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Saddlers Prairie #5
A Rancher's Christmas
A Holiday Change Of Heart
Gina Arnett comes home to Saddlers Prairie to say goodbye to her uncle and sell the family ranch she's just inherited. Her focus is on getting back to Chicago and her high-powered job. Two things change her a sudden blizzard that causes the town to be snowed in, and Zach Horton—the ranch foreman who tries to convince her to stay.
Gina's boundless ambition is something Zach understands all too well. He's kept his past a secret, and to uncover it, she'll have to reveal her own uncomfortable truths—and her growing feelings for Zach. He's not the kind of man she dreamed of falling for. But at the Christmas season, all dreams seem possible….
Gina Arnett comes home to Saddlers Prairie to say goodbye to her uncle and sell the family ranch she's just inherited. Her focus is on getting back to Chicago and her high-powered job. Two things change her a sudden blizzard that causes the town to be snowed in, and Zach Horton—the ranch foreman who tries to convince her to stay.
Gina's boundless ambition is something Zach understands all too well. He's kept his past a secret, and to uncover it, she'll have to reveal her own uncomfortable truths—and her growing feelings for Zach. He's not the kind of man she dreamed of falling for. But at the Christmas season, all dreams seem possible….
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
22 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ann Roth
92 books71 followersI'm a bit of a voyeur. I love to stick my nose into total strangers' business and observe how they deal with life's hurdles and whatever obstacles fate throws at them. I can't think of anything more challenging or interesting than delving into a character's psyche to discover what makes her/him tick. The surprises and insights are amazing.
The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.
Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.
Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.
But things change, so check back often for updates.
Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!
The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.
Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.
Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.
But things change, so check back often for updates.
Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 17, 2019
Gina works all the time to climb the corporate ladder she knows that if she works hard she will be make Vice President. She basically puts her life on hold and doesn't take the time to go home and visit her family. She has a very important meeting that she has to attend and her phone rings. It is her Uncle Rhedd telling her that her Uncle Lucky has passed away, of course, she is devastated and tells her boss that she has to go home and take care of his affairs.
This is a really good book that we all can relate too. At one time or another we have tried to impress people in the work force that we could handle our jobs and that family would not get in the way. But sometimes it just has too.
I would highly recommend that you read this book.
This is a really good book that we all can relate too. At one time or another we have tried to impress people in the work force that we could handle our jobs and that family would not get in the way. But sometimes it just has too.
I would highly recommend that you read this book.
October 20, 2013
Good book. Gina has come back to Montana to sell the ranch she just inherited from her uncle. She has no interest in staying there, she wants to get back to her marketing job in Chicago. She's not happy when she gets snowed in by a blizzard. Plus, the ranch foreman promised her uncle he'd try to get her to stay.
I had a hard time with Gina for most of the book. I understood her desire to get back to her job, that wasn't the problem. What I didn't like was the way she was looking down on Zach because he was a ranch foreman and didn't seem to have the ambition to do anything else. She realized she was attracted to him right away but since she'd only be there a week she didn't plan to get involved with him. Plus she figured he wasn't her "type". She also didn't really appreciate the way he kept trying to talk her into keeping the ranch. After getting snowed in together she realized that they had more in common than she thought and the attraction between them was growing. She sensed that he was keeping some secret from her since he wouldn't talk about his past. This frustrated her but since she was keeping her own secrets I didn't have much sympathy for her. I did like the way that she started to think more about keeping the ranch. I thought the solution she eventually came up with was great.
Zach had promised Gina's uncle that he would try to convince her to keep the ranch and stay in Montana. He and Zach had come up with an idea for a dude ranch that would make it possible. But Gina was so determined to go back that Zach could barely get her to listen. He understood her attitude since he used to be the same way. When one of his deals had unintended consequences he sold his business and looked for a new direction. Eventually he ended up getting hired on the ranch and found that he really enjoyed it. He gets a lot of grief from his family about his decision which just adds to his reluctance to talk about his past. His attraction to Gina is getting stronger the longer she stays but he doesn't want to get involved with someone who doesn't accept him for who he is. I thought he was a really nice guy and loved his non-judgmental reaction to her secret. I liked the way they finally got together and his part in the ranch solution.
I liked seeing some of the characters from previous books. I also loved the portrayals of Gina's relatives, especially her aunts. The two of them with their bickering were so realistic I could practically hear them. I also loved their obvious attempts at matchmaking.
I had a hard time with Gina for most of the book. I understood her desire to get back to her job, that wasn't the problem. What I didn't like was the way she was looking down on Zach because he was a ranch foreman and didn't seem to have the ambition to do anything else. She realized she was attracted to him right away but since she'd only be there a week she didn't plan to get involved with him. Plus she figured he wasn't her "type". She also didn't really appreciate the way he kept trying to talk her into keeping the ranch. After getting snowed in together she realized that they had more in common than she thought and the attraction between them was growing. She sensed that he was keeping some secret from her since he wouldn't talk about his past. This frustrated her but since she was keeping her own secrets I didn't have much sympathy for her. I did like the way that she started to think more about keeping the ranch. I thought the solution she eventually came up with was great.
