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Valentine Valley #4.5

When the Rancher Came to Town

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Welcome to Valentine Valley!

The Silver Creek Rodeo is in full swing, and everyone's talking about the rancher who came to town…


Bed-and-breakfast owner Amanda Cramer wants nothing more than a quiet, private life. Well, she wants guests too, but after suffering her share of unwanted notoriety, she's gotten comfortable hiding out in her inn . . . perhaps a little too comfortable. When her newest customer arrives—tall, dark, and breathtaking—Amanda begins to question her self-imposed exile.

Ex-rodeo star Mason Lopez knows all about the limelight. He'd avoid it if he could, but since one last ride could mean saving his family's ranch, he'll go all in. When he gets to Valentine Valley for the Silver Creek Rodeo, Mason checks into the Connections B&B and finds himself immediately drawn to the beautiful, reserved woman who owns it.

Mason has only three days in town . . . can he convince Amanda to open her heart to him and welcome the world back in?

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2014

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About the author

Emma Cane

35 books419 followers
Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine Valley, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and their rambunctious dog Uma.

Emma also writes USA Today bestselling historical romances under the name Gayle Callen.

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5 stars
91 (34%)
4 stars
89 (33%)
3 stars
66 (24%)
2 stars
19 (7%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
1,090 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2014

Fans of Emma Cane's are in for a treat with this latest Valentine Valley novella. Though it is shorter in length,the story takes place in just three days, it is still just as romantic as the full size books in this wonderful series. Ms. Cane does a great job creating another special couple in Mason and Amanda, two people from different worlds who probably never should have connected, but they did.
Amanda runs the town B&B that Mason finds himself checking into while in town for an important business deal. Amanda, in self-imposed exile and Mason have nothing in common except for the new found spark of attraction that neither were looking for, but couldn't avoid. Mason is a great hero, warm and generous and just right for the wary Amanda. He also supports the very strong and brave woman that she truly is.
True fans of this small town series will not be disappointed in the shorter length, although I hope to see them again in future stories. Emma Cane has written another heartwarming story with charming characters and the promise of new love.
Profile Image for Julie (Let's Read Good Books).
1,738 reviews486 followers
October 12, 2014
4 stars

Quick, satisfying read. This novella will fit into a small time slot, and the characters are all likable. I am looking forward to reading more about Valentine Valley, since this was my introduction to the series.
1,570 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2017
Enjoyed the quick read - typical novella.
1 review
July 25, 2017
Great Book!

Even though it's a novella and pretty short it's still a good book with an encouraging story for women everywhere.
911 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2019
I enjoyed Amanda and Mason's story. Living in a very small town, where people really care. Amanda was avoiding the past and Mason helped her face it.
131 reviews
December 30, 2019
Another cute story! I wish it was not a novella, but good thing there are a couple more books in this series
Profile Image for Rob. C..
Author 10 books317 followers
September 24, 2014
When The Rancher Came To Town is a very quick read which you can easily read in one day. It’s set in a small town and involves a cowboy, so it’s something totally up my alley, but maybe because of the length of the book, there wasn’t enough time for much character development, back story or much conflict.
It is a nice story that I enjoyed reading, but the reason for my rating is that I just didn’t have time to get hooked or sympathize with the characters, because by the time I thought I was starting to get into the story, I’d reached the last page.
The heroine is a woman suffering from agoraphobia; after something happened to her while she was working in Washington, she’s had trouble being among people and she locks herself up in her B&B in Valentine Valley, never going anywhere else for fear of panic attacks. As a reader, I expected the hero to come in, sweep her off her feet and help her heal but when it happened, I felt it was just too easy. The rancher in question, Mason Lopez, is swoon material you can’t help falling for, so I don’t really blame Amanda for letting him sweep her off her feet so fast and ride into the sunset towards their HEA. I would’ve done the same, if I may say so myself. :)
I’m usually a fan of insta-love, and I liked that there was immediate attraction and chemistry between the two characters; however, the whole Happy Ever After closure was too much too soon. I wish the author had decided to have the characters fall in love and decide to try being together, in spite of their lives in different town, rather than make them promise eternal love to each other after two days from meeting. She could have left us with the idea of them starting to date and seeing how it goes, and maybe feature them in another book in the series, maybe as secondary characters. I was happy about the happy ending, but like I said, it happened too soon and I didn’t have the chance to really connect with the characters.
Anyway, in spite of my personal view, it is a nice romance and I think you should give it a chance. It’s the perfect weekend read when you want to chill out and read something light and without angst or suspense. I’m interested in reading more books in the series, because this Valentine Valley sounds like a nice place, and I’m a sucker for small town romance.
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 8 books229 followers
September 26, 2014
Emma Cane adds another story to her Valentine Valley series with this novella. Mason, a rodeo star, and Amanda, a former-lawyer-turned-B&B-owner, are an unlikely couple who finds solace in each other's arms. Amanda is trying to heal herself from her agoraphobia (anxiety disorder) and Mason is trying to be in the limelight one final time to save his family's ranching business.

