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Hope August Inc

Gingerbread Hearts - Clean Christmas Romance (Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Book 2) (eBook)

Gingerbread Hearts - Clean Christmas Romance (Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Book 2) (eBook)

$5.99 USD
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Gingerbread Hearts is a clean, second-chance Christmas romance about ranch cook Olivia and Alex, the writer whose heart she broke in high school. Wedding preparations bring them together again in Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Book 2, but the secret behind their breakup still stands between them.

For fans of Clara Pines and Tess Thompson.

Book 2 in the Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Series

She left him without explanation. Now they're stuck planning a Christmas wedding together.

Olivia found her place at Sagebrush Dude Ranch after leaving her five-star Michelin restaurant. The slower pace of Starlight, Texas, suits her perfectly—until her high school ex walks through the door.

Alex came to the ranch for research, not heartbreak. His Western novel is due after the holidays, and he needs authentic details. He didn't expect to find the girl who shattered his heart now running the ranch kitchen.

Worse? They're both in the wedding party for Daniel and Zoe's Christmas ceremony.

Between wedding preparations, forced proximity in the kitchen, and the ranch's holiday magic working overtime, old feelings resurface with new intensity. But the secret that drove them apart still lingers.

As the wedding approaches, they must decide: keep running from their past, or finally write their happy ending?

📚 BINGE THE COMPLETE SERIES! Get Snowfall Over Sagebrush and Books 1–5 in the six-ebook Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas bundle.

Perfect for readers who love: ✨ Second chance romance ✨ Forced proximity ✨ Wedding season romance ✨ Kisses-only clean romance ✨ Guaranteed happily ever after

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Bonus content is included automatically when you buy directly from Hope’s store.

