I was not able to connect with this title. It felt like the Christmas and holiday were the focus of the book. I wanted more of Grey and Abby.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review, and apologize that this feedback was sent months after I decided not to finish this title.

Thanks,
Laura

Gray and Bby are two wonderful characters. Great story about finally getting your man. Well written and a fun read.

There was a lot of mean in this story. Hard to believe how other people's ugly words and actions can destroy so many lives. Ms Crews did a good job of building a fine character that, in the end, was able to overcome and end up with the HEA she looked for her whole life.

This book was gifted to me by the author and publisher in return for an honest review.

This book is more about parental's abusive control and its lasting effects. The magic of Christmas doesn't come until the end.

Gray is dedicated to his farm and the land which has been in his family for centuries is the most important thing in his life besides his fifteen year old daughter. His controlling father makes sure that he doesn't trust anyone. The fiasco of his first marriage doesn't help either.

Abby is hardworking and down to earth. Abondoned by her verbally abusive mother from a young age, she is raised by her grandparents. She has a good life with her grandmother, but this is marred whenever her mother decides to make an appearance. She thrives on demeaning Abby, robbing her of any confidence in her appearance.

Gray's father's funeral kicks off this story. Although there is a good turn out, there isn't much grieving. His brothers Ty and Brady give the impression that they want to sell the land, and that on its on triggers an argument. Gray fears that he is like his father. Doomed to a life of loathing and misery! When he spots Abby, his nextdoor neighbour, he notices a couple of things about her and at the same time decides that she would make a convenient wife. A mother for his daughter and an opportunity for Abby to have her own family.

Abby has been harbouring a crush on Gray for as long as she can remember and when Gray appears on her doorstep, she is gobsmacked. The only thing is that, this proposal is nothing like what she expected. In some ways, it's quite comical, but insulting in other ways. Will she accept the proposal and hope for the best?

Although Gray has his own different character, I can't say that I was charmed by him. His father did quite a number on his self esteem and his word is law. I admire Abby for her perseverence, but not for putting up with her mother's insults and Gray's attitude. I like the way she handles Becca, Gray's daughter. I was beginning to despair about their future, when the Christmas miracle changes Gray's way of thinking, and they get their HEA. Where there is love, there is hope and despite everything Abby's love never wanes and Gray learns how to love. I like the storyline, but there is a little too much angst for my liking. Worth reading though.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

4.5stars
Lovely unique Christmas story. After his father dies Gray decides that he will not become him and that he will make a change by marrying his neighbor. Abby is secretly in love with Gray for years and is shocked when he proposed. He doesn't do it very romanticly and his reasons are a bit unorthodox. But she eventually agrees. The story is full of family drama on both sides, Gray with his brothers and daughter, Abby with her mother. Their characters collide about Christmas decoration and celebrating Christmas and change everything. A funny, romantic story with great writing, great side characters, I hope that both Abby's best friend end with their story and as great as this is. I really enjoyed reading it!
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Very well written story with great characters. Gray and Abby are an unexpected couple, but they are good together. Also has some wonderful secondary characters.

Am interesting and enjoyable read. I can't say it knocked my socks off but I would read it again. The proposal and marriage without having a strong relationship seemed infeasible to me, so that's why I am not more exuberant about the story.

Deeply emotional romance

I think the author, Caitlin Crews would have been better served with a different title for the first book in the Cold River Ranch series. I think most people seeing a title of A True Cowboy Christmas are expecting a much more light hearted story and could be dissapointed in the plot line. I personally thought the author did an excellent job in using what Christmas meant to Abby and showing how Abby and Gray became the people they were. I think there is real growth for each of them as they spend time together building a new life. I loved the part the relationships the secondary characters had with the main characters added depth to the story and look forward to the next book in this series to Cold Heart, Warm Cowboy, Ty's story.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

Cold Creek Ranch #1, I love when new series start off with Christmas books. Cold Creek Ranch is in Colorado up high in the Rocky Mountains, a hard place to live. I really enjoyed this book I loved the characters; Gray, Abby, and Becca were well written and easy to connect with. Gray is a hard man being raised by a man who was hateful, ungrateful, and just plain ornery Gray was determined never to be like his father. The biggest way to do that was to not repeat his mistakes he's already done it once and payed the price for it, marrying a flaky girl who couldn't keep her pants on, had no interest in staying at Cold Creek Ranch and died leaving with her lover. One good thing did come out of the marriage his daughter Becca. With his old man dead and buried and his brothers, Ty and Brody, wanting to sell of the land the brothers start to argue. Brody and Ty worry about Gray and they are afraid he will end up like their father, all alone and mean. So Gray comes up with the idea that he needs a wife, one that he knows is steadfast, loves Longhorn Valley and Cold Creek, someone with roots just as deep as his.

