A widowed country sheriff. A wealthy city businesswoman. Can the Christmas season turn loneliness into love?
Garth Duggan relishes his job as a Wyoming county sheriff. As a widowed, single father, he has little time for personal enjoyment, and no time for dating or even hanging out with single women. Taking the month of December each year to work on a local ranch gives Garth and his son time together. It also provides a break from the daily routine of law enforcement and managing others. Everything is as he expects except for the arrival of a misplaced city woman who rubs him the wrong way.
Cassidy Reid is more than ready for her Christmas vacation at a remote Wyoming ranch owned by family friends. The location and amenities are perfect for a single businesswoman who needs an escape from her demanding job and impossible clients. After a recent breakup, the last thing she’s looking for is another relationship. Especially not one with a man who lives in the backwoods and mucks stalls for a living.
As they celebrate the holiday season and try to avoid each other, Garth and Cassidy are thrown together during the annual Christmas tree hunt and the organization of a charity event on the ranch. Working side by side, they begin to see different sides of each other. When Cassidy becomes lost during a storm, Garth helps track her down, realizing how much he wants to learn more about the mysterious city woman possessing both grit and brains.
Can a city woman find joy in Wyoming’s rugged mountains? Can a single father open his simple life to her? Will their love be strong enough to bridge the gap and make this their best Christmas ever?
A Cowboy Christmas at Whistle Rock Ranch, book eleven in the Cowboys of Whistle Rock Ranch Contemporary Western Romance series, is a clean and wholesome, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Lisa Parker –
The two main characters in this story, Cassidy and Garth, are two completely opposite characters that seem to have nothing in common. They start out bored and uninterested in one another and want to have nothing to do with each other.
Garth works full time as a Wyoming county sheriff, and is a widow with a young son. Each year, at Christmas time he takes his son and they move to Whistle Rock Ranch, so he can rest and they can both indulge their love for ranching.
On the other hand, Cassidy was born and raised in Santa Barbara by wealthy parents. She is an expensive event-planner who caters to the high-class, rich and famous. Her problem is that she is exhausted from spending all of her time indulging her egotistic and self-absorbed clients. She also needs a rest. She chooses to visit Whistle Rock Ranch because the owner is her godmother.
Garth’s ranch work is dirty, smelly, sweaty and very tiring. Cassidy owns an expensive house, wears designer clothes and lives expensively and travels all over the world. There other major difference is that Cassidy is rich, and Garth’s income is just average.
At first, Cassidy and Garth are unable to be in the same place without annoying each other. However, things change when Cassidy’s godmother asks Garth and Cassidy to work together to plan her yearly party for foster children. During that time they see each other differently, and begin to like each other very much.
In spite of that, Cassidy and Garth spend the rest of their time together worrying about how they can ever come together with their overwhelming differences. I was, also, perplexed about how the author can ever find a way to overcome their issues.
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to finish this book, so I could see how it ends!
MJ McLeod –
I’m totally enjoying all the characters from Whistle Rock and absolutely loved Garth and Cassidy’s story. These two are just what the other needs. He never thought he’d find love again after his wife died. She is divorced and recently broke up with a long term boyfriend. When they first meet they aren’t sure they like each other but with time everything changes. A captivating Christmas Read that pulled me into the story right from the beginning.
Gail Kovach –
When Garth first meets Cassie at Whistle Rock Ranch, he hopes he can avoid her for the rest of her stay. They’re both visiting the ranch for the upcoming Christmas holiday, and they both needed a getaway for some much earned R&R. Garth is the County Sheriff as well as a single Dad. His son Ryder is full of energy and wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Cassidy was married until her husband left with a much younger assistant. She recently dated and broke up with Kurt, but has since discovered that money, social status, and glamorous friends are fake and selfish. Cassidy now knew better. She’d tried to achieve her parents’ high expectations they’d set for her, but now she wonders if there’s more to life.
Garth mourned his wife for the past 10 years. She died of cancer, and Garth and his young son grieved their loss. He now felt his life was changing and that a door had opened, even if he wasn’t ready to walk through it.
Cassie and Garth started off as adversaries. Can they try to move beyond their rocky beginning?
Could they experience a new beginning and second chance at love and family? Can they trust?
I loved the sweet and supportive relationships at Whistle Rock Ranch. Garth’s mood swings showed a reality to his feelings and the battles within. I liked that he considered Cassie’s feelings and would talk to her about them. Ryder was a breath of fun and energy throughout the story and a real sweetheart. I also enjoyed the recipe for the Savory Christmas Breakfast Casserole at the end of the book and hope to make it soon! Also, could there be another Whistle Rock romance coming soon with Hannah and Cody? I can’t wait! I recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this book.
Paula –
A Cowboy Christmas at Whistle Rock Ranch by Shirleen Davies is a heartfelt story of a single father doing the best for his son while also holding down an important intense career. Garth Duggan has been a minor character in past books as the county sheriff. Now his story takes center stage along with his son Ryder. Much like Andy Griffith in the old TV program, he is a wonderful, caring and proactive father as well as a responsible, hones and even-tempered law enforcement person.
I will admit that I was sure about Cassidy Reid, a city girl visiting the Whistle Rock Ranch for the holidays. I liked her just fine but was unsure she was the one for Garth and Ryder. While Garth seemed to hem and haw, the romance was swift, taking place in a matter of weeks. This story is a satisfying read just as described as “A Clean and Wholesome Enemies to Lovers Contemporary Western Romance.” A Cowboy Christmas at Whistle Rock Ranch, Cowboys of Whistle Rock Ranch Book 11, is just the book for this holiday season.
Liverpool cathy –
Garth always took the time from his busy life as sheriff to spend the Christmas season at the ranch with his son. This gave them time together and to relax ! As a single dad living close to the bread line and being there for his son the ranch is an escape. Although he can be pulled back into sheriff mode. Cassidy was from a different world in the city but visiting her godmother was a real change for Christmas. Can she cope with the different pace or will Garth and his son tempt her into staying. Can they find away to make it work. No spoilers get reading and enjoy!
Liverpoolcathy –
Garth always took the time from his busy life as sheriff to spend the Christmas season at the ranch with his son. This gave them time together and to relax ! As a single dad living close to the bread line and being there for his son the ranch is an escape. Although he can be pulled back into sheriff mode. Cassidy was from a different world in the city but visiting her godmother was a real change for Christmas. Can she cope with the different pace or will Garth and his son tempt her into staying. Can they find away to make it work. No spoilers get reading and enjoy!
Cathy Shea –
Garth the sheriff and single dad to Ryder is taking his annual Christmas vacation at Whistle Rock Ranch. Cassie needing some down time to reflect on her life after a breakup and her high stress business. Their first encounter doesn’t sit well with Garth. He intentionally tries to avoid her but put together by Margie on planing the annual foster kids Christmas party makes that impossible. Garth is a grieving widow for the past ten years and doesn’t know if he can open is heart to live again. Cassie is high society and wealthy. Can they make it work. Other twists and turns including mysteries make it a very enjoyable read. Thanks for the ARC.
Amanda –
Garth is the local sheriff, he spends the month of December on holiday, with his son, Ryder, at Whistle Rock Ranch. He’s a widower and still misses his wife. Cassidy owns her own event planning business and she’s burnt out. She goes to the ranch after an invitation from her godmother.
She sees Garth and thinks he’s one of the ranch hands! She treats him as such! He’s not impressed!
They have a chemistry but Garth is concerned because she lives miles away and he can’t move.
Another good read in the series from Shirleen
Andrew Agnew –
Garth and Cassidy. A nice story of love after loss.
Garth, the county sherrif, a widower and father of 10 year old, Ryder, struggles to balance the responsibilities of fatherhood and raising his son, on a sheriff’s salary. Cassidy, a Californian socialite, international event planner and owner, been too busy with her successful business to have a steady relationship since her short lived marriage ended in divorce.
So many differences, but it seems one complements the other. At least they both love riding horses,and that brings them together.
The excitement of Christmas and other things, through Ryder’s innocence, is a highlight of this book in my opinion…. And of course, finding love!
Plus, there is a delicious looking recipe at the end of the book, which may be prepared this year for Christmas at our house
Jennie Fortna –
A Cowboy Christmas at Whistle Rock is book 11 in the Cowboys of Whistle Rock by Shirleen Davies and a great read! 4.5 stars
Garth Duggan, the town sheriff is taking the time off work to spend with his son and work in the Whistle Rock Ranch among his friends. He meets a “city party planner” who has come to the ranch of family friends to get away from her busy life and enjoy the holidays. What happens next is total opposites, chemistry, differences between them, family, seeing old friends from prior books, some twists, turn and hopes for a HEA!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Joyce Fritz –
Being sheriff of Brilliance, Wyoming, Garth takes his vacation with his young son at the Whistle Rock Ranch every year. This year Cassidy Reid has come to the ranch to visit her godmother hoping to enjoy time away from her demanding event planning job in Santa Barbara, California. Garth tries to stay away from her as he feels attraction but knows they aren’t suited as they come from different ways of living. As they get thrown together for different events, he soon learns he might have been wrong about her. A great clean story that was a joy to read.
Leah H Smith –
Widowed Sherriff Garth Duggan and his absolutely adorable son Ryder spend the holiday season every year working at Whistle Rock ranch. For Garth, it’s a much needed respite from his stressful job and a return to his roots. It also allows the single farther to spend much needed time with hi son. This year, they’re joined by event planner Cassidy Reid, Margie Bonner’s lovely goddaughter, whose highly successful/highly demanding business, plus an unsatisfying love life, have her exhausted and at her wits end. She longs for the peace and beauty she remembers from childhood trips to the ranch. While Cassidy is immediately intrigued by the taciturn ranch hand, Garth cannot wait to be rid of the sparkling socialite. After Margie forces them to work together on a holiday extravaganza for local foster children, Garth sees the warm and caring side of Cassidy, and affection develops between them. Can these opposites form a lasting attraction or are their differences too insurmountable to overcome?
First, it is great to visit with the Bonners, the ranch hands and some of our favorite residents of Brilliance for the holidays. The physical descriptions are breathtaking! Second, Ryder is one cute kid! I enjoyed his antics. This is a sweet comfortable romance perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sheri –
Garth and Cassidy’s two very different worlds collide in this wonderful holiday romance at Whistle Creek Ranch. While first impressions do NOT set these two on a favorable path, they slowly get to know each other as they are thrown together helping plan a Christmas party for foster kids. This was a heart warming tale of two people who have lost and been broken in the past finding healing at a ranch in Wyoming at Christmas time. It was real! It was wonderful! It gives you all the warm cozy feels. I loved it!
patricia rose –
this is a wonderful story. garth, the sheriff, take the month of dec. off to spend with his son at the ranch. cassidy is in need of time off and mrs bonner suggest she come to the ranch and she does. can they get along and learn to see each others good side? if you like animals and cowboys you will want to read the book. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
Bonnie Blackledge –
I always love reading Shirleen Davies, and this book is no exception. Cassidy Reid comes to visit her godmother at Whistle Rock Ranch and finds so much in this Wyoming town that gives her joy that she has been lacking in California. In addition to loving the ranch, she meets the local Sheriff who is taking time off from his job to spend with his son, Ryder. Although their connection is rocky at first, Cassidy and Garth find ways to enjoy being together and come to develop a lasting relationship. The story is pleasant and comforting and the characters are easy to fall in love with. It’s a good way to bring on the Christmas spirit.
Rita Meston –
Sheriff Garth takes time out in December to work at Whistle Rock Ranch. However, this year Cassidy is visiting her godmother, Margie who owns the ranch with her husband. Garth and Cassidy are both from very different worlds. He is a widower struggling to make ends meet for him and his son Ryder. She is a successful businesswoman who works with celebrities and inherited some wealth too. As they get to know each other Garth and Cassidy grow closer. But he has trouble allowing another woman into his and Ryder’s life while she tries to find a way of relocating her business so that they can navigate a future together. Some wonderful feel good Christmas moments in this story.