November 21, 2016

** Review ** CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major
Series: Crimson, Colorado
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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LOVE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Peace and quiet—that's all Connor Pierce wanted from the rented cabin on Crimson Mountain. Yet the caretaker turned out to be lovely April Sanders—a total distraction. As were the two little girls she was caring for. Connor's plan to forget his painful past soon detoured into giving the ladies a Christmas to remember.

Being named guardian of two motherless girls has upended April's world. Add to the mix a mysterious, brooding writer claiming he wanted to be left alone while going out of his way to bring a little joy to the girls, and she has quite the quandary. April had counted herself out of a happy ending. But maybe Santa still had a few surprises up his merry old sleeve…

Michelle Major turns our emotions inside out with the latest in her Crimson, Colorado series! With her normal “get to the heart of it” style, she instantly wraps our hearts around two little girls and two people who have been hit hard by life. I found myself hoping against hope that these four people could heal each other’s pain. It’s sad, it’s sweet, it’s raw … and you even find yourself chuckling out loud a few times amidst the emotion because the kids are that adorable and sassy. Loved it!

Connor Pierce was just seeking some peace and quiet when he rented a cabin on Crimson Mountain for a couple of weeks, but when the caretaker shows up with kids in tow, he is sure this is going to be a nightmare!

April Sanders doesn’t know what to make of the unhappy man staring her down when she introduces herself, but there’s no way she’s going to turn those little girls away from the happy Christmas they desperately need.

Connor doesn’t know how to interact with the world anymore, but he can’t resist helping these little girls heal when he sees the sadness in their eyes. Will this be just what he needs to wake up to life again? And will April finally have to face her fears and decide a future isn’t so bad?

** Review ** THE HOLIDAY GIFT RaeAnne Thayne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: The Cowboys of Cold Creek
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He's always been "good ol' Chase," her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he's loved since childhood. Now he's determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won't let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

A sweet story about finding love again after loss … where you least expect it, but always knew! I kept wanting to kick Faith when she was pushing him away, but I loved them together and all of their extended family rallied around them made for a fun read!

Widow Faith Dustin can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel of grief that has surrounded her since losing her husband a few years ago. She’s had great support from her family and community and most of all her best friend who was always there to support her and her kids and pick up all the slack. When she realizes he feels more for her than just friendship, she’s terrified!

Chase Brannon let Faith slip through his hands and marry his good friend all those years ago, and he’s not planning to make the same mistake again. He knows he has to throw his hat in the ring before she’s swept off her feet by some other cowboy, but he’s going to have to be patient with her because he can see the panic in her eyes.

As she stubbornly tries to keep him at arms length, will Faith realize what she is giving up before it’s gone?