As this is a novella, there wasn't much room for character development. Cane paints a beautiful picture of Valentine Valley, and the welcoming feel of the town that's woven throughout the series is very much present here. It's hard for me to believe two people can fall in love in only three days, but I was willing to suspend my belief because I did enjoy other books in the series.

This read was an easy one - a single sitting and it was through (I call these a lunchtime read - I can finish it in a lunch hour). While I do wish she'd spent a little less time on Amanda's background and a little more time on the romance, there's only so many pages available. That's just the way novellas tend to go; just as you're getting into it, it ends! The writing was, as it usually is with Cane, descriptive and emotive. I felt the B&B (named Connections), loved the history she poured into it, and could see the gardens in my mind. Cane's settings are always lovely and are almost a character of the story itself - she's a master at creating rich, dimensional places where you'd want to live.

Although I didn't love When the Rancher Came to Town as much as the other Valentine Valley novels, I wasn't disappointed with this read despite it's lack of character development and conflict. In fact, it left me wondering how they'll make it as a couple. I hope Cane revisits Amanda and Mason in a future Valentine Valley novel; a glimpse into their forever happiness would provide me with that happy sigh I'm always seeking.

Three and a half stars.

(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)
Profile Image for Miriam.
739 reviews40 followers
October 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this short story. Mason and Amanda weren't looking for love when they met. They had their problems--Mason's was financial, Amanda's was anxiety--but it was amazing how well they meshed despite them.

Mason's laid back attitude, gentleness, and understanding with Amanda were the shining points of this story for me. Not once did he condemn her decision to withdraw from society. Not once did he scoff at her anxiety attack. He listened, related, made her feel not so alone.

Amanda's slow descent into hiding made sense. It really did. What she did at her former job took guts. It couldn't have been easy on her during and after all was said and done, but the bravery she showed just to step forward and point out inappropriate behavior of a powerful employer speaks for itself. Despite her withdrawal, she was no coward. She put a face to what it meant to be brave.

This was a pretty short story, but Ms. Cane didn't info dump or leave me hanging. Her characters are surprisingly well-developed, the dialogue relaxed, the pace perfect considering the characters and their individual issues. It was a nice, quick, sweet and sensual romance that delivered the happy ending I wanted to find when I was done reading.

3.5*
***Received from Edelweiss via Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,922 reviews1,155 followers
October 5, 2014
I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss.