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Read a Sample

Chapter 1

“Absolutely not. We can’t wait that long. I put in the order months ago.” Olivia charged through the kitchen, darting around those who were putting together the hors d’oeuvres for the engagement party.
“I’m sorry. There was a delay in shipment due to weather.”
She scoffed. “The wedding is in three weeks. I know for a fact that the bad weather hasn’t been going on since Halloween. If you can’t get me what I’ve ordered by the end of this week, then I’ll find a new supplier.”
Olivia stopped as she surveyed the kitchen. Everyone was pulling their weight. There wasn’t a single person she’d hired who couldn’t handle the tasks they were given. The engagement party was going perfectly, and it was all thanks to her.
“We’ll see what we can do.”
“I hope so. Because I have someone who’s been begging for our business.” She hung up the phone and slipped it into her apron. “Mark! Don’t forget to put the mint on top.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Trini, you need to get those out right away. They’re running low.”
“I thought you left behind your military style when you quit your job at that Michelin restaurant.”
The quiet voice right behind her ear didn’t even startle her. Olivia glanced over her shoulder to find Eve grinning deviously.
“Caught you,” Eve said.
Waving a dismissive hand, Olivia moved through the counters and took a spoon from the saucepan on the stove. She took a taste and nodded to Dean, who had been tending to it. “This is done. Hand it over to Mark as soon as you can.” She met Eve’s triumphant gaze as they both made their way farther into the kitchen. “You know this event is different.”
“Not really.”
Olivia gave her boss a pointed look. “It’s Zoe’s engagement party. Everything has to be perfect.”
Eve laughed. “Zoe and Daniel wouldn’t care if you served Cheetos and Rice Krispies Treats, and you know it.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “That may be, but I’m going to make the next month one to remember. They’re getting married at the place where they met and fell in love—on top of being the place they both want to call home for good.”
“Are you sure you’re not just projecting here? I haven’t seen you out dating anyone recently.”
A huff burst from Olivia’s lips. “That’s because I’m content with the way my life is. I don’t need anyone.” She could feel the intrusive thoughts already trying to claw their way up from her past. There had only been one guy she’d had strong feelings for, and it hadn’t worked out.
It had been for the best, no matter how much her heart still ached from losing him.
“I don’t believe that for a second. You need someone, just like the rest of us. And you’re working too much as it is.”
“From what I recall, you were just like me—a workaholic who didn’t know when to say ‘enough.’”
Eve laughed. “Yeah, and look where that got me.”
“You’re married now.” Olivia tossed her a teasing glance. “So it couldn’t have been all bad.”
“Only because Gabriel was a friend who happened to have feelings for me. Does any of that sound like it would apply to you?”
Olivia rolled her eyes again, choosing to think about the work she had to do that day. Once the engagement party was over, she would have to focus on the preparations for the wedding on top of the regular meals they offered at Sagebrush Resort.
It was true that she’d left the five-star restaurant to come work for Eve and Gabriel. And yes, it was also true that the work had been more grueling where she’d been before now. But there was still plenty to keep her busy, and she loved every second of it.
She turned her boss around, forcing her to face the door, then gave her a little push. “You know, you should go check on our guests. I’m sure the ones who are not here for the party are feeling neglected.”
Eve gasped and spun around to face her, causing Olivia to jump a little with wide eyes. “That reminds me. We have a very special guest. He’s actually pretty famous, and we wanted to make sure that his experience here was just as amazing as ever.”
Olivia folded her arms and put all her weight onto one foot. “This sounds interesting.”
“Well, he’s one of my favorite authors—Gabriel’s too. And he’s here doing research for a book… and probably to get away from the city. You know how it is.”
“Yeah, sounds about right.” Olivia chuckled. “But what do you want me to do?”
“Well, because of the party, he’s been holed up in his room for most of the day. He checked in a few hours ago. But I’m sure he’s starving. Do you think you could whip him up something special and take it to his room?”
“I’m sure I can have someone deliver something—”
“No, it has to be you. I don’t think sending anyone else would speak as much as us sending the chef.” Eve winked. “You know, because of your history.”
“You mean, because I was a real chef?”
“Have I told you how much I appreciate that you were willing to come all the way out here from the big city to cook for a cute little resort like mine?”
Olivia laughed again. “Okay, you don’t have to lay it on so thick. After the event, I’ll make sure to get him something for dinner and deliver it myself. Will that make you happy?”
“Yes.” Eve gave Olivia a hug then hurried out of the room.
The rest of the party went off without a hitch, but what else did Olivia expect? She was good at what she did. She could juggle this sort of thing with her eyes closed and batons flaming. It had taken her a few years, after she’d dropped out of college, to figure out what she had a talent for, but when she did, she’d soared to the top faster than everyone in the industry. The fast-paced lifestyle simply wasn’t for her, and that was what had ultimately brought her to the small town of Starlight, Texas.
And boy, did she love it.
Olivia made sure the dinner menu was on track before she set to work creating a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and homemade tomato-basil soup. She topped it with garlic-herb croutons and plated the dish with a sprig of parsley on top.
It might not have been the kind of meal that a famous person would expect from a chef of her caliber, but the second this guy took a bite, he’d know just who he was dealing with.
She put Mark in charge, and then she hurried to the third floor and all the way down to the twenty-second room. It was a suite—one of the bigger rooms that had a kitchenette and a view of the pastures where the horses grazed on warmer days. To have gotten this room, the guy must have really impressed Eve and Gabriel. They didn’t give it to just anyone.
Olivia rapped her knuckles on the door then waited. She glanced down the hall when a door opened then shut and a couple emerged to head toward the elevator. It was only the first week of December, and already, the decorator had covered the lobby and the exterior with boughs of holly.
Her patience wore thin, and she tapped her foot before knocking again.
The door swung open, and a familiar pair of icy-blue eyes locked with hers.

Series Order

(Prequel) Snowfall Over Sagebrush
1. Mistletoe Masquerade
2. Gingerbread Hearts
3. Beneath the Christmas Star
4. Tinsel Trail
5. Crossroads at Sagebrush

View the complete reading order and book links.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 39 reviews.

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I really enjoyed A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion. It was fast paced, quirky, and a fun story to read. While we all understand love rarely happens as quickly as it does in stories, I still hoped Kate would resolve her trust issues and give Liam an opening to confide the truth. I was frustrated by his need to take the blame, but appreciated his conviction to keep trying. We all carry a burden we shouldn't. If love is mature and unconditional it doesn't walk away.

Angela O. 4/5 Verified

A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

Wonderfully immersive storytelling that as with all Hope August books it’s a mighty compelling read too. Whenever I see that she has a new book out , almost shout with glee. This is what they mean to me. This book was no exception When the last Stone doesn’t roll ,a lady comes to call. She’s all about making wayward types like he ,how to be .He thinks she’s lovely . And to be together maybe? Well look and see . I’ll tell you now ,it’s a wonderful storyline and executed perfectly divine . Bookboyfriend you’ll want to say ,can he be mine .

