included and takes on 5 young girls. She finds ways to impart medical knowledge, and shows them how to use the web to find out things they don't know.
Meanwhile, Ruby has figired out she does return Ethan's love, but she isn't sure about giving up her surgical career to live on a ranch, and knows Ethan would be a fish out of water in an urban setting where he doesn't have the care of the land, of living things, of growing things.
Race talks to him about what he himself was like as a surgeon, and how he messed up his marriage to Penny, and how God drew them back together when he got over his selfishness. Penny talks to Ruby about faith and love.
Also in the picture is Natalie, who left her alcoholic, abusive husband and rents a small ramshackle cabin from a differenr landowner - who sells his farm, leaving her and her 5 kids in limbo about their cabin. She always helps with the camp, with cooking breakfast and other meals as needed - sometimes Ethan takes them into the woods and shows them how to make their own food from what he brings, so lunch and sometimes supper are taken care of, and Penny also helps.
One of the things the boys do with Ethan is to clean up after the loggers, cutting up wood they leave behind. But because of an emergency, the man who os supposed to pay him for giving them permission to log on his land hadn't paid him, though he does towards the end of the book.
This is a clean, Christian romance story, and has a good storyline and good characters, but the book IMO ends abruptly, with too many questions unanswered, including what happens with the main characters, what happens to Natalie and her 5 kids, plus anything about Ruby's siblings except that, to varying degrees, that they were traumatized by their separation. At the end the author mentions her next book is about Natalie, so there's a chance to find out what happens to her, but if her story frustratingly ends like this one, we won't find out very much about her, and we'll be left hanging again.
This seems to be a trend in Christian romances. The last several books I have read have done the same thing. If they believe this will increase the likelihood of more sales of sequels in a series, for me, it makes me want to avoid anything they write. It's lazy IMO. Get some characters to become, maybe, a couple, and cut off the story, and advertise your next book at the end. The books I've accidentally gotten written with sex scenes in them that I have to page through are often more complete than these, although this trend is spreading even to those to some extent. And most writers of Amish romances are very complete, and faith is a huge part of their framework.
Finish the story or don't write it at all.
Ethan was the terror of the town, a runaway from a horrible home situation, and Race took him under his wing, giving him a place to stay and guidance and eventually, Ethan gave his life to the Lord.
While Ethan was living with Race and Penny, they adopted a large family. The kids' parent had been killed by a drunk driver. Ruby, the eldest at 17, had gathered her siblings together and insisted they stay together. They had been separated, and one of the younger ones had been traumatized badly, none had had good esperiences. Ruby had been determined since her parents were alive and homeschooling them that she wanted to be a doctor, but after her parents died of their injuries, she derermined to be a trauma surgeon. It was a long haul with long hours and hard studying. Every so often she would call home, seeking encouragement from Race, and without saying anything, Ethan would go to wherever she was, feed her, make her sleep, do her laundry, clean her place, whatever she needed to give her the strength to go on. Ethan had fallen for her the day she'd come to the house with her siblings, admiring the strength of character that she exhibited in keeping her family together.
We actually meet Ruby in her wedding gown, reflecting on the man she is marrying - more as a business agreement since there is no love there. He is from a family of famous surgeons from LA, and being his wife will open up opportunities for her, and she has significant student debt. She thinks friendship and mutual respect are enough...until she goes to get the flower petals for the wedding and finds him just having finished humping the florist's assistant, who isn't old enough to be a girlfriend. She wonders how many other times this has happened. She expected fidelity but it's apparent she's not going to get it.
Ethan has come to the wedding. He didn't want to leave his ranch to see the woman he loves marry someone else but goes at his foster father's request. He has parked his motorcycle in back. He goes down to get his father's sermon notes, and sees Ruby running down towards him. He intercepts her to find out what's wrong and then, with her consent, takes her to his place. She has no clothes, no money, no cell phone, all of those were either in the room at church where she got into her wedding gown or in her fiance's car. Her mother retrieves them for her and takes them to her.
She finds herself relieved, except that her job with the team of surgeons is no longer hers, and there is an underlying hint that this family might blacklist her. We never find out if they do, however, because the focus shifts. It turns out Ethan has an informal camp where he takes in 10 boys from poor families and bad homes and teaches them how to do things around the ranch. They came for 4 weeks, going home on weekends, and the last week they have a Christmas in July type of celebration. Ruby think girls should be included and takes on 5 young girls. She finds ways to impart medical knowledge, and shows them how to use the web to find out things they don't know.
Meanwhile, Ruby has figired out she does return Ethan's love, but she isn't sure about giving up her surgical career to live on a ranch, and knows Ethan would be a fish out of water in an urban setting where he doesn't have the care of the land, of living things, of growing things.
Race talks to him about what he himself was like as a surgeon, and how he messed up his marriage to Penny, and how God drew them back together when he got over his selfishness. Penny talks to Ruby about faith and love.
Also in the picture is Natalie, who left her alcoholic, abusive husband and rents a small ramshackle cabin from a differenr landowner - who sells his farm, leaving her and her 5 kids in limbo about their cabin. She always helps with the camp, with cooking breakfast and other meals as needed - sometimes Ethan takes them into the woods and shows them how to make their own food from what he brings, so lunch and sometimes supper are taken care of, and Penny also helps.
One of the things the boys do with Ethan is to clean up after the loggers, cutting up wood they leave behind. But because of an emergency, the man who os supposed to pay him for giving them permission to log on his land hadn't paid him, though he does towards the end of the book.
This is a clean, Christian romance story, and has a good storyline and good characters, but the book IMO ends abruptly, with too many questions unanswered, including what happens with the main characters, what happens to Natalie and her 5 kids, plus anything about Ruby's siblings except that, to varying degrees, that they were traumatized by their separation. At the end the author mentions her next book is about Natalie, so there's a chance to find out what happens to her, but if her story frustratingly ends like this one, we won't find out very much about her, and we'll be left hanging again.
This seems to be a trend in Christian romances. The last several books I have read have done the same thing. If they believe this will increase the likelihood of more sales of sequels in a series, for me, it makes me want to avoid anything they write. It's lazy IMO. Get some characters to become, maybe, a couple, and cut off the story, and advertise your next book at the end. The books I've accidentally gotten written with sex scenes in them that I have to page through are often more complete than these, although this trend is spreading even to those to some extent. And most writers of Amish romances are very complete, and faith is a huge part of their framework.
Finish the story or don't write it at all.
January 4, 2024
I read this book as a collection of Christmas books by various authors. In the collection it had a wintery cover. I was trying to make a Christmas book goal so I read it. It's not about Christmas, but a summer camp that has Christmas in July ( or some summer month that is hardly important right?)