Abby Douglas has always loved Gray Everett and now he's proposing to her, something she's always dreamed of but not for the right reasons. Ever since Gray came up with the idea of marrying Abby he's looked at her in a new light more as a woman than just his neighbor and he likes what he sees. The more time he spends with her the more the attraction grows but Gray has spent to long with the main focus of his life as the ranch he's already more like his father than he thinks. All Gray needs is Abby's steadfastness, her unassuming beauty, and her honesty to knock some sense into him but is she willing to risk her heart for something that may never be reciprocated?

Overall, this was a heartfelt and emotional read. The Everett boys aren't 100% mended but they are off to a great start.Abby and Becca have so much in common they form a quick bond and they are good for each other just as much as Abby is good for Gray. This story was addictive I didn't want it to end I look forward to the rest of the series.

What a fun book! I had never heard of this author before but I'm so glad that I had the chance to read it. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

I loved this book. It was fun, it was meaningful, and it spoke to my heart. Caitlin Crews and A True Cowboy Christmas should not be missed.

Gray Everette is one tough guy. He has his family’s ranch to worry about and to keep from the real estate brokers who are sniffing around. Also, he has his young, motherless daughter to worry about. He does not have a lot of opportunity to pursue other things most people might. Thus, his neighbor, Abby Douglas, seems to provide some answers/solutions. When Gray proposes a marriage of convenience to combine their land and work for a common cause, Abby is over the moon. Of course, Abby has always harbored a secret crush on Gray, and cannot believe her most fervent wish is coming true. Still, can Abby convince Gray, the stern, no nonsense rancher that there is more to life—and even the possibility of true love?

This is a story that is a little bit different. I am not sure about marriages of convenience, so when Gray and Abby agree to one, I was not quite sure what was going to happen or how it would happen. Gray definitely came across as a cold, stern man with little room for much else in life, except his young daughter. Abby, on the other hand, is the opposite--kind, loving and understanding. She is happy to have fulfilled her biggest wish with Gray. Nevertheless, the story is very dark, as we truly see Gray’s personality come through as the dominant force throughout. It is only at the very end that we see a solid, loving union come forth. I wish Gray had not been so stern and gruff, but that is how the author chose to portray him. I think (hope), in subsequent books, we will see a more mellow man. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

21st Century twist on the mail order bride, I am so here for this!!!
Gray has known Abby her whole life but he doesn’t know she’s loved him for most of it, so when he propose a practical marriage of convenience she’s scared of destroying her image of him or getting everything she’s ever wanted.
Caitlin Crews does a wonderful job of layering the emotional struggles with self-awakening and some serious chemistry. She did a great job of setting up the rest of the upcoming series by creating complex secondary characters that I’m already intrigued by. I did feel the ending was a little rushed but I’m hoping we’ll be updated on Gray, Abby, and Becca in upcoming books.

Gray needs a wife and decides that homely Abby is the person he needs. They enter into a marriage of convenience.

This isn't your typical story though. Abby takes a stand when a stand is needed. She really cares about Gray but she isn't going to let him walk all over her. Gray's daughter is as well-written as the two main characters. I found myself thoroughly engaged in this story.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen

Abby has not had an easy life. She grew up with a mom that kept floating into and out of her life. When her mom was in her life, she was always telling Abby that she was plain and nothing special. It is no wonder that Abby believed her and felt she was not worthy of anyone’s love. Thankfully she had a grandmother that was more loving and nurturing. Abby is honest, caring and the salt of the earth. But does anyone really fall in love with salt?

Gray has not had an easy life either. His father was a demanding bitter man and he did not have a nurturing life, He does not get along that well with his brothers. And he lost his cheating wife in an accident. He has a daughter to raise all on his own. So it is no wonder that he is brusque and does not give in to flights of fancy. It makes perfect sense to Gray to ask Abby to marry him. He needs someone to help him on his farm and someone to help raise his daughter, and Abby looks like the best choice. In fact, she is his only choice. Now he just have to convince Abby to accept his proposal.

The characters are well developed and well rounded. I liked Abby from the beginning, I felt that she was loving and caring. It took me longer to connect with Gray, I thought he was a bit arrogant. But by the end of the book, my feelings had changed.

