As I sat through another winter storm I decided to read a book that would make me think of heat and humidity. I wanted to read about blooming flowers and birds singing. So why I decided to read Texas Homecoming by Carolyn Brown I'll never know. Other than the fact that she is such a good fiction writer and always tells a good story. So I really didn't make a mistake choosing Texas Homecoming. Even though it starts out in a blizzard and continues with bitter cold weather, Brown gives us a sizzling love story with the second in the Ryan Family series. Cody and Stephanie have a history but both decided to follow their dreams. Now both have returned home but it is hard to ignore the past. My biggest takeaway from Texas Homecoming is the importance of family. Stephanie and Cody face plenty of challenges and discover that family is everything. After reading Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch I wanted to be adopted into the Ryan family. Texas Homecoming didn't change my mind.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Texas Homecoming

by Carolyn Brown

He broke her heart and moved away. He had good intentions and spent the next twenty years becoming Dr. Cody Ryan, and serving patients in distant, war-torn countries of poverty. A few years younger, she picked up the broken pieces of her heart to achieve success as Dr. Stevie O’Dell, veterinarian. When both move back to Honey Grove to help aging and ailing parents, Stevie avoids Cody until they find themselves trapped together for four days in the tack room of a barn by a snowstorm. At that point, they have to work together to survive, but Stevie won’t let her guard down.

Of course, being a romance, you know the attraction is going to re-emerge, but it is fun to watch their relationship develop. Both are spunky characters; no longer teenagers, they learn to tease and flirt with each other on an adult level. Both have past and present hurts they have to deal with. Just as things begin to move smoothly, there are several major plot twists; you wonder just how much more Stevie can endure. Some readers might think there are too many difficulties to be realistic, but I find that a series of calamities in life is not unusual. In this case, the challenges, good and bad, draw them together.

Cody’s family takes Stevie under their collective wing, always willing to help, but careful not to smother or judge. They make it clear that they are not perfect, but they know how to stay the course and work things through.

Carolyn Brown’s Texas Homecoming is a romance, not intended to be great literature. I found it to be a quick read, and one that I enjoyed.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Notes: 1. #2 in The Ryan Family Series. It could be read as a standalone, but I’ve already put a copy of #1 (Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch) on hold at my library so I can get the backstory of some of the Ryan family members.
2. Clean romance, but does use “d—n” frequently as a slang expression

Publication: January 25, 2022—Forever

Memorable Lines:

“I would never get in between a woman and her chocolate.”

Stevie remembered coming home crying because some little girl had made fun of her height or of her curly red hair, and her mother telling her that the important thing was to be beautiful on the inside. The kids who were mean to you are ugly on the inside. You are pretty and smart, and they’re jealous, Ruth had said.

“…marriage is not another word for sex. Marriage is a sacred agreement between two people to live together and love each other through good times and bad and through poverty or riches. It’s about sticking together side by side even when you want to shoot him and throw his sorry carcass out for the coyotes’ supper.”

A second-chance romance with a ranch setting. Stevie and Cody, former High School sweethearts, find themselves both back home to Honey Grove, Texas after years away. And as fate would have it, they keep getting pulled (or trapped!) together. Can Stevie let go of her past, fears and uncertainties to trust Cody?

This was a cute, romantic read with a bonus of a really engaging setting of Honey Grove, Texas. I enjoyed the detail and time spent on the ranch, and felt like I was learning their routines. The leading lady Stevie is also a veterinarian, which was a bonus for me as an animal lover. There were precious scenes including kittens, pups and even llamas!

After starting this book, I realized it was the second in a series, as the author subtly recapped us on anything missed with the Ryan family. However, the focus was not on Cody and Stevie, making this book fine to read on it's own.

I thought Cody and Stevie's first "chance encounter" would be the bulk of this book, but it was deeper and longer than expected. An enjoyable read for any romance novel (or cowboy) lovers!

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever Romance and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book for my review.