Ruby who is an adopted foster kid is about to marry someone she doesn't love,but she walks in on him cheating on her. As she storms off she literally runs into Ethan. He too was brought up by Ruby's adoptive parents. They never adopted him? Or was it her? I have to assume the author thought it would be ick to have two adopted kids fall in love. They were both teens when they were taken in give me a break it would be fine.
Anyway, Ethan has always loved Ruby. When she runs into him, he plops her on his motorcycle and whisks her away to his farm. She asks him to go on her honeymoon with her but he explains that he hosts a summer camp every summer for kids and it starts soon. Ruby is amazed by this because he has never told her. When they interact it has always been all about her.
So to give herself time to heal, she stays on at summer camp and takes on five girls. Ruby has no idea how to be a farmer so she struggles at first, but eventually she figures out how to use her skills as a surgeon to teach these girls.While she is getting good at being there, Ethan is falling deeper in love, and Ruby starts to realize what she has felt all along.
But Ruby is a trauma surgeon with a big career ahead of her and a lot of school debt to pay off. She can't stay here. Although Ethan owns his farm out right and doesn't t need her money, and every doctor has those same loans to pay off and they don' t all head to Los Angeles. Ethan could
leave but he doesn't want to leave his farm.
Here is the thing for me. This book leans very heavy on the Christian viewpoint of God's Will and doing all things in faith. I don't mind a bit of that, but getting hit over the head with it to the point of it becoming the focus is too much for me. That's why it's a three star for me. My eyes started to glaze over. If you love Christian romance and need it to talk about God a lot to enjoy it, then you will love this book. For me I need to go read something its polar opposite right now.
Ruby who is an adopted foster kid is about to marry someone she doesn't love,but she walks in on him cheating on her. As she storms off she literally runs into Ethan. He too was brought up by Ruby's adoptive parents. They never adopted him? Or was it her? I have to assume the author thought it would be ick to have two adopted kids fall in love. They were both teens when they were taken in give me a break it would be fine.
Anyway, Ethan has always loved Ruby. When she runs into him, he plops her on his motorcycle and whisks her away to his farm. She asks him to go on her honeymoon with her but he explains that he hosts a summer camp every summer for kids and it starts soon. Ruby is amazed by this because he has never told her. When they interact it has always been all about her.
So to give herself time to heal, she stays on at summer camp and takes on five girls. Ruby has no idea how to be a farmer so she struggles at first, but eventually she figures out how to use her skills as a surgeon to teach these girls.While she is getting good at being there, Ethan is falling deeper in love, and Ruby starts to realize what she has felt all along.
But Ruby is a trauma surgeon with a big career ahead of her and a lot of school debt to pay off. She can't stay here. Although Ethan owns his farm out right and doesn't t need her money, and every doctor has those same loans to pay off and they don' t all head to Los Angeles. Ethan could
leave but he doesn't want to leave his farm.
Here is the thing for me. This book leans very heavy on the Christian viewpoint of God's Will and doing all things in faith. I don't mind a bit of that, but getting hit over the head with it to the point of it becoming the focus is too much for me. That's why it's a three star for me. My eyes started to glaze over. If you love Christian romance and need it to talk about God a lot to enjoy it, then you will love this book. For me I need to go read something its polar opposite right now.
December 19, 2020
Story: 5 stars
Ms. Gussman's characters feel like real people, they are complex and imperfect and hence, relatable. This story has romance, rejection, humor, faith, overcoming trials and putting one's trust in God.
It's so difficult to really give readers an idea what they'll get when they buy a Jessie Gussman book, but there is an underlying belief at the core of all her books and each book takes a different struggle and delves deeply into it.
This book deals with a woman who is planning on marrying without love in order to advance her career. But, thankfully, she is thwarted. She comes to realize that it truly was a rescue from God and that her life can go in a different direction; one that includes love.
Her love interest is almost a saint. He waits 15 years for her to finish medical school, residency, etc. Over the years, he has helped her when she needed rescuing, then would disappear again when she was back on her feet. He's not going to lose hope until she's actually married, but the book starts with her wedding to another man...
Seriously, this book grabbed my attention from the first chapter!
As readers have come to expect from a Jessie Gussman novel, there are plenty of humorous moments and serious contemplative ones, as well. The idea of putting your faith in God, and trusting him to open the way for you is one that is explored in this book.
The author is able to talk about principles of Christian faith without being preachy and it is hard to leave the world she creates in each new book.
Narrator: 5 stars
Jay Dyess is a fabulous narrator who captures the "cowboy" voice so well and with such clarity and emotion! I will never tire of his narrations! His acting is heartfelt, his expressions are spot-on, and his various character's voices are wonderful!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
Ms. Gussman's characters feel like real people, they are complex and imperfect and hence, relatable. This story has romance, rejection, humor, faith, overcoming trials and putting one's trust in God.
It's so difficult to really give readers an idea what they'll get when they buy a Jessie Gussman book, but there is an underlying belief at the core of all her books and each book takes a different struggle and delves deeply into it.
This book deals with a woman who is planning on marrying without love in order to advance her career. But, thankfully, she is thwarted. She comes to realize that it truly was a rescue from God and that her life can go in a different direction; one that includes love.
Her love interest is almost a saint. He waits 15 years for her to finish medical school, residency, etc. Over the years, he has helped her when she needed rescuing, then would disappear again when she was back on her feet. He's not going to lose hope until she's actually married, but the book starts with her wedding to another man...
Seriously, this book grabbed my attention from the first chapter!
As readers have come to expect from a Jessie Gussman novel, there are plenty of humorous moments and serious contemplative ones, as well. The idea of putting your faith in God, and trusting him to open the way for you is one that is explored in this book.
The author is able to talk about principles of Christian faith without being preachy and it is hard to leave the world she creates in each new book.
Narrator: 5 stars
Jay Dyess is a fabulous narrator who captures the "cowboy" voice so well and with such clarity and emotion! I will never tire of his narrations! His acting is heartfelt, his expressions are spot-on, and his various character's voices are wonderful!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
August 25, 2020
In Mistletoe Arkansas, Penny is a midwife, delivering babies. On her way home she plans on stopping at the church in response to a flyer asking for help. She's shocked when she sees the new pastor. Race Steiner, a former heart surgeon, at God's prompting, changes to spiritual hearts. He's surprised when he sees his ex-wife enter the church. Can this be a new beginning for them? Can Race win her heart again?
When Penny told Nancy: She gasped so long, Penny wanted to smack her on the back and dislodge whatever was caught in her throat. Favorite line: Plan for what you hope for.
Nice story. I enjoyed it. Christmas time. Romance in the air.
When Penny told Nancy: She gasped so long, Penny wanted to smack her on the back and dislodge whatever was caught in her throat. Favorite line: Plan for what you hope for.
Nice story. I enjoyed it. Christmas time. Romance in the air.