The writing style did not seem to flow as smoothly as I like. I think the reason is that many of the sentences were so long. It felt like whole paragraphs were just one sentence. For some reason, that was a distraction for me, but it might not have bothered other readers. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and that drew me in to the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was immersed in the story and I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. I will definitely read the next book when it is published.



*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews is an interesting story about a rancher (cowboy) dealing with the death of his father, trying to run a ranch and deal with his brothers who would be willing to sell it out from under him and raising his daughter after his wife's death. The story opens with Gray (the rancher) returning from burying his father (not a nice person). After speaking with his brothers, Gray speaks with Amy (who loves Gray) about getting married for all the wrong reasons. Amy is an independent woman who does marry Gray, as she loves him, and now she gets to see him in a different light. The story continues with the reader getting all kinds of information about Gray and his marriage, his wife's death, his daughter's feelings and Gray's lack of the Christmas spirit. Amy is Gray's savior, managing a business, helping Gray with the ranch and getting Gray and his daughter to deal with their feelings. The true Christmas spirit finally comes to Gray at the end and there is a happily ever after.

This story opens with Gary Everett and his brothers burying their father on the ranch they own. The question is for how much longer. Gary has been keeping real estate developers at bay for all they want to do is make offers hoping that he will agree to sell. His younger brother thinks they should. On his way back to his home he notices his neighbor Abby Douglas. When in his mind he decides that she is pleasant on the eyes and reliable, also someone who would be good for and with his daughter, he decides to ask her to marry him. This is where everything is a little strange. She has always liked him and thinks he is very attractive, but when he comes to her he is really offering what seems like a business proposal. She does accept and outwardly agrees to his rules or ideas. Though she does think some of them are ridiculous. She also finds that his daughter and her have a lot in common and get along very well. When it comes to Christmas though he forbids any decorations being put up in the house. Again they have a small argument over this but he prevails, until she starts baking Christmas cookies, and listening to Christmas music. Again this leads up to him just being mean at times I felt towards her because he had no one to get his feelings out, from the way his father was, to his wife running off and having affairs. Now when it gets to a point where his two brothers star noticing the way he is speaking to her. One night he is just down right mean to her and the things he says to her. That is the biggest problem I had with his character was how he could be so mean and nasty to her at times, words hurt more than a punch sometimes and his character was showing no character, for me. I did understand her hang ups but most of hers were what a lot have, and for him to just be the way he was towards her especially if he said he liked, loved her, and cared for her just did not make sense to me in my head. Of course this being a Christmas story the ending works out, and you should read this story the ending is very good and there are many parts of the book that are very good. I did like Abby’s grandmother. Overall a good book.

I’m on my annual Christmas/holiday theme right now which continues with the latest book from Caitlin Crews A True Cowboy Christmas. It is a different read from many of my usual holiday books, but it does have most of the elements I like, small-town setting, damaged characters, and a single dad.

Gray Everett is the only member of his family who works the family ranch for his father. Amos Everett is a mean old man who never has a kind word for anyone including his children. Gray’s two other brothers left town as soon as they were old enough and washed their hands of the ranch.

The story begins with Amos Everett’s funeral and the return home of Brady and Ty Everett. Gray doesn’t want to be a mean and hateful old man likes his father. At the same time, he feels a fight brewing to sell the ranch to developers, something that Gray will fight.

Gray wants to make a happy home for his daughter Becca. He wants her memories to be better than his, but he doesn’t want a repeat of his first marriage. Out of the blue, Gray decides to propose a marriage of convenience to Abby Douglas, the granddaughter of his nearest neighbor. Unbeknownst to Gray, Abby has crushed on him for years. She had loved him from afar when he was too old for her. When he was living through a terrible marriage and even more when his wife died and left him alone to raise their daughter. To Abby, this arrangement is a dream come true.

A True Cowboy Christmas is the story of healing and changes. Gray believes he is entering a marriage of convenience. A basic contract of shared duties but devoid of emotions. Abby tries to teach Gray and the other Everetts about love, romance, and family.

The story started a little slow to me, but it picked up by the second chapter. The banter between Gray and Abby is often funny. Not laugh out loud funny but a little chuckle here and there making their conversations realistic. It did feel like Abby went on a little too often about her negative qualities, that she sees in herself. I understand why Abby feels so unexceptional her mother is degrading and a character that you will love to hate, but she did the plain Jane routine a little too much, and it became repetitious unnecessarily. Regardless, I do like Abby. She brings joy to people’s life.

