
Tess Thornton writes inspirational western romances from her Oregon horse farm. Her authentic western stories are inspired by the real ranching life and the people she loves. Her days are filled with country kids, stubborn dogs, and one special guy in a cowboy hat.
Tess Thornton writes inspirational western romances from her Oregon horse farm. She has a science degree she never uses because she’s better at daydreaming than keeping schedules. Her authentic western stories are inspired by the real ranching life and the people she loves.
Tess’s days are filled with country kids, stubborn dogs, and one special guy in a cowboy hat. She spends more time cleaning the barn than the house, and she should never be left unsupervised with power tools.
When she’s not fantasizing about training a champion reining horse, she likes to head to the beach with her family and her book. And don’t forget the snacks.
If you enjoy stories about strong, imperfect people who just happen to be perfect for each other, families pulling together through thick and thin, and heart-pounding horseback adventures, then you might enjoy Tess’s books.
Eleven sweet cowboy romances, plus a free novella for newsletter readers. Each book features a different couple, with the Walker and Langton families carrying through the series.

Book 7. Chase is torn between the family ranch and the wider world. Kate never wants to leave Big River Valley.

Book 8. A heartbroken cowboy, a city girl home for the holidays, and one wish under the stars.

Book 9. A headstrong cowboy meets his match in a calm, compassionate riding therapist.
"I was hooked from the first page! This author’s storytelling is captivating, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next book!"

"An incredible read! The characters felt so real, and the pacing was perfect. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend to any mystery lover!"

"This author never disappoints! The writing is gripping, the plot unpredictable, and the suspense builds perfectly. Another fantastic book!"

Heartwarming western romance filled with family, faith, and second chances. All of her books are set in Big River Valley, a small ranching community in Idaho.
Single books are on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and the whole series is in Kindle Unlimited (Books 1 to 3 are also on audiobook). Bundles, like the Walker Ranch Bundle (Books 1–5) and the Ridgeview Brothers Ranch Bundle (Books 6–9), are only available here on Tess’s site.
With Book 1, A Home for the Cowboy, or get Books 1–5 together in the Walker Ranch Bundle, only from Tess’s store.
Join Tess’s newsletter and you’ll get the novella A Winter Surprise for the Cowboy free, plus news about new releases and sales.
Yes. You can read the Big River Valley books free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Yes. Books 1 to 3 are available as audiobooks on Amazon.
Book 11, A Secret for the Cowboy (Micah and Josie's story), releases January 5, 2027. You can pre-order it on Amazon now.
Each book follows a different couple, but the Walker and Langton families carry through the series, so starting with Book 1 gives you the most.

© 2026 Tess Thornton. All Rights Reserved.