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Book Review-Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne

by | Nov 30, 2021 | Audio Book Reviews, Book Reviews | 10 comments

Book Review-Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne

Book Review-Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne ThayneSleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by HQN Books on October 26, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Narrator: Stacy Gonzalez
Length: 9 Hours and 5 Mins
Pages: 341
Format: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital
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five-stars

Ranch manager Annie McCade thought her twin niece and nephew could join her at the Angel View Ranch for Christmas with her absent employer being none the wiser. But when the ranch's owner, Tate Sheridan, shows up out of the blue, Annie's plans are upended. Soon she finds herself helping Tate make a Christmas to remember for his grieving and fractured extended family.
Sleigh Bells Ring is New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne's latest heartwarming Christmas novel, and it's coming soon from HQN.

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Sleigh Bells Ring is the standalone holiday novel that is a recent release from this author. I am so thrilled to have been able to pick up this novel from RaeAnne Thayne. I have a feeling though this might be part of a new series though, I could be wrong on that front, but it’s just from the characters that we met in this book I could see being part of other books in the future. So we shall see what RaeAnne Thayne does here in the threads that she hinted at. I first want to say that I ADORED this book so much. It just worked for me in every way especially in the mood that I was in, it just fit just right. If you are looking for some holiday reads for the upcoming season, I don’t think that I could ever recommend this one enough to you all.

Sleigh Bells Ring is a sweet, heart-capturing read that features a mix of characters that will captivate your heart. We have two pairings that will just delight you in every way. It begins with our primary heroine, Annie McCade, who is taking care of her niece and nephew while working as a ranch manager. Her brother-in-law is in jail during the holidays after a drunk disorderly charge which resulted from losing his wife. But now his children are paying the price for his struggles and Annie is doing her best in keeping their hopes up. But then the ranch that she manages, the whole family decided to come to the family home for a Christmas gathering, and when the chef ends up in an accident, Annie is the one taking on the cooking responsibilities for the whole family. Even though Annie grew up with the Sheridan’s, she still feels intimidated by them. She has been half in love with Tate Sheridan, the oldest sibling and the one that has taken over his father and grandfather’s responsibilities in the company. While Tate and Annie are reconnecting with each other through the holidays…..there is another romance that is sizzling between Tate’s sister Brie and the ranch’s caretaker. Brie has had her own struggles and is working on getting her life together. This is a novel of not just romance but of new beginnings and healing and the value of family connections.

Sleigh Bells Ring was such a charming read and I couldn’t seem to get enough of this story. There was so much beautiful heart encased on each page. So many fun characters whom I couldn’t get enough of and just wanted more on the page. I will mention that this story is closed-door, so if you are expecting hot smexy scenes you definitely won’t find it with this book. I actually find this author’s writing to be so relaxing to indulge in. While she writes some wonderful kissing scenes, that is ALL you get. But I will say the romances that Thayne writes is simply powerful. The way she can write a romance and write intimacy without any sexual detail is truly wondrous because not many authors can write it in the way that she can. This book is probably one of her top-tier books, I have read quite a few of her books and I can say that this is one of her best in my opinion. It’s definitely a slow burn with a touch of unrequited love and a drop of forbidden. We do see Annie go through a struggle because she views Tate as forbidden to her. He has responsibilities, wealth, and a big company to take care of that is his family’s legacy so I do get why he would be intimidating but Tate is such a good-hearted man. You see how much he cares for his family and only wants to be a man of integrity and love that Tate and Annie found that they needed in each other. All the family members have such a unique value that contributes to the story.

Overall I found Sleigh Bells Ring to be an endearing tale that will deliver in all the feels combined with the charm and sweet cheer of the holiday season, it’s a book that is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings in ways that you won’t see coming and will surprise in the small delightful moments which will uplift and endear.

About RaeAnne Thayne

I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

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10 Comments

  1. Sophia Rose

    Sounds like a country charmer. Going on my list. Would be neat if it did turn into a series for you.

    Reply
  2. Nadene

    This sounds heartwarming and perfect for the season.

    Reply
    • Lover of Romance

      Yes Kimberly, I highly recommend you check this one out here.

      Reply
  3. Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

    I swear I’ve read this one but Goodreads says I haven’t so maybe I’m getting it mixed up with another one by Thayne. Goodness knows she has a lot! 🙂 Either way, guess I’ll need to pick this one up now!

    Reply
    • Lover of Romance

      haha yeah sometimes it can be easy to confuse these books together. But this one just was released actually. I definitely think you will enjoy this one here.

      Reply
  4. Natalie

    I am swimming in holiday book recs and y’all are sorely tempting me. Another stellar review! ?

    Reply
    • Lover of Romance

      haha then my job is done if I am tempting you more

      Reply
  5. Sam@WLABB

    I am waiting for my loan for this to come through from the library. You have me already feeling the warm fuzzies though. The author is new-to-me, but sounds like she writes the type of stories I love

    Reply
  6. Rachel

    This was a heartwarming romance! The twins were adorable. Don’t you just love the cover, too? Glad we both loved it, Renee!

    Reply

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