A Cowboy's Christmas Promise By: Maggie McGinnis

Title:  A Cowboy's Christmas Promise
Author:  Maggie McGinnis
Publisher:  Loveswept
Series: Whisper Creek # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" by Maggie McGinnis....

Book Description....

"In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.
 
Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in."

What I liked about the novel...

I really enjoyed this romantic novel.  Who would have thought when Hayley takes a two week vacation to attend her best friends wedding she would meet Daniel.  There would be an immediate attraction between the two and ...well I will stop here and let you read "A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" and see for yourself how well this author presents this well written story it to her readers. 

What I especially enjoyed about the read

The author was able to give the readers such a beautiful storyline of  Hayley was a vet but had a job that wasn't all that interesting to her and then meeting  Daniel who was also a vet, had loss his wife  and had twin daughters...and then this story takes off from there.   It was definitely a story that one could only wish to find and for Hayley and Daniel...they really had something sweet and real. 

If you are looking for a sweet romance "A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" would be a good recommendation for a holiday read. 

Maybe This Christmas By: Sarah Morgan

Title:  Maybe This Christmas
Author: Sarah Morgan
Publisher:  Harlequin HQN
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  O'Neil Brothers # 3
Rating: 4
Review:

"Maybe This Christmas" by Sarah Morgan

Book Description....

"Uplifting, sexy and warm, Sarah Morgan's O'Neil Brothers series is perfection."—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now.

Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture…how can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?"

What I liked about the novel.....

I enjoy this read.  I found for the most part it was a good romantic read and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down.  I liked how this author developed this storyline about Tyler and Brenna where  you will find from the read that both of these people had some personal problems that needed solving.  Tyler was a ex ski champion due to an injury,  with his ex and daughter.  Then there was Brenna who had a troubled childhood of feeling unloved by her mother and how much did this play into her adulthood?   Since Tyler and Brenna had been childhood friends would there be any thing between these two? Brenna had always loved Tyler but he really didn't reciprocate at first but  later it seemed like when one was interested we find he was afraid to commit and then on the other side would she be willing to settle for part of a relationship. As you read you will see a relationship growing out of a strong friendship they had developed.   I will say I did like  the relationship between Tyler and his  daughter Jess who seemed to brought a lot to the story. I did find this a little puzzling to me. Why was that?  This is where I say you will have to pick up "Maybe This Christmas" to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  I will say that these two coming together was a long process, however  after being pushed together....well,  I will stop here and say get the novel.

I found "Maybe This Christmas" setting in Vermont was the third O'Neil Brothers series that was a  good heart warming story that goes very well with the holiday reads.  Would I recommend?  YES!

Merry Christmas, Henry By: Aubrey Wynne

Title:  Merry Christmas, Henry
Author:  Aubrey Wynne
Publisher:  Melange Books, LLC.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Merry Christmas, Henry" by Aubrey Wynne...

"Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream."

What I liked from this read...

This is a very wonderful  Christmas holiday romantic read, however I think this one can be read anytime.  I found "Merry Christmas, Henry" was a well written story and this short page turner that flows very smoothly and will definitely keep your attention to the end.  It was beautiful how this author was able to show us that you  can find love in so many forms.  The details were excellent as you will be drawn into a wonderful story of this character named Henry.  As Henry becomes more and more obsessed with the painting...well I will stop here because I don't want to spoil it but there will be some 'magic of love' which really makes this read so beautiful and special.