July 30, 2021
WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
The story is the first in the series of a clean, faith-based tale with a sweet romance. Things don’t always just fall in place and happen; it is all in God’s perfect timing. The story revolves around family and faith and has the good, bad, and ugly people. It is a reminder that people are failable, life isn’t always fair, and dreams are reachable. While the story has several key people, like Race and Penny Steiner, it will mainly focus on two people, Ethan Shuff and Ruby Barclay.
Ruby is getting married to fellow surgeon Wesley Landry, her fiancé, for the last five years. She will go to the room used by the florist and walk in on Wesley and the young floral assistant undressed from the waist down in each other arms. She doesn’t rant, scream, or make a scene; she leaves, and while trying to exit the building, runs into Ethan, who offers to take her away, calling Race and Penny afterward.
“She and Wesley were not a romantic love match, but they were a match that made sense, and that’s what she wanted. She hadn’t been in love with Wesley. But she’d thought of love as more of an action.”
Ruby: “Please. Take me away. Somewhere. Anywhere. I don’t care, just get me out of here.”
Ethan: “Come on. I’ll take you somewhere you can think, and then you can decide what you’re gonna do.”
“She couldn’t stop thinking that Ethan had always been there for her. Not in a loud or bold way. Just, when she needed it, he slipped into her life. Cheered her up, took her out, made her sleep, fed her, whatever she needed, and then slipped back out. He’d just always been there. Stalwart and faithful, quiet, ready to drift back into the shadows once he wasn’t needed anymore.”
The story’s plot will have an exit before a wedding happened, coming to terms with a relationship that was never love and how her future would be changing. It will have Ruby learning more about herself, as a person, not just as a surgeon. She will grow just by being with Ethan and the underprivileged kids who attend his summer camp. The time with Ethan is healing, and giving of herself for others in a different way rewarding. Right now, her future is uncertain, she knows she will need to find a new surgical position, but that will happen soon enough—now is time for healing and friendship.
Ethan: “You’ve been impressing me all week with your grit and your willingness to learn new things you have no idea about. This isn’t the first time. It’s just the first time I got a chance to tell you.”
Ruby: “I’m still a failure as a camp teacher or counselor or whatever you want to call me, but today, I finally got it going. I’m pretty excited about next week, because I have a couple ideas for that too.”
Ethan: “Should I be scared?”
Ruby: “Nope. You don’t need to worry about a thing. Everything is gonna be peachy keen jellybean.”
Ruby: “You know, maybe it was some of the things that Dad has said at night with his devotions. I know they are geared to the kids, but they applied to me too. God has a plan for my life. This wasn’t an accident. What are the odds that I would have walked in on Wesley and the florist’s assistant? I shouldn’t have been there. I shouldn’t have seen it.”
Ethan: “You can’t think of not being a surgeon. You’ve spent the last fourteen years learning. You can’t just quit.”
Ruby: “No. Never. Being a surgeon is what God made me for. But maybe it’s not going to look the way I thought it was going to look.”
Ethan: “That’s wise. So you’re just going to relax and see what door the Lord opens? It wasn’t just your marriage that blew up, it was your life and career as well.”
Ruby: “That’s what I’ve always liked about you. You get it.”
While what happened to Ruby should have never happened, she knew that Wesley wasn’t a man she loved, just someone she was comfortable with. Better before she married him than after. While Ethan has always been there for her, she never really thought about the depth of their friendship, that maybe it was more—but can it be more? With her exorbitant student loan bills, Ruby needs a position that will help her pay off her debts. But, with faith and prayer, maybe God has great things in store for both Ruby and Ethan. All in his perfect timing.
“It was hard to believe that something so good could come out of a situation that had been so bad.”
The story is the first in the series of a clean, faith-based tale with a sweet romance. Things don’t always just fall in place and happen; it is all in God’s perfect timing. The story revolves around family and faith and has the good, bad, and ugly people. It is a reminder that people are failable, life isn’t always fair, and dreams are reachable. While the story has several key people, like Race and Penny Steiner, it will mainly focus on two people, Ethan Shuff and Ruby Barclay.
Ruby is getting married to fellow surgeon Wesley Landry, her fiancé, for the last five years. She will go to the room used by the florist and walk in on Wesley and the young floral assistant undressed from the waist down in each other arms. She doesn’t rant, scream, or make a scene; she leaves, and while trying to exit the building, runs into Ethan, who offers to take her away, calling Race and Penny afterward.
“She and Wesley were not a romantic love match, but they were a match that made sense, and that’s what she wanted. She hadn’t been in love with Wesley. But she’d thought of love as more of an action.”
Ruby: “Please. Take me away. Somewhere. Anywhere. I don’t care, just get me out of here.”
Ethan: “Come on. I’ll take you somewhere you can think, and then you can decide what you’re gonna do.”
“She couldn’t stop thinking that Ethan had always been there for her. Not in a loud or bold way. Just, when she needed it, he slipped into her life. Cheered her up, took her out, made her sleep, fed her, whatever she needed, and then slipped back out. He’d just always been there. Stalwart and faithful, quiet, ready to drift back into the shadows once he wasn’t needed anymore.”
The story’s plot will have an exit before a wedding happened, coming to terms with a relationship that was never love and how her future would be changing. It will have Ruby learning more about herself, as a person, not just as a surgeon. She will grow just by being with Ethan and the underprivileged kids who attend his summer camp. The time with Ethan is healing, and giving of herself for others in a different way rewarding. Right now, her future is uncertain, she knows she will need to find a new surgical position, but that will happen soon enough—now is time for healing and friendship.
Ethan: “You’ve been impressing me all week with your grit and your willingness to learn new things you have no idea about. This isn’t the first time. It’s just the first time I got a chance to tell you.”
Ruby: “I’m still a failure as a camp teacher or counselor or whatever you want to call me, but today, I finally got it going. I’m pretty excited about next week, because I have a couple ideas for that too.”
Ethan: “Should I be scared?”
Ruby: “Nope. You don’t need to worry about a thing. Everything is gonna be peachy keen jellybean.”
Ruby: “You know, maybe it was some of the things that Dad has said at night with his devotions. I know they are geared to the kids, but they applied to me too. God has a plan for my life. This wasn’t an accident. What are the odds that I would have walked in on Wesley and the florist’s assistant? I shouldn’t have been there. I shouldn’t have seen it.”
Ethan: “You can’t think of not being a surgeon. You’ve spent the last fourteen years learning. You can’t just quit.”
Ruby: “No. Never. Being a surgeon is what God made me for. But maybe it’s not going to look the way I thought it was going to look.”
Ethan: “That’s wise. So you’re just going to relax and see what door the Lord opens? It wasn’t just your marriage that blew up, it was your life and career as well.”
