A True Cowboy Christmas

I have to say when this book first started out I wasn't so sure about Gray's character. He's broody and gruff and the way he approaches Abby is odd. Yet the more I read the more invested I was and I couldn't help but hope that Gray and Abby find their way. The story pushes several emotional buttons and you'll find yourself laughing and crying as the story develops. Then there is the ending. It was simply perfect. Not rushed and truly believable. Great characters, wonderful writing and an emotional story made this a great read and one I highly recommend.

A tough and brooding and grumpy cowboy and the practical and younger neighbor who has been in love with him forever. Add in a teenage girl who just wants everything to be perfect and what do you get? A pretty uncomplicated book but a good one. I thought Gray was going to choke on his grumpiness at times but once he figures out he doesn't want to turn into his dead father he redeems himself. The ending was perfect. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. **Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

After burying his bitter and twisted father Gray Everett realises he needs to change his life to avoid following in his father's footsteps. And what better way to change than to find a suitable wife? After his first wife left him and their daughter because farming was boring Gray is looking for a woman who understands farming life, someone practical, someone salt-of-the-earth, a companion, a helpmate, romance doesn't enter into his thoughts. When his eye alights on his neighbour Abby Douglas he thinks his prayers have been answered. Abby Douglas has been in love with Gray ever since she was a young girl. But no-one ever wants to be called salt-of-the-earth or be praised for practicality and being sensible, but ultimately the idea of marrying the man of her dreams, of building a family with him and being a mother to his daughter is too much to resist. Friends to lovers trope meets marriage of convenience as Abby deals with Gray, his two younger brothers, his daughter and her own feelings of inferiority. For Cal, the marriage turns out better than he could have hoped ... until Abby lets slip that she has always loved him, then his sensible, no-nonsense, business transaction becomes all about feelings.