Zach had promised Gina's uncle that he would try to convince her to keep the ranch and stay in Montana. He and Zach had come up with an idea for a dude ranch that would make it possible. But Gina was so determined to go back that Zach could barely get her to listen. He understood her attitude since he used to be the same way. When one of his deals had unintended consequences he sold his business and looked for a new direction. Eventually he ended up getting hired on the ranch and found that he really enjoyed it. He gets a lot of grief from his family about his decision which just adds to his reluctance to talk about his past. His attraction to Gina is getting stronger the longer she stays but he doesn't want to get involved with someone who doesn't accept him for who he is. I thought he was a really nice guy and loved his non-judgmental reaction to her secret. I liked the way they finally got together and his part in the ranch solution.
I liked seeing some of the characters from previous books. I also loved the portrayals of Gina's relatives, especially her aunts. The two of them with their bickering were so realistic I could practically hear them. I also loved their obvious attempts at matchmaking.
June 9, 2014
Sensually Heart-Warming Story of Life, Love, and Family
The chemistry between Zach and Gina is off the charts in this wonderful book, A Rancher’s Christmas. Gina dedicates her life to career while Zach, a former businessman himself, decides to slow down in life and work on a ranch doing regular cowboy chores and wrangling duties. It’s apparent from the start, Zach wants nothing more than to keep his promise to Gina’s Uncle and try and convince her to buy the ranch she’s recently inherited. Gina is a headstrong character who loves her family though they drive her crazy with trying to push her and Zach together. Zach is a very masculine counterpart to Gina’s independent nature, naturally fueling her need to be tenderly loved and treasured despite her hard-nosed approach to business. As Gina and Zach are snowed in, the attraction and their friendship begin to grow. They begin to see one anothers attributes in a relationship-oriented way, then both of them are also conflicted with not wanting to become involved for the long-term. Lucky for them, the special snow season they share is more than a passing fling of chocolate and popcorn kisses…it’s a time for unwrapping the gift they didn't first imagine they’d find: Love.
I highly recommend this book to someone who loves characters who resonate real life issues, struggles, and triumphs. This book is less soap-opera and more realistic romance with a beautiful sensual tension throughout, strong bonds of family and friendship, and a beautiful ending with a twist.
Laurie Kozlowski
The chemistry between Zach and Gina is off the charts in this wonderful book, A Rancher’s Christmas. Gina dedicates her life to career while Zach, a former businessman himself, decides to slow down in life and work on a ranch doing regular cowboy chores and wrangling duties. It’s apparent from the start, Zach wants nothing more than to keep his promise to Gina’s Uncle and try and convince her to buy the ranch she’s recently inherited. Gina is a headstrong character who loves her family though they drive her crazy with trying to push her and Zach together. Zach is a very masculine counterpart to Gina’s independent nature, naturally fueling her need to be tenderly loved and treasured despite her hard-nosed approach to business. As Gina and Zach are snowed in, the attraction and their friendship begin to grow. They begin to see one anothers attributes in a relationship-oriented way, then both of them are also conflicted with not wanting to become involved for the long-term. Lucky for them, the special snow season they share is more than a passing fling of chocolate and popcorn kisses…it’s a time for unwrapping the gift they didn't first imagine they’d find: Love.
I highly recommend this book to someone who loves characters who resonate real life issues, struggles, and triumphs. This book is less soap-opera and more realistic romance with a beautiful sensual tension throughout, strong bonds of family and friendship, and a beautiful ending with a twist.
Laurie Kozlowski
October 26, 2025
Filthy. Soft porn within the first few chapters. I'm not sure why certain authors feel that they have to go this route. A good author does not need to resort to such measures. There is a way to tastefully and respectfully illustrate passion between a man and woman without turning it into porn.
Will not finish. I feel disrespected by the author for her having gone there. What could have been a good, wholesome and passionate romance/story is no longer.
Kiboshing this author.
Not a clean romance or story. Not Christian content.
Will not finish. I feel disrespected by the author for her having gone there. What could have been a good, wholesome and passionate romance/story is no longer.
Kiboshing this author.
Not a clean romance or story. Not Christian content.
November 25, 2018
Cute story, likeable characters.
December 25, 2020
I loved it!