Ruby: “That’s what I’ve always liked about you. You get it.”
While what happened to Ruby should have never happened, she knew that Wesley wasn’t a man she loved, just someone she was comfortable with. Better before she married him than after. While Ethan has always been there for her, she never really thought about the depth of their friendship, that maybe it was more—but can it be more? With her exorbitant student loan bills, Ruby needs a position that will help her pay off her debts. But, with faith and prayer, maybe God has great things in store for both Ruby and Ethan. All in his perfect timing.
“It was hard to believe that something so good could come out of a situation that had been so bad.”
September 22, 2020
Ruby and Ethan’s story is sweet, poignant and inspirational. Both Ruby and Ethan were taken in as children by the same wonderful couple. Though the couple never adopted Ethan, Ruby and her siblings were adopted. Ethan has never been able to think of her as a sister anyway. Ruby has worked and studied hard in order to be a doctor, a surgeon, and believed her future was tied to the city, her ex-fiancé and his family’s influence. But God has other plans for her and for Ethan.
Now, she has called off the wedding after catching her ex in the act with another woman at the church before the wedding. Humiliated, but not emotionally devastated (theirs was not a love match), she allows Ethan to spirit her away from the church on his motorcycle. Ethan has long been in love with Ruby and would do anything to help her, so taking her away from her cheating ex and allowing her to hide out at his farm for awhile is an easy decision for him. When she discovers that he runs a month long summer camp for kids on his farm, she offers to help with it, since she is now without a job. Believing she needs time to de-stress and make plans, Ethan agrees to let her stay, although he knows it will take herculean strength on his part to keep his heart and expectations in check. He knows that her stay is temporary and her career will take her back to the city and away from him. Ruby has always known Ethan to be a kind, compassionate and generous man who was always there for her when she was troubled, needed guidance or little extra help. Her experience with kids, and most anything else outside of medicine is limited, but she is determined to teach the girls who come to camp life skills and to be a good role model. The four week camp serves to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses, but also makes them more aware of their deep attraction to each other, the love they have long felt for each other even though they know that they want different things in life. Is a happily ever after even possible for them? Perhaps with God’s guidance, they can find the answers to questions about her career, whether they are meant for each other and how to move forward.
I loved how nerdy and awkward Ruby is, especially when dealing with subjects she does not know. I also love how proud Ethan is of Ruby and her medical skills. He has always been a steadfast, strong anchor for her. Even though he knows being near her will be torture for his heart, he offers her help and time to think and plan. They do make an intriguing and inspirational couple. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Now, she has called off the wedding after catching her ex in the act with another woman at the church before the wedding. Humiliated, but not emotionally devastated (theirs was not a love match), she allows Ethan to spirit her away from the church on his motorcycle. Ethan has long been in love with Ruby and would do anything to help her, so taking her away from her cheating ex and allowing her to hide out at his farm for awhile is an easy decision for him. When she discovers that he runs a month long summer camp for kids on his farm, she offers to help with it, since she is now without a job. Believing she needs time to de-stress and make plans, Ethan agrees to let her stay, although he knows it will take herculean strength on his part to keep his heart and expectations in check. He knows that her stay is temporary and her career will take her back to the city and away from him. Ruby has always known Ethan to be a kind, compassionate and generous man who was always there for her when she was troubled, needed guidance or little extra help. Her experience with kids, and most anything else outside of medicine is limited, but she is determined to teach the girls who come to camp life skills and to be a good role model. The four week camp serves to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses, but also makes them more aware of their deep attraction to each other, the love they have long felt for each other even though they know that they want different things in life. Is a happily ever after even possible for them? Perhaps with God’s guidance, they can find the answers to questions about her career, whether they are meant for each other and how to move forward.
I loved how nerdy and awkward Ruby is, especially when dealing with subjects she does not know. I also love how proud Ethan is of Ruby and her medical skills. He has always been a steadfast, strong anchor for her. Even though he knows being near her will be torture for his heart, he offers her help and time to think and plan. They do make an intriguing and inspirational couple. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 11, 2021
A Fun, Thought-Provoking Read
Ruby is a determined woman. She wanted to keep her five siblings together after their parents' death, and she did. She wanted to become a world-class emergency surgeon, and she did. She wanted to marry a member of the most well-connected surgical family, even without an emotional bond, and...
Ethan is a determined man. He wanted to escape from a family that rejected him, and he did. He wanted to make it out of an abusive foster home, and he did. He wanted to win the heart of Ruby, and...
Dreaming of Her Cowboy's Kiss is the tale of Ruby and Ethan, of near misses and chicken dissection as a summer camp activity, of hanky panky between a groom-to-be and a florist's assistant and a lecture on the dangers of motorcycles and knife throwing, of an internet search to identify roots in the vegetable garden and a Christmas festival in June for underprivileged children (not to be confused with the town-wide Christmas in July Festival that put together Ruby's younger sisters Journee and Blakely with their perfect matches: a pen pal NFL star and her best friend, respectively).
Ethan has loved Ruby for fifteen years but considers her out of his league until she begs him to rescue her from her disaster of a wedding. Then he begins to hope, though neither of them sees a relationship working in the long term. Ruby would never make enough money at the local hospital to repay her med school loans, and Ethan could never bring himself to leave his beloved home. Then God intervenes, with an assist from the town's wise confidants and unrepentant matchmakers, Pastor Race and Miss Penny.
Suffice it to say that Ruby sees the light and Ethan's faith pays off in more ways than one!
I chuckled and thought deep thoughts and then chuckled some more! This story has something for most readers in search of a laugh, a practical but not preachy theology lesson, or both. Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down!
Ruby is a determined woman. She wanted to keep her five siblings together after their parents' death, and she did. She wanted to become a world-class emergency surgeon, and she did. She wanted to marry a member of the most well-connected surgical family, even without an emotional bond, and...
Ethan is a determined man. He wanted to escape from a family that rejected him, and he did. He wanted to make it out of an abusive foster home, and he did. He wanted to win the heart of Ruby, and...
Dreaming of Her Cowboy's Kiss is the tale of Ruby and Ethan, of near misses and chicken dissection as a summer camp activity, of hanky panky between a groom-to-be and a florist's assistant and a lecture on the dangers of motorcycles and knife throwing, of an internet search to identify roots in the vegetable garden and a Christmas festival in June for underprivileged children (not to be confused with the town-wide Christmas in July Festival that put together Ruby's younger sisters Journee and Blakely with their perfect matches: a pen pal NFL star and her best friend, respectively).
Ethan has loved Ruby for fifteen years but considers her out of his league until she begs him to rescue her from her disaster of a wedding. Then he begins to hope, though neither of them sees a relationship working in the long term. Ruby would never make enough money at the local hospital to repay her med school loans, and Ethan could never bring himself to leave his beloved home. Then God intervenes, with an assist from the town's wise confidants and unrepentant matchmakers, Pastor Race and Miss Penny.
Suffice it to say that Ruby sees the light and Ethan's faith pays off in more ways than one!
I chuckled and thought deep thoughts and then chuckled some more! This story has something for most readers in search of a laugh, a practical but not preachy theology lesson, or both. Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down!
September 20, 2021
Dreaming of Her Cowboy's Kiss is about Ruby's ambition to be a best surgeon possible. She has no time for love. She was willing to settle with someone who has a passion for medicine and saving lives. She has abandoned Ethan, the only man who stood by her and her dreams.
When Ethan was a teenager, he ran away from his abusive family that never wanted him in the first place. Now Ruby is getting marry to another man, he believed that he lost his chance to the only woman, he ever love.
It is funny that God has plans for both of them. Ethan has always put his faith in God. Ruby, not so much. But reconnecting with Ethan and and discovering the summer camps for disadvantaged children, and trying to figure what she was going to do, it was time to take a leap of faith that she might be able to have a life with Ethan without giving up her career.
I love this story because this reminds me of how the world is always busy and that all of us want control of our lives. We are career-driven and will neglect the people we love. The story reminds me, sometime we have to put our faith in God's hands because he does have a plan for each of us
It is like serendipity that in Ruby and Ethan's past, the timing wasn't right for them to be together. It is like that they need to complete certain tasks/trials before they could have a life together.
The narrator, Jay Dyess has this country twang, which gives each of the characters to be believable to the listeners in this small town in Arkansas. Small town and characters who left and returned back to the small town from city's life.
I was given this audiobook by the author. I have decided to voluntary write an unbiased review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced in any way in writing this review.
When Ethan was a teenager, he ran away from his abusive family that never wanted him in the first place. Now Ruby is getting marry to another man, he believed that he lost his chance to the only woman, he ever love.
It is funny that God has plans for both of them. Ethan has always put his faith in God. Ruby, not so much. But reconnecting with Ethan and and discovering the summer camps for disadvantaged children, and trying to figure what she was going to do, it was time to take a leap of faith that she might be able to have a life with Ethan without giving up her career.
I love this story because this reminds me of how the world is always busy and that all of us want control of our lives. We are career-driven and will neglect the people we love. The story reminds me, sometime we have to put our faith in God's hands because he does have a plan for each of us
It is like serendipity that in Ruby and Ethan's past, the timing wasn't right for them to be together. It is like that they need to complete certain tasks/trials before they could have a life together.
The narrator, Jay Dyess has this country twang, which gives each of the characters to be believable to the listeners in this small town in Arkansas. Small town and characters who left and returned back to the small town from city's life.
I was given this audiobook by the author. I have decided to voluntary write an unbiased review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced in any way in writing this review.
September 19, 2020
This first book in the author’s new series, had a slightly different feeling. A little sweeter and one in which the characters had to struggle a bit more.
Ethan Shuff and Ruby Barclay had known each other since the day Ruby and her siblings were adopted by Race and Penny Steiner. A pastor who had also taken Ethan under his wing and protection but never adopted.
Ethan was enchanted by Ruby, but she had bigger goals than he could ever offer her.
Now an ER surgeon, Ruby’s about to get married when she finds her fiance, a man that she was hoping to make a personal and professional life with, with a young woman. Ethan was at the wedding to please Race and Penny. His heart was broken but when he sees Ruby leaving before the wedding, he comes in to her rescue.
It’s a story about faith in oneself and in God. About realizing that God sends you messages and has a hand in your life. One just has to have faith. To quote the author “You trust Him, no matter what He does, or how He works it out”.
But can Ethan trust himself as well? He loves Ruby but realizes he has to support her and set her free to choose , even if it likely will not be him.
Another thought provoking story by this author.
My only negative would be that I would have liked another chapter at the end containing more information, as well as a more detailed epilogue. But that’s just me being inquisitive and wanting to tie things up.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ethan Shuff and Ruby Barclay had known each other since the day Ruby and her siblings were adopted by Race and Penny Steiner. A pastor who had also taken Ethan under his wing and protection but never adopted.
Ethan was enchanted by Ruby, but she had bigger goals than he could ever offer her.
Now an ER surgeon, Ruby’s about to get married when she finds her fiance, a man that she was hoping to make a personal and professional life with, with a young woman. Ethan was at the wedding to please Race and Penny. His heart was broken but when he sees Ruby leaving before the wedding, he comes in to her rescue.
It’s a story about faith in oneself and in God. About realizing that God sends you messages and has a hand in your life. One just has to have faith. To quote the author “You trust Him, no matter what He does, or how He works it out”.
But can Ethan trust himself as well? He loves Ruby but realizes he has to support her and set her free to choose , even if it likely will not be him.
Another thought provoking story by this author.
My only negative would be that I would have liked another chapter at the end containing more information, as well as a more detailed epilogue. But that’s just me being inquisitive and wanting to tie things up.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
September 9, 2022
A simple cowboy in love with a surgeon. A decade of unrequited love. A hopeless, one-sided romance. Except sometimes, if you're patient, God writes your love story.
Ethan Shuff had spent a miserable childhood with an abusive father and a mother addicted to drugs and men. No one had ever even pretended he wasn't in the way or that he was wanted. That is, not until Race and Penny Steiner opened up their home and their lives to him. When they adopted a group of six siblings, Ethan stayed on the farm to help and to be a good example for the kids. He never intended to fall in love with the oldest sibling, Ruby.
Ruby Barclay became responsible for her siblings at age sixteen. She fought the state, social workers, and anyone else who stood in her way until she had her brothers and sisters reunited and together under one roof. With that mission accomplished, she will let nothing stand in the way of her next dream: becoming an accomplished surgeon. Maybe with more competent medical care, her parents wouldn't have died.
She doesn't have time to mess around and she's not interested in silly boyfriends. If she gets married, it's going to be to someone who shares her dream of saving lives.
But the dark eyes of the boy who'd fought for her when she was a teen haunt her nights, and maybe under her drive and ambition, she could admit that she still dreams of her cowboy's kiss.
Ethan Shuff had spent a miserable childhood with an abusive father and a mother addicted to drugs and men. No one had ever even pretended he wasn't in the way or that he was wanted. That is, not until Race and Penny Steiner opened up their home and their lives to him. When they adopted a group of six siblings, Ethan stayed on the farm to help and to be a good example for the kids. He never intended to fall in love with the oldest sibling, Ruby.
Ruby Barclay became responsible for her siblings at age sixteen. She fought the state, social workers, and anyone else who stood in her way until she had her brothers and sisters reunited and together under one roof. With that mission accomplished, she will let nothing stand in the way of her next dream: becoming an accomplished surgeon. Maybe with more competent medical care, her parents wouldn't have died.