When The Rancher Came To Town is a charming and sweet novella, that takes place between books "A Promise at Bluebell Hill" and "Sleigh Bells In Valentine Valley". It only consists of 100 pages, so a short love story, but what a lovely one it was. I read this in just half a hour this morning. What a great way to start my day. Its a story a a cowboy, who is looking for sponsors to help out their ranch and is about to participate in the local rodeo, and boy can that man ride a bull. The heroine of the story, Amanda, suffers from fear of crowds, due to a past experience that still haunts her. She keeps to herself and doesn't like being around reporters, but when she starts to fall in love with Mason, he helps her believe in herself again and realize that inner strength was always there. I loved having Mason and Amanda as a couple, they really complimented each other pretty well, and I loved the small town setting and seeing their romance blossom despite the old ladies (who will make you laugh). Overall this is a great addition to the Valentine Valley series, and full of witty humor, charming characters and a sweet and lovable story to warm your heart. WELL DONE EMMA CANE!!
Profile Image for Cara.
852 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2015
So I do love a good cowboy story and this book is no exception. This book has everything in it to make me smile, a woman who needs to rediscover herself, a rancher who wants to help, an undeniable attraction, a Wild West weekend and outrageous costumes.
This book is not full length but a novella. Please don't let that dissuade you though! Emma Cane has written this book so well, it fills full length. There are no gaping holes in the plot line and no stupid ridiculousness that would make it cringe worthy! The leads don't declare themselves head over heels in love with each other after knowing each other for 5 minutes.
So Amanda's character in the beginning comes across as a little harsh, but that impression very quickly goes away and you are left feeling heartbroken for the trauma she went through. Then we move on to Mason and you instantly feel terrible for the hand he has been dealt, but then his strength and determination shines through and you can't help to smile and cheer him on. But the characters that most made me laugh and giggle we the widows! Oh my word! They were just fantastic!
So in a nutshell it’s a wonderfully sweet romance and a story of strength and courage! And so after going through all of that I give this book 9 out of 10
341 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2014
After being forced out of a life that she worked so hard to achieve, Amanda Cramer looks for somewhere she can fade into the darkness and hide ... until one charming, handsome cowboy wanders into her B&B and into her heart. Mason Lopez cannot help but be drawn to the mysterious Amanda Cramer who seems to hold everyone and everything far away from her heart ... but he can't seem to stay away from the mysterious beauty.


The connection and chemistry that Amanda and Mason have is very well written and will make your heart swoon and skip a beat as Emma Cane does a fabulous job of writing a love story and a tale about overcoming your fears and finding out who you truly are.


You will definitely find yourself laughing and connecting with Amanda as she over comes her fears of people and love and ventures out into the scary world of dating with hunky Mason Lopez. This sweet, short novella is a wonderful treat and insight into the wonderful world of Valentine Valley.


Make sure you add When The Rancher Came To Town to your To-Be-Read-Shelf.
Profile Image for Cathy.
791 reviews
October 9, 2014
"When the Rancher Came to Town" by Emma Cane. This is a sweet romance that tells the story of Mason and Amanda. Mason, a cowboy and former rodeo star, stays at Amanda's B&B while trying to drum up some business for his ranch. Amanda bought the B&B to escape a trying time in her life, that resulted in occasional panic attacks and her withdrawing from life. I liked Mason - he was patient, understanding and so supportive of Amanda. I liked Amanda too - she was fun and lively, once she came out of her shell a bit. Being a novella, this is a really quick read, not leaving much time for the progression of the relationship or the characters. It seemed the ending was a bit rushed because of the brevity of the book. However, it was still a light, enjoyable read and i would recommend it if you're looking for something to read at lunch. I'm also looking forward to other Valentine Valley books, especially if they feature the Boarding House Widows. (received copy for honest review).
Profile Image for Michele.
2,291 reviews
October 13, 2014
“I don’t know if you’ll think I’m crazy, but I could fall in love with you. You’ve been so patient, so kind, so encouraging–”
…He kissed the tip of her nose. “I don’t just think I could fall in love with you, Amanda Cramer. I’m mostly already there.”

When the Rancher Came to Town is a sweet novella in the Valentine Valley series that had me sighing happily and believing that true love really does come to those who need it most.

This might be a very quick read, but author Emma Cane gave us strong characters who brought out the best in each other. I do wish their story had been longer so we could see what happened next to our star-crossed lovers, but I didn’t feel like the length of the story really took anything away from their romance.

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Profile Image for Dani C. (Polly's Place).
546 reviews250 followers
November 2, 2014
This short (only 100 pages according to my Kindle) novella ended way too quickly for me! I went to turn the page and it was over. I want more of this story!

Amanda Cramer is basically hiding out in the small town of Valentine Valley. She once was a lawyer but now she runs the local B&B where she enjoys a quiet life. That is until the handsome ex-rodeo star Mason Lopez come to town…

When the Rancher Came to Town is number 4.5 in the Valentine Valley series. Totally can be read as a standalone but beware! It will make you fall in love with this sweet, small town and you will just have to go back and read the rest of this series before the next book, Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley, comes out in October 2014.
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2014
Amanda Cramer owns a B&B in Valentine Valley called Connections. She loves running the B&B. Mason Lopez is a bull rider in town for the rodeo and some business meetings. He is attracted to Amanda as soon as he hears her voice. Amanda was hurt five years before when she worked in Washington D C as a Lawyer. She filed charges against a U S Senator for harassment and no one really believed her. Everyone she knew turned against her so she moved and when she saw the inn she bought it. This is a short romance only 100 pages. There is some sexual scenes in the book
Profile Image for Ashley.
837 reviews46 followers
January 11, 2015
Maybe it's just because I haven't read any of the other books in the series but I wasn't thrilled with this book. It was kind of slow and I truly struggled to finish it. As both a plus and minus to the book, there was a ton of description. I'm not a huge fan of description and rely on dialogue most of the time. However in tis case the description had the plus of making me feel like I was at Connections myself.

