The Rancher's Lady

A Lake Chelan Novella

By: Shirley Penick

Narrated by: Rhett Samuel Price, Alexandra Palting

Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A single dad, a matchmaking eight-year-old daughter, and a sexy new third grade teacher is an explosive combination in this holiday romance. 

On the second anniversary of her mom’s death, eight-year-old Alyssa ditches scouts to take some time for herself to remember her mom. When her dad, Hank, finally finds her after a hectic search, she is convinced it’s time for him to remarry. And she thinks her new third grade teacher would be perfect. 

Hank Jefferson is a busy rancher with three kids. Since the death of his wife two years ago, he works hard to be both mother and father. Making lunches, spending quality time with each child, and managing the house while also running his cattle ranch. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Alyssa’s third grade teacher makes his blood heat up, but he knows it would be wrong for him to date his daughter’s teacher. 

Ellen Truehart has moved to this new town in a remote location on Lake Chelan to make a fresh start. She loves both the town and her class. Her past has taught her to be cautious around men and not to trust the system. When Alyssa starts acting out in class, Ellen has no choice but to call in the smoking-hot father.  

Together, they must discover what's wrong with Alyssa. Join Hank and Ellen as they explore new territory.

©2016 Shirley Smuda (P)2019 Shirley Smuda

Sweet Christmas story!

8yo Alissa lost her mom a couple of years ago...she’s especially sad without her mom as the holidays approach. Alissa dreams of her mom telling her that she’s sending her a new mom...and the little matchmaker begins! Alissa’s teacher is single and new to the school and town...she would be perfect for her dad. Between Alissa’s matchmaking efforts, and raw chemistry between Ellen and Hank, there just may be a very Merry Christmas for the lonely adults. Maybe. A creepy coworker and Ellen’s past may just get in the way of a happily ever after.
This story is short and sweet with just the right amount of heat and drama. Great job by the new-to-me narrator team.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Teacher/Rancher Romance

I was surprised that 1/3 of the POV was the 8-year-old daughter. She works to get her widower daddy together with her 3rd grade teacher.

This was light entertainment. I did not feel real depth of relationships.

loved the storyline

great book, if you get a chance to read or listen to it you should. the narration was wonderful

good

Ellen is a third grade teacher and is new to town. Hank is a rancher and single dad to three kids. Ellen and hank meet because she has Hanks daughter Alyssa in her class. Alyssa is having trouble and class so the only way to find what's wrong is to work with her dad. But there is some troubles along the way. Will these two find their way to a HEA even with their own troubles and heartbreak from past loves?

An Emotional Romance

I enjoyed this sweet and emotional romance. I felt that this book book offered a lot of awww moments that touched your heart. I think that listeners that have suffered the same type of loss as Alyssa will really be able to connect with her thoughts, feelings and actions, The characters were likable and the story entertaining. I thought the pacing was a bit slow, but not to a disastrous extent. I would have loved for this to not just be a novella because I would have more depth and details to be added to this story. There is dual narration on this book and for me that is always a plus! I thought the narrators did a really good job.

Sweet Story

This was a very enjoyable, sweet, emotional read. Hank is a widowed rancher. Ellen is a new to town teacher. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more. I really enjoyed Hank and Ellen's story.

Sweet story

This short story is about the rancher’s daughter trying to match make her teacher and her widowed dad together. It’s heartwarming and sweet, guaranteed to make you happy. Both narrators did an excellent job.

Review copy was received for a honest opinion.

Just right

I enjoyed listening to both Rhett Samuel Price and Alexandra Palting.

If you love a great short HEA story then this is the one.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2019

We have Hank is a rancher who is a widow and looks after his daughter. His daughter has plans for her father and it includes her teacher Ellen. You will find this a well written poignant story,

not believable.

first of all the story..
absurd. i see what the idea was, but it was rushed big time and it just didn't work for me.

the performance..
i do not believe an young asian reader who fakes a monroe southern accent and a black mature man are the best choice to give life to these characters. they are good readers, just wrong for these parts.

Sweet romance

When the anniversary of her mom's death comes up, it is evident how much Alyssa misses her. But with a little wish and a prayer from a third grader, she sets her sights on her teacher to become her father's new wife. Hank is struggling, being all things to the kids, running the house and the ranch. Looking for love is not on the agenda. Ellen is new to town, and she is wary of men, but there is definitely something about Hank that intrigues her.With Alyssa meddling, the sparks between Ellen and Hank are burning! But is lust enough? Is there more? And are either ready for love? This is a sweet story. I loved Alyssa and her shenanigans as well as the chemistry between Hank and Ellen. There are some obstacles in their road which just add to the enjoyment of the story, but you are sure to find your happily ever after.

The narration of this book is wonderful. Rhett Samuel Price is the perfect cowboy and Alexandra Palting just makes it as the voice of Ellen. They compliment each other well and make it an enjoyable listen.

Nice start to the series

Alyssa missed her mummy after she died and really wishes she could have more cuddles from her. Hank is raising the children alone and is frantic when Alyssa goes missing, asking her teacher for help brings the two together and gives his daughter an idea. A sweet story.