I enjoyed this second chance romance. Cody and Stevie dated in high school, but Cody broke up with her because he was going away to school while she was still in high school, breaking her heart and sealing a resentment in her heart for him. Cody after many years of being away from home he's back to stay working on the ranch and working as a community doctor but more importantly spending time with his ailing father. Stevie came home because her mother was sick, she stayed and opened a veterinarian clinic, what she didn't count on being stuck in a Texas blizzard with her ex. Great story about second chances, making peace, family and romance.

Sometimes true love needs time and space to grow. Cody is a medical doctor that has spent his career helping people in poor and developing countries but he's home now and he thinks he wants to stay. Stevie is a vet that loves her job but she came home when her mother got sick and she stayed when she realized she liked being a traveling vet. A freak snowstorm forces them to spend time together after many years apart. Can Stevie forgive Cody for leaving her behind to chase his dream of being a doctor for people around the world? Can Cody break through Stevie's prickly exterior and get to know the woman she is today?

This is a story about two grown adults who never stopped loving each other even though they lived separate lives for many years. As the story progressed and the two of them discussed why they made the decisions they made and what they wanted for the future, the author created characters that felt like real people. Sure they were attracted to each other but they took their time talking and working together to be sure that they were compatible. Cody's reason for becoming a traveling doctor made total sense. Stevie's reason for being back in town was logical and honest. The bad things that happened during the story weren't crazy or overblown. This is a very nice story about two very nice people. Heck, even the parts where they kept secrets from each other made sense.

This is a contemporary romance set in a small town and on a ranch (oh, and in a snowstorm). If you want solid writing and easy reading then give this a try. I think Carolyn Brown is a very good author and she always creates stories that feel real and honest.

This is a second chance cowboy romance, and this is the second book in the Ryan Family series.
I feel like you grow to love the characters a little more slowly in this title than some of Brown's other works. I love how strong both of the main characters were, and you could tell they both really loved each other. The Ryan family is truly a joy to read about.
This book takes places during winter, so it was nice to cozy up in a blanket and feel immersed in it. Brown's descriptive writing, and her love of small town romance gave me some excellent cozy feels as well. I am excited to continue in the series, and see who's romance will be next!
Thanks as always to my friends at Forever, and Netgalley for the early copy!

Small-town second-chance…

Sunflower Ranch was just how I remembered, with the Ryan family working the land, living their lives, together. They are salt of the earth, hard-working people, dealing with all the good and bad that life challenges them with. When that life brought them back home, Cody and Stevie were given a chance to finally clear the air between them…

Who knew that a snowstorm would set them on a road to reconciliation? Through lots of conversation, aka heart to heart chats and lots of soul-searching, Cody and Stevie connected again. A doctor and vet, they had a lot in common, including a failed romance years earlier. Sharing how they felt, today and way back when, helped them become friends again. And so much more. It was a low-drama, character-driven telling with alpacas and kittens galore to mix things up.

Sweet romance with low drama, it was the just-right read to turn the chaotic world off for a few entertaining hours…

This the second book in The Ryan family series. Cody broke Stevie's heart when he broke up with her in high school just before he went off to college. They both ended up leaving town but now are back years later. A freak snowstorm has them trapped together. Will Stevie finally forgive him? This is a wonderful story about second chances.

This is a second chance cowboy romance, and this is the second book in the Ryan Family series. I have read and review the first book in this book series already. I have to say the characters in this book really grow on me. I love how it took the how strong well both of the main characters where, and you could tell they both really loved each other. I love this family too. This book takes places during winter, so if you are looking for a winter romance read this book is for you. I really enjoyed all the snow in times during this book, and I felt the winter weather was done really well during this book. I love this book also pulled some of the things the happen in the first book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Forever) or author (Carolyn Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

This is a wonderful book that you don't want to miss! It's well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. Cody and Stevie's story is a sweet second chance romance that is full of emotions. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this second chance, forced proximity, small town cowboy romance! This is the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I loved Stevie and Cody as well as the secondary characters. I’m hoping Mia and Lucas get their own books and would love a “prequel” type book of Peal and Sonny’s story!

