Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas A River Ranch Novel by Soraya Lane

Book Synopsis:

"Billionaires, cowboys, and romance collide during the holidays in this next book in the River Ranch series! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all?

He left town and never looked back.
Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family—and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down and if he will do so back at home. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see? His one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse.

She never forgot him. Can she ever forgive him?
Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody. Back then, the college-bound heartthrob believed he was too good for a small-town girl like Lexi. But now Cody can’t help but see her in a whole new light. Could it be that this beautiful single mother with an unbeatable can-do spirit is the one he’s been waiting for all along? That depends on whether Cody can prove to Lexi that, this time, he means business—and if a sudden snowstorm can lend just the right amount of Christmas magic to help move things along. . ."

“Lane warms the hearts of readers across the globe.”
—RT Book Reviews

Title:  Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas

Author:  Soroya Lane

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Once Upon a Cowboy" by Soraya Lane

My Rationalization:

This was quite an interesting story that involved 'a millionaire, cowboy, second chance at romance, and during
the Christmas holiday.'  We find a son [Cody] who is returning for Christmas to the family ranch in Texas.  Why had he not been coming home very often after the death of his mother?  And what will happen after he returns home and finds his old flame Lexi who is a nurse is caring for Cody's father Walter?  What other problems will come up from this holiday visit that will bring problems to Lexi's life as she has becomes involved with her ex-sweetheart?   I will say that all of the characters from this story were very interesting with my favorite being the father and Lexi's son Harry.

I will say that for about 3/4 of the read I really didn't care for the hero but by the end of this story with Cody realizing that he needs some help, [therapy] I did change my mind about him.  I think that part was so very important to this story.  After all, is said and done I found this story a good read that will keep you turning the pages to see if there will be a rekindling of a romance that will end in an HEA for these two.   

Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Never Say Goodbye By Susan Lewis

Title:  Never Say Goodbye
Author:  Susan Lewis
Publisher:  Ballantine Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: New Adult
Rating: 5
Review:

"Never Say Goodbye" by Susan Lewis was quite a read and the first thing I will say is that this read was of a terminal illness.  I believe that needs to be said up front, now this doesn't take anything away from this excellent read.  "Never Say Goodbye" was beautiful  well written by this author that was 'sensitively and humorously told'  with some well portrayed, colorful, depicted,  believable and defined characters with each one having their own story and problems that were to be dealt with. 
Even though this was not for the most part a  happy heartwarming  read for it was sad  at times, but still  it was a good read that did have some amusing moments.  I found this a gripping story that once
I got into this read  I found  it hard to put down because in the read I found  out so much  more than  just about 'the cancer'  but more about  'friendship, love, family bonds, even romance and how people are sent to you just at the right time when you need them the most.'