August 23, 2013
By: Ann Roth
Published By: Harlequin American Romance
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: NOR
Review:
"A Rancher's Christmas" by Ann Roth was a wonderful well written western romantic contemporary read. This author's writing style was very smoothly done. The descriptions of the surrounding of 'Saddler's Prairie, Montana were drawn out beautifully with the snow and animals. The characters were all well developed and so very colorful...especially those cousins. This was a sweet love story and how Gina and Zach would finally be drawn together. When the story opens we find that Gina's uncle has died and she leaves her high paying corporate job from Chicago to come back to her hometown to say her final goodbyes and to 'sell the family ranch she has inherited.' However, Zach had promised Gina's uncle that he wanted Gina to have it. Will this ranch foreman be able to change Gina's mind about selling the ranch? Will Gina and Zach develop feelings for each other? Now, this is the time that I will say you must pick up the wonderful read "A Rancher's Christmas" to see where and how this author will take the reader. Also, you will find out what Gina will do in the end and even more surprised of what Zach will do. What a Merry Christmas for all. I thought this was a good novel with a good plot and some wonderful characters that helped make this read a good novel to read. Would I recommend? YES!
Published By: Harlequin American Romance
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: NOR
Review:
"A Rancher's Christmas" by Ann Roth was a wonderful well written western romantic contemporary read. This author's writing style was very smoothly done. The descriptions of the surrounding of 'Saddler's Prairie, Montana were drawn out beautifully with the snow and animals. The characters were all well developed and so very colorful...especially those cousins. This was a sweet love story and how Gina and Zach would finally be drawn together. When the story opens we find that Gina's uncle has died and she leaves her high paying corporate job from Chicago to come back to her hometown to say her final goodbyes and to 'sell the family ranch she has inherited.' However, Zach had promised Gina's uncle that he wanted Gina to have it. Will this ranch foreman be able to change Gina's mind about selling the ranch? Will Gina and Zach develop feelings for each other? Now, this is the time that I will say you must pick up the wonderful read "A Rancher's Christmas" to see where and how this author will take the reader. Also, you will find out what Gina will do in the end and even more surprised of what Zach will do. What a Merry Christmas for all. I thought this was a good novel with a good plot and some wonderful characters that helped make this read a good novel to read. Would I recommend? YES!
October 24, 2013
4.5 Stars
In A Rancher’s Christmas by Ann Roth, Gina Arnett is on her way to becoming the next vice president of one of the biggest marketing companies in Chicago. But right before Thanksgiving she receives a call from one of her uncles, to let her know that her uncle Lucky has passed away from a heart attack. Now Gina not only has to fly home to Saddler’s Prairie, Montana to help her elderly uncle and cousins plan everything for the funeral and get all of her uncle Lucky’s things in order, she also has to plan to make sure that her assistant can take care of her accounts in her absence and most of all the biggest account that she is taking care of which will bring in her biggest bonus which she so badly needs.
Zach Horton is the late Lucky’s ranch foreman, but also the closest thing that Lucky had to a son. Zach knows everything about the rat race of business, but also knows what all the sacrifices cost to the soul. Which is why now he is the ranch foreman, even if three years ago when Lucky hired him he knew nothing about ranching. Now with Lucky gone, Zach has to work on fulfilling Lucky’s last wish, to convince Gina to keep the ranch and stay in Saddler’s Prairie. But Zach had never met Gina, only knew her by what her family said about her, since she never made time to visit them, even during the holidays her work was more important. Read More...
In A Rancher’s Christmas by Ann Roth, Gina Arnett is on her way to becoming the next vice president of one of the biggest marketing companies in Chicago. But right before Thanksgiving she receives a call from one of her uncles, to let her know that her uncle Lucky has passed away from a heart attack. Now Gina not only has to fly home to Saddler’s Prairie, Montana to help her elderly uncle and cousins plan everything for the funeral and get all of her uncle Lucky’s things in order, she also has to plan to make sure that her assistant can take care of her accounts in her absence and most of all the biggest account that she is taking care of which will bring in her biggest bonus which she so badly needs.
Zach Horton is the late Lucky’s ranch foreman, but also the closest thing that Lucky had to a son. Zach knows everything about the rat race of business, but also knows what all the sacrifices cost to the soul. Which is why now he is the ranch foreman, even if three years ago when Lucky hired him he knew nothing about ranching. Now with Lucky gone, Zach has to work on fulfilling Lucky’s last wish, to convince Gina to keep the ranch and stay in Saddler’s Prairie. But Zach had never met Gina, only knew her by what her family said about her, since she never made time to visit them, even during the holidays her work was more important. Read More...
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June 30, 2016"This return to Saddlers Prairie introduces some pleasing characters that are fun to watch interact. The choice the heroine makes for love of family leaves one cheering for her and rejoicing in the love she finds." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
Miniseries: Saddlers Prairie
Miniseries: Saddlers Prairie
November 17, 2015
Awesome story. !!!! Just pick it up ... and enjoy the read. Check out the synopsis ... don't want to give any spoilers away. Recommend to read this book. :-) First time reading Ann Roth's writings & Glad I did !...
October 23, 2016
cute story
February 24, 2015
Not worth reading twice.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews