This is book one of the new series Silver Creek.  We are introduced to the Knowles family who own and operate the Silver Creek Ranch in California.  Not only is this a working ranch with cattle, goats, and sheep, it is also a first class resort.  This book centers on Ward Knowles, the oldest son of three children.  He was once engaged to a woman who turned out to be a gold digger, so he is not at all looking for romance.  He is dedicated to making the Silver Creek Ranch the best ranch and resort it can be.

Tess Casari is a born and bred New Yorker and Events Planner.  She endured a horrific marriage, then stood by her ex-husband while he died from a brain tumor.  Wanting to totally escape and start over, she and her friend come up with a unique idea that lands Tess in Acacia, California – home to Silver Creek Ranch.  She finds sanctuary there as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele.

Ward and Tess are like water and oil and, at first, think the sparks between them are because they dislike each other so much.  But as time goes on, they begin to realize there is something more and decide to have a no strings, no expectations relationship.  It was fun to watch Ward and Tess navigate through their relationship.  The author was also very adept at working their pasts into the storyline.

The pace of the book is a little slow.  A lot of time is spent on the scenery and ranch life.  But this sets up a beautifully written book.  The story is compelling and there are a whole host of secondary characters that provide depth and interest.  I can’t wait to see what happens next at Silver Creek Ranch!