She doesn't have time to mess around and she's not interested in silly boyfriends. If she gets married, it's going to be to someone who shares her dream of saving lives.
But the dark eyes of the boy who'd fought for her when she was a teen haunt her nights, and maybe under her drive and ambition, she could admit that she still dreams of her cowboy's kiss.
December 8, 2024
Ruby Barclay's parents died when she was 16 years old. After a challenge, all the children in her family were adopted together, all girls. Her dream was to become a surgeon, to help save people after losing her parents in a tragic way. she was to be married to Wesley Landry, a surgeon where they worked together. But this was not going to be a marriage of love. She went to check on her husband to be and caught him with the florist assistant. She rain from the church. The first person she saw was Ethan Scuff on his motorcycle. She just wanted him to get her away from all of what had just happened.
She had known Ethan for several years, and had met him at her adopted families home. Although, Ethan was never formally adopted by the family. Ethan had always been there for her helping with adoption of her and siblings, trials and challenges through med school and her residency. Now getting away from her cheating fiancée. He took her to his ranch, and they adapted to each other through friendship. But actually,
Ethan had been in love with her for years. Never did he dream they could be a couple, read and find out how their relationship grew with getting to know one another at his ranch. I was a wonderful read, thank you Jessie Gussman for talent in writing.
Ethan never dreamed they
She had known Ethan for several years, and had met him at her adopted families home. Although, Ethan was never formally adopted by the family. Ethan had always been there for her helping with adoption of her and siblings, trials and challenges through med school and her residency. Now getting away from her cheating fiancée. He took her to his ranch, and they adapted to each other through friendship. But actually,
Ethan had been in love with her for years. Never did he dream they could be a couple, read and find out how their relationship grew with getting to know one another at his ranch. I was a wonderful read, thank you Jessie Gussman for talent in writing.
Ethan never dreamed they
September 30, 2020
My love for this book started off with my favorite quote: “Each year, life goes by faster. It’s kind of shocking, but I can’t believe I’m in my thirties. I know I’m going to blink, and when I open my eyes, I’ll be sixty, and I’ll wonder where my life went.”
“Don’t talk like that. It’s depressing.”
“But true. I want to get to that point, look back, and see a life well lived. I want to wring everything I can from it and do everything I can to be a blessing to others. Because I think living it for myself, I’ll look back and find it was a waste.”
So many times we expect our path to be smooth & abundant but real life isn't like that and neither is the Christian life.
Ethan & Ruby have a history, the chemistry is there but reality tells them that it's just not possible for them to be together. They were stunned as they saw just how creative God can be as He enabled His will to unfold. This lined up perfectly with my second favorite quote: “Do what you can, and trust the Lord for the rest.”
I love a well told story but I love it even more when I see the growth into Godly character. This makes the story more than just entertainment and offers food for thought.
I requested an ARC of this title and am willingly posting my impressions of this book.
“Don’t talk like that. It’s depressing.”
“But true. I want to get to that point, look back, and see a life well lived. I want to wring everything I can from it and do everything I can to be a blessing to others. Because I think living it for myself, I’ll look back and find it was a waste.”
So many times we expect our path to be smooth & abundant but real life isn't like that and neither is the Christian life.
Ethan & Ruby have a history, the chemistry is there but reality tells them that it's just not possible for them to be together. They were stunned as they saw just how creative God can be as He enabled His will to unfold. This lined up perfectly with my second favorite quote: “Do what you can, and trust the Lord for the rest.”
I love a well told story but I love it even more when I see the growth into Godly character. This makes the story more than just entertainment and offers food for thought.
I requested an ARC of this title and am willingly posting my impressions of this book.
December 9, 2020
Dreaming of Her Cowboy’s Kiss is a sweet and clean romance appropriate for about any age. I’ve read/listened to every Gussman book I have found and I’ve loved every single one. Each one has something you can take from it, as well as just being a really good read. This book feels different in a WOW kind of way. Maybe because this has been a tough year for most, maybe because it’s Christmas and lockdowns are making seeing loved ones difficult...I’m not really sure, but I know people need to read it. The takeaway, for me, is God has a plan and that is a timely reminder. We don’t know how or when, but all of the tough times and lows we’ve felt has a purpose and it will get better. We need to trust, believe, let Him take control, stay positive, and keep spreading His love. The author has a way better style of saying that though. She does it through a beautiful storyline and vivid, realistic characters and even uses some humor. She has given us the gift of my favorite narrator again. Yay! His performances bring fantastic, well written books to a new level of awesomeness. He gives each character life and somehow makes what is written even more enjoyable with his timing and expression. I don’t know how he does it, but I enjoy every second!
July 28, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A simple cowboy in love with a surgeon. A decade of unrequited love. A hopeless, one-sided romance. Except sometimes, if you’re patient, God writes your love story.
MY TAKE
This sweet, Christian romance has solid characters and plenty of tension. The issue isn't really how good Ethan and Ruby are together. The conflict comes from what they want out of life. She's really driven to be the best surgeon she can be, while Ethan's a farmer, happy with a simple life. They've secretly dreamed of each other for years, but accept that they could never be together.
After Ruby catches her fiancé with his pants down, literally, just before their wedding, she books. The person she runs into is Ethan, her adopted brother. He helps her escape in a great scene. Since she no longer has a month-long honeymoon to go on or a job to go to (one gotten for her because of her fiancé's connections, she decides to stay and help Ethan run his month-long summer camp for underprivileged kids.
What follows is a lot of work and fun and life evaluation. Ethan and Ruby are so right for each other. Sometimes it takes a life changing event and the hand of God to wake people up to what's best.
*sigh*
A simple cowboy in love with a surgeon. A decade of unrequited love. A hopeless, one-sided romance. Except sometimes, if you’re patient, God writes your love story.
MY TAKE
This sweet, Christian romance has solid characters and plenty of tension. The issue isn't really how good Ethan and Ruby are together. The conflict comes from what they want out of life. She's really driven to be the best surgeon she can be, while Ethan's a farmer, happy with a simple life. They've secretly dreamed of each other for years, but accept that they could never be together.
After Ruby catches her fiancé with his pants down, literally, just before their wedding, she books. The person she runs into is Ethan, her adopted brother. He helps her escape in a great scene. Since she no longer has a month-long honeymoon to go on or a job to go to (one gotten for her because of her fiancé's connections, she decides to stay and help Ethan run his month-long summer camp for underprivileged kids.
What follows is a lot of work and fun and life evaluation. Ethan and Ruby are so right for each other. Sometimes it takes a life changing event and the hand of God to wake people up to what's best.