Gray is often unlikable, but again, his attitude is understandable as we learn more about Amos and Gray’s home life growing up. Amos and Lily (Abby’s mom) are two of a kind. Gray doesn’t want to be his father although he doesn’t know any other way. His bright light is his daughter, Becca. With Becca, Gray is a kind and loving dad, but but the feeling that he is turning into the miserable old man like his father is a worry.

Amos being Amos stirred a lot of anger among the brothers. They don’t know how to be in the same room without fighting. The Everetts don’t know anything about what makes a family holiday which makes them ignore them completely.

I liked A True Cowboy Christmas, and I look forward to Ty and Brady’s stories in the future. There are some stories to be told about them. The little we learned about them here hints at the pain they suffered at the hands of mean old Amos and the mother who deserted them.

I love a marriage of convenience plot but it's not a trope that translates well to contemporary romance. I was surprised with just how well it worked out here. Gray's reasons for wanting to marry Abby made a lot of sense and as with all the best marriages of convenience watching the friendship blossom into more was lovely.

Grey is very much the gruff cowboy which made him a little hard to warm up to at times. He's a bit angry and a little loss after the death of his father. Marrying Abby seems like the most logical decision until it's a lot more complicated than that. Abby is insecure and her self esteem has taken a lifetime worth of hits from her mother's cruel comments. Together, once they got through the gruffness and the worrying, they were really cute and brought out the best in each other. They're both nice people who need someone who understands them and it was nice to see them get it.


This wasn't flawless. I did feel like the pacing was a bit slow - it could have had a bit of the build up cut out. As well, while I really liked both Abby and Grey I don't feel like I had the biggest emotional connection with either. This was a nice romance with likable characters. Even though this wasn't my favorite read of the year I do feel like the series has lots of potential and I'm curious to see where it goes.

Sometimes before starting an ARC I reread the synopsis and think “why did I request this book?!” I’m not a fan of the marriage of convenience trope - unless it’s a historical romance, which this one is not. So starting out, the whole premise of A True Cowboy Christmas seems a little silly to me. But the writing was good, so I kept reading.

Gray Everett had just buried his father. On his way back into his house after the funeral, he sees Abby Douglas standing in the doorway, and decides he needs to ask her to be his wife. She’s kind and dependable, and would make a good stepmother for his 15 year old daughter. In his head, the “proposal” makes perfect sense, but to the reader, he comes across as an ass.

There was something about the way she fired questions at him. As if she was interviewing him for the position of husband. And he was amazed how interested he was in getting that job when he’d been so sure she’d act grateful and pleased that he’d proposed to her in the first place.

I started out liking Abby. When first presented with the offer of marriage, she’s stunned, but still witty and dismissive of Gray. But it’s not long after that she goes into this “woe is me, I’m not good enough for Gray” malarkey. Know your worth, girlfriend! Deny the proposal because you’re holding out for love. Deny it because it’s a ridiculous idea, and also no longer the 1850s. I started wondering if I would be able to keep reading because the plot was ridiculous (and no one Abby talked to was saying, “yeah, you’re right, this is not a good idea”), I didn’t care for Abby’s lack of self-esteem, and she had exaggerated thoughts like “He let go of her wrist, which felt like the sort of thing she ought to spend a year or so grieving beneath a black shroud.” I get that you’re 30 and haven’t dated (like, at all), but geesh, that’s just silly.

But then, they get married.

And where I was expecting a story of the good, kind hearted heroine winning over the gruff, all-business hero, I got something much more compelling.

As it turns out, Abby has good reason for her self-esteem issues, and Gray has good reason for being gruff, and they share a history of having a less-than-pleasant relationship with their parents. I know many readers may have an issue with the way Abby chose to deal with Gray and his unyielding edicts, but I loved the message that love is a choice and you can continue to treat someone lovingly even when they aren’t returning that feeling. It was a beautiful picture of unconditional love you don’t often see in a book. That’s not to say Abby made herself into a doormat - because she didn’t. She chose to take into consideration all the things Gray went through and was continuing to deal with, and offered him grace. But when he went too far, she put him in his place. It was great to see a woman finally go after a man during an argument -“guns a-blazin”- and watch as she emptied all the rounds into him. It was my favorite part of the book.

As I said, the whole premise of this book lacks a certain amount of realism for a contemporary romance, but once I got past that part, this was a compelling story. It just took quite a bit of wandering through the weeds to get to it. And once I got to the other side, I’m glad I stuck with it because these Everett brothers have SO MANY issues to work through. So, I’ll be keeping an eye out for additional Cold River Ranch stories!

* thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review