Available in just a few days, A Family Man, is a special release containing two of my classic cowboy stories in one book. Part of Harlequin's Cowboys and Babies Collection.

Dear Reader,

Life would be pretty boring if nothing ever altered. On the other hand, unexpected change often causes havoc in our personal and professional lives.

Such is the case for environmental engineer Rand McCabe and wildcatter Ginger Rollins. Neither plan to marry any time soon. Never mind live in a honeymoon cottage with each other for the rest of the year! Yet unexpected circumstances quickly force them to do both.

And there the fun begins. Ginger vows sharing quarters with the sexy McCabe heartthrob will not alter her feelings or feisty, independent outlook in the slightest. For her, it’s business first, last, and always. The family-oriented Rand wants their relationship to grow into something much more satisfying, but only if the maddeningly elusive Ginger will let down her guard, and open up her heart.

Neither Ginger nor Rand understand that when life changes, they must change, too. For more information on this and other books, please visit me at www.cathygillenthacker.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Best wishes, and happy reading!

Cathy Gillen Thacker

My idea of the perfect hero? Read about it in this interview...

December is the month for lots of cookie-baking—in our home and many others. In the spirit of the holidays, here is my recipe for a perennial Texas favorite—Ranger Cookies. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Ranger Cookies Print Recipe 1 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal 3 cups Rice Krispies ½ cup shredded coconut ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup chocolate chips ½ cup dried cherries Cream the butter and sugars together. Add the eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth. Sift flour, soda, baking powder, and salt together; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Add cereal, oats, chocolate chips, dried cherries and pecans, and mix. Form into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Should yield about six dozen cookies.

Check out my recipe page for more of my favorites.

The Texas Christmas Gift is now available on Amazon Audible!
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Dear Readers,

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the music—the decorations, indoor and out—the cookie baking and tasting—the fun of buying and wrapping presents—and all the time we get to spend with loved ones, enjoying the season.

My favorite Christmas movies are an eclectic mix. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, THE FAMILY STONE, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, A CHRISTMAS STORY, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and pretty much any holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel. I especially like them if they make me laugh and cry. I also love writing—and reading—Christmas stories. I have a brand new one out this December, THE TEXAS CHRISTMAS GIFT. I also have a number of previously published Christmas stories, now available in e-book. [See the list below] I wish you all a very merry holiday season, and a happy New Year! Cheers, Cathy Gillen Thacker

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED CHRISTMAS STORIES by Cathy Gillen Thacker
Click on a cover or title to read an excerpt

THE TEXAS RANCHER’S MARRIAGE	A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE	A COWBOY TO MARRY
A MOMMY FOR CHRISTMAS	A BABY IN THE BUNKHOUSE	THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS BABY
SANTA’S TEXAS LULLABY	A LARAMIE, TEXAS CHRISTMAS	BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
	DADDY CHRISTMAS

Dear Reader,

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, and I’m already thinking about what I’m going to cook for the family this year-- while my husband, our intrepid tour guide, is planning the social events (hockey game, children’s museum, movie) for the group.

Not in the mood yet yourself? Check out the latest Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table cooking catalogues, and or the recipes they post on-line. Or read a romance that will get you in the spirit of the day.

Here are three of my stories that just might do the trick.

READ AN EXCERPT

READ AN EXCERPT

READ AN EXCERPT

Have a happy holiday!
Cathy Gillen Thacker

Dear Reader,

The holidays are an emotional time of year. For some of us, deeply so. Eve Loughlin has never experienced the true joy of Christmas. She has accepted that for her, and her family, this is just the way it is. Yet she still feels a pang when December rolls around and she sees the giddy excitement of those around her.

Derek McCabe grew up with all the advantages. For him, Christmas was a time when family abounded and dreams came true. Yet now, as a divorced dad, he worries he will not be able to provide his baby girl with the same happiness he experienced. Eve is ready to help Derek find the perfect home in which to raise his daughter. She doesn’t expect, however, in this season of miracles, to find such bliss of her own. And when she does, she can’t help but wonder if such unexpected happiness will last. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. For more information on this and other titles, please visit me on Facebook. Happy holidays! Cathy Gillen Thacker

EXCERPT

Dear Reader,

We all have goals and dreams. Some may even seem impossible. Until the day when we realize we have no choice but to pursue them.

This is the case for Justin McCabe. He was the kid who did everything right. The kid with the great home and happy family, who had every opportunity.….

Amanda Johnson had everything working against her; an unhappy home, little familial support, doors closed to her at every turn.

Growing up, both Amanda and Justin thought they knew what the future held. Then things changed. Justin saw a different, less privileged side of life. Amanda found family to love her, and show her all that was possible.

Both ended up on a ranch for at-risk boys. The girl who’d been ‘nothing but trouble’ and the ‘role model’ of Laramie, Texas. They should have had nothing in common. And yet…

I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

For the latest news on these and other titles, please also visit me on Facebook and Twitter.

Best wishes,
Cathy Gillen Thacker

THE LONG, HOT TEXAS SUMMER EXCERPT

Two of my favorite McCabe love stories are now available in this 2-in-1. Hope everyone is having a great summer! Best wishes, Cathy