Stevie and Cody were high school sweethearts until Cody broke it off to be a doctor for Doctors Without Borders. Now, they’re both back in Honey Grove, Texas trying to form their business; her as a a vet that makes house calls and he as a doctor that makes house calls. They find themselves stranded together for day in an unusual January blizzard. This ignites old feelings and, in the coming weeks, they navigate these feelings while recovering from the damage caused by the storm.

While a predictable contemporary romance, I enjoyed it all the same. There’s something about a guaranteed happy ending with sweet, romantic moments throughout. With only a few sweet kisses and one “bedroom” scene, I consider this a “closed door/clean” romance so if you’re looking for something a bit spicier, I would skip this. Otherwise, enjoy this small town romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an advanced copy.

It's all about the timing ...

Twenty years ago, high school sweethearts Cody and Stevie were too young to make the sacrifices necessary to stay together, but now getting trapped in a neighbor's barn during a blizzard gives them a chance to examine the attraction that's still simmering between them.

I loved these characters and especially loved the honest, direct way they have about discussing their past and their current situations. I loved the way the rebuilding of their relationship was tracked alongside the blossoming romance of a younger couple, the similarities and the differences due to age and maturity.

It was also terrific to see the entire Ryan family again, especially Jesse and Addy and their growing family. I even learned a little bit about alpacas and adored their connection with the kittens. The HEA was everything I'd hoped for. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

My Thoughts


Dr. Cody Ryan and Dr. Stephanie O’Dell , aka Dr. Stevie, were high school sweethearts whose different dreams took precedence over their young romance.

Relationships with family, friends, old feelings as well as new ones are explored to the fullest while Cody and Stevie find their way to a stronger relationship as adults.

Coming home to Honey Grove, Texas was not a hard decision for either but deciding to stay when presented with alternatives caused some soul searching for each of the pair.

This second chance romance has all the charm and an HEA that was long overdue for Cody and Stevie!
[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I usually enjoy reading anything by Carolyn Brown but this was very tepid as a romance story. While it’s a story of making the most of second chances and rekindling lost loves, it was too predictable an outcome and not enough sizzle.

Dr. Cody Ryan has returned home from serving in Doctors Without Borders to help out on the ranch as his father’s illness has progressed. Dr. Stevie, a veterinarian has returned home to care for her dying mother and stays. Cody broke Stevie’s heart back in high school when he broke up to leave to pursue his dream to travel and be a doctor. So far, they’ve avoided each other until a fateful blizzard puts them together stranded in a barn for a few days and then after when Stevie is sheltered by the Ryan family until the roads clear. Sparks fly, but are they more like roommates or is there something else. People are talking.

Yes, it is cute and has all the homespun qualities of a typical Carolyn Brown story. But, it was just “okay” when compared to other cozy romance stories by Brown.

Many thanks to #netgalley #carolynbrown #texashomecoming for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Second chance at love Texas style!

Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie (Stevie) O’Dell swore she wouldn’t talk to Dr. Cody Ryan again after they had ended their high school romance. But they had to talk when they were stranded in the same barn during a sudden winter blizzard for several days with a baby cria and several cats while they waited for rescue from the storm.

I love stories where a couple gets back together after all the years apart. But I will admit Texas Homecoming has a really slow burn to the romance because it takes forever for the first kiss which made it different!

Cody and Stevie had left Honey Grove to follow their dreams but maybe their dreams were in Honey Grove all the time?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was not drawn into the story or the characters. I really enjoy Carolyn’s contemporary romance novels but just don’t find the same attraction to her cowboy romances.

I love the Ryan family and Honey Grove, TX. In the second book in the series, Cody and Stevie get stranded in a blizzard, save some animals, get rescued, and then the story begins!