*sigh*
February 29, 2024
I know this is supposed to be a romance book and there are elements of that. But the underlying current that a woman should change her whole life for a man because God could only mean for a woman to be a wife and mother is incredibly patronising and frustrating. The fact Ruby became a trauma surgeon despite her background and upbringing should surely be more of an indicator that she was following God's plan. That stuff is hugely difficult when you've got money, contacts and support let alone without it.
That being said, even without the blatant sexism I'd have disliked this book. It feels poorly edited, switching between the use of "mom" and "Penny" without any reason..The mention of brothers who apparently are both incredibly important to Ruby and mostly absent seems like a storyline started then abandoned and ignored. And the casual way child sexual abuse is mentioned then ignored is awful. It's like it was added as a tick box exercise - can't have foster care and a poor home life without child sexual abuse being included somewhere.
Unless it's meant as a metaphor for the way the Church deals with sexual predators in the real world but that would be out of character for the book.
That being said, even without the blatant sexism I'd have disliked this book. It feels poorly edited, switching between the use of "mom" and "Penny" without any reason..The mention of brothers who apparently are both incredibly important to Ruby and mostly absent seems like a storyline started then abandoned and ignored. And the casual way child sexual abuse is mentioned then ignored is awful. It's like it was added as a tick box exercise - can't have foster care and a poor home life without child sexual abuse being included somewhere.
Unless it's meant as a metaphor for the way the Church deals with sexual predators in the real world but that would be out of character for the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2020
(4.5 stars) - walking the gangplank of faith...
... stepping out in trust
Ruby has been fixated on becoming a trauma surgeon since her parents were killed in a car accident.
Ethan has been fixated on Ruby since Race & Penny adopted her & her siblings.
But Ruby is marrying another man, has a quarter of a million dollars worth of medical student loan debt, & needs to work to pay it off. And Ethan has a farmhouse out in the country - where he is happy to reside & give from his own blessings to others in need.
The story illustrates the difference between plowing in & doing what you think is best vs being open to the direction God is leading you (and learning to recognize that just because something happens that gives you an idea it doesn't mean it's necessarily God's inspiration or nudge). Following our own will leads to misery. It's only by following God's will that we can be truly happy. It's a very important message for Christians, and it's wrapped in a sweet, romantic package that I know my YA daughter will enjoy, too.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, but not preachy
... stepping out in trust
Ruby has been fixated on becoming a trauma surgeon since her parents were killed in a car accident.
Ethan has been fixated on Ruby since Race & Penny adopted her & her siblings.
But Ruby is marrying another man, has a quarter of a million dollars worth of medical student loan debt, & needs to work to pay it off. And Ethan has a farmhouse out in the country - where he is happy to reside & give from his own blessings to others in need.
The story illustrates the difference between plowing in & doing what you think is best vs being open to the direction God is leading you (and learning to recognize that just because something happens that gives you an idea it doesn't mean it's necessarily God's inspiration or nudge). Following our own will leads to misery. It's only by following God's will that we can be truly happy. It's a very important message for Christians, and it's wrapped in a sweet, romantic package that I know my YA daughter will enjoy, too.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, but not preachy
September 23, 2020
Oh my, this is such a great story that I had to read it straight through. I love the main characters Ethan and Ruby they have such sweet loving hearts. This story has such a troubling time for these two characters that you just want to cheer them on, but is there a solution? Only God can possibly know the answer for that. Race and Penny are the adoptive parents of Ruby and her siblings and although they never adopted Ethan he thinks of them as his parents also. Race is the pastor of the small church in Arkansas where they live but he has a wealth of information inside him from his previous occupation. Natalie is the mother of 5 small children who live close to Ethan and she helps Ethan every year as he holds a camp for a month for boys. I love all the directions that this story is going in and can hardly wait to read the next one which Ms. Gussman has said will be available soon. You can read this book as stand alone but there are some unanswered questions that I'm sure will be answered in the next book.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
September 23, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review. I love books by this author, Jessie Gussman, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ethan has loved Ruby since the first time he met her when the social worker brought Ruby and her five siblings to the home of Race and Penny who later adopted them. Ethan lived with Race but was never adopted. Fifteen years later, Ruby has become a trauma surgeon and has come home to marry her fiancé at the church where her Dad is the pastor. Minutes before the wedding is to start, Ruby finds her fiance cheating with the florist's assistant. When Ruby is running away from her wedding, she runs into Ethan who helps her escape. After spending a month at his farm helping him with his summer camp for underprivileged teens, she sees Ethan in a different light. Will Ruby and Ethan get married when they can't see how they could make things work in the small town where Ethan owns a farm and Ruby has a quarter of a million in student loans and 15 years of training as a trauma surgeon. You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book that is the start of a new series.
December 8, 2020
I love Christmas and so, I am quite picky when it comes to Christmas stories because I found that there are only quite a few who truly captured the season for me. This story though, I didn’t read it but rather, I listened to it. Jay Dyess brought this story to life in such a way, that I couldn’t help but empathize with the characters and the feel myself being part of the scene. The ups and downs were absolutely either heartwarming or heartbreaking. Ethan and Ruby were such stark contrasts but at the same time similar that it just about a huge relief when the final scenes rolled in. I’m not about to ruin that particular surprise because that part is the most emotional and poignant scene for me and Jay did an absolutely perfect job in bringing that scene to life! The turmoil, struggle and miracle? Yeah, he brought that out perfectly. I just about felt my heart stop and then beat so fast! It’s a wonderful story overall and Jessie did an incredible job of highlighting the true meaning of Christmas and what it means to have faith. Kudos!
I received this as a review copy and am posting this review voluntarily.
I received this as a review copy and am posting this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2020
Every bride wants to remember their wedding day, well I think Ruby is the exception, after what she walked in on, All I'll say is.............WOW!
Ethan to the rescue in so many ways. So instead of a month long honeymoon in Italy, Ruby decides to help Ethan with his month long camp opening it up to girls also this year, which sounds amazing and fun for the most part, (some of her teaching), the worst part of camp was poor Mr. Rogers surgery.
I look forward to getting to know more about other characters in the story like Natalie and her chillins, as well as Denver, does he leave being an underwater welder or stay to help others? Also learn more about other brothers and sisters, I admit I got a bit confused with the siblings in both Ruby and Ethan's families.
I used the audio that was available to me for the reading of this book, and I have listened to Jay's voice before, but it took me some time to get used to the female voices this time, especially Ruby's for some reason, but Jay does a great job with feeling, putting in the emotions where and when needed.
Ethan to the rescue in so many ways. So instead of a month long honeymoon in Italy, Ruby decides to help Ethan with his month long camp opening it up to girls also this year, which sounds amazing and fun for the most part, (some of her teaching), the worst part of camp was poor Mr. Rogers surgery.