Jane L. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book five of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

A charming, fun cowboy romance. A great story that draws you in immediately and was easy to stay engaged with. I enjoyed watching Caleb and Sarah go from "just for fun" to something so much more. Wonderful writing, realistic and entertaining. Loved it.

J C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

I loved reading The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart by Hope August so much. It was a fast read that I simply couldn’t put down, the story pulled me in right from the start. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves heartfelt romance.

Gaby D. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book four of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. I loved the characters. Each had a reason for their initial reluctance for a relationship and for changing their minds. Fear kept them apart more than anything else did. I also loved seeing the change in the brothers from where they started. They all seem closer and more supportive than they had been when we first met them in the first story. This story was predictable but enjoyable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 03/01/2026*

This is book three of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet nannay, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout this series and previous books by Hope. It can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Warning!! Hope threw in a heart wrenching couple of scenes so have some tissues ready. Forbidden romance Opposites attract Matchmaking little girl A major misinterpretation I wish their story continued a little longer but maybe they will reappear in a future book??

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

Best friends to more I do adore and this book in time for Valentine’s is a cute storyline with all the allure that’s synonymous with Hope August’s storytelling and what’s more it’s always a compelling read . This being no exception to the rule . In fact he’s so darn sweet to his bestie Bridget he made me drool… not testy at all . Ms August ,I had a ball reading this it’s absolute bliss.

Jane L. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This sweet, best friends to more romance will warm your heart. Beautifully written with charming and wonderful characters. It was heartwarming and fun to watch their relationship change because neither saw a romance between them coming. An adorable story filled with heart, love and HEA Valentine magic that will leave you smiling.

Jacqueline C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book two of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet best friends to more, one bed, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. While this story had some fun moments, it's not as light and goofy as the previous stories in this series. I really enjoyed it. Each main character was already attracted to the other, but this trip showed them that the feelings were returned. I love that they are each willing to sacrifice something they want for the other.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is the first book in a new Interconnected series that is a spin off from other books by Hope. Reading in order recommended but can be read as a standalone. Friends to more Secret crush Online relationship Multiple mixed signals

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book one of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, match making app, friends to more, secret identity, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

Cute story about best friends in love with each other. Arden has loved Poppy for years. She has him firmly in the friend zone. Until……. I’m not going to spoil things for you. Arden’s plan could backfire spectacularly. Fun story to read.

Lucia 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. Arden and Poppy work together at the resort. They have been friends forever, but he's feeling more than friendly towards her. As they spend time together preparing for the Valentine's Day event, and Poppy gets to know her online match, she realizes she's already in love... with Arden. This was a really sweet story. I really liked it.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

A sweet and adorable cowboy romance. The cute characters really pull you into their story and keep the pages turning. I loved the writing! A great story and wonderful entertainment you don't want to miss!

Jacqueline C. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Could any couple have a more inauspicious start. Wyatt really tells Emma exactly what he thinks about her and the farm she has bought. They really annoy each other. Both have family issues that affect their relationship. Good story with well written characters that will hold your interest. I love that despite everything happening and being told she has made a huge mistake, Emma continues to build her dream. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Lucia V. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. What a tough situation for the main characters. They both loved Katelynn and now feel guilty for being attracted to each other. There are other issues between them. Harper's grandma lovingly encourages her to open up to Colt, while his brothers prod him to do the same. This story was emotional and unpredictable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

From loss comes love A very sweet story that sees Robert receiving even more tragic news in his life that seems to overwhelm him. Having to be the guardian of his boys five sons leaves him with more responsibility than he can handle. In comes Paige, the nanny that the agency has sent to help him. They have much in common and the boys seem to love her straight away. Robert starts feeling again which scares him. Can he get past the fear of committing to Paige allowing them to face their problems together? Or will he throw it all away and hurt the children by doing so. A short enjoyable story with wonderful characters.

Lyn B. 4/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Snowfall Over Sagebrush is a sweet small town, opposites attract, cowboy, Christmas romance with no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I really like are ---- Why was she so gat-dang stubborn ---- "Even if we were in another state that didn’t have mood swing weather⁠—” ---- “Construction puts food on the table. Horses bring me joy.” ---- “Chivalry will never die as long as the woman a man cares for is willing to accept it.” ---- Will the Dude Ranch be completed on time? Will they get snow that will stop everything? These and other questions will all be answered. I loved Laura and Riley's story and I'm sure you will too. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read another one of her books.

Terry Y. 5/5

Snowfall Over Sagebrush (eBook)