Cody and Stevie had a chance before, but he ended things as he was off to be a doctor. He has since traveled the world, helping others, but he has come home. Is this their chance now?

Stevie has become a successful Veterinarian, she too has returned home after the death of her mother. I love her sass with Cody, her tenderness with animals, and her advice to Mia. In addition, her love of chocolate and coffee endears her to this reader.

Now that the storm has passed, and the two have agreed to be friends, will a relationship be next?

Texas Homecoming is the second book about Sunflower Ranch, it does stand alone, but this reader recommends reading the first book about this wonderful family.

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

Former high school sweethearts finally reunite when a snow storm traps them together and forces them to face their issues!

Dr. Cody Ryan has come home to help his ailing father and the family ranch. This is the first time since high school that he is free from pressures and obligations that his medical career and Doctors Without Borders placed on him…

Dr. Stephanie O’Dell has been home in Honey Grove, Texas since her mother was diagnosed with cancer… now that she’s gone, Dr. Stevie doesn’t know where home is anymore. She needs to keep her heard down and work on starting her new local veterinarian practice and avoid the man who broke her heart; the man she has compared everyone to moving forward. This becomes difficult when she’s stranded with him during the snow storm. Can she forgive him for breaking her heart? Will she finally be able to move on?

What perfect timing to read a delicious snow storm forced proximity romance! Cody and Stevie made for a great pairing - even if it took awhile for Stevie to realize it! I was a little worried at the beginning that Cody was going to be an arrogant doctor character, too good for his hometown roots and ex girlfriend, but I was pleasantly surprised at his swift turnaround and the work he puts into making Stevie comfortable and ready to try again.

Texas Homecoming by Carolyn Brown is scheduled to release January 25th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TexasHomecoming #CarolynBrown #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Author Carolyn Brown's Texas Homecoming, the second book in the Ryan Family Series, is without a doubt, one of my favorite books for the new year! When Dr. Cody Ryan returns to his family on the Sunflower Ranch, he is determined to settle down and help take care of his ailing father, Sonny. Giving up his position with Doctors Without Borders, Cody decides he can do more in his community of Honey Grove by answering house calls instead of opening his own practice. It is while leaving his patient Max's home that he loses control of his truck during a major snow storm and ends up staying in Max's barn. Little does he know that his former girlfriend, Dr. Stephanie O'Dell (Stevie), the resident Veterinarian, is on her way home from saving a baby Alpaca, and soon finds herself in the same barn. Stevie finds herself reminiscing about the past and how Cody broke her heart. Cody is determined to be friends with Stevie, but will their hearts want more than they are willing to give?
Author Carolyn Brown has amazing storytelling talent! The wonderful array of characters keeps the storyline flowing and keeps the reader excited about what will happen next. I found myself so mesmerized by Cody and Stevie's story that I actually read this book in a little over four hours. With the end of this new bestselling book, I once again find myself anxiously awaiting the next new release from favorite "go to" author!
I was given a copy of this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are truly my own!

In typical Carolyn Brown fashion, this is a sweet, small town romance with a focus on family being what you make it. It starts off well, with Cody and Stevie stranded together in a snowstorm. Their back-and-forth illustrates a relationship that ended on a sour note—at least as far as Stevie is concerned—but also shows that adversity is a great leveler.
It’s after they’re rescued from the barn they’d been sheltering in that this book started to wain a little for me. Yes, there were some really sweet moments, and props for mature communication, but the story dragged through the middle, and I found myself wishing I could skip a few chapters and check in with the characters further down the road.
Thankfully, I kept on and I think I would’ve been sad to miss some of the lighter, and also more family-centric moments. And while I think the pacing was off, I do love how Brown always makes it clear that family doesn’t have to be blood-related to be family. And this book gets bonus points for the cria (baby alpaca) and kittens being utterly adorable and adding another level of feel good to the story.
Overall, I’d say that if you like wholesome, chaste, and earnest romance, you can’t do much better than this book.