I look forward to getting to know more about other characters in the story like Natalie and her chillins, as well as Denver, does he leave being an underwater welder or stay to help others? Also learn more about other brothers and sisters, I admit I got a bit confused with the siblings in both Ruby and Ethan's families.
I used the audio that was available to me for the reading of this book, and I have listened to Jay's voice before, but it took me some time to get used to the female voices this time, especially Ruby's for some reason, but Jay does a great job with feeling, putting in the emotions where and when needed.
December 31, 2020
Dreaming Of Her Cowboy Kiss, Cowboy Mountain Christmas book 1. This is a love at first sight story of Ethan and Ruby that has remained a secret for the last 15 years. Ethan never loved anybody else and never told anyone of his love because he felt he didn't deserve Ruby. Ruby had held others to Ethan's standard but never thought she would be able to marry a farmer as she had trained to many years to be a trauma surgeon. So when Ruby decides to marry Wesley, another surgeon that came from a family of surgeons and wealth and pull in the right places, it was a marriage of convenience. When Ruby sees something she was not suppose to see, it turns into the runaway bride and who does Ruby run into except Ethan? He takes her to his ranch to figure out what she wants to do. Can a farmer live in the limelight with a trauma surgeon in the big city, or can the trauma surgeon be asked to give up her dream she has worked all these years for to live in a little farm in Arkansas? Have your tissues ready.
September 15, 2020
My thoughts about this book:
• This book had just the right amount of drama and clean romance.
• I liked that the heroine, Ruby, was a surgeon. She was struggling to find her new path in life, after she cancelled her wedding at the last moment.
• Ruby may not have had farm skills to share with the girls attending summer camp, but she had so, so, much more to share. These skills were unique and a highlight in this story.
• Ethan, the hero, was a man full of integrity determined to give back to his community by holding a summer camp for boys. A man who has loved Ruby for 15 years.
• Jessie Gussman has a true gift for story telling. Her distinctive writing style keeps you locked into the story from the beginning until the end.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. If you enjoy small town country romances you'll enjoy this one. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
• This book had just the right amount of drama and clean romance.
• I liked that the heroine, Ruby, was a surgeon. She was struggling to find her new path in life, after she cancelled her wedding at the last moment.
• Ruby may not have had farm skills to share with the girls attending summer camp, but she had so, so, much more to share. These skills were unique and a highlight in this story.
• Ethan, the hero, was a man full of integrity determined to give back to his community by holding a summer camp for boys. A man who has loved Ruby for 15 years.
• Jessie Gussman has a true gift for story telling. Her distinctive writing style keeps you locked into the story from the beginning until the end.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. If you enjoy small town country romances you'll enjoy this one. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
September 23, 2020
Another great book from Jessie! This one has a different premise but oh so good! Ethan and Ruby have known each other since they were kids and for Ethan, it was love at first sight when he saw Ruby when she was adopted by his “parent”. Ruby was very focused on her life time goals and was not interested in getting sidetracked by love! But when her marriage somewhat of convenience rather than love, goes sideways Ethan comes to her rescue. Their friendship is strong and they agree to work together on his project for local kids for the summer. I chuckled at Ruby, a surgeon, as she struggles to deal with 5 young girls and ordinary cooking chores ( she is trying to teach them what she does not know😂). But in the end her training kicks in and makes for a very interesting education for these girls. Rather than me saying any more, just read this wonderful book! I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
August 31, 2021
As with any Jessie Gussman book, this one grabbed me from the start and never let go. I remember reading Penny and Race's story some months ago and knew the story between Ethan and Ruby was going to be the first one for this siblings series, and it didn't disappoint.
It was great getting to see them as grown-ups, knowing how they had helped each other through the years (this mainly from Ethan's part), and how one summer camp could make them revaluate their futures, as well as how they saw the other (mainly for Ruby). I think the author did a great job dealing with both their pasts before they got to live with Penny and Race (or even the issues they faced at school while living with them), always showing that true healing can happen when surrendering one's life to Christ.
Overall, a great first installment to this Inspirational series from a favorite author featuring the lives of six siblings adopted by a second chance couple. I seriously can't wait to read the next one! ~ 5 stars
It was great getting to see them as grown-ups, knowing how they had helped each other through the years (this mainly from Ethan's part), and how one summer camp could make them revaluate their futures, as well as how they saw the other (mainly for Ruby). I think the author did a great job dealing with both their pasts before they got to live with Penny and Race (or even the issues they faced at school while living with them), always showing that true healing can happen when surrendering one's life to Christ.
Overall, a great first installment to this Inspirational series from a favorite author featuring the lives of six siblings adopted by a second chance couple. I seriously can't wait to read the next one! ~ 5 stars
September 22, 2020
What an interesting book full of faith and extraordinary parents who a long time ago had adopted many children including Ruby and all of her siblings after her parents died and they had all been placed into different foster homes.
I admire Ruby's strength and determination.
It was interesting to find her getting married to Wesley when she was not in love with him because a certain cowboy was in her dreams. Her adoptive parents were his too and everyone knew Ethan loved Ruby and always had since the first time they met. Everyone knew that is except Ruby but she was a trauma surgeon with student loans and he was a farmer.
I enjoyed their faith and commitment to follow God's way The epilogue makes me want to know how Natalie's life will turn out. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I admire Ruby's strength and determination.
It was interesting to find her getting married to Wesley when she was not in love with him because a certain cowboy was in her dreams. Her adoptive parents were his too and everyone knew Ethan loved Ruby and always had since the first time they met. Everyone knew that is except Ruby but she was a trauma surgeon with student loans and he was a farmer.
I enjoyed their faith and commitment to follow God's way The epilogue makes me want to know how Natalie's life will turn out. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 27, 2020
What is God’s plan for them?
I love reading books by Jessie Gussman when I read them I can see all the heart she puts into her pieces. The characters are rich in character and they are people that you would be happy to know in real life. Ruby is one lady who will not back down from making sure her family stays together to becoming an accomplished surgeon. She just does not have time for a personal life. That dark-eyed cowboy just may have other ideas. Ethan is a man who has had a bad time of things with parents who were users and abusers plus everything that goes with that. Will these characters let go and allow God’s plan for them? A beautifully written piece and Christmas in June oh, how grand an idea this was. This is a book I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I love reading books by Jessie Gussman when I read them I can see all the heart she puts into her pieces. The characters are rich in character and they are people that you would be happy to know in real life. Ruby is one lady who will not back down from making sure her family stays together to becoming an accomplished surgeon. She just does not have time for a personal life. That dark-eyed cowboy just may have other ideas. Ethan is a man who has had a bad time of things with parents who were users and abusers plus everything that goes with that. Will these characters let go and allow God’s plan for them? A beautifully written piece and Christmas in June oh, how grand an idea this was. This is a book I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
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