3.5 stars
582 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2015
This is a novella in the Valentine Valley series.
Amanda is dismissed from her law firm because she brought sexual harassment charges against her boss- a U.S. senator.
They were legitimate, but everyone thought was was making them up. She moved to Valentine Valley and opened a B&B.
Mason was a rancher who brought animals to the rodeo in Val. Valley. He brought more than animals, though. He brought life and love to Amanda, as well as restoring her self-esteem.
Profile Image for Gina Marie.
280 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2015
Great novella addition to this excellent series! I could relate to Amanda a lot. I thought it was so sweet how Mason stuck by her. Cowboys really are the dreamiest! I wish some parts were expanded upon, maybe adding in some of the main characters from the other books...although we did get some of the widows! I've already read the next book, Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley, so I can't wait to read the newest release, Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch!
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,369 reviews
May 3, 2015
short novella in the city of Valentine for the B&B owner Amanda and one of her guest, Mason. He's come to town to participate in the rodeo and she has a past that she wants to keep hidden. This was definitely an interest at first sight and it got better with a kiss and a quickie. What she thought was a past that would hurt her here turned out not to be the case. I like the fact that Mason and Amanda are willing to try and make a go of their relationship because it is just too good to pass up.
Profile Image for Shirin Rasheed.
2,890 reviews39 followers
May 27, 2015
I Love reading about Hot Cowboy's and their Sizzling Romantic Love Stories and this Series is the Best to read about the.

I am fan of A Valentine Valley Series and Have read every book and I Loved reading When the Rancher Came to Town. Mason took my heart away. Amanda and Mason are one of the Cutest Couple of this Series.

If you are fan of reading and meeting Cowboys like me then please grab this book and read it. It's Very Good.
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
September 26, 2014
This is a delightful novella about a woman who stood up to sexual harrassment and the media spotlight that followed. The hero is a rancher who is trying to get his family's ranch back on sound financial footing. The issues and problems they face are reListiv and believable as are the characters the author has created.

Profile Image for Nicole.
1,854 reviews40 followers
October 6, 2014
Book provided in exchange for honest review.

Entertaining and quick read, something that doesn't bring you down with any drama or angst to it. I liked the chemistry between Amanda and Mason, I just wish it could have been a bit more believeable that they decided to take a chance and pursue a relationship after knowing each other only 3 days.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,074 reviews40 followers
March 11, 2015
Great story of two drifting souls finding each other at the right time. She's hiding out after a scandalous exit from her high powered job in DC. He's using everything he has to save the family ranch, including is public image. Can she find a way to deal with the attention and give love a chance. Very enjoyable read, I recommend this one.
3 reviews
March 22, 2016
Half a story

It was just ehh. Not much to it and it suddenly ended. I read her first Valentine book and thought it was good. This one was a waste of money and time. There just was no depth to it shallow even for a novella. There was so much promise in the story that she could have built on but it was like the author just didn't care. Don't buy it it's just not worth any price.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,369 reviews
November 24, 2022
Overcoming the odds

Amanda runs b the B&B in town and has kept to herself. A new visitor has come to stay for a few days and comp!etely turns her life around. Can she stand being in the spotlight again? Fortunately for her she has Marcus' support and attention. I liked the story. Short and sweet.
Profile Image for Virginia Brien.
1,498 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2016
Everything a short story romance should be. Well developed characters with a happy ending. But if this was the first I had read in the series I don't think it would have grabbed my attention. No tension at all between hero and heroine.
108 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2015
If you like sappy......

Cute romantic story. I'd love a B and B like that one day. My husband is a romantic a t heart so I totally felt giddy just reading this. You will enjoy this easy read also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews